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Episode 4

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Published on:

20th Jun 2024

What the Hell Happened with Hitachi?

Despite the Magic Wand’s decades of success, the Hitachi corporation nearly pulled the plug on it altogether, due to concerns about how such a high-profile sex toy could reflect on their brand. This episode tells the surprisingly dramatic story of how American distributor Vibratex saved the Wand from extinction, and also does a deep dive on how the Wand itself has changed over the years.

Guests this episode:

  • Independent researcher & geek Pet Emily (she/they)
  • Vibratex owner Shay Martin (she/her)
  • Vibratex general manager Dan Martin (he/him)
  • Vibratex CEO Ken Herskovitz (he/him)
  • Sex toy historian & author Hallie Lieberman (she/her)
  • Author & professor of gender & sexuality studies Lynn Comella (she/her)

Making Magic is hosted and created by Kate Sloan, edited and co-produced by Jamie Pityinger, and made possible by the generous support of Vibratex. Our podcast art is by Addison Finch.

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About the Podcast

Making Magic
How the Magic Wand Became the World's Most Famous Vibrator
Arguably the most famous vibrator, Magic Wand has improved the sex lives of millions of people over the past 56 years. More importantly, it has shaped how we think about, talk about, and depict sex more broadly in society. Making Magic, a limited audio series, examines the legacy of Magic Wand and its significant impact on society's acceptance of pleasure. The series connects listeners to the stories of people whose lives have been changed by this vibrator. Magic Wand's illustrious history is told by sex writer and podcaster Kate Sloan and features over 30 sex and relationship experts such as Dr. Carol Queen, Stoya, Zoe Ligon, Hallie Lieberman, Dr. Laurie Mintz, Alice Lovegood, Tristan Taormino, Elle Chase, Tina Horn, Lorrae Bradbury, Danarama, Sexsmith Sinclair, and more.

About your host

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Kate Sloan

Kate Sloan is a writer and podcaster specializing in sex and kink. She is the author of 101 Kinky Things Even You Can Do, which Men’s Health named the “best BDSM book," and 200 Words to Help You Talk About Sexuality & Gender. In addition to creating and hosting Making Magic, she also cohosts the AVN Award-nominated sex podcast The Dildorks, and the game show podcast Question Box. Her writing has appeared in GQ, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Glamour, The Cut, MEL Magazine, and more.