

Taboo Science
Ashley Hamer Pritchard
Taboo Science is a podcast that answers the questions you're not allowed to ask. It's hosted by Ashley Hame Pritchard, a science writer and podcaster. Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the reasons we don't talk about it, and the impact that has on society at large. Why don't we eat people? Why are my swear words different than my parents'? And what makes porn, porn? It's science class if science class had one of those anonymous question boxes. It's Taboo Science.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2021 • 32min
Necrophilia (with Dr. Victoria Sullivan & Dr. Jens Foell)
Dr. Victoria Sullivan and Dr. Jens Foell discuss the origins of necrophilia, exploring psychological motivations and societal perceptions. They delve into the nuances of death fetishes, debunk common misconceptions, and advocate for destigmatization of unconventional sexual interests.

Jan 14, 2021 • 38min
Infidelity (with Lucia O'Sullivan)
It's the #1 cause of breakup and divorce. What if we're approaching infidelity all wrong? Today's guest is Dr. Lucia O'Sullivan, a social psychologist and professor in the department of psychology at the University of New Brunswick in Canada. Click here to see citations for this episode! Follow Taboo Science on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Suggest a taboo topic via ashley@tabooscience.show. Visit tabooscience.show for more. Taboo Science is written and produced by Ashley Hamer. Theme music by Danny Lopatka of DLC Music.Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Dec 31, 2020 • 39min
Vaginas (with Rachel E. Gross)
Learn about the historical biases in understanding female anatomy, the intricacies of the clitoris, the importance of the vaginal microbiome, and the controversial topic of ovarian stem cells in this enlightening discussion with science journalist Rachel E. Gross.

Dec 17, 2020 • 27min
Acne (with Dr. Alexa Shipman)
Delving into the mysteries of acne, this podcast explores the psychological allure of pimple popping, debunks myths about chocolate causing acne, and discusses the use of isotretinoin and spironolactone as treatments. The impact of acne on mental health and confidence, especially in adolescents, is also explored.

Dec 3, 2020 • 40min
Obesity (with Dr. Yoni Freedhoff)
Dr. Yoni Freedhoff challenges misconceptions about obesity, BMI flaws, and societal weight stigma. Discusses weight management complexities and advocates for realistic health goals. Emphasizes respecting autonomy and addressing privilege in obesity discourse.

Nov 19, 2020 • 34min
Cannibalism (with Bill Schutt)
Why do humans have such an aversion to eating each other? How many cultures really practice cannibalism? And does cannibalism happen in the Western world anymore? (Yes. The answer is yes.) Today's guest is Bill Schutt, zoologist and research associate at the American Museum of Natural History. He's also the author of the book "Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History." Bill Schutt is also the author of the nonfiction book "Dark Banquet: Blood and the Curious Lives of Blood-Feeding Creatures" and the adventure novel "Hells Gate" (among many others). See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/004-cannibalism/ Other episodes you'll enjoy:' Eating Animals: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e1-eating-animals/ Necrophilia: https://www.tabooscience.show/009-necrophilia/ Head Transplants: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e5-head-transplants/ Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabooscience Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473 Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Nov 5, 2020 • 30min
Penises (with Emily Willingham)
What makes the human penis unique in the animal kingdom? Delve into the cultural obsession with penises. Explore the diverse forms of animal reproductive organs. Learn about the disparity in research focus between penises and vaginas. Understand the complexities of studying gender and perceptions.

Oct 22, 2020 • 31min
Pornography (with Joshua Grubbs)
Delving into the history and complexities of pornography with Dr. Joshua Grubbs. Exploring the challenges of defining obscenity in law and culture. Unpacking the evolution of porn and its impact on relationships and society. Discussing the differences in porn consumption between men and women in developed nations.

Oct 8, 2020 • 23min
Profanity (with Benjamin K. Bergen)
Profanity and its evolution across generations, the power and impact of taboo words related to sex, bodily functions, and religion. Younger generations prioritize offense towards derogatory terms. Words have power to show genuine, funny, and accessible aspects of individuals, despite potential harm caused by profane language.

Sep 28, 2020 • 3min
Introducing: Taboo Science
Taboo Science is a podcast that answers the questions you're not allowed to ask. It's hosted by Ashley Hamer, a science writer and podcaster. Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the reasons we don't talk about it, and the impact that has on society at large. Why don't we eat people? Why are my swear words different than my parents'? And what makes porn, porn? It's science class if science class had one of those anonymous question boxes. It's Taboo Science. First episode coming soon. More information at https://www.tabooscience.show/ Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramNeed music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473