Stuff Mom Never Told You

Are long-distance relationships doomed?

02 Aug 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Conventional wisdom would suggest that long-distance relationships are doomed to failure, but is that actually the case? Molly and Cristen sift throug...

Does size matter?

28 Jul 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Statistical evidence suggests that men are very preoccupied with the size of their penises. But should they be? In this episode, Molly and Cristen exa...

Do men and women cook differently?

26 Jul 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Traditionally, cooking has been considered a female task. Yet in the professional realm, men predominate. Why? Do men and women cook food differently?...

How has Title IX evolved?

21 Jul 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Although Title IX is now associated with its impact on female athletics in educational arenas, the woman who spurred the law's passage had a different...

Why did Chinese women bind their feet?

19 Jul 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Foot binding is an ancient Chinese practice that was popular for centuries before it was outlawed in 1912. Molly and Cristen take a closer look at thi...

Why do men propose?

14 Jul 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In most modern cultures, it's traditional for men to propose marriage to women. But where did this tradition come from? Should women propose to men? M...

Why are bad boys appealing?

12 Jul 2010

Contributed by Lukas

According to anecdotal evidence and some studies, women are often attracted to "bad boys" -- risk-taking, narcissistic types. Molly and Cristen discus...

What's it like to have a baby in the NICU?

07 Jul 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Molly and Cristen explore how babies are cared for at a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, and share tips for parents with childr...

Condoms, Condoms, Condoms!

05 Jul 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Condoms have a surprisingly long and storied history, as well as lots of fun nicknames! Molly and Cristen take a detailed look at these popular prophy...

Can you die of a broken heart?

30 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Someone who is suffering from emotional stress and pain is said to have a "broken heart," but only in a metaphorical sense. Sometimes, however, the da...

The Sobering History of Women Bartending

28 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Today female bartenders are common across America -- but this wasn't always the case. Join Molly and Cristen as they explore the history of women bart...

Should you consider a prenup?

23 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Prenuptial agreements aren't just the province of celebrities and wealthy people. In this episode, Molly and Cristen take a critical look at prenups a...

Should women own guns?

21 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Gun ownership is most often associated with men, but should women own guns for personal safety? Is gun ownership a feminist issue, or a marketing ploy...

Is there a female equivalent to a bachelor?

16 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

The term "bachelor" is commonly applied to single men, but is there a satisfactory female equivalent? Molly and Cristen discuss various terms that hav...

Do men go through menopause?

14 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Doctors have identified a condition called andropause that affects middle-aged men's moods and hormone levels. It's sometimes referred to as "male men...

Where are the women of Wall Street?

09 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

If there were more women on Wall Street, would the financial crisis have happened? Are women more suited to the world of finance than men, or less? Mo...

Can educating girls save Guatemala?

07 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Inspired by the Stuff You Should Know guys' recent podcasts on Cooperative for Education and breaking the cycle of poverty in Guatemala, Molly and Cri...

Can men and women really be friends?

02 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Popular culture would suggest that heterosexual men and women can't have purely platonic relationships, but is this claim really valid? Molly and Cris...

Is autism underdiagnosed in girls?

31 May 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Autistic spectrum disorders are typically associated with boys, a fact which may make it harder for girls with autism to be diagnosed properly. In thi...

Are men or women better drivers?

26 May 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Molly and Cristen tackle one of the biggest gender stereotypes out there: Men are better drivers than women. Learn more about you...

Boob Politics: The Cleavage Issue

24 May 2010

Contributed by Lukas

There's been a lot of breast-related news lately, from a controversial bra ad to a popular Internet meme. What's the big deal about boobs? Molly and C...

What is male studies?

19 May 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Although men's studies is already an established academic discipline, a new discipline has recently emerged that aims to focus exclusively on the male...

The Not-So-Skimpy History of the Bikini

17 May 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Although they're ubiquitous on today's beaches, bikinis are a far cry from the modest, cumbersome swimming costumes women used to wear. Molly and Cris...

Are there feminist role models in children's literature?

12 May 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Molly and Cristen talk about feminist role models in children's literature, specifically citing three beloved children's series as ex...

Who was Wilma Mankiller?

10 May 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Wilma Mankiller was the first female to be elected Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Molly and Cristen celebrate the life and accomplishments of Mankiller...

What does facial hair say about men?

05 May 2010

Contributed by Lukas

To some, facial hair simply represents a man's style or shaving preferences. But others argue that facial hair symbolizes masculinity. Molly and Crist...

Are political quotas bad for women?

03 May 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Some countries and political parties mandate quotas to help increase female representation in government. But do these quotas truly foster equality an...

Is there a female Viagra?

28 Apr 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Viagra effectively treats male sexual dysfunction, so could a similar drug be developed for women? Molly and Cristen discuss current research on a Via...

What is an Enneagram Personality Test?

26 Apr 2010

Contributed by Lukas

The Enneagram Personality Test evaluates a person's character based on nine different personality types and a geometric figure called an enneagram. Mo...

Is sex addiction real?

21 Apr 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Sex addiction is a term that's bandied about a lot these days, but is it really a disorder? Or just an excuse for cheating? Molly and Cristen examine ...

What do tattoos have to do with feminism?

19 Apr 2010

Contributed by Lukas

What do people think when they see a tattoo on a woman? What do tattoos have to do with feminism? The answers may surprise you. Tune in as Molly and C...

Are there female Freemasons?

14 Apr 2010

Contributed by Lukas

The Freemasons' secretive nature tends to provoke speculation and conspiracy theories, but Molly and Cristen are more interested in the group's gender...

Is androgyny the ideal gender identity?

12 Apr 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Molly and Cristen talk about gender identity as it relates to social and psychological factors -- and whether androgyny is the ideal....

Why have Japanese condom sales dropped?

07 Apr 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Molly and Cristen explore the Japanese subculture of "moe," which entails men forming romantic attachments to 2-D characters, and dis...

Are women really shopaholics?

05 Apr 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Molly and Cristen examine the stereotype that women love to shop and discuss what constitutes a "shopaholic" in this episode. Learn more about your a...

Is Munchausen Syndrome killing children?

31 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Munchausen syndrome is a severe type of factitious disorder, and the victims of this affliction purposely exaggerate or cause health problems. Learn m...

Should my parents pick out my spouse?

29 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Molly and Cristen discuss arranged marriage, from its ancient origins in India to pros and cons of the practice. Learn more about yo...

Should I bank my baby's cord blood?

24 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Like placenta, the blood contained in the umbilical cord isn't always considered a waste product of birth. In this episode, Molly and Cristen discuss ...

What's the scoop on lady poop?

22 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

We all poop, but we're often reluctant to discuss (and sometimes perform) this natural act -- especially women. Molly and Cristen give you the scoop o...

Is body language the first sign of attraction?

17 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Molly and Cristen discuss what studies suggest about body language and initial attraction (and even test out some of the behaviors themselves) in this...

What do SPF numbers mean?

15 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Molly and Cristen demystify the SPF numbers found on sunscreen bottles. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcas...

Does ballet have a diversity problem?

10 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Cristen and Molly discuss the issue of diversity in ballet, past and present -- and the origins of the art form -- in this episode of Stuff Mom Never ...

Is Miss America relevant?

08 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

The popular Miss America pageant has experienced a significant drop in viewership in recent years. Molly and Cristen discuss the history, controversie...

What constitutes an eating disorder?

03 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Molly and Cristen define and discuss the differences between well-established eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia and disorder...

Do mail-order brides still exist?

01 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Mail-order brides may seem like a quaint and old-fashioned concept, but international marriage brokering is big business today. Molly and Cristen expl...

What happens in the brain during an orgasm?

24 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Molly and Cristen break down the science behind orgasms -- and discuss theories about why women have them -- in this episode. Learn more about your a...

Oscar Women Behind the Camera

22 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Inspired by the upcoming Oscars, Cristen and Molly discuss female directors in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpo...

Why are burqas so controversial?

17 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen take a closer look at the burqa, a conceiling body garment worn by Muslim women, and th...

Do guys and gals bully differently?

16 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Both genders can be bullies, but their methods tend to be different. Learn more about female bullying, from the schoolyard to the workplace, in this e...

Do kids need both a mother and a father?

10 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

There's a prevalent belief that children need both a father and a mother for healthy development, but a recent study suggests otherwise. Learn more ab...

Can you get pregnant on your period?

08 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Molly and Cristen dispel the common myth that women can't get pregnant while on their periods and discuss other misconceptions that w...

A Brief History of Women and the Olympics

03 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Molly and Cristen discuss the history of women and the Olympics, from their early exclusion to their nearly equal presence in the upcoming games, in t...

Should mothers eat placenta?

01 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

For some people, placenta isn't just a byproduct of birth to be disposed of. They use it in a variety of ways, including consumption. In this episode,...

Is there a link between dieting and aging?

27 Jan 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Molly and Cristen discuss the phenomenon of dieting -- from early "fad" diets to a possible link between dieting and aging -- in this episode of Stuff...

What should I look for in deodorant?

25 Jan 2010

Contributed by Lukas

For many people, deodorants and antiperspirants are a regular part of their daily hygiene routines. But how do they work? What's the difference betwee...

Do men and women cheat for different reasons?

20 Jan 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen discuss what studies and anecdotal evidence suggest about male and female cheating. Le...

Does birth order determine your personality?

19 Jan 2010

Contributed by Lukas

The conventional wisdom is that birth order has a formative effect on a child's personality, but how does science weigh in? Cristen and Molly explore ...

Can you marry your cousin?

13 Jan 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In the United States, marriage between cousins is a controversial topic, though it is legal in about half the states. Molly and Cristen explore why ma...

How should we measure obesity?

11 Jan 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen take a look at current ways of measuring obesity. They discuss the most common formula,...

Why do women strike out in baseball?

06 Jan 2010

Contributed by Lukas

The first female baseball teams were organized in 1866, yet modern women have only recently started making inroads in professional baseball. Join Moll...

Do men and women gossip differently?

04 Jan 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Gossip is often linked to women and tends to get a bad rap, but in fact, men like to gossip, too. And it's not all bad. Tune in to this episode of Stu...

How CARE is Changing the Lives of Women

30 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Cristen and Molly continue their exploration of CARE, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta. Tune in to learn more the lin...

Why does CARE focus on women?

28 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Cristen and Molly speak with the director for Program Impact at CARE USA. Over the course of numerous humanitarian efforts, CARE has ...

The Women Behind Santa

23 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

It's been said that behind every great man is a great woman, and Santa Claus is no exception. In this episode, Cristen and Molly take a closer look at...

Are nail salons silent killers?

21 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Although they have a relatively safe reputation, nail salons may be silent killers. Listen in as Cristen and Molly examine the hidden dangers of the l...

Do opposites attract?

16 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to relationships, the conventional wisdom is that opposites attract. In this episode, Molly and Cristen explore what genetics, scientifi...

Are Disney princesses good role models?

14 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen discuss Disney princesses -- from the recent merchandising craze to theories about how ...

Does my colon need cleansing?

09 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You (that you probably don't want to listen to while you're eating), Molly and Cristen discuss the colon clean...

Do women make better judges?

07 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In response to the recent appointment of a new female justice to the Supreme Court and some controversial remarks, Molly and Cristen investigate wheth...

How will we have babies in the future?

02 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen ponder baby technology of the future -- from designer babies to robot children. Learn ...

Does breastfeeding make better babies?

30 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

To breastfeed or not to breastfeed? That is the question. Join Molly and Cristen as they sift through numerous studies and anecdotal information in se...

Why do some girls become debutantes?

25 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen discuss the origins, history, practices and stereotypes of the debutante tradition. Le...

Where did pantyhose come from?

23 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In recent decades, pantyhose were ubiquitous, but plenty of women still wear them today. Tune in as Molly and Cristen investigate where pantyhose came...

What is female circumcision?

18 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Molly and Cristen take a closer look at the controversial topic of female circumcision, alternatively known as female genital mutilat...

What's the difference between marriage and civil union?

16 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Cristen and Molly explore the differences between marriage and civil unions from a legal perspective. Le...

Do bras serve any purpose?

11 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Most modern women wear bras on a daily basis, but why? How did these breast-supporting garments become so common? What purpose do they serve, exactly?...

Is it healthy for your child to sleep in your bed?

09 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen discuss attachment parenting and weigh the pros and cons of co-sleeping. Learn more ab...

Do women feel pain differently than men?

04 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Studies suggest that women and men do sometimes experience pain differently. Join Molly and Cristen as they explore male and female experiences of pai...

Should cheerleading be considered a sport?

02 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Since cheerleading first appeared on the scene, it has morphed from simple cheering into an extremely athletic activity. Does that make it a sport? In...

Why do we think of witches as women?

28 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In popular culture, witchcraft is commonly associated with women, but in fact, men can be witches, too. In this special Halloween episode, Molly and C...

Why are women so attracted to vampires?

26 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Unless you've been hiding under a rock lately, you've probably noticed that there's a vampire craze afoot, especially among women. Why? Tune in as Mol...

Are circumcisions necessary?

21 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen tackle a "sensitive" topic -- male circumcision. Listen in as they discuss circumcision...

Is there a gender gap in crime?

19 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Cristen and Molly take a closer look at statistics and stereotypes related to women and crime. Tune in as...

The Delightful History of Menstrual Products

14 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Join Molly and Cristen as they take a fun-filled romp through the history of menstrual products -- from ancient Egyptian papyrus products to reusable ...

Why do women lose their hair?

12 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Female baldness isn't as common or as well-researched as male hair loss, but it does affect a surprisingly large number of women. Learn more about the...

Why are women so emotionally attached to hair?

07 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Women and hair have always had a complicated relationship. Tune in as Molly and Cristen take a look at cultural perceptions of women's hair, women's e...

Is dating going extinct?

05 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

There's been a lot of buzz recently about the "hook-up culture" and whether or not it has an effect on women and traditional dating. Tune in for Molly...

Are women's magazines doing more harm than good?

30 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen discuss the pros and cons of women's magazines and explore their origins in this podcas...

Why should we talk about dating violence?

28 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and Cristen discuss how to recognize dating violence, tips for dealing with abuse and why it's a to...

Miss, Ms., Mrs.

23 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

American women have a wide range of options when it comes to forms of address. Where did all these honorifics come from? How do women decide which one...

Is burlesque the same thing as stripping?

21 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Since 2002, there's been a resurgence of interest in burlesque, an old-fashioned form of striptease. But is burlesque just another form of stripping? ...

Are women funny?

16 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

These days, you'll find lots of comediennes and female comedy writers, but that hasn't always been the case. Join Molly and Cristen as they discuss pa...

Is menstruation the last taboo?

14 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Menstruation is a fact of life for women, but there is still a reticence to discuss the topic, even in modern society. Join Molly and Cristen as they ...

How Lipstick Works

09 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Long before that little tube of lip color became ubiquitous, women found ways to brighten their lips. Get the scoop on lipstick's ancient origins, con...

Why do women keep their maiden names?

07 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Current studies report that a majority of American women adopt their husband's surname upon marriage, while a minority do not. Learn more about the or...

How is the role of women in the military changing?

02 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Due in part to their accomplishments in recent conflicts, women's role in the U.S. military is expanding. Learn more about the changing role of women ...

Does living together before marriage lead to divorce?

31 Aug 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Today, the majority of couples choose to live together before marriage, but some studies suggest that this may increase their chances of divorce. Tune...

How Planned Parenthood Works

26 Aug 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Planned Parenthood is a controversial organization that provides reproductive healthcare to women and men. Join Molly and Cristen as they examine Plan...

Why do brides wear white?

24 Aug 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Brides in countries like America and Britain often opt for white dresses, but where did this trend get its start? Discover the origins of white weddin...

Do sororities get a bad rap?

19 Aug 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Negative stereotypes about sororities abound, but are they deserved? Molly and Cristen explore the history, practices and reputation of modern sororit...