Our Human Nature

The Science of Friendship

We are in the midst of a global friendship recession. And despite the strong social and evolutionary role friendship has played in our long human story, we have seen, in just one generation, a rapid decline in both the quantity and quality of friendships. This podcast digs deep into the science of friendship, from the changing nature of cooperation and competition, to why uncertainty in our world is altering the way we communicate, while activating our deepest and darkest competitive instincts. We discuss the effects of loneliness and its odd relationship with cortisol, as well as how loneliness can even alter our genetic expression. We look at why young men lead in friendlessness, and the burden this places on women. Finally, we look at the relationship between loneliness and purpose and what we can learn from U.S. Navy SEAL training's Hell Week. 

Is Monogamy Natural?

Like all creatures, one of our core biological imperatives is the need to reproduce. Yet, amidst rapid social change, we are seeing lower rates of marriage and fewer children. Traditional life scripts around marriage, monogamy, and family, are being challenged. But is this a temporary trend, or is it a more honest understanding of our human nature? To what extent are norms, ethics, and institutions important? Can we biohack our own love lives, and reconcile the tug-of-war between biology and culture in order to build stronger, happier, and more passionate long-term relationships?

The Disturbing Power of Social Conformity: Psychology, Politics, and the Pandemic

How did a high school teacher create a fascist regime in less than three days? What percentage of us would kill another person simply because we were told we must? Why is conforming to the group more powerful than being moral or right? What did the Covid-19 pandemic tell us about our hardwired need to belong and what does it mean for our future?

Our Pursuit of Health, Wealth, and Happiness

We all want happiness, for ourselves and our loved ones. Yet, despite our knowledge of how to live better lives and our various New Year's resolutions, we still struggle to find it. What does the science say about happiness? Who does it best and why? What are the common social roadblocks that get in the way? Does money buy happiness? And, what is the link between happiness, biological health, and longevity? 

Has Medicine Failed Women?

Why is it that women are several times more likely to have their heart attack symptoms dismissed than men? Why, during the Covid-19 pandemic, were women less likely than men to receive X-rays and blood tests? Why are men often given pain medications while women are given sedatives? Why does gynaecological cancer research receive less funding than cancers that predominantly affect men? In this episode, I survey the leading research on gender-bias and sexism in medicine, with special attention on how our social world and our evolutionary history may be playing a key role. 

Why Can't We Solve War?

We currently have more wars between nations than at any other time since the end of World War II. Our ability to chart a course for peace, and a challenge that will face the new Trump Administration, will require a sophisticated understanding of the social dimensions that underpin conflict, both between and within states. In this episode, I discuss a few of war's constants; those attributes we must acknowledge if we are to negotiate our way to a more peaceful world. 

Part 2: Masculinity and the Remaking of Modern Men

Part 2 of our discussion on modern masculinity. Our mission, to rid our world of toxic masculinity, and to remake modern men, will involve squaring our evolutionary hardwiring with the expectations of a changing social world. 

The Crisis with Men and Masculinity

Young men today are suffering from astonishing rates of testosterone decline, poor fitness, social isolation, and overall risk-aversion. In this episode we explore some of these trends, both biological and social, and consider the question of whether we need manly men in a modern egalitarian world, or whether we are taking our first steps into a post-masculine society.

Life in the Fast Lane: Human Nature in a Changing World

Our world is changing at a greater rate than ever before. Despite the incredible volume of information at our fingertips on how to live better, healthier, and more peaceful lives, we are seeing, in many cases, the opposite effect; political and ideological divisiveness, war, and poor physical and mental health. We are at a crossroads, the likes of which we have never before seen in human history. 

Introduction: Our Human Nature

Dr. Robert Barrett introduces Our Human Nature, an exploration of what it means to be human in a changing world.