x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Taboo Science

Ashley Hamer Pritchard

AMBIE NOMINATED FOR BEST INDIE PODCAST 2026 | 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 social sciences

All Episodes

37:09

Trans 101: What Detransitioners Want You to Know

Taboo Science ·

2026/02/19

(00:00:00) Trans 101: What Detransitioners Want You to Know(00:03:44) What Is Detransition? (00:08:52) Maddie's Story (00:13:40) Eri's Story (00:21:00) The Healthcare Dilemma (00:27:14) Who Detransitions? (00:32:27) Moving Forward If you support trans people, you probably believe that detransition almost never happens and when it does, it's only due to discrimination. But new research shows that's not the full picture—and avoiding the conversation isn't protecting anyone. This episode explores the

en

32:02

Trans 101: Trans Athletes & What the Science Actually...

Taboo Science ·

2026/02/05

How many studies does it take for something to be "settled science"? For trans athletes—who face state bans across the country, which recently reached the Supreme Court—there's hardly any research at all. In this episode, we're digging into what that research actually found, and it's way more complicated than the “fairness” advocates would have you believe. Dr. Blair Hamilton walks us through findings showing that trans people gain some advantages and lose others after transitioning. Champion

en

42:48

Trans 101: Dating While Trans (with Julia Serano)

Taboo Science ·

2026/01/22

Every notification is a gamble: Is this a genuine connection or another person who swiped right just to tell you you're disgusting? Welcome to dating while trans. In this episode, we're exploring the disclosure dilemmas, infrastructure failures, and stigma that make dating "super hell" for trans people—featuring author and theorist Julia Serano (Whipping Girl). You'll hear why the design of dating apps fails trans people, how anti-trans stigma poisons relationships even when the attraction is real,

en

36:40

Trans 101: When a Loved One Comes Out, What Should...

Taboo Science ·

2026/01/08

When someone in your family comes out as trans, what do you actually do? Turns out "I love you, I believe you" goes a long way—but it's also way more complicated than that. In this episode, we're exploring why parents have the hardest time with transition, why aunts and grandmothers often step up when parents can't, and whether families who reject ever come back around (most do!). We'll hear from parents about those pivotal coming-out moments and the fears that kept them up at night, break down why

en

36:12

Bonus Interview: Trans Technologies with Oliver Haimson

Taboo Science ·

2025/12/25

In this bonus episode, Ashley sits down with Oliver Haimson, associate professor at the University of Michigan's School of Information and author of Trans Technologies. They explore how mainstream technology often excludes trans people—from face filter apps designed for cisgender amusement to healthcare systems that force patients to become DIY experts. Haimson reveals why trans people are simultaneously more tech-savvy and more skeptical of AI than the general population, and discusses how online

en

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

en

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,

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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:

en

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.

en

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:

en

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

en

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:

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

71 results

Similar Podcasts

Classic Radio Science Fiction

solgoodmedia.com

Mission to Mars

Inception Point Ai

The 365 Days of Astronomy

365DaysOfAstronomy.org

Creek Devil

william Jevning

UFO Chronicles Podcast

Nik Hunter