The Joy of Sweat
Sweating is a weird biological function. Journalist Sarah Everts walks us through her taboo-busting book about the shame, stink, and strange science of sweating.
Listen 49:00
(AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
Everyone sweats. But some people do it more than others and it can be terribly embarrassing. In the U.S., a multibillion dollar antiperspiration industry has developed to treat and prevent the sweat that happens when we’re nervous, working out or not doing much of anything. Science journalist SARAH EVERTS argues in a new book that there should be no shame in perspiration, instead we should celebrate this critical temperature-regulating body function that’s been one of the keys to our species’ success. Everts joins us to talk about sweat, saunas, body odor and more. Her new book is The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration. [Episode originally broadcast July 20, 2021]
Subscribe for more Radio Times
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Radio Times
Radio Times
WHYY's Radio Times is an engaging and timely call-in program that tackles wide-ranging issues of concern to listeners in the Delaware Valley.
Subscribe for free
What’s behind Philadelphia’s soaring STI rates?
Younger people, between the ages of 15 and 24, have some of the highest rates of infection.
4 hours ago
Delaware faces persistent health disparities, particularly for Black maternal health
Health disparities for Black maternity remain a challenge in Delaware. Advocates say the problem stems from systemic racism, implicit bias and injustice.
17 hours ago
Listen 1:32
Pa. Black Maternal Health Caucus caps off Black Maternal Health Week
The group touted efforts to improve Black maternal health outcomes at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg.
3 days ago
Listen 1:20