Stuff You Should Know

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Selects: Birthmarks: Probably Not the Mark of the Devil

Explore episode Jun 20, 2026

Where this was said

Birthmarks and Social Stigma

At 7:21 · chapter starts 6:10

With the personal anecdotes out of the way, Josh launches into what quickly becomes the episode's emotional center: the long history of ostracism tied to birthmarks. He traces the stigma from ancient witchcraft accusations through to present-day experiences, citing the UK birthmark support group's story of a mother who had explanation cards printed because she couldn't face yet another intrusive stranger asking about her child's face. The hosts are visibly frustrated — not at the birthmarks, but at the social machinery that makes them a problem. Josh's conclusion is blunt: the rest of the world are schmucks. Chuck seconds it.

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