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Dr. King discusses Stephen Jay Gould's view that applying evolutionary theory to human beings would lead to fascism, and how this influenced the idea that female orgasm is a byproduct.
Dr. King explains that the glands of the clitoris are where the bulk of the nerve endings are, making it an important area to preserve during vaginoplasty or phalloplasty.
Dr. King contrasts early sex research methods, highlighting the intrusive and limited approach of Masters and Johnson versus the more naturalistic and insightful approach of the Foxes, who studied sex in their own bedroom using telemetry devices.
Dr. King explains the byproduct theory, which suggests the clitoris is a small, functionless external feature similar to a male nipple. He contrasts this outdated view with modern understanding of the clitoris as a large, complex, and highly innervated organ.
Dr. King corrects the host regarding the proper term and use of Gould's spandrel analogy. He explains Gould's misuse of the term 'spandrel' and highlights the damage Gould has done in the literature by dismissing adaptationist ideas.
The speaker discusses the idea of women deceiving men and other women by pretending to be passive. The speaker touches on how women are not even aware that they are doing those things, which is why it is good that people like Katherine are unequivocal, smart, and uncomfortable. The speaker wraps up the conversation saying that 40 years ago, there was not a body of people like that doing behavioral science and now there is.
Dr. King explains the early challenges in sex research, highlighting the limitations of studying mating in captivity and the importance of observing natural behavior for accurate understanding.
Dr. King argues that the clitoris is not exclusively designed for pleasure but that pleasure always serves a purpose. He references Dan Dennett's TED talk on the evolutionary role of pleasure in motivating necessary behaviors.
Dr. King explains how oxytocin, released during orgasm, creates pressure changes in the oviduct, potentially aiding in sperm transport and conception. He cites research from the Foxes and the Vilt team.
Dr. King discusses the origins of oxytocin as a mammalian hormone primarily associated with milk production and its expanded role in bonding between mother and offspring. He suggests nature was lazy in repurposing it for pair bonding.
Dr. King explains that uterine peristalsis, driven by oxytocin, creates pressure changes that can move sperm-like products. He references the Fox team's direct measurements and the Vilt team's studies with oxytocin doses and sperm-like material.
Dr. King explains that after oxytocin levels are raised, the pressure changes persist for quite a while. It's not just during the moment of pleasure that the effect occurs.
Dr. King describes the different types of female orgasms, surface level and deep inside, and links them to oxytocin levels and potential fertility functions. This is clippable because it explains the different types of orgasms and their potential evolutionary purposes.
The discussion highlights the subtle nature of female competition and the reasons behind its subtlety, linking it to women's fragility, coalition-forming, and the potential for winner-takes-all scenarios. This is clippable due to its insightful analysis of gender dynamics and power structures.
The speakers discuss how women use expensive handbags as a signal to other women, indicating their husband's investment in them. This is clippable because it's a relatable example of subtle communication and intra-sexual competition.
Chris recounts his experience as a cover model for dark romance novels, highlighting the popularity of these books and the specific archetypes they portray, contrasting them with the less successful "golden retriever" or "cinnamon roll" husband types. He also touches on the distinction between fantasy and reality in relationships.
The hosts discuss how women become more orgasmic as they get older, as they know the kind of men they like, the activities they enjoy, and that they reject cultural constraints and the idea that they are fragile. They touch on the idea that fears of signaling fecundity become less salient as women age, and the impacts of hormonal birth control.
The speaker critiques modern sexual culture, touching on the impact of shows like Love Island and the evolving conversation around male expression in the bedroom. He highlights the normalization of female sexuality, but also points out a potential misconception that men frequently discuss their sex lives with each other. He also discusses the problematic fetishization of spree killers by a subset of women, highlighting the dark aspects of human behavior. The conversation explores the complexities and potential pitfalls of modern relationship dynamics.
Dr. King explains how he got into studying the female orgasm. He was surprised by a book suggesting it had no function, and his curiosity led him to challenge prevailing theories and delve into evolutionary biology.
The discussion explores how female desire is influenced by other women's attraction to the same men, referencing the "sexy son" hypothesis. This is clippable because it provides a unique insight into the dynamics of attraction and competition, with real-world examples like female groupies.
Dr. King emphasizes the complexity of the clitoris, contrasting it with the outdated view of it being similar to a male nipple. He highlights its size, internal structure, ducts, innervation, and dedicated sensory cortex in the brain.
The speakers discuss the concept of "venting" as a form of subtle female competition, where gossip is disguised as compassion to undermine rivals. This is clippable due to its insightful analysis of social dynamics and potential for sparking discussion about hidden competitive behaviors.
Dr. King shares a story about Tiresias, a prophet blinded by the gods for saying that women have more fun during sex, illustrating the historical acknowledgment of female pleasure.
Dr. King discusses common misconceptions about female orgasm, particularly the idea that difficulty achieving it implies something is wrong with women or nature, rather than recognizing female choice and design.
Dr. King makes the case for how the female orgasm is adaptive. He explains that the common thread is oxytocin-mediated peristalsis, which creates pressure changes and movement in the oviduct, potentially aiding fertility.
The speakers discuss how cultural narratives and societal pressures can negatively impact female sexuality, with examples like using guilt, misinformation, and the "lie back and think of England" mentality to suppress female orgasm. They also touch on the double standard in how society attributes responsibility for sexual satisfaction, with men often blamed for women not orgasming but not vice versa.
The speaker delves into the topic of female orgasm in casual vs. coupled sex, suggesting that casual sex is less likely to result in female orgasm because partners haven't learned what pleases each other. Speculation arises about "sperm harvesting" and mate-switching, suggesting women in extramarital affairs may be more likely to orgasm with their extramarital partner. Female choice is highlighted as the key driver in primate relationships, influencing the speaker's perspective on female orgasm.
Dr. King discusses the prevalence and cultural significance of the "dominant male" trope in romance novels and movies, highlighting how these narratives tap into female fantasies and societal expectations around sex and relationships.
Dr. King explains how his team measured backflow (ejection of material from the reproductive tract after sex) and found that 15-20% less material comes out if a woman has had an orgasm.
The speaker discusses the orgasm gap between men and women, explaining that while men are very likely to orgasm during penetrative sex, women often require additional stimulation. He touches on the frequency of sex in marriages and introduces the concept of "lesbian bed death." The discussion also explores the reasons behind women's ability to have multiple orgasms and the potential evolutionary explanations for this.
Dr. King challenges the theory that penis size evolved in response to the size of babies' heads. He suggests erections can be a fitness signal and discusses the importance of girth over length, linking it to clitoral stimulation. He also touches on the reasons behind varied ease of orgasm for women, highlighting the impact of arousal, drug use, and cultural factors.
Dr. King discusses the biggest predictors of female orgasm, highlighting the importance of attractive partner smell, sexual dominance, and considerateness. This is clippable because it gives actionable insights for men to improve their sexual relationships.