Freakonomics Radio EXTRA: The Downside of Disgust (Update)
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Mar 5, 2025 
Join Paul Rozin, a psychology professor, Val Curtis, a disgustologist, and economist Sandro Ambuehl as they dive into the fascinating world of disgust. They discuss how this powerful emotion evolved to protect us but may also hinder progress in areas like health and the environment. The trio explores cultural attitudes toward eating insects as a sustainable protein source, the dual nature of disgust as both a deterrent and motivator, and the groundbreaking hand hygiene campaign in Ghana that leveraged disgust to promote better practices.
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Curtis's Disgust Journey
- Val Curtis became a "disgustologist" after working in developing countries.
- She linked disgust to avoiding things that cause sickness.
Evolution of Disgust
- Disgust evolved to protect us from pathogens, mainly found in animal products.
- This explains the conflicting human love and taboo of meat.
Defining Disgust
- Disgust involves rejecting offensive substances, especially if contaminating.
- A cockroach touching food makes it inedible due to this principle.