In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with filmmaker and activist Brendon Marotta to explore the history, ethics, and modern practice of circumcision.

Brendon shares how circumcision became medicalized over time, shifting from early cultural and religious roots to routine use in modern hospital systems. The conversation looks at how messaging has evolved, including past beliefs about infant pain, what current research suggests, and how conversations around consent and bodily autonomy have changed over the years.

HeHe and Brendon also discuss the function of the foreskin, common claims around hygiene and health, and why circumcision rates in the U.S. have been declining. They touch on cultural influences, generational beliefs, and how parents today are navigating this decision with more access to information than ever before.

Throughout the episode, the focus stays on informed decision-making, understanding the full picture, and creating space for thoughtful, pressure-free conversations around a topic that is often considered routine but rarely questioned.

Chapters:

00:00 Cold Open + Why This Topic Matters
02:50 HeHe’s Perspective + Research Lens
09:20 Circumcision Conversation Begins
16:25 Meet Brendon Marotta
22:58 History, Power, and Culture
32:06 Infant Pain and What We Know
44:19 Trauma and Long-Term Considerations
57:06 Health Claims and Controversies
01:04:30 Industry and System Incentives
01:10:16 Function and Anatomy
01:17:24 Parenting, Autonomy, and Decision-Making
01:28:03 Cultural Shifts and Changing Rates
01:42:22 Documentary + Final Thoughts

See American Circumcision here: https://circumcisionmovie.com/

Guest Bio:

Brendon Marotta is a filmmaker, author, and speaker. His last film, American Circumcision, won multiple awards and played on Netflix. He is the author of four books, The Intactivist Guidebook, The Haunting of Bob Cratchit, Children’s Justice, and The Gods of AI. He has spoken at Yale University, the International Conference on Men’s Issues, the International Symposium on Genital Autonomy and Children’s Rights, and the Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology. Brendon hosts a regular podcast called The Brendon Marotta Show. He is creating music and art with AI under the name Strange Aura. He currently lives with his family in Austin, TX.

Follow Brendon on social media here: http://www.brendonmarotta.com/subscribe/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/

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