Impolite Society: Exploring the Weird, Taboo & Macabre

In this episode of Impolite Society, hosts Laura and Rachel delve into the world of Japan's host clubs, where boyfriends for hire is a booming business. We explain how these clubs operate, the roles hosts play, and the complex relationships between the hosts and their patrons. 

We unpack the societal and cultural factors driving the demand for these services, including the role of women, loneliness, and the appeal of a choreogr...

Explore survival psychology and how the human brain responds in emergency situations in today's episode. We'll share firsthand experiences, dive into what research says about our brains, and firsthand stories from Amanda Ripley's book 'The Unthinkable.' We'll delve into each step of the survival arc: delay, deliberation, and decision, and how resilience, group dynamics, and practice can help or hurt yo...

Join us for this week's chat where we discuss how the trees are waging war against us, the mysterious world of the glitter market and how we're reliving our Netflix obsessions from yesteryear.

That's what you're in for today on our relaxed fit, mini-sode. 

Got your own thoughts? Text them to Impolite Society!

Text Rachel and Laura or email us at rude@impolitesocietypodcast.com. Visit our website for info about the ...

Shame is often seen as a negative emotion, but what if it has a deeper purpose? Join Laura and Rachel on Impolite Society as they dive into the complexities of shame versus guilt, exploring how this powerful emotion shapes human behavior and social norms. They discuss the biological origins of shame, its role in societal bonding, and the balance between healthy and toxic shame. From caveman instincts to modern social dynamics, this...

Over half of American men fantasize about seeing their partner with another man. What makes cuckolding so irresistible for so many? Today we're exploring the psychology and evolutionary origins behind this kink. Join us as we break down the terminology, the dynamics involved, and the different levels of engagement within cuckolding. We also touch on related concepts like hot wifing and the impact of societal taboos, including ...

In this episode of Impolite Society, Laura and Rachel explore the bizarre 1960s counterculture practice of trepanation, where individuals drilled holes in their heads to achieve heightened consciousness. We discuss the historical roots, key figures like Bart Hughes, and the modern revival attempts by groups advocating for it. Blending humor with research, we delve into the motivations behind self-trepanation, the supposed benefits,...

Does the path to true happiness include children? Join us as we delve into the growing movement of the Child-Free Lifestyle, challenging societal norms around procreation. They discuss personal and demographic reasons why some individuals choose to remain child-free and the challenges they face, including workplace inequities, healthcare access issues, and social isolation. The hosts also explore the controversial and sometimes hos...

In this episode of Impolite Society, Lara and Rachel delve into the complexities and mysteries of the human brain. Starting with traumatic brain injuries, they explore how incidents like Phineas Gage's railroad accident reveal the brain's impact on personality and behavior. 

From there we unpack various brain anomalies, including hemispatial neglect, blindsight, and cases like Henry Molaison’s that offer a fascin...

Welcome to Society Chats, our relaxed fit episode where we catch up on and talk about life to carry you through the long fortnight betwixt our episode.

Take a bite out of our Christmas catch up, what we're reading, watching and who we're flashing. 

Got your own thoughts? Text them to Impolite Society!

Text Rachel and Laura or email us at rude@impolitesocietypodcast.com. Visit our website for info about the show and...

Join us as we explore the rise of sexual strangulation, tracing its origins from fringe kink to pop culture phenomenon. Delve into the physical and emotional risks, the influence of porn, and the troubling normalization of this dangerous act. Discover why choking during sex is more than just a meme and why it's causing concern among sex researchers and feminists alike. Stay informed and aware as we unpack the facts and societa...

In the final episode of 2024, we're giving you a peek into our daily lives and a year-in-review for Impolite Society. We chatted about our favorite episodes this year, the best behind-the-scenes moments, and a sneak peek into the topics we hope to cover in 2025.

Happy holidays and see you next year!

Subscribe and check out the trailer to Ship Happens! on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

Got your own thoughts? Text ...

Explore the complex and often taboo topic of envy. Rachel and Laura will share personal tales of irrational jealousy, clear up the envy vs. jealousy confusion, and explore why feeling envy might not be all bad. Is the green-eyed monster an evolutionary perk or just a social burden? With humor, candid stories, and a touch of philosophy, they examine envy from biblical times to our Instagram feeds. Tune in for a hearty laugh and mayb...

In the age of social media, filters, and face tuning, everyone is looking for a way to get pretty quick. Plastic surgery for faces, butts and breasts have been common for decades- but there’s a new whole world of enhancement out there that is waiting for you. If you're willing to take the OUCH it takes to get there, that is. 

Today we’re talking about a bold field of cosmetic surgeries that women are undertaking. What length wi...

Explore the chilling history and enduring appeal of werewolves in this special Halloween episode of Impolite Society. From ancient mythology to medieval hysteria, and from infamous 16th-century werewolf trials to modern pop culture, we dive deep into the myths and legends that have made the werewolf an iconic figure. Discover tales of King Lycaon, Viking berserkers, and how societal fears fueled brutal trials. Unravel the possible ...