Embodied

For many of us, a formal education about sexuality begins during puberty and only really gets going during adolescence. But in reality, exploration of our bodies and relationships can begin long before that — as early as our first years of life. So how can we set kids up to feel empowered, safe and free from shame when they are older? A sexuality educator shares advice for parents and caregivers on navigating some of the common challenges that come up as kids are learning about their bodies and relationships. Plus, a writer breaks down her childhood to determine where shame and desire became intertwined.
Meet the guests:
- Nadine Thornhill has a doctorate from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality and is one of the hosts of the web series “Every Body Curious”
- Tyler Wetherall is the author of "Amphibian"
Read the transcript
Follow Embodied on Instagram 
Leave a message for Embodied

When Jessica Slice was 28 years old, a bout of heat exhaustion triggered an underlying neurological disorder that led to permanent physical disabilities. In the 14 years since, Jessica met her now-husband David Yourdon and started a family. They talk to Anita about how their parenting experience has been one of adaptation and creativity — from learning how to separate their worth from external standards to accepting that all bodies have changing needs that require attention and care. They share the nitty gritty of their parenting life, with wisdom that’s relevant for all families.
Meet the guests:
- Jessica Slice, author of “Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World"
-  David Yourdon, Jessica's husband 
Read the transcript | Review the podcast on your preferred platform
Follow Embodied on Instagram 
Leave a message for Embodied
Please note: This episode originally published July 10, 2025.

Anita is heading out on parental leave, but the show isn't going anywhere! This fall you'll still get an episode of Embodied in your feeds every week, including some conversations hosted by writer and podcaster Carvell Wallace! Before he takes the mic, Anita sits down with him to talk about identity, love, and what he is excited to bring to the show this fall.  
Meet the guest:
- Carvell Wallace is a New York Times bestselling author, memoirist and podcaster who hosted the 10-part series "Finding Fred" and the co-host of Slate's "How To" podcast
Read the transcript | Review the podcast on your preferred platform
Follow Embodied on Instagram 
Leave a message for Embodied

More than half of American men between the ages of 18 and 49 have an active online sports betting account, and for the past year Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins was one of them. But what started as a reporting assignment quickly spiraled into something else. Anita talks to him about how sports betting pulls you in, even when you think you’re immune. Plus, how the rise of sports betting culture is fundamentally changing sports and fandom. 
Meet the guest:
- McKay Coppins is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of “Sucker: My Year as a Degenerate Gambler.”
Special thanks to Rob Minnick for his contributions to this episode!
Read the transcript | Review the podcast on your preferred platform
Follow Embodied on Instagram 
Leave a message for Embodied

This summer’s heat waves have been brutal. But there’s one thing helping all of us make it through the soaring temperatures: sweat. Our bodies need to sweat to survive – and yet we spend billions of dollars trying to combat it. Science journalist Sarah Everts explains why sweat is a biological superpower, and she and Anita dig into how it became so stigmatized. Then, Caryn Toriaga shares what it's like to live with hyperhidrosis, an excessive sweating condition that can take her hands and feet and from dry to dripping in 60 seconds.
Meet the guests:
- Sarah Everts is a science journalist and the author of “The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration”
- Caryn Toriaga lives with hyperhidrosis and has blogged about her experience
Read the transcript | Review the podcast on your preferred platform
Follow Embodied on Instagram 
Leave a message for Embodied