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Episode 115: Dr. Ruth's Radical Legacy

The iconic Dr. Ruth Westheimer died earlier this year at the age of 96. Dr. Ruth was a trailblazer for her candid and joyful talk about sex, regularly using words like "masturbate" and "vibrator" on the air, and talking about sexual pleasure— including women's sexual pleasure—at a time when few others did. In this episode of Can We Talk?, we remember and celebrate Dr. Ruth. Historian and author Rebecca Davis explores Dr. Ruth's radical legacy and actress Tovah Feldshuh reflects on their friendship. Plus, archival tape of Dr. Ruth herself dishing out sex advice to her devoted listeners. 

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Released September 10, 2024
  • Psychologist, radio personality, and writer, Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

    Taken by Marianne Rafter.

  • Ruth Westheimer.
  • Tovah Feldshuh as Dr. Ruth Westheimer in Becoming Dr. Ruth

  • Tovah Feldshuh and Ruth Westheimer. Photo courtesy of Tovah Feldshuh. 

  • Tovah Feldshuh. Courtesy of Tovah Feldshuh.

  • Historian and author Rebecca Davis. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Davis. 

  • Dr. Ruth Westheimer
  • Ruth Westheimer
  • Tovah Feldshuh in "Becoming Dr Ruth"
  • Tovah Feldshuh and Ruth Westheimer
  • Tovah Feldshuh Headshot
  • Rebecca Davis Headshot

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How to cite this page

Jewish Women's Archive. "Episode 115: Dr. Ruth's Radical Legacy." (Viewed on December 24, 2024) <https://jwa.org/podcasts/canwetalk/episode-115-dr-ruths-radical-legacy>.