Best Ashley Hamer Podcasts (2024)

1
Philias: Cuckolding Is More Than Just Cheating 35:01

3h ago35:01

35:01

"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…

1
Philias: Why Pup Play Appeals to Grown Adults 32:49

4d ago32:49

32:49

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.…

1
Philias: Furry Isn't a Fetish (Most of the Time) 35:17

18d ago35:17

35:17

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 t…

1
Philias: Why Do People Like BDSM? ("It Was Like Taking Drugs") 37:41

1M ago37:41

37:41

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 Lin…

1
Philias: How Many Kinks Exist? The Science of Kinks and Fetishes 32:29

2M ago32:29

32:29

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 wher…

1
Coming Soon: Philias from Taboo Science 3:01

2M ago3:01

3:01

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://…

1
RERUN: Necrophilia (with Dr. Victoria Sullivan & Dr. Jens Foell) 32:12

7M ago32:12

32:12

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 commu…

1
Attraction to Monsters (with Ella Gallego) 40:30

7M ago40:30

40:30

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 …

1
Animal Testing (with Dr. Katherine Roe & Dr. Emily Trunnell) 37:55

7M ago37:55

37:55

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 and Dr. Emily Trunnell from PETA’s Science Advanceme…

1
Introducing: How to Do the Pot 22:44

7M ago22:44

22:44

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 to cannabis for stress, sleep, pain relief, or bett…

1
IQ / Intelligence (with Dr. Steven Piantadosi) 27:28

8M ago27:28

27:28

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 French schools to its dark role in the eugenics movemen…

1
Climate Anxiety (with Dr. Thomas Doherty) 27:22

9M ago27:22

27:22

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 Doherty sheds light on the emerging field of climate-consc…

1
Remastered: Depression (with Dr. Gerard Sanacora) 29:33

9M ago29:33

29:33

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 mental and physical woes. But that doesn't mean we don't h…

1
Menstruation (with Dr. Kate Clancy) 37:08

10M ago37:08

37:08

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, stigmas, and hidden truths about menstruation. Uncover th…

1
Makeup (with Ilise S. Carter) 32:11

10M ago32:11

32:11

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 American History. From its historical roots, like ancient E…

1
Heterosexuality (with Dr. Hanne Blank Boyd) 32:54

10M ago32:54

32:54

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 for normal, moral sexuality, allowing the middle cla…

1
Race (with Agustín Fuentes, Ph.D.) 32:09

11M ago32:09

32:09

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 race in health and medicine, and explaining why your 23a…

1
Nudity (with Ruth Barcan, Ph.D.) 30:22

11M ago30:22

30:22

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 surrounding nudity, from how art influenced our percepti…

1
Introducing: Based on a True Story 1:02:59

12M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

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/By Ashley Hamer

1
Breastfeeding (with Bridget McGann & Sascha Mayer) 34:23

12M ago34:23

34:23

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 a baby's development, the debate between breastfeedin…

1
Poop (with Bryn Nelson, Ph.D.) 38:22

1y ago38:22

38:22

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 autoimmune conditions to fertilizing crops, and even the…

1
8: Live, Laugh, Lava w/ Meagan Ankney 1:10:04

1y ago1:10:04

1:10:04

What makes volcanic eruptions get so catastrophically massive? What's going on below the Earth's surface? Should we be worried about Yellowstone? Ellen & guest, geochemist and science communicator Meagan Ankney, explore all the most burning questions about supervolcanoes. Links: Check out Meagan's podcast, Spooky Science Sisters! Follow Spooky Scie…

1
Asexuality (with Canton Winer & Sarah Costello) 34:57

1y ago34:57

34:57

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 being aro-ace, or aromantic asexual. We examine the s…

1
Addiction (with Judy Grisel, Ph.D.) 31:25

1y ago31:25

31:25

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 misconceptions about drug use. Plus, we'll explore the facto…

1
7: Striking a Cordyceps 44:49

1y ago44:49

44:49

Understanding a fungus isn't brain surgery... unless you're an ant. Ellen & Ashley discuss how and why the "zombie-ant fungus" takes control over its insect host, compare reality with the way it's portrayed in pop culture, and look ahead into our own fungal future. Links: Follow Spellbound and Gagged on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!…

1
Season 3 Is Coming 2:18

1y ago2:18

2:18

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 reasons we don’t talk about it, and the impact that…

1
6: Pompeii and Circumstance w/ Alex Schmidt 1:14:08

1y ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Ellen takes Ashley and and guest Alex Schmidt on a journey through the history of Pompeii before, during, and after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Links: Follow Alex on Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok and check out his website for more! Check out Alex's podcast, Secretly Incredibly Fascinating! Follow Spellbound and Gagged on Twitter, I…

1
5: The Fat is in the Fire 50:51

1+ y ago50:51

50:51

We’ve got fire in our belly for this episode’s topic: the puzzling phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion. How does a person suddenly and mysteriously burst into flames, and what happens to the human body when it burns? Find out with us. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/snake-oil License code: E0XTG15DVO…

1
4: A Parasite for Sore Eyes w/ Katie Goldin 1:01:48

1+ y ago1:01:48

1:01:48

The animal kingdom takes toxic relationships to a whole new level. Ellen & guest Katie Goldin discuss their favorite parasites, from snail eyestalk raves to big juicy butts to warm, cozy fish mouths. What’s the matter? Crab got your tongue? Follow Katie on Twitter & listen to her podcast Creature Feature for more! Extra credit: Video: "This Mind-Co…

1
3: Let's Get Nuclear Wasted 58:31

1+ y ago58:31

58:31

This podcast is a message... and part of a system of messages... pay attention to it! Ellen & Ashley discuss nuclear waste, from the Simpsons and ninja turtle ooze to the mysteries of the distant future and our best attempts to protect them from ourselves. Further reading: 7 Things The Simpsons Got Wrong About Nuclear Expert judgment on markers to …

1
2: Pick Your Poison w/ Vikram Baliga 49:47

1+ y ago49:47

49:47

Ellen & guest, the Plant Professor™ Dr. Vikram Baliga, discuss nightshade, hemlock, poisonous eggplants, medieval pranks, witchcraft, and the death of Socrates. Further reading: Why the Tomato Was Feared in Europe for More Than 200 Years “Hexing Herbs” in Ethnobotanical Perspective: A Historical Review of the Uses of Anticholinergic Solanaceae Plan…

1
1: The Zero G Spot 48:20

1+ y ago48:20

48:20

Hooking up with your coworkers is awkward enough on Earth. Just imagine how astronauts feel. Ashley & Ellen discuss the "ins and outs" of off-planet sex, from the effects of radiation on reproduction to the troublesome issue of bodily fluid dynamics in microgravity. It's out of this world! Further reading: Newt gestation in space "100 Tampons" by M…

1
Spellbound and Gagged Trailer 0:37

1+ y ago0:37

0:37

Get a preview of Spellbound and Gagged, a podcast about all the weird, gross and unsettling stuff that keeps us up at night. The first episode will be up on Friday, November 11. Subscribe now so you don't miss it! Keep up with updates on the podcast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https:…

1
Butts (with Dr. Jeanne Bovet) 22:19

2+ y ago22:19

22:19

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: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e12-butts/ Subscribe to t…

1
Disability (with Emily Ladau) 31:10

2+ y ago31:10

31:10

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, “Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How t…

1
Depression (with Dr. Gerard Sanacora) 29:17

2+ y ago29:17

29:17

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: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e10-depression/ Subscribe to the B…

1
Body Hair (with Rebecca Herzig) 34:49

3y ago34:49

34:49

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: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e9-body-hair/ Subscribe to the BRAND NEW ne…

1
Hormones (with Randi Hutter Epstein, M.D.) 39:48

3y ago39:48

39:48

They're complex, mysterious, and easy to blame for everything from unexplained symptoms to seemingly superhuman abilities. Find out how we discovered hormones, what they do inside of us, and who's really controlling who. Featuring Randi Hutter Epstein author of "Aroused, the History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything." Pick it u…

1
Critical Race Theory (with Janel George) 37:45

3y ago37:45

37:45

Are kids really learning critical race theory in class? What IS critical race theory, anyway? And why is it so uncomfortable to talk about race? Featuring Janel George, associate professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center and founding director of the Racial Equity in Education Policy Clinic. Click here to see citations for this episode! F…

1
Money (with Ted Klontz, Ph.D.) 35:24

3y ago35:24

35:24

Why is it impolite to talk about money? Why are many of us uncomfortable with our own money habits? And how do we change things? Featuring Ted Klontz, Ph.D., director of the Financial Psychology Institute and associate professor of Practice and Financial Psychology at Creighton University. See citations for this episode: https://www.tabooscience.sh…

1
Head Transplants (with Dr. Brandy Schillace) 39:50

3y ago39:50

39:50

Why don't we have head transplants? Why would someone need one? And how much of you is in your head — and how much is everywhere else? Featuring Dr. Brandy Schillace, author of the book “Mr. Humble and Dr. Butcher: A Monkey's Head, the Pope's Neuroscientist, and the Quest to Transplant the Soul.” Pick it up here: https://amzn.to/2TniY91 See citatio…

1
STIs (with Ina Park, MD) 38:42

3y ago38:42

38:42

How long have STIs been around? Why don't we have anything higher-tech than the condom? And when did we stop saying "STD," anyway? Featuring Ina Park, MD, associate professor at the UC San Francisco School of Medicine and author of the book "Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs." Pick it up here: ht…

1
Bodily Fluids (with Erika Engelhaupt) 36:18

3y ago36:18

36:18

Snot and pee and earwax, oh my! Why are we so full of gross substances? What do our fluids do for us? And is there really a chemical to catch people peeing in the pool? Featuring Erika Engelhaupt, a science writer and editor and author of the new book “Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science." Find it here: https://amzn.to/3eUFxdw Se…

1
Ageism (with Dr. Hannah Swift) 39:28

3y ago39:28

39:28

Why do we tease each other about getting old? Why don't you see 70-year-olds partying with 20-year-olds? What age is "old," anyway? Featuring Dr. Hannah Swift, a senior lecturer in Social and Organizational Psychology at the University of Kent in the UK. See citations for this episode: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e2-ageism/ Follow Taboo Science…

1
Eating Animals (with Dr. Melanie Joy) 33:01

3y ago33:01

33:01

Why do we treat some animals as food and others as family? Is animal agriculture really as bad as vegans say it is? And if I want to change things, is veganism my only option? Featuring Melanie Joy, social psychologist, founding president of the NGO Beyond Carnism, and author of "Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows." Click here to see citatio…

1
Marriage (with Stephanie Coontz) 40:01

3y ago40:01

40:01

What was the original purpose of marriage? What's up with all those wedding traditions? And what makes a marriage last? Featuring Stephanie Coontz, researcher and author of Marriage, a History: How Love Conquered Marriage. Click here to see citations for this episode! Follow Taboo Science on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe on Apple Podc…

1
Dying (with Jennie Dear) 38:10

3y ago38:10

38:10

How will most of us die? How do our expectations of death go wrong? How can we all have a good death? Featuring Jennie Dear, author of “What Does It Feel Like to Die?: Inspiring New Insights into the Experience of Dying."Click here to see citations for this episode! Follow Taboo Science on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe on Apple Podcas…

1
Childbirth (with Tina Cassidy) 35:04

3y ago35:04

35:04

Why do we keep early pregnancy a secret? How long have we been giving birth in hospitals? And why is childbirth so painful? Today's guest is Tina Cassidy, author of the book “Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born.”Click here to see citations for this episode! Follow Taboo Science on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe on Apple Po…

1
Lying (with Judi Ketteler) 33:41

3+ y ago33:41

33:41

Is honesty really the best policy? What's the difference between a good lie and a bad lie? And how much do we lie to ourselves? Today's guest is Judi Ketteler, author of the book “Would I Lie to You?: The Amazing Power of Being Honest in a World That Lies.” You can download a preview of the book right here. Click here to see citations for this epis…

1
Necrophilia (with Dr. Victoria Sullivan & Dr. Jens Foell) 31:44

3+ y ago31:44

31:44

Where does necrophilia come from? What makes people desecrate corpses? And do you have to be a serial killer to have a death fetish? Today's guests are Dr. Victoria Hartmann, a clinical psychology researcher and executive director of the Erotic Heritage Museum in Las Vegas, and neuroscientist and science communicator Dr. Jens Foell. Click here to s…

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Ashley Hamer Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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