Dr Liam Wignall

A man sitting at a table in a restaurant, wearing a chain collar.

Podcast Appearances:

The Big Top 340: The Way We Kink feat. Liam Wignall

In this Season’s finale, Barney is joined by Liam Wignall, who shares his professional opinion on just how neurodiverse Barney is. They discuss the psychology behind puppy hats, ABDL and the enormous chain locked around the host’s neck.

 

Taboo Science Podcast – Why Pup Play Appeals to Grown Adults

Fox News recoils at the idea of pup play—but we’re looking closer. In this episode of Taboo Science, we dive into the fascinating subculture of humans who enjoy roleplaying as puppies. We’ll explore the origins of this kink, from post-WWII leather culture to the rise of online pup communities, and learn what draws people to don a pup hood and bark. Kink researcher Dr. Liam Wignall and sex educator and pup play enthusiast Pup Amp share insights on the gear, the headspace, and the joys and challenges of being a pup. We also tackle the stigma and misconceptions surrounding this kink, and why it’s important to approach it with an open mind. So, sit, stay, and listen up—this episode will satisfy your curiosity about the world of pup play, and maybe even inspire you to unleash your own inner puppy.

 

The Recon Podcast Episode 26 – Kinky in the Digital Age

Today’s guest is psychologist, Dr Liam Wignall (aka CommonKinkster on Recon) who’s recently written a book called ‘Kinky In The Digital Age’ – where he explores gay men’s subcultures and social identities. Antoin (aka ajfs71) talks with him about how advances in technology plays such a major role in our day to day lives and how it affects our psychological, social and sexual behaviours – especially our kink.

 

Sex and Psychology Episode 239 – Kinky In The Digital Age

I am joined once again by Liam Wignall, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Brighton. He specialises in research on kink/BDSM, looking at the impact of internet and community engagement on identity formation. His book, Kinky in the Digital Age, explores how kinky gay and bisexual men navigate kink in contemporary times with an in-depth analysis of the pup play subculture.

Some of the topics we explore include:

  • How is kink defined?
  • How far can we trace back the kinky history of the queer community?
  • How has the mainstreaming of kink (i.e., the Fifty Shades phenomenon) changed the research on kinky sex?
  • Why at a time when heterosexuals are more openly embracing kink do we see a lot of LGBTQ+ people trying to hide it? Why has kink suddenly become controversial at LGBTQ+ pride events?
  • Is technology making us kinkier?

 

Sex and Psychology Episode 238 – Are Neurodiverse People More Likely To Be Kinky?

I am joined by Liam Wignall, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Brighton. He specialises in research on kink/BDSM, looking at the impact of internet and community engagement on identity formation. His recent book, Kinky in the Digital Age, explores how kinky gay and bisexual men navigate kink in contemporary times.

Some of the topics we explore include:

  • What does it mean to be neurodivergent? How prevalent is neurodivergence in the general population?
  • What does pup play look like and why are some people into it?
  • Why might there be a link between autism and kink in general?
  • What specifically about pup play might be appealing to neurodivergent individuals?
  • Why is there so little research on neurodiversity and sexuality?

 

The Kinky Coffee Break Episode 14 – Pup play with Dr Liam Wignall

Join me and my special guest, Dr Liam Wignall, as we take a deep dive into the kinky subculture that is Pup Play.

You’ll learn what it enTAILS(!), who typically engages in this type of play, and some of the many benefits people say they get from immersing themselves in this world. We also touch upon academic research on kink more broadly, neurodivergence and kink, and lots more. This conversation definitely got my geeky brain going!

 

Appearances in Media:

Cosmopolitan – So, there’s now an official ‘kink scale’ and quiz you can take

New York Post – How ‘kinky’ are you? This science-backed survey reveals your level of sexual curiosity and adventure

Lad Bible – New scientific quiz can tell you what level of ‘kinky’ you actually are

Madamenoire – Kinky Sexuality Test Being Developed

PsyPost – Want to know how kinky you are? This new scientific scale can tell you

Mashable – Are mainstream films finally getting BDSM right?

 

Dr Lis Bundock

A smiling brunette woman against a plain orange background. She is wearing a denim dress, and has shoulder-length hair.Podcast Appearances:

Pride & Progress – The Guide To LGBTQ+ Research

In this episode we discuss the value of LGBTQ+ research, and reflect with the editors of the book Dr Adam Brett and Professor Catherine Lee, as well as contributors to the book Dr Alex Baird, Lis Bundock, and Dr Kayden J. Schumacher.