Penis Evolution, Magic Mushrooms & Influenza Transmission

This week, we bounce between sex, psychedelics, and infectious disease, and somehow it all hangs together by the end. We unpack research on porn use that suggests the real issue is not how often people watch it, but why they are watching in the first place, with motivation shaping the impact on emotional and sexual wellbeing.

Then we head into the world of magic mushrooms, where psilocybin is being studied for potential health effects that go beyond the trip. From possible links to ageing markers like telomeres, to broader associations with physical health, the science is early but intriguing. We also explore research suggesting psychedelics may influence sexual arousal and satisfaction, including for people dealing with depression and antidepressant side effects.

Finally, we tackle an influenza study with a bizarre result: healthy volunteers spent time around flu sufferers and nobody caught it. Was it luck, immunity, or a sign we still do not fully understand how flu spreads in real world settings.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Pornography Concerns

00:40 Science Steps In: Quality Over Quantity

03:52 Exploring the Concept of Gooning

06:55 Research on Pornography Usage

12:44 Human Anatomy Compared to Great Apes

19:39 Life Hacks and Psychedelic Drugs

19:46 Health Benefits of Psychedelics

21:26 Anti-Aging Properties of Psilocybin

23:36 Survival Skills and Psychedelics

27:27 Flu Transmission Study

33:57 Sexual Benefits of Magic Mushrooms

37:49 Listener Contributions

SOURCES:

https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3003595

https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1013153

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