Taboo Science

By Ashley Hamer Pritchard

Taboo Science is a podcast that answers the questions you're not allowed to ask. It's hosted by Ashley Hame Pritchard, a science writer and podcaster. Every episode dives into a different societal tab... more

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5656 ratings

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FAQs about Taboo Science:

How many episodes does Taboo Science have?

The podcast currently has 62 episodes available.

Taboo Science episodes:

October 16, 2025Trans 101: How Transgender Hormone Therapy Changes Body and Brain
(00:00:00) Trans 101: How Transgender Hormone Therapy Changes Body and Brain
(00:03:26) Why you can't change the mind
(00:05:17) Estrogen and what it takes to start it
(00:08:58) Testosterone and what it takes to start it
(00:11:58) How hormones work
(00:15:19) Psychological changes
(00:19:48) Physical changes on estrogen
(00:21:31) Physical changes on testosterone
(00:22:53) Surgical options for trans women
(00:26:28) Surgical options for trans men
(00:32:01) Conclusion
(00:33:17) Outro
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 estrogen and testosterone really do to the body, what bottom growth actually means, and how modern surgery can create everything from boobs to fully functional penises with hydraulic erections. We cover the psychological shifts, the physical changes, the hilarious terminology trans people have coined, and why medical transition isn't about "fixing" anyone—it's about letting people finally be themselves.

More from Michelle Forcier:
Brown University
LinkedIn
More from Riley Black:
Website
Order her latest book, The Last Days of the Dinosaurs
Bluesky
More from Hibby Thach:
Website
Twitch
Bluesky
More from Charlie James:
Website
Order his book, I’m Just a Little Guy: How to Escape the Horrors and Get Back to Dillydallying
TikTok

Citations and transcript: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-how-transgender-hormone-therapy-changes-body-and-brain/

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:
Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
36min
October 02, 2025Trans 101: Everything You Think You Know (But Probably Don't)
(00:00:00) Introduction: The "born in the wrong body" trope
(00:02:37) Aaron Devor introduction
(00:03:30) Riley Black introduction
(00:04:16) Transgender definition and prevalence
(00:06:12) Why are more young people trans?
(00:08:16) Why are people trans in the first place?
(00:12:14) "Egg cracks"
(00:15:22) BREAK
(00:15:37) Sex, gender, and gender expression
(00:18:09) Hibby Thach introduction
(00:19:57) Gender expression in cis people
(00:21:11) Gender dysphoria
(00:24:35) Medical transition: hormones
(00:25:54) How many have surgery?
(00:28:30) Wrap-up
(00:29:46) Outro
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 trans actually means. With help from University of Victoria transgender studies chair Dr. Aaron Devor, paleontologist Riley Black, PhD student Hibby Thach, and comedian Charlie James, we're breaking down sex vs. gender vs. gender expression, debunking the "social contagion" myth, and explaining why asking "but have you had The Surgery?" is never okay. Trans people are rarer than redheads, but somehow they're at the center of a political firestorm—so let's actually understand what we're talking about.

More from Aaron Devor:
Website
Podcast for Inquiry appearance
More from Riley Black:
Website
Order her latest book, The Last Days of the Dinosaurs
Bluesky
More from Hibby Thach:
Website
Twitch
Bluesky
More from Charlie James:
Website
Order his book, I’m Just a Little Guy: How to Escape the Horrors and Get Back to Dillydallying
TikTok

See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-everything-you-think-you-know-but-probably-dont/

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:
Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
32min
September 04, 2025Coming 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 of healthcare, relationships, and family. With the help of researchers crunching the numbers and trans people sharing their stories, we'll tackle the questions you might be curious about but wouldn't know how to ask, without the political noise—just honest conversations about human experience.

The first episode of Trans 101 drops October 2nd. Subscribe/follow so you don't miss it.

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:
Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
4min
July 07, 2025Housekeeping: 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.

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:
Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
4min
May 19, 2025 Announcement — Action Requested
To find out next season's theme and be entered to win a $50 Amazon(?) gift card, fill out the Taboo Science listener survey here: https://bit.ly/43gcMAh
Connect with the show:
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
2min
March 25, 2025Introducing: 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

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:
Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
43min
July 25, 2024Philias 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 about this stuff, and whether my mom listens (she absolutely does). Resources from Arielle:
Earbuds Podcast Collective: https://earbuds.audio/
Twitter: https://x.com/arithisandthat
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ariellethisandthat

See important links and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/048-qa/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:
Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
29min
July 11, 2024Philias: 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" Tina Horn gives us the lowdown on why feet can be such a turn-on. We also step into the cultural aspects of foot fascination and debunk some common misconceptions. Whether you're a foot fanatic yourself or just interested in what makes people tick, this episode will shed light on a often misunderstood aspect of human sexuality. So go ahead, press play and put your feet up—and maybe snap a pic or two while you're at it.Resources from Dr. Justin Lehmiller:
Website: https://www.sexandpsychology.com/
Book: https://amzn.to/4cCcyqm
Podcast: https://www.sexandpsychology.com/podcasts/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/JustinLehmiller
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/

Resources from Tina Horn:
Website: https://tinahorn.net/
Book: https://amzn.to/45YPJuw
Podcast: https://tinahorn.net/yapit
Twitter/X: https://x.com/tinahornsass
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinahornsass

See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/047-foot-fetishes/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473Mentioned in this episode:Tailor MushroomsGo to www.tailormushrooms.store and use code...

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:
Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
35min
July 04, 2024Introducing: 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 interviewed all about how she makes Taboo Science, the most controversial episodes this season, and other exciting things. Do you have questions you want to hear answered? Email her at [email protected] and you might hear them on the podcast.

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:
Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
40min
June 27, 2024Philias: 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 discussing people who get off on being peed on). Whether you're a seasoned kinkster or vanilla as they come, this episode is guaranteed to teach you something fascinating about human desire. Just don't blame me if you suddenly develop an urge to splosh around in some baked beans.See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/046-kinksampler/Get 30% off of Tailor Mushrooms with code "taboo" here: https://www.tailor.store/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:
Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscience
Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience
Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473
...more
28min

FAQs about Taboo Science:

How many episodes does Taboo Science have?

The podcast currently has 62 episodes available.

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