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

For the 97th 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

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Here's a playlist of our previous abortion-related episodes, including the "Men Have Abortions Too" series: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4BFDkcQYzdfq5YEV5buzzO?si=19a1d68b109845dd

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