Keep it in the Family: Incest as a Storytelling Device

Why is one German tree considered to be the Cupid of Europe? Once upon a time a clandestine love led to a ritual that rivals the dating apps of today. From its centuries-old roots to love under the leaves, this feel-good tale of a tree is a testament to the real romantics out there. Modern courtship could use a little more nature, and thanks to its postal address, there is a charming and whimsical way to reach out to prospective connections via a knothole far, far away in the forest. Send your love note to:The Bride and Groom OakWaldstraße 104808 ZschernitzGermany Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder why some of the best stories make you say, “Oh no… please don’t do that” before immediately leaning in closer?From ancient mythology to modern prestige television, this taboo theme has been used to explore power, fate, trauma, and the unraveling of societies. In this episode, we trace its use from the tragedies of Greek myth to the shocking twists of contemporary cinema, unpacking why writers continue to return to this most controversial of narrative tools. Is it just for shock value, or is there something deeper at play? Join us to hear more about storytelling’s most infamous forbidden fruit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the secret to unlocking new dimensions of reality is simply letting your mind wander? Dive into the Default Mode Network (DMN)—the brain’s backstage crew, working away when there's no specific demand on it. Don’t be fooled—while it might seem it's like “doing nothing,” the DMN is busy with some of your brain’s most important work. We’ll dive into how this network influences creativity, self-reflection, and even your very sense of reality. From meditation to daydreaming, this episode uncovers how quiet moments in our minds might just be the key to accessing new perspectives. Get ready to rethink what “doing nothing” really means, and how it might be the gateway to unlocking your brain’s hidden potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One minute, you’re smitten. The next, you’re watching someone pronounce “salmon” with the L and wondering how fast you can escape. This week, Bryde teaches Jeremie all about “the ick”—that sudden, irrational wave of disgust that can turn attraction into repulsion in an instant. Where does it come from? Is it evolutionary self-protection or just our brains being dramatic? From Love Island to TikTok trends, we explore how the ick has evolved, its connection to cringe, and why it might be keeping modern daters single. Plus, a rapid-fire game of “Ick or Red Flag?” that will have you questioning everything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you think modern dating is complicated, try navigating love, lust, and leeches in the Middle Ages. In this episode, Bryde takes Jer on a deep (and sometimes horrifying) dive into medieval sexuality, from bizarre birth control methods (weasel testicles, anyone?) to the church’s very strong opinions on sex positions. We explore the rise of shame, the fall of hygiene, and why monks were doodling dirty jokes in the margins of sacred texts. Plus, a pop quiz on medieval myths—did too much sex really make your eyes move further apart? Saddle up, sip some historically suspect contraceptive wine, and prepare for a wild ride through the sex lives of the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is post-sex affection the secret to long-term relationship satisfaction? In this final installment of Carnal Knowledge, we dive into the power of aftercare with resident expert Anna. From cuddles to heartfelt conversations, discover why those tender moments after intimacy matter more than you might think. Anna breaks down fascinating research linking aftercare to stronger bonds, better sex, and lasting relationship happiness—even for busy parents. Plus, hilarious tangents on dishwasher debates and the quirks of cohabitation keep things playful. As Anna bids farewell to pursue her studies in sex-positive therapy, this episode wraps up her journey with warmth, wisdom, and lots of laughs.Link to study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24777441/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A compliment can be a real can of worms. Even a well intentioned compliment can set off a chain of emotional and psychological outcomes for a person, and this week the hosts sort out the reasons why that may be. Citing a well researched bbc.com article called “Why it’s so hard for some people to accept compliments” (Christine Ro, April 2024), Jeremie and Bryde discuss the impact of cultural and behavioural factors on the subject and have come up with some best and worst practices when it comes to compliments. Listen with some reassurance that if you’re “bad at taking compliments”, you should probably just not worry about it. For a deeper look, check out the article here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Puberty is a horrendous time when you don’t know what the fuck is happening to your body, mind, and worldview. Remember the tortuous days of sitting out of gym class because there was a pad in your underwear, or getting a nickname because of your body odour?Demetra Malios is an entrepreneur in tech and is the CEO and founder of Pu-berry, a platform offering interactive, gamified, and medically verified education to help young people navigate puberty with confidence. Demi shares the stats and incredible outcome measures of success with this platform, and the kids, schools, and parents who interact with it. She also explains the allure of adorable fruit emojis incentivizing youth to learn what they need to know to better understand themselves and everyone around them. This is knowledge for life!Check it out at puberry.org!Sign-up for Puberry's web app here!Puberry Giveaway!Open until Dec 18th, 2024. Raising Empowering Young Girls Giveaway (Puberry x Penguin Random House Collaboration) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone's horny and sexual function is for every body, AND there are some unique considerations for folks living with disability when it comes to personal pleasure. This week, Anna breaks down a literary review that discusses the historical context for studying sex and disability, as well as the positive aspects and particular challenges to sex positivity. A mind-opening conversation is had about how our misconceptions of what disability feels and looks like may be limiting how we see the sexual identity of others, and even perpetuate it unconsciously. The conversation also covers Jeremie's new nightmare, the Homunculus, as well as a heartwarming anecdote about a real best friend facilitating a sexy session for his buddy. Listen to get smarter. Study:https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/soc4.12508?casa_token=_kvPPo72SpkAAAAA%3A-QXXwUOCX-Ks1YWZ6nzWN2Clkl5o5r36poLp_sm7BNz_pIBsF3FqcyiUE4DZ7ypTVSnTLhN5RtPf-Go Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William A Moore is making (wet) dreams come true by providing penis enhancements that blow the competitors out of the water. Lips, cheeks, butts, boobs, of course there’s also filler for a penis you might want to plump up. Moore chats with the hosts about PhalloFill, a non-invasive procedure using hyaluronic acid to help someone reach their girth goal. They chat about the contraindications (of which there are few), the implications of body dysmorphia as a red flag for treatment, and the importance of choosing safe, reversible options. There are physical, mental, and relational benefits such a procedure can offer and if you love someone who would love to be more of a shower, share this episode. How cozy does it sound to curl up in bed spooning a newly girthy penis? For more: https://phallofill.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.