Stuff Mom Never Told You
Episodes
Why are IUDs so unpopular in the United States?
17 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, get a bad rap in the United States, but they're starting to make a comeback. Find out why these devices became unpopula...
Does polygamy ever benefit women?
12 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Polygamy isn't a legal practice in the United States, but it's fairly common in other parts of the world. Join Molly and Cristen as they weigh the pro...
Why do women wear high heels?
10 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
High heels are a popular fashion accoutrement for modern women, but they also cause foot and knee problems. So why do women still wear them? Learn mor...
Does online dating work?
05 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Online dating is an increasingly popular way of meeting people, but does it really work? Molly and Cristen discuss how online dating compares to regul...
The Mysteries of Nancy Drew
03 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Nancy Drew is a classic heroine from literature who has inspired generations of girls and women. Molly and Cristen take a closer look at literature's ...
Can sharks smell blood from miles away?
29 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
With their acute sense of smell, sharks can detect minute quantities of blood from miles away. Does this mean that female swimmers who are menstruatin...
Do men like video games more than women?
27 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Traditional video games have always attracted more male players than female, but why? Tune in as Molly and Cristen discuss possible reasons for this t...
Can parasite prevention protect African girls from HIV?
22 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Shistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that significantly affects HIV transmission in Africans, particularly females. Find out how prevention of this...
Why is it so easy to fail a gender test?
20 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
As gender tests reveal, determining physical gender isn't as clear-cut as you'd think. Discover why and how gender can be ambiguous in this podcast fr...
What do parasites and razor burn have in common?
15 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
A recent theory about human hairlessness cites parasites as the cause. Find out how parasites relate to hair -- and some fascinating facts about shavi...
Why do women live longer?
13 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Studies show that women tend to outlive men. But why? Molly and Cristen explore the many factors that might contribute to female longevity in this pod...
How does surrogacy work?
08 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Surrogacy involves carrying a child for a woman who cannot conceive, but there's a lot more to it than that. Tune in as Molly and Cristen explore the ...
What is chick lit?
06 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Chick lit is a term used to describe literature geared toward female readers. Tune in as Molly and Cristen take a closer look at this popular -- and o...
Are organic foods healthier?
01 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Organic foods have been touted as more nutritious for you, but they're also more expensive. Are they really healthier? Are they worth the cost? Molly ...
Why are women's clothing sizes so hard to figure out?
29 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Women shopping for clothes often find that sizes are less than standard. Why the confusing system? Learn more about the history -- and future -- of wo...
Do anti-aging cremes really work?
24 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, the SMNTY crew explores what's in anti-aging cremes marketed to women -- and whether any of them actually work -- in this podcast fro...
Why is there a patent on the breast cancer genes?
22 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The ACLU recently filed a lawsuit against a company that holds a patent on two breast cancer genes. Find out why the patent is controversial and how i...
What's a renewable resource and why should you care?
17 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Renewable resources can have a major impact on the developed and developing worlds. Find out how renewable resources particularly affect women around ...
Why does the sizzle fizzle?
15 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The initial phase of a romantic relationship sizzles with attraction, but inevitably, those overwhelming feelings start to fizzle. Why? Explore the ne...
Do men use anabolic steroids more than women?
10 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Studies say that male athletes are more likely to use anabolic steroids than females. Why? Tune in to explore possible reasons for this difference -- ...
What are some surprising things you can recycle?
08 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
These days, recycling goes way beyond glass and paper. How about old shoes? Prom dresses? Join Molly and Cristen as they discuss some of the surprisin...
Are men or women happier?
03 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
An objective measure of happiness is difficult to come by, but researchers say there are definite trends. Sometimes men are happier, and sometimes wom...
Do birth control pills kill your libido?
01 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Birth control is an effective contraceptive, but it may also dampen a woman's sex drive. Tune in to find out what studies and anecdotal evidence have ...
Do women cry more than men?
27 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
One study reports that women cry roughly four times as often as men, and historically women are often depicted as more prone to weeping -- but why? Le...
Barbie's Secret Past
25 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Barbie is an extremely popular children's toy, but her origins aren't so innocent. Uncover Barbie's dark, secret past in this podcast from HowStuffWor...
What is a geisha's job description?
20 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Westerners have often misunderstood the role of the geisha in Japanese culture, but these women are neither prostitutes nor concubines. Find out what ...
What is the Marilyn Monroe hormone?
18 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
A study from the University of Texas has identified what is being called the 'Marilyn Monroe' hormone. Find out what this new hormone suggests about f...
Is the recession changing domestic dynamics?
13 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
More men than women have lost their jobs due to the recession, and male participation in the domestic sphere has increased as a result. Tune in to lea...
How often should I wash my hair?
11 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Lather-rinse-repeat is a common mantra for Americans, but all that shampooing can be bad for your hair. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com...
Is roller derby sport or spectacle?
06 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Roller derby is an increasingly popular past-time, but is it sport or spectacle? Listen in as Molly and Cristen examine the nature of roller derby -- ...
Why are women more prone to depression than men?
04 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Statistics show that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from major depression. But why? Tune in as Molly and Cristen explore the science and s...
Are single-sex classrooms more effective?
29 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Some theorists suggest that single-sex classrooms create more effective learning environments, while others disagree. Tune in as Molly and Cristen wei...
Should boys get the cervical cancer vaccine?
27 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
HPV, the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US, affects both men and women. Could the vaccine that helps women combat HPV-related health ...
Are breast implants linked to suicide?
22 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Breast implants have become a common surgery across the developed world, but some believe there may be a link between breast implants and suicide. Tak...
Is first lady the hardest job in the world?
20 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The position of first lady is one of the most unique and complex jobs in the United States. Tune in as Molly and Cristen take a close look at the firs...
How did feminism evolve?
15 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Join hosts Molly and Cristen as they trace the evolution of feminism -- from the suffrage movement to the modern online incarnations -- in this podcas...
What does a feminist look like?
13 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
People have wildly divergent views of what a feminist is. Some eschew the label, while others adopt it readily. Why is feminist such a loaded word? Tu...
Does perfume make you more attractive?
08 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
If you're like many women, you've spritzed on perfume before going out. But have you ever wondered what that sweet scent is really doing for you? Snif...
Is my brain making me buy things I don't need?
06 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Stereotypes peg women as shopaholics, but studies show that both men and women are susceptible to compulsive shopping. Discover how our brains -- and ...
Will there ever be male birth control?
01 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Several methods of male birth control, from implants to injections, are currently being tested. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to find...
What is the lipstick indicator?
31 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Can lipstick predict economic trends and consumer confidence? The lipstick indicator says it can. Find out if fashion and beauty really affect economi...
Should I donate my eggs?
25 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Modern reproductive technology allows women to donate their eggs. Egg donation can be lucrative, but it's also complicated. Tune in as Molly and Crist...
Is there a gender wage gap?
23 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Statistics show that female workers still bring home less bacon than men. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to hear Molly and Cristen deb...
Do you really need to have a period every month?
18 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Advances in birth control have made monthly menstrual periods optional, but is it healthy to skip periods? Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks.c...
Are diamonds a girl's best friend?
16 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Women and diamonds share a special bond, but have you ever wondered why? As it turns out, the answer has a lot to do with clever marketing. Explore th...
Where do food cravings come from?
11 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're longing for cupcakes or chicken wings, food cravings are to blame. Why do we hanker for certain foods? Do women crave more than men? De...
Is marriage a good investment?
09 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Marriage has pros and cons, but is it a good investment? Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to find out how matrimony affects your bottom l...
Do women dislike negotiation?
04 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Are men and women socialized to pursue or avoid negotiation? This episode takes a look at the social factors influencing negotiation in this podcast f...
How Jealousy Works
02 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Shakespeare referred to jealousy as a "green-eyed monster," a beastly emotion that brings out the worst in us. But why do we feel jealous? Are women m...
How the Girl Scouts Work
25 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Girl Scouts and their cookies are as American as apple pie, but where did they come from? Discover the sweet -- and sometimes controversial -- story o...
Does a lack of sleep make you fat?
23 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
When sleep eludes you, are you more prone to put on pounds? Science says yes. Explore the link between sleep and obesity in this podcast from HowStuff...
What's the deal with pink and blue?
18 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Traditionally, female infants in the US are dressed in pink, and males are dressed in blue -- but why? Tune in and learn more about the pink-and-blue ...
How Precocious Puberty Works
16 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
An increasing amount of girls are experiencing a condition known as precocious puberty, where the onset of puberty comes earlier and earlier. Learn mo...
Why do women have more migraines than men?
11 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Seventeen percent of women report migraine pain, but only six percent of men suffer from these debilitating headaches -- why is that? Tune in as our e...
How Office Politics Works
10 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Politics isn't restricted to the campaign trail -- you'll encounter it on a daily basis in your office. How do women engage in office politics? Are th...
Do men and women have different brains?
05 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to gender differences, there's no subject more fraught than our brains. Are men really better at reading maps? Are women wired to gab? C...