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PODCAST

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 Hamer 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

science social sciences

All Episodes

37:07

Trans 101: Finding Healthcare That Won't Kill You

Taboo Science ·

2025/12/11

Here's a wild statistic: nearly a quarter of trans people in the U.S. avoid going to the doctor specifically because they expect to be disrespected. And honestly? They're probably right. In this episode of Taboo Science, we're pulling back the curtain on a healthcare system that requires trans patients to prove they're "really trans," charges thousands of dollars for basic care, and somehow graduates doctors who've never learned how to treat trans bodies. You'll hear from sociologist stef shuster

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33:34

RERUN - Asexuality: The Sexual Orientation Missing...

Taboo Science ·

2025/11/27

It's Thanksgiving here in the US, so we're re-running one of the most popular Taboo Science episodes of all time. We'll be back in two weeks with an episode about trans healthcare access!In this episode, we challenge the common perceptions of attraction and explore the complexities of asexuality. Sociology PhD candidate Canton Weiner shares invaluable insights from his research while Sarah Costello, co-host of the podcast "Sounds Fake, But Okay," opens up about her personal experience being aro-ace,

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35:20

Nonbinary 101: Beyond the Binary

Taboo Science ·

2025/11/13

What if the government declared you don't exist? In 2025, that's exactly what happened to nonbinary people—but they're not going anywhere. This episode breaks down what nonbinary actually means (hint: it's not "between man and woman"), why they/them pronouns are harder for our brains to process, and how some nonbinary people use hormones to craft their perfect gender recipe. With help from psychologist Dr. Em Matsuno and our sensitivity reader Newt Schottelkotte, we're exploring everything from

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36:52

Trans 101: Trans Kids & the Reality of Youth Transition

Taboo Science ·

2025/10/30

(00:00:00) Trans 101: Trans Kids & the Reality of Youth Transition(00:03:52) Meet Maya (00:08:39) Understanding Puberty Blockers (00:12:20) Are Kids Too Young to Know? (00:16:07) Do Trans Kids Change Their Minds? (00:20:24) Risks to Puberty Blockers (00:21:54) Maya's Journey (00:27:59) What Happens Without Care (00:31:17) Advice for Parents (00:33:41) Conclusion The right says doctors are mutilating children. The left says nothing permanent is happening. They're both oversimplifying, but they're

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48:05

FEED DROP: Sing for Science

Taboo Science ·

2025/10/23

Another podcast Taboo Science listeners may enjoy: Sing For Science!Sing for Science is a science-and-music podcast where musicians sit down with scientists to explore the scientific ideas hidden in their most iconic songs. Listen to JD from Korn talk about “Dead Bodies Everywhere” with a mortuary-science expert, Sia explore one of her breakup ballads with an attachment-theory psychologist, and many, many more. Created and hosted by New York musician Matt Whyte, the show seeks to uncover connections

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35:12

Trans 101: How Transgender Hormone Therapy Changes...

Taboo Science ·

2025/10/16

(00:00:00) Trans 101: How Transgender Hormone Therapy Changes Body and Brain(00:03:26) Why you can't change the mind (00:05:17) Estrogen and what it takes to start it (00:08:58) Testosterone and what it takes to start it (00:11:58) How hormones work (00:15:19) Psychological changes (00:19:48) Physical changes on estrogen (00:21:31) Physical changes on testosterone (00:22:53) Surgical options for trans women (00:26:28) Surgical options for trans men (00:32:01) Conclusion (00:33:17) Outro For

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32:00

Trans 101: Everything You Think You Know (But...

Taboo Science ·

2025/10/02

(00:00:00) Introduction: The "born in the wrong body" trope(00:02:37) Aaron Devor introduction (00:03:30) Riley Black introduction (00:04:16) Transgender definition and prevalence (00:06:12) Why are more young people trans? (00:08:16) Why are people trans in the first place? (00:12:14) "Egg cracks" (00:15:22) BREAK (00:15:37) Sex, gender, and gender expression (00:18:09) Hibby Thach introduction (00:19:57) Gender expression in cis people (00:21:11) Gender dysphoria (00:24:35) Medical transition:

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03:10

Housekeeping: Audience Survey Results + Taboo Science...

Taboo Science ·

2025/07/07

Still working on Season 5 (Trans Science!). In the meantime, go to https://patreon.com/tabooscience to support the show—and get updates and behind-the-scenes tidbits as I work.

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01:10

Announcement — Action Requested

Taboo Science ·

2025/05/19

To find out next season's theme and be entered to win a $50 Amazon(?) gift card, fill out the Taboo Science listener survey here: https://bit.ly/43gcMAhConnect with the show:Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Leave a review and rating here:

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42:40

Introducing: CRAMPED

Taboo Science ·

2025/03/25

CRAMPED is an investigative podcastthat answers the question "Why are so many people with uteruses in unexplained & untreated pain?"Listen to the entire season here: https://pod.link/1778101696

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29:00

Philias Bonus: The Q&A Episode

Taboo Science ·

2024/07/25

You requested and I delivered: I'm answering your Philias questions on the podcast. With the help of interviewer and podcast industry extraordinaire Arielle Nissenblatt, learn about the most controversial episodes, fascinating facts that didn't make it into the show, how I got people to talk about this stuff, and whether my mom listens (she absolutely does). Resources from Arielle:Earbuds Podcast Collective: https://earbuds.audio/ Twitter: https://x.com/arithisandthatThreads:

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36:21

Philias: Foot Fetishes Kick the Stigma

Taboo Science ·

2024/07/11

Ever wondered why some people have a thing for feet? In this final Philias episode, we're flying feet first into foot fetishes. Social psychologist Dr. Justin Lehmiller breaks down the origins of fetishes (and the truth to that "crossed wires in the brain" factoid), while writer and "Educatrix" Tina Horn gives us the lowdown on why feet can be such a turn-on. We also step into the cultural aspects of foot fascination and debunk some common misconceptions. Whether you're a foot fanatic yourself or

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39:59

Introducing: Spellbound and Gagged (Plus an...

Taboo Science ·

2024/07/04

Spellbound and Gagged is a podcast about all things that fascinate, unsettle, and disgust. It's back from hiatus with an episode all about the sex cult NASA doesn't want you to know about. Subscribe here: https://episodes.fm/1653440593In other news: Ashley is planning a final episode where she's interviewed all about how she makes Taboo Science, the most controversial episodes this season, and other exciting things. Do you have questions you want to hear answered? Email her at

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27:16

Philias: 7 Kinks That Push the Envelope

Taboo Science ·

2024/06/27

Consider today's episode a sampler platter of unconventional kinks. We're talking exhibitionism, financial domination, wet and messy fun, fat fetishes, lactation fascination, golden showers, and even the fantasy world of vore. Don't worry, we're keeping it classy (well, as classy as you can when discussing people who get off on being peed on). Whether you're a seasoned kinkster or vanilla as they come, this episode is guaranteed to teach you something fascinating about human desire. Just don't blame

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34:58

Philias: Diapers, Age Play, and the Psychology of ABDL

Taboo Science ·

2024/06/13

You've definitely wondered why some grown adults like to wear diapers—so let's get into it. In today's episode, we rip off the velcro to understand the world of of ABDL (Adult Baby/Diaper Lovers) and uncover the diverse desires and expressions within this often misunderstood community. From the psychological and emotional aspects to the truly prolific amount of gear options, we explore what draws people to this kink and how it can be a source of comfort, coping, and even healing. With the help of

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35:07

Philias: Zoophilia and the Hidden Community That's...

Taboo Science ·

2024/05/30

Get ready to learn about the underground and frequently misunderstood world of zoophilia. With the help of paraphilia researcher Alexandra Zidenberg and hosts of the zoophile podcast Zooier Than Thou, we'll unravel what it really means to be attracted to animals. We'll learn what it is that attracts "zoos" to non-human animals, explore the hot-button issue of animal consent, wrestle with the ethics of bestiality, understand the incredible diversity within the zoophile community itself, and hear

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35:01

Philias: Cuckolding Is More Than Just Cheating

Taboo Science ·

2024/05/16

"Cuck" is way more than an internet insult. In this episode of Taboo Science, we're stepping out and diving in to cuckolding, the real-life kink and lifestyle all about the thrill of your partner sleeping with someone else. Join us as we chat with clinical psychologist Dr. David Ley and popular cuckolding podcaster Venus Cuckoldress, who shed light on the psychological quirks and deep emotional connections in this often misunderstood practice. We're also breaking down how it all plays into the

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32:49

Philias: Why Pup Play Appeals to Grown Adults

Taboo Science ·

2024/05/02

Fox News recoils at the idea of pup play—but we're looking closer. In this episode of Taboo Science, we dive into the fascinating subculture of humans who enjoy roleplaying as puppies. We'll explore the origins of this kink, from post-WWII leather culture to the rise of online pup communities, and learn what draws people to don a pup hood and bark. Kink researcher Dr. Liam Wignall and sex educator and pup play enthusiast Pup Amp share insights on the gear, the headspace, and the joys and challenges

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35:17

Philias: Furry Isn't a Fetish (Most of the Time)

Taboo Science ·

2024/04/18

The furry fandom gets a bad rap. But on this episode, we're digging beneath the stereotypes to uncover the truth about this misunderstood community. We'll chat with furry researcher Dr. Courtney Plante along with Riley Black, a science writer and a furry herself, to explore what the furry culture is really all about, from the artistry of fursuits to the appeal of fursonas. And yes, we'll go there—investigating whether being a furry is actually a fetish (spoiler alert: for most, it's not, but for the

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37:41

Philias: Why Do People Like BDSM? ("It Was Like...

Taboo Science ·

2024/04/04

Whips, chains, and... legal pads? In this episode of Taboo Science, we dive deep into the world of BDSM to explore its long history, the science behind subspace, the submissive rich guy stereotype, and why aftercare is essential for everyone (even vanilla folks!). With help from paraphilia researcher Dr. Christian Joyal, the Ask a Sub podcast's Lina Dune, and the Loving BDSM podcast's Kayla Lords and John Brownstone, we're debunking misconceptions and shedding light on the reality of safe,

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66 results

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