What Topics are Hated

Send us Fan Mail Episode 2 of I Hate Talking opens with two featured words: ketogenesis—the metabolic process that produces ketone bodies as an alternative energy source for the body—and cryptocurrency, a digital currency maintained by a decentralized system using cryptography rather than a central authority. The hosts note these words reflect their personal interests and joke about future episodes featuring more themed words.The main discussion explores topics people hate talking about, contrasting them with topics people often enjoy, such as their own lives, children, or hobbies. The hosts point out that while individuals may love discussing their interests (like keto diets or cryptocurrency), some listeners might find these subjects tedious or irrelevant. They highlight that universally avoided topics—such as religion and politics—are often skipped in casual conversation due to the risk of disagreement or conflict, especially in Western cultures.The conversation also touches on small talk, with one host enjoying it and the other noting that many dislike repetitive or superficial exchanges. The episode concludes by noting that what people hate talking about is influenced by cultural norms, personal biases, and prior experiences, and that even within “safe” topics, there are subtopics people avoid. The hosts tease future episodes will delve further into the reasons behind these conversational aversions.Want to buy the book called "How to Make Small Talk" mentioned in today's episode? Buy it on Amazon. Support the show---Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.