Stuff Mom Never Told You
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Movie Magical Makeovers
In 1942, "Now Voyager" starring Bette Davis was Hollywood's first major "magical makeover" movie. Caroline and Cristen explore the intersection of the beauty culture, film history and feminism in "magical makeover" movies deliver and ponder why we love watching them so much.
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Are female politicians better for women?
As Margaret Thatcher's legacy demonstrates, female politicians don't always support women's issues, feminism or other women in leadership. Caroline and Cristen discuss the effectiveness of female politicians, surrogate representation and more.
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Are Chinese children more loyal to their parents?
Are Chinese children raised with a greater sense of family loyalty than kids in the West? Join Caroline and Cristen as they discuss Eastern parenting practices, the Chinese principle of filial piety and how family devotion affects Chinese kids' success.
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Are women less financially literate than men?
Women tend to score much lower than men on financial literacy tests. Why? Is money management a man thing? Does financial planning pander to women? Listen in to learn more.
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Why do we celebrate Mother’s Day?
On Sunday, Americans will spend more than $16 billion dollars celebrating Mother’s Day. Cristen and Caroline discuss why we treat moms to brunch and flowers every second Sunday in May, and why the founder of Mother’s Day regretted how popular it became.
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A Snapshot of Women in Photography
Why is photography still a male-dominated industry? Listen in to learn more about women’s roles in the history of photography, including the work of Frances Benjamin Johnston, Margaret Bourke-White, Diane Arbus and other notable female photographers.
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Do blondes really have more fun?
Do redheads have it worst? Listen in to learn more about history's original "dumb blonde" and how yellow hair took on its various meanings -- including how and why hair color colors our perceptions of people.
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Why are more women requesting C-sections?
Does the scheduling convenience of C-sections outweigh the risks? Join Caroline and Cristen for a brief medical history of C-sections, as well as an exploration of doctors' concerns over the rising rates of the procedure.
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Why is anorexia on the rise among men?
Men comprise an estimated 20 percent of anorexics, but many are going untreated. To understand why, it's necessary to explore unraveling sexual orientation, internalized homonegativity and more. Tune in to learn why calling it “manorexia” is problematic.
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Why do kids love stuffed animals so much?
What's the childhood psychology of stuffed animals and other “transitional objects”? Why do 35 percent of adults still sleep with stuffed animals? Tune in to learn more, including a brief history of the teddy bear and why the stuff possum never caught on.
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What’s the most common bacterial infection among women?
Is bacterial vaginosis a sexually transmitted infection? What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis, and what prevention methods are available? Join Cristen and Caroline for a quick course in bacterial vaginosis 101.
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Why are boy bands so popular?
What's the nature of gender, masculinity and sexuality in boy band lyrics? What about race and ethnicity in (mostly white) boy bands? Join Cristen and Caroline for a brief history of boy bands, from The Beatles to 1 Direction.
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Why is “secretary” the most common job for women in the...
What was the gendering of the typewriter? How did women take over secretarial work? Join Cristen and Caroline to learn about the history of secretarial work from ancient scribes to the steno pool, along with how to overcome negative secretary stereotypes.
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Are kids in the workplace good for business?
Does teleworking solve the childcare issue? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the high cost of childcare for working parents & single moms, as well as how workplace childcare improves job satisfaction and business bottom lines.
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Why do so few women coach women’s basketball?
It's not that there are no women coaching female basketball (consider the legendary Pat Summit and others), but Title IX has more male coaches. Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore homophobia, sexism and the glass wall that coaches often run into.
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Are women cleaner than men?
By age 5, people expect girls to be cleaner than boys. Around the house and at work, men are only slightly less clean than women. Listen in to learn more about the Hygiene Hypothesis, and how being cleaner might not be healthier for women.
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Ask Caroline & Cristen Anything: Part 2
Has Stuff Mom Never Told You ever run into taboo topics? Would you like to know more about Caroline’s Proust questionnaire? How has the show affected the co-host’s romantic lives? Tune to learn more in the second part of this series.
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Is it OK for women to cry at work?
Why is crying in the workplace such a highly discussed topic for women? Scientifically speaking, prolactin and smaller tear ducts make women more prone to crying. Tune in to learn more, including strategies for managing emotions in the workplace.
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Do tampons cause toxic shock syndrome?
What is toxic shock syndrome, and what’s the risk of contracting it? Why was 1980 the worst year for tampons? Listen in to learn all about toxic shock syndrome (including how to prevent it) in this episode.
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Ask Caroline & Cristen Anything: Part 1
Has Stuff Mom Never Told You ever run into taboo topics? Would you like to know more about podcast regret or Caroline’s Proust questionnaire? How has the show affected the co-host’s romantic lives? Tune to learn the answers to these questions and more.
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Are school dress codes good for students?
Are school uniforms the magic bullet for improved learning environments? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore school dress codes, Title IX and the nature of gender identity within school dress code restrictions.
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The Military Fight for Women in Combat
How will women in combat impact the military? Join Caroline and Cristen as they look at other countries that allow women in combat, outline a brief history of women soldiers and explore the combat exclusion policy.
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Advice Columns: From Dear Abby to Dan Savage
Do advice columns dole out good advice? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore how Dear Abby and Ann Landers were rival twin sisters, well as examining Dan Savage and the rise of the sex columnist.
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Advice Columns: The Early Years
The Athenian Mercury was history’s first advice column, and since then advice columns have become a staple of modern publishing -- but how? And why are most advice columns written by women? Tune in to learn more.
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Pole Dancing Beyond the Strip Club
Pole dancing originated in China and India, and took off in strip clubs in the 1980s in Canada. Should it be considered as an Olympic sport? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the rising popularity of strippercizing and pole dancing for fitness.
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Should animal testing be outlawed?
Did you know that the EU enforces its ban on animal-tested products in March 2013? Why did mascara kick off animal testing in the U.S.? Why are women more invested in animal rights, compared to men? Join Caroline and Cristen to learn more.
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Transgender 101
What does “transgender” mean? Is it the same as gender identity disorder? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the history of sexology, sex change operations and transgender identity, as well as why trans people are fighting for their civil rights.
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Why are more women paying for designer vaginas?
Vaginoplasty, labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation are today’s hottest new plastic surgeries. So what does a normal vagina look like? Tune in to learn more about why women get “The Barbie” and other vaginal cosmetic surgeries.
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Black Women at the Oscars
Why is there a lack of qualify film roles for black actresses? Listen in to learn more about Hattie McDaniel, the the first black actress to win an Oscar, as well as more about black women behind the camera directing, screenwriting and producing.
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Are young women ruining American speech?
What is vocal fry and why is everyone talking about it? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore valley girls and uptalk, ultimately asking why younger women are the linguistic trendsetters.
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When is PDA OK?
How do public displays of affection compare to etiquette-friendly social kissing? How is PDA an act of love – and defiance -- in the LGBT community? And, do you love it or hate it? Listen in to learn how onlookers respond to PDA.
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A Skeptic’s Guide to Women & Islam
Cristen interviews skeptic blogger and Muslim-turned-atheist Heina Dadabhoy about women and Islam Is Islam inherently patriarchal? What is Islamic feminism? Listen in to learn more.
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How did Henrietta Lacks revolutionize modern medicine?
Did the medical community wrongfully exploit the Lacks family? Listen in to learn how John Hopkins Hospital got a hold of Henrietta Lacks’ “immortal” HeLa cells, how these cells transformed modern medicine and more.
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6 Black Feminist Pioneers You Should Know
Does feminism have a race problem? How have black women shaped abolition, civil rights and women’s rights? Join Cristen and Caroline as they recount the work of Maria Stewart, Daisy Bates, Flo Kennedy, bell hooks, Audre Lorde and Alice Walker.
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Why are some girls called tomboys?
What is the etymology of “tomboy,” and how has it evolved from meaning a whiskey-drinking man to a rough-and-tumble girl? Tune in to learn more about pop culture, tomboys, sissies and gender identity in this episode.
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Why do people buy into fitness fads?
From ancient Greek stone-lifting to modern-day shake weights, fitness fads have been around for ages. What's the deal with gendered marketing and fitness fads? Listen in to learn why toning sneakers – and other fitness fad products – are completely bogus.
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Domestic Service from Downton Abbey to Today
In this episode, Cristen and Caroline dive into the history of British domestic service as well as race and domestic service in the United States. Tune in to learn more about immigration, exploitation and risky work for domestic service workers today.
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What happens at the gynecologist’s office?
At what age should a woman first go to the gynecologist? Do women prefer female gynecologists? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explain the Stuff Mom Never Told You about OB-GYN visits.
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What is the Cult of New Domesticity?
Why are so many people drawn to cooking, crafts and lifestyles from a bygone era? How do Etsy, Pinterest and mommy blogs fuel new domesticity? Tune in as Cristen and Caroline interview with Emily Matchar on her book on the new domesticity movement
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A Sweaty History of the American Gym
When did people start exercising for their health? How were women were responsible for the rise of public gyms and health spas? Listen in to learn more about Jack Lalanne, the Cold War and the Modern Fitness Movement in the United States.
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How Testosterone Works
How does this muscle-building hormone act in the body? What's the relationship between testosterone and masculinity? Does testosterone fuel aggression, or the other way around? Join Cristen and Caroline to learn more about this oft-misunderstood hormone.
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How Estrogen Works
Estrogen comes up ALL the time in the podcast, so what's the science behind the hormone? Does estrogen really turn women into emotional chocolate-eaters? Listen in to learn more about estrogen's myriad health benefits.
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Mother-in-Law or Monster-in-Law?
Most people are familiar with the trope of the terrible, no good mother-in-law, and studies confirm often-strained mother-in-law relationships. So does this stereotype have evolutionary roots? Listen in to learn more.
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Do New Year’s resolutions work?
Humans have made New Year’s resolutions for millennia – and had a terrible time sticking to them. So, great expectations aside, why do most resolutions fail? Listen in to learn more about science of willpower and how to stick with resolutions.
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Is foodie culture the new art?
Is food porn unhealthy? Do foodies represent a cultural era of feast or famine? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the rise of the foodie and the culinary hipster.
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Is food the new sex?
Have food morals replaced sexual morals? Do modern humans want pizza and chocolate more than sex? Surveys suggest yes. Listen in to learn more about how food and sex collide in the brain.
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How much is virginity worth?
What’s the deal with virginity auctions? Why is virginity associated with both sacredness and stigma, especially for women? Is virginity a valueless construct rather than an actual physical state?
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Should we ignore food expiration dates?
Tis the season for throwing away tons of food. Did you know that the federal government only mandates expiration dates on infant formula and baby food? What do the dates on food packaging really mean? Tune in to learn more about food waste.
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UTIs 101
How do urinary tract infections happen? Why are cranberries the magical fruit cure for UTIs? Join Cristen and Caroline as they take a closer look at urinary tract infections, from what they are to how they work -- and why men can get UTIs, too.
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Does the rhythm method work?
What is the rhythm method and who developed it? Why is the rhythm method referred to as "Catholic roulette"? Are the rhythm method and other forms of natural birth control effective? Join Cristen and Caroline to learn the answers to these questions and more.
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Is dieting antifeminist?
Kjiersten Gruys went a year without looking in a mirror to readjust how she looks at her body. So how does losing weight for health compare to losing weight to meet beauty standards? Is intentional weight loss a feminist choice or feminist fail?
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The Friendzone
What is the “friendzone” and where did the term come from? How does getting in – and out – of the friendzone work? Can friendships survive the friendzone? (Studies say maybe.) Tune in to learn more.
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Gender and Internet Trolling
Are more men Internet trolls? Why is there so much misogyny and slut shaming in Internet trolling – and what can we do about it? Join Cristen, Caroline and TechStuff co-host Jonathan as they discuss the gender dynamics of online trolling.
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What is Empty Nest Syndrome?
When kids fly the coop, do parents come down with empty nest syndrome? It's no secret that kids leaving home often requires parents to renegotiate their relationships. Listen in to learn how moms and dads tend to deal with empty nests differently.
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What's with the interest in Pinterest?
Who came up with Pinterest and why? Why is Pinterest so popular among women? In this episode, Cristen and Caroline do more than answer these questions -- they also explore Manteresting, Gentlemint and other 'Pinterests for dudes.'
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Why are interracial marriages on the rise?
Thanks to sociocultural evolution, interracial marriage is increasingly common. Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore Loving v. Virginia, why worrying about children in these marriages is outdated (and likely rooted in racism) and more.
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How Hormones Affect Obesity
Are hormones to blame for the obesity epidemic? Join Cristen and Caroline as they unravel the facts surrounding obesity, from genetic predispositions to the ways in which testosterone and estrogen can affect an individual's weight.
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Where do all the bobby pins go?
What did flappers have to do with the invention of the bobby pin? Where do all those bobby pins go when they disappear? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the history of hair pins, as well as theories of where all those lost bobby pins end up.
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Does Queen Bee Syndrome exist?
Queen Bee Syndrome was coined in the 1970s to describe terrible lady bosses, yet recent research challenges the notion of Queen Bee Syndrome. Listen in to learn why women should help other women – and men -- in the workplace
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Why do some kids take care of adults?
There are 1.4 million child caregivers in the United States -- but what kinds of caregiving responsibilities do these kids shoulder? Listen in to learn why child caregivers are at a higher risk of asocial behavior, anxiety and depression.
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Can you have sex with a ghost?
Ke$ha claimed to have sex with a ghost, and the pop star is not alone in the claim. So why do people believe that incubi, succubi and ghosts lurk in the bedroom. Is sleep paralysis to blame for people’s reports of ghost sex? Listen in to learn more.
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Can you have sex while pregnant?
Finally, in 2011 doctors confirmed that it’s safe to have sex during pregnancy -- but that's not the end of the story. Why are some men especially attracted to pregnant women? How does pregnancy affect sex drive? Join Cristen and Caroline to learn more.
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Where did the crazy cat lady stereotype come from?
Why do we associate cats with crazy old ladies? What's the historical relationship between women and cats, and why do popes hate cats? Could bacteria in cat poop make people crazy? Join Caroline and Cristen as they answer these questions and more.
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How does progeria cause rapid aging in children?
What is progeria, aka ‘old person syndrome,’ and how does it occur? Why do kids with progeria only live into their teens but look much older? Scientists have discovered the first treatment for progeria
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How Sleepwalking Works
Who sleepwalks the most? Kids. In this episode, Cristen and Caroline explore the odd world of sleep behaviors, including sleep-related eating disorders, the relationship between sleepwalking and depression and more.
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How long should you wait to have sex after meeting...
Did a study really determine 182 days to be the optimum amount of time to wait? Listen in to learn why waiting for sex shouldn’t be a numbers game (and how to know when you’re ready).
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Is the NFL scoring with women?
How is the NFL courting female (American) football fans? Are female football fans marginalized? How is the NFL targeting football merchandise and marketing for the ladies? Join Caroline and Cristen to learn more.
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What is femmephobia?
What’s up with people hating on the feminine? Is pink so bad? How does femmephobia affect different genders and sexualities? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore femmephobia in the women’s blogosphere and beyond.
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At what age can a girl start wearing makeup?
Tweens spend $40 million per month on beauty products. And when retailers peddle makeup to tweens, parental freak-outs are bound to occur. So why do parents fret over their daughters wearing makeup? One word: sex. Tune in to learn more.
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A Special History of Afterschool Specials
Why did ABC launch its Afterschool Specials programming? What were the hot topics in Afterschool Specials (and how did Degrassi do it better)? Join Cristen and Caroline to learn more about how Afterschool Specials addressed race, sexuality and gender.
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A Slumber Party Podcast on Sleepovers
Sleepovers became popular in the U.S. in the 1950s, and over time they've become a tradition. How do you know when your kid is ready for sleepovers? Are co-ed sleepovers kosher? Tune in to learn more with Caroline and Cristen.
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What is uterine prolapse?
How can a woman’s uterus fall out of her body? In this episode, Cristen and Caroline explore the risk factors for prolapse, how to treat the condition and more.
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Why are breasts different sizes?
Are asymmetrical breasts abnormal? Is there a correlation between uneven breasts and nursing? Is there a relationship between breast asymmetry and breast cancer risk? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the facts about breast asymmetry.
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Who is Pussy Riot?
Why is everyone talking about this Russian feminist punk band? Does symbolic solidarity with Pussy Riot make any difference? Does Pussy Riot enjoy more support from the West than its native Russia? Listen in to learn more.
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Women in Punk Rock
Who were the leading ladies of the 1970s punk scene? What are the punk origins of the riot grrrl movement? Does riot grrrl still exist today? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the relationship between riot grrrls, punk rock and gender in music.
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What is body dysmorphic disorder?
How does body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) change the you see yourself in the mirror? Listen in to learn more about the relationship between gender and BDD, overcoming BDD and more in today's episode.
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Do people have unique scentprints?
Scientists are exploring why and how people’s scents are as unique as fingerprints, and research finds that people can sniff out someone’s personality, sexual orientation and age. Tune in to learn more about gender differences in body odor.
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How Matchmakers Work
How do matchmakers help people find love? Who hires matchmakers and how much do they cost? Are matchmakers successful? The answers might surprise you. Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the strange world of matchmaking.
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Do lucky charms work? (or Are women more superstitious?)
Are men or women more superstitious? Why do people practice superstitious behaviors? Are positive superstitions, i.e. lucky charms, actually helpful? Listen in as Cristen and Caroline search for the science behind superstition.
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Why do some people hurt themselves on purpose?
What is self-injury, where does the behavior come from, and how common is it? In this episode, Cristen and Caroline examine different forms of self-injury, intervention and treatment.
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Are women better at car shopping?
What do men and women look for in cars? What are the facts about discrimination at the dealership? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen take a closer look at a new study that finds women are savvier car shoppers.
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How Homeschooling Works
Cristen was homeschooled. What was that like? Why and how do people homeschool their kids? Is homeschooling as effective as traditional schooling? Listen in for the answers to these questions and more in this podcast.
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Do men and women vote differently?
It's true: Women tend to vote more Democratic than men in the U.S. Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the relationship between politics and gender, including how men and women see the role of government differently and the myth of the “pink vote.”
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Celiac Disease and the Gluten-Free Lifestyle
What is celiac disease? Why have rates of celiac disease been rising in the U.S.? Are gluten-free diets good for everybody? Join Caroline and Cristen as they take a closer look at celiac disease and gluten-free diets.
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Can you be friends with an ex?
After a romance fail, should you stay friends with an ex? Studies show that most people attempt post-romantic friendships -- but how does it work out? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore some guidelines for pursuing friendships with exes.
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Why should men save women’s lives?
In the Aurora, Co. shooting, some men sacrificed their lives to save women. Is this misguided chivalry or bona fide heroism? Are men the more expendable gender? Tune in to learn more about heroism and gender with Cristen and Caroline.
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Is ‘baby fever’ real?
Why do some women get a sudden, irrational longing for a baby? Do men get ‘baby fever’? Join Cristen and Caroline as they examine the telltale signs of ‘baby fever.’
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Why are humans helpful?
Are men or women more cooperative? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen explore the science of cooperation, including how selfishness evolutionarily bred cooperation.
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Does donating clothes do more harm than good?
Where do our clothes end up when we donate them? (hint: Africa) In fact, donated and discarded clothing may be the #1 American export. Tune in to learn how donated clothes from the West are destroying local textile industries in developing countries
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Summer Shorts: The Real Cathy Comic
Who invented the Cathy comic strip, and how does she compare to Cathy, the comic character? Does Cathy leave behind a positive or negative record for females in the comic industry? Listen in for the answers to these questions and more.
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Summer Book Club: Erotica
It may come as a surprise to some, but “50 Shades of Grey” isn’t all that taboo. In this Summer Short, Cristen and Caroline discuss several classic erotica titles and whether BDSM themes are bad for women.
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Summer Shorts: Freckles
It's summer, and some folks are sprouting freckles left and right. But what are freckles anyway? How does sunlight produce them? Tune in to learn more about freckles, including the difference between freckles and moles.
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Summer Book Club: Banned Books
What are the most commonly banned books? In this episode, Cristen and Caroline read between the (banned) lines of history, from a legal timeline of book banning to the primary reasons books are banned in the first place: sex, language and the occult.
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Summer Shorts: Summer Camp
Did you know that summer camp started to toughen up “weakly boys” before it became popular with kids across the nation? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen recount the history of U.S. summer camps, from the early days to modern specialty summer camps.
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Where do temper tantrums come from?
Everyone's familiar with these unpleasant outbursts, but where do they actually come from? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen examine the science of toddler and teenage temper tantrums, along with tips on tantrum prevention.
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Summer shorts: Pricey swimsuits
Why do itsy bitsy bikinis cost so much for so little cloth? Join Cristen and Caroline as they look at the average women’s swimsuit price, the life cycle of a swimsuit and more.
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Do politics determine who we date?
Studies have found that couples are more likely to share political views than personality traits, and people are more willing to share their weight than political affiliations online. Are political views a romantic deal-breaker? Tune in to find out.
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Summer Shorts: Jock Straps
Who invented the jock strap? How do the physics of jock straps work? How many varieties of jock strap exist, and are there any alternatives? In this episode, Cristen and Caroline recount a brief history of the jock strap.
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Why can’t a majority of minority kids swim?
70 percent of African American kids can’t swim and are nearly three times more likely to drown. But why? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen examine pre-Civil Rights racism at the swimming pool, 'white flight' from municipal pools and more.
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Summer Shorts: Lifeguards
Lifeguards work at pools and coasts around the world, but where do they come from? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen dive into the world of lifeguards, from the history of lifeguarding to discrimination, the global impact of ‘Baywatch’ and more.
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Where did manic pixie dream girls come from?
The manic pixie dream girl is certainly a memorable film trope, and numerous movies feature these characters. But where do they come from, and where are the manic pixie dream guys? Tune in as Caroline and Cristen explore manic pixies and film.
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Summer Shorts: Nude Beaches
Why are Germans so fond of nude sunbathing? How did Heinrich Pudor become the father of nudism? Where are the world's best nude beaches? Listen in to learn more about nude beaches.
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Could a pill cure obesity?
It's true: the FDA has approved 2 new anti-obesity drugs. But when did the medical community begin treating obesity as a chronic disease? Listen in to learn more about obesity medication -- including why anti-obesity drugs like fenphen failed in the past.
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Summer Shorts: Vajazzling
What is vajazzling, and why did women start gluing crystals on their bikini lines? Does vajazzling pose health risks? And what about the male equivalent -- pejazzling? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the unique body art known as vajazzling.
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Man Boobs 101
What is gynecomastia? Believe it or not, man boobs are a normal part of male adolescent development. In this episode, Cristen and Caroline investigate man boob bullying and the psychological impact of gynecomastia.
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Where did gypsies come from?
Does “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding” accurately portray gypsy/traveler culture? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen examine the not-so-simple history of gypsies, as well as the culture of gypsies in the United States.
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Are working moms happier?
In this episode, Cristen and Caroline look at mothers across the employment spectrum, exploring how the ‘Mommy Wars’ pit working moms against non-working moms. Listen in to learn more about working moms -- and why part-time employed moms are the happiest.
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Digging Up Women Archaeologists
Where are the women in archaeology? What is the ‘Indiana Jones effect'? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the lives of Agatha Christie and other notable women in archaeology.
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How Rehab Works
Every year, a few celebrities take a trip to the Betty Ford Clinic -- but who was Betty Ford? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen explore the mainstreaming of drug/alcohol rehab programs, as well as the odds of relapsing after rehab.
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Are women more prone to addiction?
Did you know that female addiction tends to “telescope,” intensifying more quickly than male addiction? Doctors are just now understanding sex differences in substance abuse and addiction behaviors. Listen in to learn more about estrogen and addiction.
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What are SlutWalks?
SlutWalks have drawn a lot of attention -- but what are they? What is the etymology of “slut,” and should women reclaim it? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the history of SlutWalk activism, along with controversy surrounding the movement.
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Uncomfortable Histories of High School Prom
In 2012, U.S. parents will spend $1,087 to send their child to prom. It's a big business, but how did it get started? Caroline and Cristen recount the checkered past of the prom, including racial segregation, sexual discrimination and the ACLU.
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When should parents talk to their kids about sex?
Does “the talk” make a difference in teen sexual behavior? Is it true that 40% of adolescents get “the talk” after they’ve engaged in sexual intercourse? How should parents talk about sex with LGBT youth? Tune in for more with Cristen and Caroline.
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Q&A with Heterosexuality Historian Hanne Blank
In this episode, Hanne Blank discusses her new book, “Straight: A Surprisingly Brief History of Heterosexuality." The term “heterosexual” was coined in 1868. Tune in to learn more about heterosexuality and the development of the American middle class.
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Are introverts undervalued?
Susan Cain's book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” has generated a surge of interest in introverts. But are introverts getting a fair shake? Join Caroline and Cristen as they take a closer look at introversion.
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Beyond Bake Sales: A History of the PTA
In this episode, Caroline and Cristen look back on the history of U.S. public education and the Progressive Era. PTA began with the 1897 formation of the National Congress of Mothers. So what’s the difference between the PTA and PTOs? Tune in to find out.
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Why do we paint our nails?
Nail polish sales have skyrocketed since 2011, and historically nail polish and colors denoted class from ancient China to Victorian England. Tune in to learn how Revlon turned modified auto paint into a billion-dollar beauty industry.
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When did women start running marathons?
On April 16th, 1972, women were finally allowed to run in the Boston Marathon. (Amateur rules prohibited women from running until research proved that it wouldn’t ruin their wombs.) Join Caroline and Cristen as they take a look at women and marathons.
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Can you judge a book by its cover?
It's no secret that first impressions count for a lot, but how does the science of first impressions actually work? Listen in to learn more about how people judge first impressions -- and whether these judgments are accurate.
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The Potty Politics of Public Restrooms
Public restrooms are loaded with politics. Did you know that public restrooms were originally intended for men only? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the strange history of public restrooms, touching on potty parity laws, civil rights and more.
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Lady Pilots: Beyond Amelia Earhart
While Amelia Earhart might be the world's most famous female aviator, she's certainly not the only one. In this episode, Cristen and Caroline take a closer look at the astonishing stories of female pilot pioneers, along with the impact of Amelia Earhart.
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Where did spring break come from?
The origin of spring break dates back to a Colgate University swim coach, and Fort Lauderdale was the first spring break capitol. Tune in to learn more about spring break, along with the relationship between spring break and sexual health.
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Do age gaps matter in romantic relationships?
A typical U.S. couple will have an age gap of 2.3 years -- but this wasn't always the case. Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the average age gap, May-December relationships and the ultimate question: How large is too large of an age gap?
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Does birth control promote promiscuity?
In this episode, Cristen and Caroline examine the relationship birth control and perceptions of promiscuity. Learn more about how birth control historically affected the outlook on premarital sex, and what happens when the cost of birth control rises.
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Is yoga bad for your body?
How did yoga become popular in the U.S.? In this episode, Cristen and Caroline take a closer look at the health benefits and physical risks of practicing yoga. Tune in to learn more.
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Does airbrushing damage body image?
The United Kingdom has regulations against airbrushing in advertising, and the American Medical Association has an anti-airbrushing warning -- so how bad can airbrushing be? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the history of photo manipulation.
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‘Hooker Teacher’ to Activist: A Talk with Melissa Petro
Cristen and Caroline talk to Melissa Petro, sex worker activist who retired from the New York City public school system after the media publicized her past work as a stripper and Craigslist sex worker. Petro talks to Stuff Mom Never Told You about how she’s managed life since the scandal, the difference between consensual sex work and sex trafficking and why retiring from prostitution or escort work isn’t as easy as people might think.
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Are gay households more egalitarian?
Studies have shown that the division of household labor is far from equal in most heterosexual domestic relationships -- but what about same-sex couples? Tune in as Cristen and Caroline explore the differences between labor division in these two groups.
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Are women better peacemakers?
Do women make better peacemakers? Join Cristen and Caroline as they examine the influence women have played in the peacemaking process and gender differences in conflict resolution.
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Who’s the richest woman in the world?
Today's world is full of billionaires -- and they're not all men. Join Cristen and Caroline as they look at the state of women’s global wealth, ultimately asking: Will a woman ever become the richest person in the world? Tune in to learn more.
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Does women’s wrestling deserve more respect?
Olympic women’s wrestling started in 2004, and interest in the sport has grown since. Tune in as Caroline and Cristen look at the women of WWE wrestling, as well as the Cholitas, Bolivia’s beloved women wrestlers,
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Women’s Boxing: From Sideshows to the Main Event
The 2012 Summer Olympics mark the official debut of women’s boxing, and fans have been waiting anxiously. In this episode, Caroline and Cristen explore the history of women’s boxing, along with gender dynamics at the gym and inside the ring.
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Who fakes orgasms?
How many people have actually faked an orgasm? How have cultural perceptions of orgasms changed over time? Join Cristen and Caroline as they cut past the cultural baggage and get to the facts behind sex and orgasms.
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Are gendered toys bad for boys and girls?
The launch of a new Lego line specifically for girls brings up the question of gender neutral toys. Should there be different toys for boys and girls?
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How do children fare in foster care?
As of 2009, there were about 423,773 children in foster care in the U.S. While some children may return to their original families, some are adopted and others simply age out of the system. Learn more about foster care with Cristen and Caroline.
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Are there hidden costs to that Valentine's bouquet?
As Valentine's Day approaches, Cristen and Caroline take a closer look at floriography and the meaning of flowers. Where do Valentine's bouquets come from? What's it like for women working in the flower industry? Tune in to learn more.
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Do doctors listen to women?
Do doctors listen to female patients? Women often complain of doctors not taking symptoms seriously, and patient-doctor mistrust is nothing new. Tune in to learn more about this relationship, including how stress influences a female patient's diagnosis.
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Why does my hoo-ha hurt?
What is vulvodynia? How many women suffer from vulvodynia? How do vulvodynia treatments work? Tune in to learn more in this episode.
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Are bromances better than female friendships?
Are there gender differences in friendship patterns? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore famous bromances throughout history, as well as challenges to making man friends. Tune in to learn more about bromances.
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Are female friendships more fraught with frenemies?
In this episode, Cristen and Caroline explore the etymology of the term "frenemy," the psychology of female friendships and women's evolutionary tendencies toward cultivating friendships. Tune in to learn more.
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Are soft drinks killing us?
Could a 1-cent soft drink tax really save millions of lives? What are the health impacts of drinking soda? Are diet soft drinks better for you? Join Cristen and Caroline as they look at the relationship between soft drinks and health.
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Do men or women exercise more?
Sure, men and women have different exercise motivations -- but which group exercises more? Join Caroline and Cristen as they look at gender and exercise, from why single men exercise more than anyone else to why men’s exercise pays off more than women’s.
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A DIY Guide to Martha Stewart
How did Martha Stewart get her start? How did she lose -- and recover -- her reputation and wealth? Is Martha Stewart good for women? Tune in for the answers to these questions and more.
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Is there a normal pregnancy weight gain?
How much weight do women gain during pregnancy? What exactly is pregnorexia? Is it true that men can gain pregnancy weight, too? Join Caroline and Cristen as they take a closer look at pregnancy and weight gain.
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A SMNTY Chat With Grammar Girl
In this episode, Cristen and Caroline interview Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl. Listen in to learn if men and women pay attention to grammar differently, and if it's acceptable to refer to women as girls.
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Where do imaginary friends come from?
Are imaginary playthings friends or foes for child development? Psychologists have studied imaginary friends since the 1800s, and they've come to some fascinating conclusions. Tune in to learn more about imaginary friends.
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Who invented the thong?
Whether or not you're a fan of thongs, there's no denying that they attract attention. But where did these flimsy strings come from? Join Caroline and Cristen as they look into the origin of one of humanity's most controversial pieces of clothing.
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Is one the loneliest number?
Do people without siblings differ from the rest of the human race? Tune in as Caroline and Cristen look at the fiction -- and facts -- surrounding our stereotypes of only children.
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Do more men pass the psychopath test?
What exactly is the psychopath test? Are there really gender differences in psychopathy? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen explore the process of diagnosing psychopaths -- and whether your gender affects your chances of passing the psychopath test.
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Why do we pierce our bodies?
What is the history of ear and body piercing? How does the underground sexual culture of piercing work? What does Alicia Silverstone have to do with the popularization of belly button piercing? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore body piercing.
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Is the ‘man flu’ real?
Do men complain more about being sick? Do women have stronger immune systems? Who takes the most sick days? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the facts -- and fiction -- surrounding popular opinions on gender and illness.
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Who were the flappers?
Who were flappers? Were flappers feminists? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen take a closer look at the iconic women known as flappers, touching on everything from Zelda Fitzgerald to flapper fashion.
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What do kids learn from sex ed today?
In the second part of this series, Cristen and Caroline explore the differences between comprehensive and abstinence-only sex ed. Does abstinence-only sex ed work? How is sex ed handled at home? Listen in for the answers to these questions and more.
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Where did Sex Ed come from?
Sex education is controversial in U.S. schools, but how did it begin? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen delve into the history of U.S. sex education, tracing the emergence of abstinence-only sex education and the federal cost of these programs.
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Were mediums the first feminists?
What are mediums, and what did they have to do with the early suffragists? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the role of women in the spiritualist movement and divine its connections to feminism in this episode.
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Why are more female spies hiding out on TV?
How have women's roles in spy film and TV changed over time? Join Cristen and Caroline as they take a look back at the history of the spy genre and famous fictional female spies.
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Are women more anxiety-prone than men?
What's the difference between stress and anxiety? Why are women diagnosed with clinical anxiety twice as often as men? Join Caroline and Cristen as they take a look at how men and women's brains process stress and anxiety differently.
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Does male bisexuality exist?
Several years ago, a study from Northwestern University argued that male bisexuality doesn't exist. Strangely enough, a new study from the same university contradicted the first. Is there a social stigma adding to the controversy? Tune in to learn more.
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Do Human Pheromones Exist?
What are pheromones, exactly? Do they affect levels of attraction in humans? Listen in as Caroline and Cristen explore the science behind pheromone myths, and why pheromones don't work for humans.
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Why do breakup songs hurt so good?
Almost everyone has a breakup song -- but why? In this episode, Cristen and Caroline explain how we process emotional rejection as physical pain and why music has an analgesic effect. Tune in to learn more (including which breakup songs may be the best).
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Does Stress Make You Go Gray?
Despite folk wisdom, stress doesn’t gray your hair. In this episode, Caroline and Cristen explain why you should blame gray hair on your parents, genes and health.
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A Fabulous History of Drag Queens
Where did drag originate? Where does it fit within the queer community? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the history of drag -- along with the stories of some notable drag queens -- in this episode.
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Why are romance novels so popular?
Believe it or not, romance novels are the best-selling fiction genre. Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the common romance novel heroes, heroines and themes, ultimately asking what romance novels tell us about female arousal.
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HPV vaccine update
The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most commonly transmitted sexually-transmitted disease, and researchers have noted a rise in HPV-related cancers. Is the HPV vaccine safe and effective? Listen in to learn more about HPV.
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Halloween Slasher Spectacular!
Do slasher films glorify sex and violence toward women? What is the "final girl" archetype, and what can we learn from other slasher film tropes? Join Caroline and Cristen as they delve into the evolution of the slasher film genre.
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Trailblazing Lesbians You Should Know
Guess what? Awesome, history-making lesbians aren’t limited Ellen and Rachel Maddow. This episode covers famous lesbians you might not know about, but should and also asks if it's harder to be openly gay and female in the professional and public spheres.
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Does birth control affect future fertility?
Do oral contraceptives make it harder to get pregnant down the road? Do IUDs increase pregnancy risks? Does abortion endanger long-term fertility? Tune in for the answers to these questions (and more) in this episode.
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Women on TV
Are women the new misogynists on fall TV? Has the portrayal of women on television improved? Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the state of women in front of -- and behind -- the camera.
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History of The Playboy Club
The first Playboy Club opened in 1960. Waitresses called “bunnies” earned up to $1,000 per week, and the club aimed for a certain cachet. Yet when Gloria Steinem went undercover as a bunny she called it deplorable. So what happened? Tune in to find out.
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Is Masturbation Good For You?
In this follow-up to the earlier masturbation episode, Cristen and Caroline investigate the pros and cons of masturbation. Does it threaten relationships? What happens when masturbation provokes jealousy in relationships? Tune in to find out.
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Masturbation by the Numbers
Masturbation can be a sensitive subject, and many people are uncomfortable asking questions about the practice. For example: Do men masturbate more than women? Is there an evolutionary explanation for masturbation? Tune in to learn more.
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The Singlehood Stigma
More people are delaying or avoiding marriage, and also raising children outside of wedlock. Are single people penalized? Join Cristen and Caroline as they look at the statistics and explain why single women over 25 are the most stigmatized.
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Should we be scared of soy?
Researchers have reached conflicting findings about the potential health impacts of soy phytoestrogens, including the relationship between soy, breast cancer and testosterone. But what does it all mean? Join Cristen and Caroline to learn more about soy.
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How Pickup Artists Work
What are pickup artists, exactly? In this podcast, Caroline and Cristen explore the practices, tactics and theories behind pickup artistry. Tune in to learn more about the pros and cons of pickup artistry.
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What is vagina dentata?
People have been talking about vaginas with teeth for ages, and folktales about vagina dentata can be found across the globe. But why? Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the psychology behind vagina dentata, castration anxiety and more.
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Why do men have nipples?
Why haven’t males evolved to not have nipples? Many newborns lactate “witches milk” soon after birth. Can men lactate? Listen in as Cristen and Caroline tackle these questions and more in this episode.
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Child Beauty Pageants and Baby Parades
Child pageants started in Britain with the May Queen Festival. Before child beauty pageants, baby parades were all the rage. Are beauty pageants unhealthy for child contestants? Tune in to learn more.
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Who are the dancing boys of Afghanistan?
Dancing boys perform at weddings across Afghanistan, but their dances are only part of their occupation. Bacha bazi, or “boy play,” is a form of sexual slavery. Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore the effects bacha bazi has on Afghan society.
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A History of Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy tests have a colorful history tracing back to 1350 BC -- and, as you might imagine, the methods have varied greatly over the centuries. In this episode, Caroline and Cristen look at the history of pregnancy tests.
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What is your voice saying about you?
Why do men have Adam's apples? What determines the pitch of your voice? What deepens men's voices? Tune in as Caroline and Cristen get to the bottom of what makes your voice sound the way it does -- and what it says about you -- in this episode.
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Women in Science: They Exist!
Why don't more women pursue science careers? Join Caroline and Cristen as they look at 4 female scientists you've probably never heard of, including Rita Levi-Montalcini and more.
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Child Marriage: Buying and Selling Brides
Child marriage usually occurs in poor, rural communities. The brides are often betrothed to older men, sometimes even before they're born. In this episode, Caroline and Cristen explore the social and economic roots of this practice. Tune in to learn more.
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Women's Intuition: Myth or Reality?
Studies show men are just as intuitive as women, so why does folklore disagree? Does women’s intuition really exist? Do women have higher emotional intelligence? Join Caroline and Cristen as they take a closer look at the nature of intuition.
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The Long and Short of Women's Height
In a previous episode, Cristen and Caroline focused on how height affects men. This episode explores the research on women and height -- and, unfortunately, it's not all good news. Tune in to learn more about how height can affect women.
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Are taller men more desirable?
Why are men taller than women? Are taller men more attractive? Do tall people make more money? Join Caroline and Cristen as they tackle some of the recurring questions surrounding height, gender and society.
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Madams: Wealthy Women of the West
Madams who ran brothels in the West were some of the wealthiest in the U.S., and running a brothel gave Victorian era women financial independence and social clout. Join Caroline and Cristen to learn more about notable madams.
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Female Freaks: Sideshows, Circuses and Stripteases
P.T. Barnum popularized freak shows in the U.S. The most popular freaks were those with disabilities who could perform everyday tasks. Tune in to learn more about the relationship between female freaks, beauty pageant contestants and striptease dancers.
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Mermaids in Myth and Real Life
So what is a mermaid, exactly, and where do all the mermaid legends come from? Join Caroline and Cristen as they delve into mermaid mythology from around the world, alleged mermaid sightings and more.
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Male Birth Control: Are We There Yet?
How will male birth control work? It might not be a hypothetical question for much longer. Join Caroline and Cristen as they explore the current research and latest breakthroughs in male birth control, including how it differs from female birth control.
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Bag the Douche
Historically advertised as a sanitary process, douching has become increasingly controversial. In this episode, Caroline and Cristen take a closer look at the facts surrounding douching -- and why it isn't as near as healthy as some might believe.
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Are rebound relationships unhealthy?
Rebounding has a negative stigma, but could they be good for you? Perhaps! Psychologists say rebounding could be especially good for attachment personality types, and there may be an odd correlation between cheating and rebounding.
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Did cowgirls get the boot from history?
Cowboys are an iconic part of American history, but what about cowgirls? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen hit the history books to discover the stories of real-life cowgirls. Tune in to learn whether cowgirls got the boot from history.
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Can women be aggressive in dating?
It's no secret that most cultures have fairly defined cultural roles assigned to each gender. This is especially apparent in the dating scene, where men are often assumed to be the aggressive party. But why? Tune in to learn more about dating and society.
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Who was the first woman to run for president?
Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to own a Wall Street firm, speak before Congress and run for president. However, her press wasn’t always positive and suffragists of the time distanced themselves from her. Tune in to learn more.
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Do female astronauts have the right stuff?
When Kennedy announced the lunar missions, several women hoped to make the trip. The women of Mercury 13 excelled at physical testing yet weren't allowed to work at NASA. Why? Tune in as Molly and Cristen explore the lives and work of female astronauts.
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Why do women become suicide bombers?
Most acts of terrorism are carried out by men, but more and more women are becoming suicide bombers. Join Cristen and Molly as they explore the causes of this trend, why women commit to these causes and how their reasons may differ from those of men.
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Why do women remove their hair down there?
Why do women spend so much time and money removing the hair down there? Is it because of men, the media, or personal preference? Join Molly and Cristen as they travel back in time to find out women’s preferences for pubic hair removal through history.
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Should Dads be in the delivery room?
A French obstetrician believes that men in the delivery room hinder their partner's laboring process. Is it possible that men don’t need or want to be there? Join Cristen and Molly to learn more about dads in delivery rooms.
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Do we marry our parents?
Studies show that people often rank faces that resemble their parents as more attractive than other faces. Is this creepy, or can we pick up on clues about who will make a good parent by relying on our own parents as guides? Listen in to find out.
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Should you sell or donate your breast milk?
While some mothers throw away extra breast milk, there are tons of other options. Breast milk banks test donors and sell bottled milk to hospitals. Other women prefer to donate it to someone in their community or sell it on the web. Tune in to learn more.
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