What’s That Smell? Body Odor, Bias & Biology

In this surprising and deeply human episode of The Culture Hug Podcast, we take a nose-first dive into the world of body odor—and discover it’s about so much more than hygiene. Through personal stories and science-backed insights, we explore how poverty, metabolism, and even genetics shape the way we smell—and how we’re judged for it. From the misunderstood science of "old people smell" to cultural taboos around scent, we unpack how aging, microbiomes, and deodorant ingredients all play a role. Did you know some populations naturally produce less body odor? Or that showering might not solve the problem for everyone? We break stigma with empathy, explore fascinating research, and challenge the assumptions we make about each other—one whiff at a time.

Sources:


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