# What is Sex For?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-next-big-idea-daily-5988609/what-is-sex-for
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-next-big-idea-daily-5988609/what-is-sex-for.md
Podcast: [The Next Big Idea Daily](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-next-big-idea-daily-5988609)
Published: 2026-07-13T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/YAP8001815943.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/YAP8001815943.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-next-big-idea-daily-5988609/episodes/what-is-sex-for
Duration seconds: 1822

## Resource

Sex is one of the most fundamental forces in nature — and one of the most misunderstood. Today on The Next Big Idea Daily, biologist Lixing Sun upends everything we thought we knew about why sex exists in On the Origin of Sex: The Weird and Wonderful Science of Reproduction. Then historian Rebecca Davis takes us on a sweeping tour of America's surprisingly varied erotic past in Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America, revealing that the country has always been far more complex — and far less sexually repressed — than the myths suggest. 🎁 Save 20% on a Next Big Idea Club membership when you use code PODCAST at⁠ ⁠nextbigideaclub.com⁠⁠ ✉️ Get big ideas in your inbox with our daily newsletter. Subscribe at⁠ ⁠bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com⁠⁠ Sponsored By: Shopify — Nothing stands between your idea and a real business. So go make it one. Start your free trial at shopify.com/daily FODZYME — Finally, you can enjoy your favorite foods without the pain. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠icaneatagain.com/daily ⁠for 30% off your first order. Quince — Make your summer wardrobe easier. Go to quince.com/nbid for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

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## Transcript

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