On this month's episode of The Sociologist's Dojo Podcast Dr. Jaime Hartless Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Farmingdale State College returns to discuss the beauty and body horror of Coralie Fargeat's The Substance. The Host and Dr. Hartless talk Cronenberg, The 'Me Too' movement, the imposed shame/horror of the female body by patriarchal systems, and of course, the intersecting evils of Capitalism. Enjoy!

Production Notes

Intro: 0:00-2:55

Update on Dr. Hartless's research 2:56-5:13

• Chapter 22: "From "Born This Witch" to "Bad Bitch Witch": A History of Witch Representation in Western Pop Culture" in Witch Studies Reader (March 2025)

Basics of 'The Substance 5:14-28:28

• Production (Cast and Crew)
• Plot Synopsis
• A Dennis Quaid Aside
• Trivia ( A Revenge Aside)

Historical Context 28:29-70:46

• Dr. Hartless's first impressions
• The Film in conversation with generations of Hollywood
• The Use of Social Media
• "The Substance Effect" [Mikey Madison and Demi Moore]
• "The Substance Snub" [ Horror and Hollywood]
• "What if Cronenberg, but Feminist?"
• Women as commodities and "Girl Power" Feminism
• The Manosphere Language and "Logic"

Social Analysis 70:47-116:56

• Toxic Gender Socialization messages
• The Mother/Daughter Dynamic
• 'The Substance' as Capitalism
• A Reproduction Metaphor
• Toxic Beauty and Body Standards
• 'The Substance' as an amalgam of "Fix yourself" beauty Products
• No "Better self" under Patriarchy and Capitalism
• Protections against 'The Substance' [FDA and IRB]
• The Manufactured Shame and Horror of the Female Body
• The Dangers of Film immortalizing Youth

Outtro 116:59-118:43

• Plugs and Social Media
• Upcoming Essays and Episodes

All Clips used under Fair Use

Links to Suplemental Material Referenced in the Episode:

• Witch Studies Reader
• Hungerstone by Kat Dunn
• The Monstrous Feminine by Barbara Creed
• Maya Hawke discussing the importance of Social media in Casting
• Demi Moore Acceptance Speeches [ Globe , SAG, Critics Choice ]
• Mikey Madison Beating out Demi Moore for the Oscar
• RFK JR disgustingly false comments on girls and puberty fits right in with Harvey from The Substance
• The Essay Series on The Films of Julia Ducournau
• The Sociologist's Dojo Blog