Taboo Science – Details, episodes & analysis

Got a rainbow sticker? Follow trans creators? Have trans friends? Cool. But if you're like most people—even the well-meaning ones—you probably know just enough about trans people to be dangerous. In this episode, we're dismantling the "born in the wrong body" narrative and exploring what being trans actually means. With help from University of Victoria transgender studies chair Dr. Aaron Devor, paleontologist Riley Black, PhD student Hibby Thach, and comedian Charlie James, we're breaking down sex vs. gender vs. gender expression, debunking the "social contagion" myth, and explaining why asking "but have you had The Surgery?" is never okay. Trans people are rarer than redheads, but somehow they're at the center of a political firestorm—so let's actually understand what we're talking about.


More from Aaron Devor:

• Website
• Podcast for Inquiry appearance

More from Riley Black:

• Website
• Order her latest book, The Last Days of the Dinosaurs
• Bluesky

More from Hibby Thach:

• Website
• Twitch
• Bluesky

More from Charlie James:

• Website
• Order his book, I’m Just a Little Guy: How to Escape the Horrors and Get Back to Dillydallying
• TikTok

See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-everything-you-think-you-know-but-probably-dont/

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When it comes to transgender issues, most of us are working with incomplete information—and that's a problem when real people's rights hang in the balance. This season, we're exploring what it actually means to be trans in America today, from the science of gender identity to the daily realities of healthcare, relationships, and family. With the help of researchers crunching the numbers and trans people sharing their stories, we'll tackle the questions you might be curious about but wouldn't know how to ask, without the political noise—just honest conversations about human experience. 

The first episode of Trans 101 drops October 2nd. Subscribe/follow so you don't miss it.

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"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 complicated dynamics of race, power, and gender. If you're curious to understand a taboo that's reshaping how some people view relationships and empowerment, give it a listen. Let's get into why cuckolding is having a major moment right now and what it could mean for you.Resources from Dr. David Ley:

• Website: https://www.davidleyphd.com/
• Insatiable Wives: Women Who Stray and the Men Who Love Them https://amzn.to/3V0mRy4

Resources from Venus Cuckoldress:

• Podcast: https://www.venuscuckoldress.com/
• Matchmaking service: https://www.venusconnections.com/

See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/042-cuckoldingNeed music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect 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/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

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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 of being a pup. We also tackle the stigma and misconceptions surrounding this kink, and why it's important to approach it with an open mind. So, sit, stay, and listen up—this episode will satisfy your curiosity about the world of pup play, and maybe even inspire you to unleash your own inner puppy.See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/042-pupplay/Resources from Dr. Liam Wignall:

• His book, Kinky In The Digital Age: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/kinky-in-the-digital-age-9780197503195?cc=us&lang=en&
• Faculty page: https://research.brighton.ac.uk/en/persons/liam-wignall

Resources from Amp Somers:

• Website: https://www.wattsthesafeword.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WattsTheSafeword
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/WattstheSafeWord

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect 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/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

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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 others, we'll explore why). So put your preconceptions aside and get ready to learn what makes the furry community so fascinating—and maybe even find yourself with an urge to join in the fun. Resources from Dr. Courtney Plante:

• FurScience: https://furscience.com/

Resources from Riley Black:

• Website: https://rileyblack.net/
• BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/restingdinoface.bsky.social

See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/041-furries/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect 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/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

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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, consensual BDSM practices. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about the lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen. Hey, it's way better than Fifty Shades of Grey.(02:50) What kinksters think of Fifty Shades(04:49) BDSM definition(05:07) BDSM history(07:37) What the DSM has to say(09:32) Why do people like BDSM?(14:56) Powerful man stereotype(27:04) Subspace(27:48) Domspace?(31:17) The Dom's role(37:40) AftercareResources from Christian Joyal:

• University of Quebec faculty page: https://oraprdnt.uqtr.uquebec.ca/pls/public/genw050.afficher_fiche_perso?owa_cd_secteur=0800&owa_cd_fonction=49&owa_no_personne=134064&owa_contexte=$211-37
• Philippe-Pinel Institute faculty page: https://pinel.qc.ca/christian-joyal-ph-d/
• Research on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.ca/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0,5&q=c+joyal&oq=

Resources from Lina Dune:

• Ask a Sub podcast: https://askasub.substack.com/podcast
• Newsletter: https://askasub.substack.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askasub2.0/

Resources from Kayla Lords & John Brownstone:

• Loving BDSM podcast: https://lovingbdsm.net/loving-bdsm-podcast/
• Website: https://lovingbdsm.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovingds1/

See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/040-bdsm/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience

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It's here! The premiere episode of Taboo Science's new miniseries "Philias": an exploration into the science of kinks and fetishes. In this 101 episode, we learn the difference between a kink, fetish, paraphilia, and paraphilic disorder; we'll take a tour of the many, many kinds of kink that exist; and we'll find out what scientists know about where these desires come from—and what they don't know. With insights from renowned paraphilia researcher Christian Joyal and pornstar/internet celebrity/kink researcher Aella, we'll dismantle society's narrow definitions of "normal" sex and shed light on humanity's boundless sexual creativity. Whether you're a seasoned kinkster or you're just here for the science, this premiere is a salacious must-listen. Resources from Aella:

• Big kink survey: https://www.guidedtrack.com/programs/u4m797m/run
• Mini kink survey, if you don't have time: https://www.guidedtrack.com/programs/am6xux0/run
• Website: https://knowingless.com/
• Blog: https://aella.substack.com/
• X: https://twitter.com/Aella_Girl
• Aella's appearance on the Lex Fridman podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFSrxSBrgSc

Resources from Christian Joyal:

• University of Quebec faculty page: https://oraprdnt.uqtr.uquebec.ca/pls/public/genw050.afficher_fiche_perso?owa_cd_secteur=0800&owa_cd_fonction=49&owa_no_personne=134064&owa_contexte=$211-37
• Philippe-Pinel Institute faculty page: https://pinel.qc.ca/christian-joyal-ph-d/
• Research on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.ca/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0,5&q=c+joyal&oq=

See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/039-kink101/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave a voice message: https://podline.fm/tabooscience Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience  Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience  Follow on X: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience

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Philias is a new miniseries from Taboo Science about the quirky, colorful world of kinks and fetishes. The first episode drops on March 21 — hit the follow/subscribe button in your podcast app of choice to make sure you get it. Citation for the first sentence: https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2016.1139034 Connect with the show: Newsletter: 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/  Have you been binging the show in anticipation of the new season? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

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Think necrophilia is just creepy morticians and serial killers? Think again. With the help of psychologist Dr. Victoria Hartmann and neuroscientist Jens Foell, this rerun episode explores the wide spectrum of death and dying fetishes, from Disney movies to consensual roleplay. Dive into Dr. Hartmann’s research on members of online necrophilia communities, and examine how necrophilic acts after murders often aren’t sexually motivated. The conversation covers the fuzzy legal lines around necrophilia, creating ethical erotic horror films, and finding self-acceptance. If you want to confront taboos with empathy, this frank discussion brings humanity to the complicated reality behind necrophilia.This is the last episode of season 3! Taboo Science will be back in a few months with an all-new themed season. See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/009-necrophilia/ Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Newsletter: 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/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

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Beauty and the Beast. Twilight. The Shape of Water. What do these stories have in common? Humans and monsters getting down and dirty. This episode explores the surprising psychology behind "monsterf*ckers" — people attracted to creatures like vampires, werewolves, and tentacled beasts. Hear from researcher Ella Gallego about her study on monstrous desire, which reveals how and why women and LGBTQ+ people are particularly entranced by these inhuman love interests. We’ll trace the history of monster erotica through the medieval church’s preoccupation with demon sex, the horny throughline of vampire movies, and the incredibly surprising history of tentacle porn. Bare your neck and put on your hottest swamp bikini: it’s time to discover the connection between monsters, sex, and our deepest desires.Resources from Ella Gallego:

• Monstrous Desire Study: https://monstrousdesirestudy.com/
• Monstrous Desire TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@monstrousdesire
• Monstrous Desire Study podcast: https://pod.link/1707753667

Listen to S1E3 Penises (with Dr. Emily Willingham): https://www.tabooscience.show/003-penises/See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/s3e13-attraction-to-monsters/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Newsletter: 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/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473Mentioned in this episode:Nice GenesListen to Nice Genes right here: https://pod.link/1622851335

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