In this episode, we meet Ric, a 62-year-old medical professional who was featured in Vice's 2018 article "Meet the Men Who Have a Fart Fetish." Although Ric doesn't identify strictly as a "fart fetishist," he's been fascinated by farting since childhood, drawn to both its taboo nature and the unique intimacy it fosters between people. To Ric, farting represents a great equalizer—breaking down societal barriers and connecting us all on a human level.

Ric shares stories from his youth, including his time in the Boy Scouts, where the camaraderie often revolved around shared laughter and farting during downtime. He also recalls a memorable experience with a young foreign exchange couple who embraced farting as part of their open, intellectual conversations, leaving a lasting impact on his perception of this natural bodily function. For Ric, these moments of openness and vulnerability were deeply validating.

Delving into the erotic aspect, Ric explains that his fascination with farting is tied to the anus as an erogenous zone, emphasizing the physical and emotional sensations it evokes. He enjoys the playful transgression of farting and how it deepens his relationships, allowing for a shared experience that's both intimate and humorous. However, Ric makes it clear that it's not just the act of farting that excites him—it's the context, the person behind the fart, and the emotional connection that make the experience meaningful.

In his personal life, Ric has shared intense moments of connection around farting, finding arousal in the embarrassment or freedom others express when gassy. He finds the act of excusing oneself after a fart amusing, as it subtly forces acknowledgment in situations where the social norm is to pretend nothing happened. Despite his partner of 25 years not sharing his enthusiasm, Ric maintains a healthy relationship, enjoying intimate moments like spooning and the occasional shared fart in bed.

Ric also reflects on his journey to incorporate farting into his sex life, initially hesitant but growing more comfortable over time. He describes his experiences meeting fellow fart enthusiasts before the internet era, using classified ads to connect with others who shared his interests. With the rise of online communities, he found friendships, though face-to-face connections remained rare.

We also dive into Ric's ability to keep his professional life separate from his personal interests and explore broader questions around the normalization of farting. Does it dilute the taboo, or does it simply evolve the way we view it? We touch on farting in popular media, the unfounded fears of a "fart fetish epidemic," and the intersection of farting as both a bonding activity and an intimate sexual expression. Ric even shares his experience being interviewed for the Vice article and offers insights on how our attraction to a person can extend to enjoying their unique bodily aromas, including farts.

This episode is a fascinating exploration of taboo, intimacy, and the unexpected ways we connect with others.

Find the podcast and resources at FartFetishPodcast.com