PodParley PodParley
PodParley
Ep 201 - The Science of the F-Bomb: Can Swearing Actually Make You Stronger? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 30, 2026 · 15 MIN

Ep 201 - The Science of the F-Bomb: Can Swearing Actually Make You Stronger?

from Prove It To Me - Real Research, Real Data, No BS · host Dr. Matt Law

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law takes a dive into the psychological and physiological effects of swearing on physical strength and performance. We used to think swearing worked because it made us angry (arousal) or numb (pain tolerance). Turns out, it works because it takes the brakes off our brain. It lowers our inhibition. That’s great for lifting a heavy rock. It’s maybe not so great for performing open-heart surgery. Use the F-bomb as a tool, but remember that 'disinhibition' in a safety-critical environment is usually called a 'hazard.' The News: Devlin, H. (2025, December 18). Don’t hold back, swearing can boost performance by lowering inhibitions, study finds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/dec/18/swearing-can-boost-performance-lowering-inhibitions-study The Study: Stephens, R., Dowber, H., Richardson, C., & Washmuth, N. B. (2025). “Don’t hold back”: Swearing improves strength through state disinhibition. American Psychologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001650

What this episode covers

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law takes a dive into the psychological and physiological effects of swearing on physical strength and performance. We used to think swearing worked because it made us angry (arousal) or numb (pain tolerance). Turns out, it works because it takes the brakes off our brain. It lowers our inhibition. That’s great for lifting a heavy rock. It’s maybe not so great for performing open-heart surgery. Use the F-bomb as a tool, but remember that 'disinhibition' in a safety-critical environment is usually called a 'hazard.' The News: Devlin, H. (2025, December 18). Don’t hold back, swearing can boost performance by lowering inhibitions, study finds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/dec/18/swearing-can-boost-performance-lowering-inhibitions-study The Study: Stephens, R., Dowber, H., Richardson, C., & Washmuth, N. B. (2025). “Don’t hold back”: Swearing improves strength through state disinhibition. American Psychologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001650

NOW PLAYING

Ep 201 - The Science of the F-Bomb: Can Swearing Actually Make You Stronger?

0:00 15:27

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Shadowwork and The Divine Union Within

Dec 5, 2025 ·50m

You gotta RELEASE to RECIEVE Babes 💁🏽‍♀️

Oct 9, 2025 ·33m

The Manifestation Matrix 👁️

Oct 3, 2025 ·40m

Reclaiming the Divine Feminine Throne as The Crone 👑🖤🌙

Sep 11, 2025 ·31m

Why destiny swap when you can just do this?

Aug 27, 2025 ·39m

One thing is for sure, two are for certain…

Aug 18, 2025 ·54m

Similar Podcasts

Big Old Life: Heather Blackbird interviews people on planet earth. Heather Blackbird loves asking questions. This podcast is a learning experience. Join me, Heather Blackbird, as I talk to people about their lives. Frequency of new episodes is a little all over the place and I'm learning as I go. Big Old Life is a small way of talking about the vastness of life, one person at a time. If you are reading this or found this podcast it's probably because someone you know gave you a link to it. :) Explicit Tales Of A Superstar DJ The Insomniac Spun seemingly out of nowhere from her complacent life in the corporate world, turned seemingly overnight from 16-Hour shift work and into the life of a literally starving artist and working musician, The Protagonist navigates her supposed rise to fame and superstardom on a journey through spiritual awakening, coming-of-age, and intimate self-realization--guided by an omnipresent force and equipped with the power of love, magic, and music. {Enter The Multiverse.} [The Festival Project] The Festival Project, Inc.™ is a multidimensional multimedia platform which encompasses exploratory and artistic social personifications and expressions on cosmic theory, spirituality, growth, health & wellness, philosophy and theoretic dynamics in entertainment such as music, design, film, television, radio, dance and festival culture, art, fashion, literature, and science. The Festival Project™ and its subsidiary Non-Profit, The Collective Complex © aims to challenge modern artistic and philosop Explicit Bitcoin Is Dead Trey Carson Welcome to Bitcoin is Dead, the ultimate Bitcoin variety show where host Trey takes you on a journey through the ever-evolving world of Bitcoin. Each episode brings new personalities, fascinating locations, and insightful conversations with politicians, educators, and innovators shaping the future of Bitcoin. Whether you're a seasoned Bitcoiner or just starting your journey, tune in for thought-provoking discussions, unique perspectives, and a deep dive into the ideas and people driving the Bitcoin revolution. Explicit The Sacred +Profane Podcast nephtaragrace The Sacred + Profane Podcast is a provocative conversation dedicated to cementing a better future for all. We specialize in unpacking the nuances of what is considered sacred and profane, particularly focusing on sex, death, and all that pertains to the circle of life. Our aim in focusing on such ”taboo” subject matter is to demystify what is unconscious, bring to light what has been known for centuries as ”the occult,” and empower the rapid transformation that is occurring on the Planet. Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Prove It To Me - Real Research, Real Data, No BS?

This episode is 15 minutes long.

When was this Prove It To Me - Real Research, Real Data, No BS episode published?

This episode was published on January 30, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law takes a dive into the psychological and physiological effects of swearing on physical strength and performance. We used to think swearing worked because it made us angry (arousal) or numb...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Prove It To Me - Real Research, Real Data, No BS episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!