What is masochism and why do people engage in it? What is the difference between consenting to pain as a means to an end/ byproduct of an activity (e.g., ballerinas and competitive eaters) vs. pain on purpose? What are the benefits and the costs to pain as pleasure? What does masochism have to say about the human experience?

In this week’s episode, Effy and Jacqueline take a deep dive into pain for pleasure with science reporter, noted masochist and the author of Hurts So Good, Leigh Cowart. Leigh broadens our understanding of masochism by drawing parallels between the experience of people who pursue pain for sexual pleasure and those who endure pain for sense of satisfaction, achievement or self expression, such as competitive eaters, ultramarathon runners and ballet dancers. They normalize our desire for pleasure by offering an open and honest commentary of their own experiences. 

More about Leigh Cowart
Leigh Cowart is a researcher and journalist whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Magazine, Popular Science, Buzzfeed News, Wired, and other outlets. Their book, "Hurts So Good: The Science and Culture of Pain on Purpose" has been featured in the New York Times, The New Yorker, NPR, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Review of Books. Before becoming a journalist, Cowart was immersed in academia, doing research on subjects like sexual dimorphism in leaf-nosed bats, and resource allocation in flowers.

Instagram: voraciousbrain
Twitter: voraciousbrain
Their book: Hurts So Good

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