Stuff Mom Never Told You
Episodes
Advice Columns: From Dear Abby to Dan Savage
13 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 exami...
Advice Columns: The Early Years
11 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 ar...
Pole Dancing Beyond the Strip Club
06 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 Cris...
Should animal testing be outlawed?
04 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Why are more women paying for designer vaginas?
25 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Vaginoplasty, labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation are today's hottest new plastic surgeries. So what does a normal vagina look like? Tune in to learn...
Black Women at the Oscars
20 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 Os...
Are young women ruining American speech?
18 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 young...
Public Displays of Affection Politics
13 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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? A...
How did Henrietta Lacks revolutionize modern medicine?
06 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Did the medical community wrongfully exploit the Lacks family? Listen in to learn how John Hopkins Hospital got a hold of Henrietta Lacks' "immortal" ...
Why are some girls called tomboys?
30 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Why do people buy into fitness fads?
28 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 fitn...
Domestic Service from Downton Abbey to Today
23 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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. Tun...
What happens at the gynecologist's office?
21 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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...
What is the Cult of New Domesticity?
16 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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...
A Sweaty History of the American Gym
14 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 mor...
How Testosterone Works
09 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
How does this muscle-building hormone act in the body? What's the relationship between testosterone and masculinity? Does testosterone fuel aggression...
Mother-in-Law or Monster-in-Law?
02 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
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 doe...
Do New Year's resolutions work?
31 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Humans have made New Year's resolutions for millennia - and had a terrible time sticking to them. So, great expectations aside, why do most resolution...
Is foodie culture the new art?
26 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Is food the new sex?
21 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
How much is virginity worth?
19 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What's the deal with virginity auctions? Why is virginity associated with both sacredness and stigma, especially for women? Is virginity a valueless c...
Should we ignore food expiration dates?
17 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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...
UTIs 101
12 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 u...
Does the rhythm method work?
10 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Is dieting antifeminist?
05 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Friendzone
03 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 friendz...
Gender and Internet Trolling
28 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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, Carolin...
What is Empty Nest Syndrome?
26 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
What's with the interest in Pinterest?
21 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Why are interracial marriages on the rise?
19 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks to sociocultural evolution, interracial marriage is increasingly common. Join Cristen and Caroline as they explore Loving v. Virginia, why worr...
How Hormones Affect Obesity
14 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Are hormones to blame for the obesity epidemic? Join Cristen and Caroline as they unravel the facts surrounding obesity, from genetic predispositions ...
Where do all the bobby pins go?
12 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Does Queen Bee Syndrome exist?
07 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Queen Bee Syndrome was coined in the 1970s to describe terrible lady bosses, yet recent research challenges the notion of Queen Bee Syndrome. Listen i...
Why do some kids take care of adults?
05 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
There are 1.4 million child caregivers in the United States -- but what kinds of caregiving responsibilities do these kids shoulder? Listen in to lear...
Can you have sex with a ghost?
31 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Can you have sex while pregnant?
29 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 att...
Where did the crazy cat lady stereotype come from?
24 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Sleepwalking Works
17 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Who sleepwalks the most? Kids. In this episode, Cristen and Caroline explore the odd world of sleep behaviors, including sleep-related eating disorder...
How long should you wait to have sex after meeting someone?
15 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 (an...
Is the NFL scoring with women?
10 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
How is the NFL courting female (American) football fans? Are female football fans marginalized? How is the NFL targeting football merchandise and mark...
What is femmephobia?
08 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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...
At what age can a girl start wearing makeup?
03 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
A Special History of Afterschool Specials
01 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Why did ABC launch its Afterschool Specials programming? What were the hot topics in Afterschool Specials (and how did Degrassi do it better)? Join Cr...
A Slumber Party Podcast on Sleepovers
26 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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? A...
What is uterine prolapse?
24 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Why are breasts different sizes?
19 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Are asymmetrical breasts abnormal? Is there a correlation between uneven breasts and nursing? Is there a relationship between breast asymmetry and bre...
Who is Pussy Riot?
17 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Why is everyone talking about this Russian feminist punk band? Does symbolic solidarity with Pussy Riot make any difference? Does Pussy Riot enjoy mor...
What is body dysmorphic disorder?
10 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 B...
Do people have unique scentprints?
05 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How Matchmakers Work
03 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
How do matchmakers help people find love? Who hires matchmakers and how much do they cost? Are matchmakers successful? The answers might surprise you....
Do lucky charms work? (Or, Are women more superstitious?)
29 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Are men or women more superstitious? Why do people practice superstitious behaviors? Are positive superstitions, i.e. lucky charms, actually helpful? ...
Why do some people hurt themselves on purpose?
27 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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-in...
Are women better at car shopping?
22 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How Homeschooling Works
20 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Cristen was homeschooled. What was that like? Why and how do people homeschool their kids? Is homeschooling as effective as traditional schooling? Lis...
Do men and women vote differently?
15 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 gen...
Celiac Disease and the Gluten-Free Lifestyle
13 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Can you be friends with an ex?
08 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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?...
Why should men save women's lives?
06 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 expenda...
Is 'baby fever' real?
01 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
Why are humans helpful?
30 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Are men or women more cooperative? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen explore the science of cooperation, including how selfishness evolutionarily ...
Does donating clothes do more harm than good?
25 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 lear...
Summer Shorts: The Real Cathy Comic
23 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Summer Book Club: Erotica
18 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 er...
Summer Shorts: Freckles
16 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Summer Book Club: Banned Books
11 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 bo...
Summer Shorts: Summer Camp
09 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Where do temper tantrums come from?
04 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone's familiar with these unpleasant outbursts, but where do they actually come from? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen examine the science o...
Summer Shorts: Pricey Swimsuits
02 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 cyc...
Do politics determine whom we date?
27 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Studies have found that couples are more likely to share political views than personality traits, and people are more willing to share their weight th...
Summer Shorts: Jock Straps
25 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
Segregation at the Swimming Pool
20 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Seventy 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 ex...
Summer Shorts: Lifeguards
18 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 lifegu...
Where did manic pixie dream girls come from?
13 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Summer Shorts: Nude Beaches
11 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Could a pill cure obesity?
06 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
It's true: The FDA has approved two new anti-obesity drugs. But when did the medical community begin treating obesity as a chronic disease? Listen in ...
Summer Shorts: Vajazzling
04 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What is vajazzling, and why did women start gluing crystals on their bikini lines? Does vajazzling pose health risks? And what about the male equivale...
Man Boobs 101
30 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What is gynecomastia? Believe it or not, man boobs are a normal part of male adolescent development. In this episode, Cristen and Caroline investigate...
Where did gypsies come from?
28 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Does "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" accurately portray gypsy/traveler culture? In this episode, Caroline and Cristen examine the not-so-simple history of ...
Are working moms happier?
23 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Cristen and Caroline look at mothers across the employment spectrum, exploring how the 'Mommy Wars' pit working moms against non-work...
Digging Up Women Archaeologists
21 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 oth...
How Rehab Works
16 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 mainst...
Are women more prone to addiction?
14 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that female addiction tends to "telescope," intensifying more quickly than male addiction? Doctors are just now understanding sex differe...
What are SlutWalks?
09 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Uncomfortable Histories of High School Prom
07 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
In 2012, U.S. parents will spend $1,087 to send their children to prom. It's a big business, but how did it get started? Caroline and Cristen recount ...
When should parents talk to their kids about sex?
02 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Does "the talk" make a difference in teen sexual behavior? Is it true that 40 percent of adolescents get "the talk" after they've already engaged in s...
Q&A with Heterosexuality Historian Hanne Blank
30 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Hanne Blank discusses her new book, "Straight: A Surprisingly Brief History of Heterosexuality." The term "heterosexual" was coined i...
Are introverts undervalued?
25 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 introve...
Beyond Bake Sales: A History of the PTA
23 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Why do we paint our nails?
18 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Nail polish sales have skyrocketed since 2011, and historically nail polish and colors denoted class from ancient China to Victorian England. Tune in ...
When did women start running marathons?
16 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
On April 16th, 1972, women were finally allowed to run in the Boston Marathon. (Amateur rules prohibited women from running until research proved that...
Can you judge a book by its cover?
11 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Potty Politics of Public Restrooms
09 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Public restrooms are loaded with politics. Did you know that public restrooms were originally intended for men only? Join Caroline and Cristen as they...
Lady Pilots: Beyond Amelia Earhart
04 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Where did spring break come from?
02 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 mor...
Do age gaps matter in romantic relationships?
28 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Does birth control promote promiscuity?
26 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Cristen and Caroline examine the relationship birth control and perceptions of promiscuity. Learn more about how birth control histor...
Is yoga bad for your body?
21 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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 practic...
Does airbrushing damage body image?
19 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
The United Kingdom has regulations against airbrushing in advertising, and the American Medical Association has an anti-airbrushing warning -- so how ...
'Hooker Teacher' to Activist: A Talk with Melissa Petro
14 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Are gay households more egalitarian?
12 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Studies have shown that the division of household labor is far from equal in most heterosexual domestic relationships -- but what about same-sex coupl...