Episode 544: Where Do Fetishes Come From?

Why are some people sexually aroused by things like balloons, orthopedic casts, or even sneezing—things that most people don’t see as sexual at all? Fetishes can develop around an astonishing range of objects, body parts, and sensations. In this episode, we’re going to explore the psychology behind fetishes. We’ll talk about what it actually means to have a fetish, clear up some common misconceptions, and look at different theories for how fetishes develop.

My guest is Niki Davis-Fainbloom, a New York- and New Orleans-based sex educator, writer, researcher, and coach. She has facilitated hundreds of sexuality education workshops, and her writing has been featured in several major media outlets. She is the author of the new book Fetish: Smash Taboos and Celebrate What Turns You On.

Some of the specific topics we cover include:

• What’s the difference between a kink and a fetish?
• Are fetishes exclusive requirements for arousal, or can they simply be enhancers?
• What does research tell us about where fetishes come from?
• How can things like media, porn, and culture influence the types of fetishes people develop?
• Is it possible to change or get rid of a fetish you don’t want?

You can check out Niki’s website to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.