Label. Shame. Break. Science. The Monster Study Tragedy

In this episode the hosts unpack the disturbing "Monster Study," a 1939 experiment by Wendell Johnson and Mary Tudor that used orphans to test whether labeling could create stuttering. The conversation covers how children were told they were defective, the lasting psychological harm, the 2001 exposé, the 2007 settlement, and the broader lessons for research ethics.

The hosts mix serious reflection on trauma, accountability, and the role of labels with personal reactions, anecdotes, and lighter banter, highlighting why this case remains a cautionary tale for science and society.

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