PODCAST · science
Taboo Science
by Ashley Hamer Pritchard
The podcast that answers the questions you’re not allowed to ask. A 2026 Ambie nominee for Best Indie Podcast. It’s science class if science class had one of those anonymous question boxes. Why don’t we eat people? Why are foot fetishes a thing? Do we still need animal testing? Why is it so easy to misgender someone? Each episode takes on one taboo: the history behind it, the psychology and science that explain it, and what we lose when we refuse to talk about it, all with the help of researchers who study these taboos and the everyday people they affect. “I can honestly say I’m a more empathetic person as a result of following your pod.” —Meagan C., listener survey respondent Hosted by Ashley Hamer Pritchard (Skeptoid, Live Science, and formerly Discovery’s Curiosity Daily).
Episodes
-
Trans 101: How to Be an Ally Without Making It Weird
Good intentions, it turns out, are not the same thing as good allyship — and sometimes they can actually make things worse. In this season finale, diversity consultant Davey Shlasko breaks down the unconscious assumptions that make pronouns harder than they should be, why trying harder often...
-
Trans 101: What Detransitioners Want You to Know
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 largest study ever…
more -
Trans 101: Trans Athletes & What the Science Actually Says
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...
-
Trans 101: Dating While Trans (with Julia Serano)
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...
-
Trans 101: When a Loved One Comes Out, What Should You Do?
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...
-
Bonus Interview: Trans Technologies with Oliver Haimson
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...
-
Trans 101: Finding Healthcare That Won't Kill You
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...
-
RERUN - Asexuality: The Sexual Orientation Missing From Your Sex Ed
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…
more -
Nonbinary 101: Beyond the Binary
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,...
-
Trans 101: Trans Kids & the Reality of Youth Transition
The right says doctors are mutilating children. The left says nothing permanent is happening. They're both oversimplifying, but they're not equally wrong. Meet Maya, who started transitioning at 13 with puberty blockers, then hormones, then surgery at 16. Now 25 and thriving, she walks us through...
-
FEED DROP: Sing for Science
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...
-
Trans 101: How Transgender Hormone Therapy Changes Body and Brain
For decades, doctors tried to psychoanalyze trans people out of being trans. Spoiler: it didn't work. This episode dives into the medical reality of gender transition—from how hormones actually work at the cellular level to the emotional rollercoaster of a second puberty. You'll learn what…
more -
Trans 101: Everything You Think You Know (But Probably Don't)
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...
-
Coming Soon — Season 5: Trans 101
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…
more -
Housekeeping: Audience Survey Results + Taboo Science Patreon!
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. Connect with the show: Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience Leave me a voice memo:...
-
Introducing: CRAMPED
CRAMPED is an investigative podcast that answers the question "Why are so many people with uteruses in unexplained & untreated pain?"Listen to the entire season here: https://pod.link/1778101696 Connect with the show: Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience Leave me a voice memo:...
-
Philias Bonus: The Q&A Episode
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…
more -
Philias: Foot Fetishes Kick the Stigma
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"...
-
Introducing: Spellbound and Gagged (Plus an Announcement!)
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...
-
Philias: 7 Kinks That Push the Envelope
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...
-
Philias: Diapers, Age Play, and the Psychology of ABDL
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...
-
Philias: Zoophilia and the Hidden Community That's Into Animals
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...
-
Philias: Cuckolding Is More Than Just Cheating
"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...
-
Philias: Why Pup Play Appeals to Grown Adults
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…
more -
Philias: Furry Isn't a Fetish (Most of the Time)
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...
-
Philias: Why Do People Like BDSM? ("It Was Like Taking Drugs")
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...
-
Philias: How Many Kinks Exist? The Science of Kinks and Fetishes
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…
more -
Coming Soon: Philias from Taboo Science
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:...
-
RERUN: Necrophilia (with Dr. Victoria Sullivan & Dr. Jens Foell)
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....
-
Attraction to Monsters (with Ella Gallego)
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...
-
Animal Testing (with Dr. Katherine Roe & Dr. Emily Trunnell)
We've all heard the arguments against animal testing: it's cruel, it's unethical. But you may not know the dirty truth: it doesn't even work most of the time. This week on Taboo Science, we dive deep into the animal testing controversy. We talk to researchers and neuroscientists Dr. Katherine Roe...
-
Introducing: How to Do the Pot
We're back between episodes with a quick feed drop! Taboo Science will return next week.How to Do the Pot is a fun weekly show helping you dabble in weed — and feel confident about cannabis for health, well-being, and for fun! Episodes of How to Do the Pot share stories from women who have turned...
-
IQ / Intelligence (with Dr. Steven Piantadosi)
The IQ test is supposed to be a measure of human intelligence. But is it? Today, we're joined by UC Berkeley professor Dr. Steven Piantadosi to understand why the diversity of human intellect can't be captured by a single number. We'll explore the history of IQ, from its innocent beginnings in...
-
Climate Anxiety (with Dr. Thomas Doherty)
Avoiding climate news? Do thoughts of the apocalypse keep you up at night? Feeling guilty about unsustainable habits? With climate change becoming a stark reality, more and more of us are grappling with anxiety over our planet's environmental crisis. Today, environmental psychologist Thomas…
more -
Remastered: Depression (with Dr. Gerard Sanacora)
How much do we really know about depression? In this remastered episode, Gerard Sanacora, director of the Yale Depression Research Program and Co-director of the Yale Interventional Psychiatry Service, reveals that even doctors don't fully get the biological roots behind depression's mix of…
more -
Menstruation (with Dr. Kate Clancy)
Menstruation is so much more than a useless byproduct of the reproductive cycle — it's a dang biological miracle. With the help of Dr. Kate Clancy, a professor at the University of Illinois and author of Period: The Real Story of Menstruation, this episode dives deep into the misconceptions,...
-
Makeup (with Ilise S. Carter)
It's both a method of empowerment and a tool of control — but it sure is pretty! Today's episode delves into how makeup reflects and perpetuates society's conflicting views on femininity, with the help of historian Ilise S. Carter, author of The Red Menace: How Lipstick Changed the Face of…
more -
Heterosexuality (with Dr. Hanne Blank Boyd)
Heterosexuality isn't what you think it is. In this episode, historian Hanne Blank Boyd flips the script on how we view sexual orientation, showing how the concept of "heterosexuality" has only existed for around 150 years. Hanne traces how modern capitalism led "heterosexual" to emerge as a term...
-
Race (with Agustín Fuentes, Ph.D.)
Get ready to rethink everything you know about race. With the help of anthropologist Agustín Fuentes, this episode debunks the idea that race exists within our biology. We're unraveling racist stereotypes, explaining why race is nothing like dog breeds, delving into the devastating effects of…
more -
Nudity (with Ruth Barcan, Ph.D.)
What do the Pioneer 10 plaque and communal bathhouses of Renaissance Europe have in common? Today we're stripping down the complicated concept of nudity with Dr. Ruth Barcan, honorary associate professor at the University of Sydney in Australia. We'll explore the meanings, reactions, and laws...
-
Introducing: Based on a True Story
Taboo Science will continue next week with a regularly scheduled episode, but I wanted to give a nod to Pride Month by sharing a podcast episode I love from the show Based on a True Story. Subscribe to Based on a True Story here: https://www.basedonatruestorypodcast.com/follow/ Connect with the...
-
Breastfeeding (with Bridget McGann & Sascha Mayer)
Did you know lactation is older than the dinosaurs? Latch onto the mysteries of breastfeeding with help from lactation scientist Bridget McGann and Mamava co-founder Sascha Mayer in today's episode, which delves into the incredible components of breastmilk, the way that feeding itself influences…
more -
Poop (with Bryn Nelson, Ph.D.)
Grab your squatty potty and put your squeamishness aside: we're going elbow-deep into human waste with science journalist and author Bryn Nelson. This episode digs into the microbiome, probiotics, and fecal transplants. It uncovers the surprising benefits and uses of human waste, from healing...
-
Asexuality (with Canton Winer & Sarah Costello)
This week, 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...
-
Addiction (with Judy Grisel, Ph.D.)
Today we're diving into the world of addiction and drug use with Judy Grisel, a behavioral neuroscientist who's been down the road of addiction herself. We'll cover why humans are so drawn to altering our consciousness with chemicals, how addictive drugs affect our brains, and some common...
-
Season 3 Is Coming
The long wait is nearly over — Season 3 drops on 4/20.Taboo Science is a podcast that answers the questions you’re not allowed to ask. It’s hosted by Ashley Hamer, a science writer and podcaster. Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the...
-
Butts (with Dr. Jeanne Bovet)
Why do we have such big butts? Why does society admire women's butts more than men's? And what does race have to do with all this? Featuring Dr. Jeanne Bovet, senior lecturer at Northumbria University in Newcastle. https://www.jeannebovet.com/ See citations and a transcript for this episode:...
-
Disability (with Emily Ladau)
It affects 1 billion people worldwide, so why is disability considered a niche issue? How can we make life easier for people with disabilities? And what does any of this have to do with As Seen on TV products? Featuring Emily Ladau, disability rights activist and author of the new book,...
-
Depression (with Dr. Gerard Sanacora)
What is depression, really? Do antidepressants actually work? And how can ketamine and psilocybin possibly help? Featuring Gerard Sanacora, director of the Yale Depression Research Program and Co-director of the Yale Interventional Psychiatry Service. See citations for this episode:...
-
Body Hair (with Rebecca Herzig)
Why do we remove our body hair? Why do humans have less hair than our primate cousins? And why was Darwin obsessed with beards? Featuring Rebecca Herzig, author of "Plucked: A History of Hair Removal." Pick it up here: https://amzn.to/3Csj819 See citations for this episode:...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The podcast that answers the questions you’re not allowed to ask. A 2026 Ambie nominee for Best Indie Podcast.
It’s science class if science class had one of those anonymous question boxes. Why don’t we eat people? Why are foot fetishes a thing? Do we still need animal testing? Why is it so easy to misgender someone? Each episode takes on one taboo: the history behind it, the psychology and science that explain it, and what we lose when we refuse to talk about it, all with the help of researchers who study these taboos and the everyday people they affect.
“I can honestly say I’m a more empathetic person as a result of following your pod.” —Meagan C., listener survey respondent
Hosted by Ashley Hamer Pritchard (Skeptoid, Live Science, and formerly Discovery’s Curiosity Daily).
HOSTED BY
Ashley Hamer Pritchard
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Taboo Science have?
Taboo Science currently has 72 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Taboo Science about?
The podcast that answers the questions you’re not allowed to ask. A 2026 Ambie nominee for Best Indie Podcast. It’s science class if science class had one of those anonymous question boxes. Why don’t we eat people? Why are foot fetishes a thing? Do we still need animal testing? Why is it so easy to...
How often does Taboo Science release new episodes?
Taboo Science has 72 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Taboo Science?
You can listen to Taboo Science on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Taboo Science?
Taboo Science is created and hosted by Ashley Hamer Pritchard.
URL copied to clipboard!