A Brief History of Sex Toys with Hallie Lieberman, Author of "Buzz: The Stimulating History of the Sex Toy" (Redux)

For the 145th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Hallie Lieberman, author of Buzz: The Stimulating History of the Sex Toy, to talk us through the highlight reel of sex toy history. Hallie literally has a Ph.D. in sex toys, so she's the perfect guide.

We discuss how sex toys were illegal in Texas until 2008 (and scary indicators that sex-related laws are regressing!), the Kinsey Institute, Japanese shunga, Anthony Comstock and his terrible legacy of sexual suppression, Betty Dodson and how she linked masturbation to women's liberation, the incredible story of Gosnell Duncan, and more. Hallie also shares what she learned from writing "Women Explain Why They Buy Male Sex Dolls" for Buzzfeed's Sneaky Links series and her predictions for the intersection of sex toys and politics in the future. Plus, we swap gigolo stories.

For more Hallie Lieberman:

• Listen to Hallie's Joy Boy podcast about Gosnell Duncan
• Check out Hallie's website hallielieberman.com
• Follow Hallie on Twitter @hallielieberman
• Follow Hallie on Instagram @hallielieberman

Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow

Private Parts Unknown is a proud member of the Pleasure Podcast network. This episode is brought to you by:

• Our Sponsor, FLESHLIGHT, can help you reach new heights with your self-pleasure. Fleshlight is the #1 selling male sex toy in the world. Looking for your next pocket pal? Save 10% on your next Fleshlight with Promo Code: PRIVATE at fleshlight.com.
• Factor’s ready-to-eat meal delivery takes the stress out of meal planning and sets you up for success in the new year. Head to factormeals.com/private50 and use code private50 to get 50% off.
• STDCheck.com is the leader in reliable and affordable lab-based STD testing. Just go to ppupod.com, click STDCheck, and use code Private to get $10 off your next STI test.
• Explore yourself and say yes to self-pleasure with Lovehoney. Save 15% off your next favorite toy from Lovehoney when you go to ppupod.com, click Lovehoney, and enter code Private at checkout.
• https://linktr.ee/PrivatePartsUnknownAds

If you love this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and sexy review! —> ratethispodcast.com/private 

Psst... sign up for our Private Parts Unknown newsletter for bonus content related to our episodes! privatepartsunknown.substack.com

Let’s be friends on social media! Follow the show on Instagram @privatepartsunknown and Twitter @privatepartsun. Connect with host Courtney Kocak @courtneykocak on Instagram and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices