Stuff Mom Never Told You

It's no secret that some people think soap operas are just junky TV for housewives. But is that true? Join Cristen and Molly as they trace the history and evolution of soap operas and see how these shows have influenced most of what we watch today. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When people think of spies, they often picture men like James Bond. Yet throughout history women have also had careers as spies. Listen in to learn more about notable female spies, sex as a espionage tactic, stereotypes and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breaking the glass ceiling in organized crime may not be anything to celebrate, but it's making headlines all the same. In this episode, Molly and Cristen explore the juicy stories of Italian godmothers running Mafia families while the men are in jail. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever since women started becoming doctors, studies have scrutinized genders and doctoring styles. Women may spend more time with patients and communicate more easily with them, but that's not the whole story. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midwives and doulas are often present at natural childbirth. But what do these people actually do? Join Cristen and Molly as they explain the differences between midwives and doulas. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surveys show that women may possess more of the skills necessary to be a good boss, so why do employees prefer male bosses? Tune in as Molly and Cristen talk about how stereotypical gender traits can affect women hoping to take control of the office. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we think of nurses, we think of women. Male nurses are considered anomalies and are often the butt of jokes in pop culture. But why? Tune in as Molly and Cristen take a closer look at medicine and gender. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Polyamory -- the practice of having intimate relationships with more than one person -- is more common than some might assume. But how does this practice actually work? Listen in as Cristen and Molly cover polyamory live from SXSW. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before the 1920s, it was considered unseemly for women to smoke. However, as cigarette makers realized they were missing half of the potential market, they attempted to convince women that smoking was related to women's liberation movements. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are so many people fascinated by royal weddings? In this episode, Cristen and Molly explore the allure of royal weddings: Is the draw of this spectacle restricted to certain members of society? If so, why? Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers believe that one in eight pregnancies involve twin fetuses -- so why do only one in eighty pregnancies actually result in the birth of twins? In this episode, Molly and Cristen explore the rare phenomenon known as fetus in fetu. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that women tend to pay more for haircuts, but that's only one of the products and services that are more expensive for women. So how does it all add up? Join Molly and Cristen as they explore whether or not it costs more to be a woman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Dr. Arnold Kegel noticed a high frequency of urinary incontinence in women after they had given birth, he designed the Kegel exercise. Join Molly and Cristen as they explore this technique, from the story of its creation to modern Kegel exercises. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nowadays, beer is widely considered to be a boy's drink -- but this wasn't always the case. Listen in as Molly and Cristen recount the history of beer and beer stereotypes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no denying that nuns are iconic. Unfortunately, they're all stereotyped in modern culture. In this episode, Molly and Cristen cut past the stereotypes and examine the life, traditions and habits (get it?) of Catholic nuns. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People spend 20 billion dollars a year on health supplements like multivitamins -- but do they actually work? Join Molly and Cristen as they explore the value of vitamin supplements (or the lack thereof). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abortions are tremendously controversial -- but how do they actually work? In this episode, Cristen and Molly cut past the politics to give you the facts on abortion. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Mayo clinic, hoarding is an excessive collection of items along with the inability to discard them. But what exactly makes a person a hoarder? In this episode, Cristen and Molly interview Dr. Rebecca Beaton to learn more about hoarding. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following up on last year's episode, Cristen and Molly take a look at the female directors, actors and other professionals contending for an Academy Award. Tune in to learn more about women in Hollywood, as well as the representation of women in film. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When people think of pirates, their minds often turn to legendary brigands such as Bluebeard -- but piracy wasn't restricted to males. Join Molly and Cristen as they recount the fascinating adventures of genuine female pirates. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a recent study, around half of American adults use a vibrator on a regular basis -- yet the devices remain controversial. In this episode, Cristen and Molly explore the history of vibrators, from Victorian society to the modern day. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women tend to have warmer core temperatures than men -- but why? In this episode, Molly and Cristen examine the science behind this mysterious discrepancy in body temperature. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first image of a kiss dates back to ancient India -- but where did the concept of kissing originate? More importantly, why do we do it today? Tune in as Molly and Cristen recount the history of kissing and the science behind smooching. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by an article about recent changes to the zodiac, Cristen and Molly examine the use of horoscopes in modern society. Tune in to learn more about horoscopes -- and how they can affect an individual's perception of happiness. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hot flash is one of the most infamous symbols of menopause, and it's no laughing matter. But what exactly is a hot flash, and what causes it? In this podcast, Cristen and Molly break down the science behind hot flashes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout history, opinions of corsets have fluctuated. Some have called the corset the Western version of foot binding, while others think the corset's been stuck with a bad rep. Tune in as Cristen and Molly dive into the cultural history of the corset. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The results are in: It appears that men and women tend to report different types of dreams more frequently than others. But what do these results mean -- and what exactly do dreams do, anyway? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible to become romantically involved with sound equipment, monuments or other objects? Yes, actually. In this episode, Cristen and Molly explore the psychology behind people who fall in love with objects, rather than other human beings. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lies are a surprisingly prevalent part of human society, and deception serves a certain social purpose. But does a person's gender determine how much she or he tells lies? Tune in as Molly and Cristen give you the truth about gender and lies. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you look for when you browse online? Do you think that you might approach the web differently if you had a different gender? Listen in as Cristen and Molly explore the differences between men and women web-surfers in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years pop culture has created several stereotypes of librarians, creating an image of bespectacled spinsters. How do these stereotypes compare to modern librarians? In this podcast, Molly and Cristen take a closer look at librarian stereotypes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20/20 aired a documentary about the orgasmic experiences some women have while giving birth. But how does it happen, and why? Join Molly and Cristen as they take you past the sensational headlines in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone wants to make the world a better place -- but do men and women go about it differently? In this episode, Molly and Cristen take a closer look at how gender may affect charitable donation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could it be true that monogamous couples get an urge to cheat approximately every seven years? In this episode, Molly and Cristen explore the origin of this belief, as well as its validity -- or lack thereof. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's official: Stuff Mom Never Told You has hit the 200-episode mark! To celebrate this momentous occasion, Molly and Cristen give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast-making process -- from the initial "pitch" to future topics. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These days, it's very common for women to shape their eyebrows as part of their beauty regimen, but when did this practice start? And why? Molly and Cristen investigate the history of eyebrow-shaping in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Molly and Cristen take a closer look at the child-free movement. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gift-giving is a common human tradition, especially around holidays and birthdays. But who benefits most: the giver, or the receiver? In this episode, Molly and Cristen examine what studies reveal about altruism, gifts and human psychology. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The morning-after pill is a controversial form of emergency contraception that's often misunderstood. In this listener-inspired episode, Molly and Cristen discuss the pros and cons of the morning-after pill, as well as the many misconceptions about it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These days, the Grafenberg spot, or G-spot, is a heated topic. Does this vaginal pleasure spot really exist? Do all women have one? Molly and Cristen jump into the mix as they explore what studies reveal -- and don't -- about the mythical G-spot. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In general, female playwrights are less likely to have their plays produced than their male counterparts. But why? In this episode, Molly and Cristen examine why there are gender disparities in the theater community. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Temporomandibular joint disorder is a term for various disorders that affect the jaw and seem to affect more women than men. In this episode, Molly and Cristen explore the possible role of gender in TMJ -- and why we still don't know very much about it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's professional women sometimes rely on nannies to help them out in the domestic sphere, yet many of them seem to feel guilty about it. Why? In this episode, Molly and Cristen examine the dynamics and dilemmas of employing a nanny. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monogamy is often touted as the cultural ideal for human partners, but are we really cut out for it? Molly and Cristen take a look at social and sexual monogamy in the animal kingdom in an attempt to answer this question. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know what cellulite is, but have you ever wondered where that dreaded dimpled skin comes from? And why it affects women more than men? In this episode, Molly and Cristen investigate the causes of cellulite and possible cures for the condition. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of their series, Molly and Cristen take a look at some famous female superheroes, starting with the most iconic female comic book character of all: Wonder Woman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In comic books, females are often portrayed as victims and sex symbols and tend to play second fiddle to male characters. In this episode, Molly and Cristen set the stage for a discussion of female superheroes and the gender dynamics of comic book art. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some studies have found that the number of women who identify as heavy drinkers has risen, while the number of light drinkers has declined. Male drinking habits seem to have hit a plateau. Could these studies be correct? Tune in and learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Little girls and women seem to have an affinity for horses. But why? In this episode, Molly and Cristen discuss a variety of theories about why girls love horses, from the bizarre to the believable. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple studies indicate that people with sisters seem to be happier than people with brothers -- but what does this mean, and could it be true? Join Molly and Cristen as they explore the relationship between your siblings' gender and your happiness. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.