Among the many many “firsts” we expertise in our lives, a primary kiss is likely one of the most memorable.

Along with being a novel expertise, our brains obtain pleasure and data from kissing. Our lips are essentially the most uncovered erogenous zones on our our bodies, and a very good, consensual kiss triggers hormones that give us a rush of need and love.

Science communicator Sheril Kirschenbaum talks with host Anita Rao about these bodily results of a kiss and the way they assist us measure compatibility with a possible associate. She additionally describes the cultural historical past of kissing, together with how locking lips has enforced energy constructions and the way kissing is interpreted in a different way all over the world, all subjects mentioned in her e-book “The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us.”

Kadar Small, a photographer, director and filmmaker based mostly in New York Metropolis, additionally joins the dialog to share the inspiration behind his picture sequence “PDA.” Kadar images moments of kissing and intimacy between Black and brown queer of us in public and at house, exploring what this sort of connection seems to be like by his work.

Anita additionally talks in regards to the cultural milestone of a primary kiss with a gaggle of present and former WUNC youth reporters. Highschool college students Parys Smith and Donna Diaz, together with faculty pupil Chris Williams, share the tales of their first kiss, how they give thought to boundaries and what constitutes a very good kiss.

Thanks to Caroline, Jeanine, Caitlin, Kristin, Lawrence and Steven for sharing with us for this episode!

Remembering the First Kiss

How Outdated Had been You?

We gathered collectively tales of first kisses from our listeners, company, and colleagues … and we had such a variety of experiences!

What Was that First Kiss Like?

Who’s stunned that the commonest adjective is “awkward”?

What Can a First Kiss Train Us? (from former/present WUNC youth reporters)

“My first kiss, there have been no boundaries. And although I used to be younger, it made me very sturdy, in like, what I need and never letting individuals come into my area.”
-Parys Smith

“There would not should be tongue all that, like, it may simply be candy for a pair seconds.”
-Chris Williams

“It needs to be the correct second. Kissing typically, I feel it ought to simply be power”
-Donna Diaz

Why Do We Keep in mind Our First Kisses So Properly?

“Novel experiences can spike all kinds of various neurotransmitters and hormones in our our bodies … However we’re utilizing that kiss to inform us extra in regards to the state of affairs, how we’re feeling: Are we comfy? Are we pressured? In order that reminiscence is highly effective.”
-Sheril Kirschenbaum, writer of “The Science of Kissing”