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Why do we sweat? The science behind this primal bodily function is complicated, fascinating  and often just plain weird. 

,” science journalist Sarah Everts makes the case that it’s time our species finds “serenity instead of shame” in perspiration. 

She traveled the world in pursuit of sweat’s history and sociological value — from saunas in Scandinavia to dating events in Russia where potential partners sniff each other’s sweat to determine attraction. 

What she found is that sweat is more than our body trying to stay cool. Trace amounts of drugs and disease can appear in our sweat. Perspiration can reveal what we eat. Even something as basic as our fingerprints are really just “sweat prints.” 

this conversation from the sweltering July of 2021

 when host Kerri Miller talked to Everts about the fascinating world of sweat. And let it build your anticipation for summer reading, with “Take it to the Lake” book recommendations coming on this Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas show.

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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Are you ready to sweat? This conversation from July 2021 will get you in the mood. It will also whet your appetite for this Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas show, a “Take it to the Lake” special, where three booksellers recommend the best books for summer reading. 

Are you ready to sweat? This conversation from the July 2021 will get you in the mood. It will also whet your appetite for this Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas show, a Take it to the Lake special, where three booksellers recommend the best books for summer reading.

From the archives: The science — and joy — of sweat

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