Podcast Summary: Tosh Show – Episode: "My Sex Toy Designer - Ti Chang"
Episode Details:
- Title: My Sex Toy Designer - Ti Chang
- Host: Daniel Tosh and Eddie (iHeartPodcasts)
- Release Date: November 19, 2024
Introduction to the Episode: In this enlightening episode of the Tosh Show, host Daniel Tosh welcomes Ti Chang, a pioneering jewelry sex toy designer, to discuss her innovative approach to pleasure products, the challenges of operating within a taboo industry, and her vision for making pleasure mainstream. The conversation delves deep into cultural perceptions of sex toys, design intricacies, and the intersection of art and functionality in Ti’s creations.
1. Breaking the Taboo Around Sex Toys
Timestamp: [12:03] - [13:00]
Daniel Tosh opens the discussion by questioning the societal taboos surrounding sex toys. Ti Chang attributes this stigma to a "puritanical culture" where open conversations about sex are limited, placing sex on par with topics like money and death in terms of societal openness.
Notable Quote:
Daniel Tosh [12:30]: "Why are sex toys so taboo?"
Ti Chang [12:40]: "It's our culture. We live in a puritanical culture. I mean sex, money, death. Like all these things that I think are so important to our well-being. Like we can't talk about it."
2. Personal Journey and Background
Timestamp: [13:00] - [17:08]
Ti shares her immigrant background, moving from Taiwan to Atlanta at age six. She discusses her academic journey, including her studies at Georgia Tech and the Royal College of Art in London, where she honed her skills in product design. Her transition from designing at companies like Goody Hairbrushes and Trek Bicycle to focusing on pleasure products underscores her commitment to creating designs that center around the female experience.
Notable Quote:
Ti Chang [16:24]: "I'm proof that opportunities exist, but likewise, it's not as great as people perceive the American dream to be."
3. Designing with a Feminist Lens
Timestamp: [17:24] - [20:00]
Ti explains her motivation to design sex toys that are both discreet and aesthetically pleasing. She highlights the lack of female representation in industrial design and how this gap inspired her to create products that cater specifically to women’s needs, moving away from the traditionally anatomically inspired and often stigmatized designs dominated by male designers.
Notable Quote:
Ti Chang [18:19]: "I want to work on experiences that centered around women. And I was hired to do so at, for example, Trek. And then afterwards, vibrators interested me because I just saw a dearth of nice-looking vibrators."
4. Overcoming Industry Challenges
Timestamp: [20:00] - [26:35]
The conversation shifts to the challenges Ti faces in the sex toy industry, particularly the difficulty in attracting serious designers and engineers due to the stigma attached. She discusses the technical aspects of designing her products, such as balancing power and size to ensure discreetness without compromising functionality. Additionally, Ti touches on the complexities of advertising in a landscape where social media platforms are restrictive about promoting sex-related products.
Notable Quote:
Ti Chang [25:25]: "With speeds and your pressings are quiet. I feel the same way. I mean, our product says very simple, four, five speeds. You know, we don't five speed."
5. Innovating Pleasure Jewelry
Timestamp: [26:35] - [35:00]
Ti introduces her unique product line—pleasure jewelry—which includes necklaces and bedside products that function as discreet vibrators. These designs allow women to wear their pleasure as jewelry, promoting empowerment and opening conversations about sexual wellness. She emphasizes the versatility of her products, highlighting features like USB rechargeability and waterproofing, which cater to modern, on-the-go lifestyles.
Notable Quote:
Ti Chang [21:38]: "What I make is pleasure jewelry. It's a way that women can wear their pleasure if they want to, but the way they're designed, you can just remove the chain."
6. Personal Anecdotes and Product Demonstration
Timestamp: [35:00] - [44:35]
Daniel Tosh shares humorous personal stories about gifting vibrators to his family, illustrating societal discomfort with openly discussing sexual wellness. Ti provides a live demonstration of her products, explaining their functionality and design considerations. The interaction is both informative and light-hearted, showcasing the blend of professionalism and humor that defines the Tosh Show.
Notable Quote:
Daniel Tosh [29:16]: "Do you remember your first vibrator?"
Ti Chang [29:16]: "Oh, absolutely. Definitely not. Ew."
7. Future Aspirations and Industry Evolution
Timestamp: [44:35] - [46:16]
Towards the end of the interview, Ti discusses her aspirations to integrate pleasure products into mainstream markets such as Nordstrom and Ulta Beauty. She hopes to normalize the conversation around female pleasure and expand her product line's accessibility and acceptance. The episode concludes with discussions about the importance of cultural shifts to further destigmatize sex toys and promote sexual wellness.
Notable Quote:
Ti Chang [41:06]: "I want to make pleasure mainstream. I think that as a culture, we shy away from talking about these really important things that impact us, like pleasure."
Conclusion: This episode of the Tosh Show offers a candid and insightful exploration into the world of sex toy design through the lens of Ti Chang. By addressing cultural taboos, highlighting the importance of female-centric design, and navigating industry challenges, Ti provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of her mission to redefine and normalize female pleasure. Daniel Tosh’s engaging and humorous hosting style effectively complements the depth of the discussion, making this episode both informative and entertaining.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- Daniel Tosh [12:30]: "Why are sex toys so taboo?"
- Ti Chang [16:24]: "I'm proof that opportunities exist, but likewise, it's not as great as people perceive the American dream to be."
- Ti Chang [18:19]: "I want to work on experiences that centered around women."
- Ti Chang [25:25]: "With speeds and your pressings are quiet."
- Daniel Tosh [29:16]: "Do you remember your first vibrator?"
- Ti Chang [41:06]: "I want to make pleasure mainstream."
For Listeners Who Haven't Tuned In: This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in product design, female empowerment, and breaking societal taboos surrounding sexual wellness. Ti Chang’s innovative approach to pleasure products offers a fresh perspective on how design can influence and enhance personal well-being. Whether you're a fan of Daniel Tosh’s humor or intrigued by the intersection of design and sexuality, this episode delivers valuable insights in an engaging format.