Pup Play

Podcast Summary

• Discovering new flavors and unexpected connections at Kroger: Kroger offers a vast selection of delicious options and affordable prices, while the digital world allows for sharing experiences and forming unexpected connections

  Kroger offers an extensive selection of over 30,000 delicious options for customers, along with everyday low prices and various ways to save, making it a worthwhile shopping destination. Additionally, the discussion revealed an intriguing use of technology, as one individual discovered the joy of uploading photos to Google Maps and gaining popularity, leading to a viral moment on Reddit. This anecdote highlights the power of sharing experiences online and the unexpected connections that can be made through digital platforms. Overall, the conversation showcased the excitement of discovering new flavors at Kroger and the entertainment value of exploring the digital world.

• Exploring Alternative Lifestyles with Google Photos: Google Photos connects individuals in alternative lifestyles, allowing them to document and share experiences, and fosters unexpected connections.

  There is a community of individuals who engage in various alternative lifestyles and practices, such as pup play, and they use technology like Google Photos to document and connect with each other. Nat Worth, a recent graduate from Northeastern University, is an avid user of Google Photos and has uploaded photos to various locations. We met Nat and his friend Sterling at a loud location in South Boston, where they discussed their involvement in the pup play community. Sterling, who is originally from Southern New Hampshire and now lives in Dorchester, Massachusetts, prefers to keep his identity private due to the potential stigma associated with his kink. He wears a dog tag as a sign of his interest, which led to a surprising conversation with a coworker who is a trans woman. The community of individuals with alternative lifestyles and practices, such as pup play and furries, have their own terminology and are generally new to Anne Marie and me. We acknowledge that we are "vanilla" in comparison, but we are open to learning and exploring new perspectives.

• Understanding Kink and Fetish: Puppy Play: Puppy play is a form of kink or fetish involving dressing up and acting like a dog for self-exploration and freedom from societal judgement.

  Kink and fetish have distinct meanings for some individuals in the community. A kink is an activity, while a fetish is an object. For instance, puppy play involves wearing a hood or mask, which is an object, but the activity itself can vary greatly from person to person. Puppy play can be connected to vulnerability and freedom from societal judgement, allowing individuals to explore parts of themselves they may not connect with otherwise. The community of pup play includes various elements such as dressing up as dogs, acting like dogs, and even more explicit activities. People get into pup play for different reasons, and for some, it's a way to let go of the constant need to consider what others think of them. The exploration of pup play often begins with simple actions, such as practicing barking, and can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.

• Growth of the Pup Community during the Pandemic: The pup community, a subculture of people who role-play as canines, experienced significant growth during the pandemic due to increased opportunities for exploration and connection through online spaces.

  The pup community, a subculture of people who engage in anthropomorphic role-play as canines, has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly during the pandemic. Individuals like Nat and Sterling, who shared their personal experiences of discovering and joining the community, found it through social media platforms such as Instagram. Professor Philip Hammock, a psychology professor and expert on the pup scene, attributes this growth to the unique opportunities for exploration and connection that the online space provided during lockdowns. The community, which skews younger, has become more visible through the internet, with individuals using social media to normalize pup play and connect with others. This shift from private events to public online spaces has made it easier for individuals to find and coalesce around this community. Nat and Sterling's experiences are not unique, as others have also used public locations to showcase their pup hoods and bring attention to the community.

• A pup hood led to unexpected fame and exploration of pup play: Exploring self-expression through pup play can lead to unexpected consequences, including fame and a strong community, but it's crucial to consider the financial implications.

  Self-improvement comes in various forms and can have unexpected consequences. Rima Graz, the host of This is Uncomfortable podcast, shares a story about her pup alter ego, Acela Pup legend, who unintentionally gained fame by posing in a bus photo on Twitter. This incident led Rima to explore the world of pup play, a form of self-expression and self-identity that has evolved from a dominant and submissive role-play to a way of escaping the routine of daily life. The community is inclusive and has a strong online presence, with connections being made through social media and events. However, the financial implications of self-expression through purchases like pup hoods and attending events can add up. It's important to evaluate the value and impact of these expenses on one's financial well-being. Overall, self-improvement can take many forms, from something as simple as a pup hood to more significant investments, but it's essential to consider the costs and motivations behind the choices we make.

• Embracing Unconventional Identities in the Pup Play Community: The pup play community offers a safe space for individuals to express unconventional identities, but they face challenges such as discrimination and scrutiny from society. Despite these challenges, the community continues to thrive, allowing individuals to be themselves and find acceptance among like-minded people.

  Expressing one's identity, no matter how unconventional or niche, can be both liberating and intimidating. The pup play community, as discussed with Nat, Sterling, and Acela, provides a space where individuals can fully embrace their identities, but they face challenges such as discrimination and scrutiny from society. For some, like Nat, these spaces are a refuge from past experiences of rejection and intolerance. However, even in seemingly safe environments, there are risks, such as online harassment and public backlash. Despite these challenges, the pup community continues to thrive, allowing individuals to be themselves and find acceptance among like-minded people. This is a reminder that everyone deserves the freedom to express their authentic selves, even if it means wearing a rubber suit or a dog hood in public.

• Exploring the Blurred Lines Between Humans and Dogs with Puff Hoods: This episode of Endless Thread showcases the striking resemblance between a man and his dog, blurring the lines between species. Reality can sometimes be stranger than fiction.

  Key takeaway from this episode of Endless Thread is the exploration of the blurred lines between humans and dogs, specifically those with puff hoods. During the conversation, the hosts discovered that one guest's companion looked strikingly similar to a real dog. The episode served as a reminder that sometimes reality can be stranger than fiction. Endless Thread is a WBUR production in Boston, written by Ben Brock Johnson, co-hosted by Ben and Amari Sivertson, and produced by Quincy Walters. The team includes Dean Russell, Grace Tatter, Matt Reed, Emily Jankowski, and Samatha Joshi. The show delves into untold histories, unsolved mysteries, and wild stories from the Internet, whether they be kinky or otherwise. If you have a story to share, email endlessthread@wbur.org. Tune in next week for another intriguing episode.