How do taboo words shape our social interactions and emotional experiences? Is there a scientific basis for swearing’s surprising benefits, such as pain relief or enhanced physical performance?

Today’s guest is Dr. Richard Stephens, a professor of psychology at Keele University in England and a leading researcher on the psychological effects of swearing. His groundbreaking work explores how cursing impacts pain tolerance, physical strength, and emotional regulation. Through innovative experiments and decades of study, Dr. Stephens has become a global authority on the intersection of language, behavior, and neuroscience.

In this episode, we delve into the psychology of swearing, uncovering its unexpected benefits and cultural complexities. Dr. Stephens shares fascinating insights from his research, including experiments where participants use swearing to endure pain—such as immersing their hands in ice-cold water—and how this language taps into the brain’s stress responses.

We also explore how swearing connects to emotional arousal, social norms, and even verbal fluency, offering a nuanced view of its role in human communication. From the Tourette’s-related neurological mechanisms behind involuntary swearing to the societal taboos that give curse words their power, this conversation reveals why we swear and what it says about us.

Whether you’re intrigued by the psychology of language, curious about how the brain processes emotion, or simply love a good conversation about taboo topics, this episode is a fascinating exploration of the science—and art—of swearing.