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    Short Stuff: Sitzpinklers Unite

    enJuly 17, 2024
    What does Jennifer Lopez encourage listeners to discuss?
    How does Josh feel about support from friends?
    What simple act contributes to overall well-being?
    What hygiene trend do hosts suggest for men?
    How are women’s restroom habits different from men’s?

    Podcast Summary

    • Stepping out of comfort zoneEmbracing vulnerability, expressing gratitude, and prioritizing self-care can help us step out of our comfort zone, leading to personal growth and development.

      Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. Jennifer Lopez, in her podcast "Over Comfort," encourages listeners to have open and vulnerable conversations with friends about the good, the bad, and the crunchy. This idea of pushing past comfort resonates with Josh, who appreciates the support of his friends, even if it's just in the form of social media posts. Josh and his co-hosts also share a light-hearted moment about the importance of acknowledging the love and appreciation received from others, even if it goes unseen. On a more personal note, Josh and Jennifer both admit to practicing the simple act of sitting down while using the restroom, a habit that might seem insignificant but contributes to overall well-being. By embracing vulnerability, expressing gratitude, and prioritizing self-care, we can all take steps towards personal growth and development.

    • Sitzpinkeln and Cultural DifferencesIn some cultures, sitting down to urinate is a common practice with a designated term, while in others it's considered unusual and may not have a specific term.

      During a comedy performance in Seattle, both the speaker and a fellow comedian confessed their habit of sitting down to urinate. The speaker, who had initially been hesitant, now embraces the practice and finds it effective. The only exception is in public places where they prefer not to use public toilets. The speaker's brother-in-law, who is German, introduced this habit to them. In Germany, this practice is common and even has a word for it – Sitzpinkler. This poll involved eight Western European countries, the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Singapore, with the goal of discovering various cultural differences. The speaker's revelation about their brother-in-law being German led them to remember this unusual custom and its associated term. The Germans' reputation for having a word for everything explains why this practice has a designated term in their language.

    • Sitzpinkeln and gender rolesGerman men lead the world in sitting while urinating (62%), a practice once considered feminine or weak, but now promoted for hygiene and reducing splashing. Societal norms around this behavior have evolved, challenging traditional gender roles.

      German men lead the world in the practice of sitting down while urinating, with 62% reporting they do so every time. This statistic, revealed in a scientific poll, was surprising to many, as countries like Australia, known for their rugged image, were expected to rank lower. However, the practice, once considered a sign of femininity or weakness in Germany, has been reclaimed and promoted since around 2004 through a campaign to improve hygiene and reduce splashing. Other countries, including Sweden, Denmark, and Australia, have lower percentages of men practicing this behavior. The stereotype that Australians are rough and tumble, leading them to forgo sitting while urinating, was debunked in this study. The Sitzpinkler movement in Germany is a notable example of societal norms evolving and challenging traditional gender roles.

    • Toilet sitting cultureGermany and Japan have seen a cultural shift towards men sitting down while using the toilet, increasing to 60% in Japan by 2020, due to campaigns and technologies promoting health and environmental benefits.

      Germany and Japan have made significant strides in encouraging men to adopt the practice of sitting down while using the toilet, starting around 2000. This shift was driven by campaigns and technologies, such as Germany's WC Geist or toilet ghost, and Japan's push towards becoming a "sitzpinkler" society. By 2020, the percentage of Japanese men sitting down while using the toilet had increased to 60%, marking a significant cultural change. The reasons behind this shift, including health concerns and environmental factors, will be explored further.

    • Men's self-careMaintaining good hygiene, getting a manicure, wearing nice underwear, and listening to inspiring podcasts like 'Family Secrets' and 'Overcomer' are small actions that can significantly improve men's self-care and personal growth.

      Self-care and personal growth are essential for men, and small actions like maintaining good hygiene can make a significant impact. During the discussion, the hosts shared personal stories and offered tips on self-care, including getting a manicure and wearing nice underwear. The podcast, "Family Secrets," explores complex family dynamics and the importance of truth and resilience. Meanwhile, the podcast "Overcomer" provides advice and support for listeners on their personal journeys. The hosts also discussed the trend of men choosing to sit down instead of standing to urinate for hygiene reasons. Overall, these podcasts offer valuable insights and inspiration for listeners to prioritize their well-being and face life's challenges with confidence.

    • Mindful urinationSitting down while urinating reduces chances of missing the toilet and splattering, while distractions like smartphones increase the likelihood of messes. Always ensure proper use of facilities for cleanliness and respect.

      Men need to be more mindful and attentive while using the restroom, particularly when urinating. The discussion highlighted that sitting down to pee significantly reduces the chances of missing the toilet, while standing up increases the likelihood of splattering around the bathroom. Distractions, such as using smartphones, can exacerbate this issue, leading to unwanted messes. Ultimately, it's essential for individuals to correct their course and ensure they are using the facilities properly to maintain cleanliness and respect for others using the same space.

    • Urine splatteringUrine can splatter beyond the toilet bowl due to fluid dynamics and porcelain properties. Emptying the bladder completely is essential for overall health.

      Even when urinating standing up, there's a good chance that some spray will go beyond the toilet bowl due to fluid dynamic phenomena and the properties of porcelain. The urine stream is held together as a stream for the first six inches, but after that, it enters the Rayleigh instability, causing it to break up into droplets that can splatter on the toilet bowl. Porcelain, being hydrophilic, further contributes to the splattering. Additionally, emptying the bladder completely is important for overall health, not just for older adults. This means ensuring you let all the urine out each time you urinate, as leaving some behind can lead to incomplete emptying and potential complications.

    • Men's urination positionWhile medical research does not definitively answer whether men should sit or stand to pee, individual health conditions and comfort play a role in the decision.

      The debate over whether men should sit or stand to pee is complex and not definitively answered by medical research. While some studies suggest that sitting down may help empty the bladder more completely, others argue that the position makes no difference. However, as men age and experience prostate issues, they may find it difficult to urinate efficiently, leading to frustration and potential embarrassment. Women, on the other hand, do not have a prostate gland and do not face the same challenges when it comes to urination. Ultimately, the choice between sitting and standing to pee is a personal one, influenced by factors such as comfort, convenience, and individual health conditions. The discussion also touched upon the relief and acceptance that comes with acknowledging the natural aging process and its accompanying changes.

    • Gender differences in using public restroomsWomen may benefit from sitting down to pee in public restrooms for a more efficient emptying of the bladder, but societal norms and lack of privacy may prevent them from doing so.

      Women's bodies are different from men's when it comes to using public restrooms. Women are more efficient at emptying their bladders when they sit down to pee, unlike men who typically stand up. However, in public places, women often hover over the toilet seat to maintain privacy, which can make it more difficult to fully empty their bladders. Men, on the other hand, may not sit down to pee due to societal norms or convenience, but doing so could lead to a more complete emptying of the bladder. The speaker suggests that in situations where privacy is a concern, such as camping or late at night, it might be worth considering sitting down to pee for a more efficient and comfortable experience. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the unique needs and preferences of all genders when it comes to using public restrooms.

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