Competency P*rn

Tuck the kids away and listen to this one with adults only! Ahhh, it is p*rn, but it isn't exactly what you think. This week, we have a sharp, curious conversation about beauty standards through looksmaxxing, self-designed learning through personal curricula, and competency p*rn as a reprieve from the real world. Watch The Pitt, The Diplomat, Abbott Elementary, or the new Matlock? There may be some science behind why we binge competent characters on the small screen.

Mentioned in the show:

Inside looksmaxxing, the extreme cosmetic social media trend – BBC News

Competency porn: is there any greater escapism than watching a capable person on TV? - The Guardian

Looksmaxxing reveals the depth of the crisis facing young men – The Atlantic

TV’s most satisfying escape right now is watching ‘competency porn’ - Washington Post