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 ***BUY A PRO-ABORTION SHIRT TO HELP SUPPORT OUR "ABORTION IN POST-ROE AMERICA" REPORTING TRIP (use code PRIVATE to save 10%): https://www.bonfire.com/store/private-parts-unknown/ 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 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. Dipsea is an audio erotica app full of short, sexy stories and guided sessions designed to turn you on. Dipsea is offering a 30-day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/private. Go to RexMD.com/private today to get started with a sample pack prescription of generic Viagra. All orders come with FREE 2-day shipping. Rex MD – the authority in men’s telehealth. 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 hosts Courtney Kocak @courtneykocak and Sofiya @thesofiya on Instagram and Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices