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

Along with being a novel expertise, our brains obtain pleasure and knowledge 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 accomplice. She additionally describes the cultural historical past of kissing, together with how locking lips has enforced energy buildings and the way kissing is interpreted in another way around the globe, all matters mentioned in her ebook “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 photograph collection “PDA.” Kadar images moments of kissing and intimacy between Black and brown queer of us in public and at residence, exploring what this sort of connection appears to be like 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 school 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 Previous Have been You?

We gathered collectively tales of first kisses from our listeners, friends, 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 Educate Us? (from former/present WUNC youth reporters)

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

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

“It must be the correct second. Kissing normally, I believe it ought to simply be power”
-Donna Diaz

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

“Novel experiences can spike all types 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 harassed? In order that reminiscence is highly effective.”
-Sheril Kirschenbaum, writer of “The Science of Kissing”