Dawn's Mom (Lana) and two big sisters (Anne & Lisa) recently came for a visit to Los Angeles and were lured with whiskey to sit down and HILF the surprising history of The Vibrator. It is today a well-known sexual device, however, when it was first invented it was used medically to loosen tight muscles... around the vagina. Its primary application was to cure women of the ancient malady of Hysteria. Maybe not the most sound medical idea, but it sure beat a lobotomy.

Play along as Dawn quizzes her family on the historic applications and misunderstandings of The Vibrator throughout history. Hear them puzzle out what 'pegging' is and learn in what US State The Vibrator is still banned. 

<<EPISODE TRANSCRIPT - EP34 ->>

 

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The Technology of Orgasm  by Rachel Maines provides the bulk of the modern understanding of the History of The Vibrator. It is a great read, and so often citied by the creators of fiction - that it has been challenged by several subsequent researchers. 

 

The play, In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play by Sarah Ruhl is a great show and regularly performed around the world. 

 

The Movie, Hysteria (2011) starring  Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy tells the story of Dr. Granville and his spectacular hammer... 

 

 

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NEXT EPISODE - April 12th - Tennis with guest, comedian, Jeff Zenisek.

 

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Theme song: Composed and performed by Kat Perkins.