Carole Hooven

Carole Hooven, a human evolutionary biologist and former Harvard lecturer, dives deep into the fascinating world of testosterone and its impact on male development and behavior. She explains how prenatal testosterone influences brain development and lifelong behavioral patterns, highlighting unique aggression styles and play behaviors. Carole shares insights on the implications of modern society on male aggression, the necessity of testosterone therapy, and her own experience with hormone therapy. She also discusses her upcoming book on masculinity and cultural narratives.

Dr. Carole Hooven, Co-director of Undergraduate Studies at Harvard and author, dives into the fascinating world of testosterone and its role in gender differences. She challenges the myth of maternal instinct, arguing it's largely a social construct. Listeners explore how testosterone shapes behavior, influences male-female dynamics, and affects parenting roles. Hooven also humorously discusses 'post-nut clarity' and the complexities of attraction, all while promoting understanding around masculinity and hormone-driven behaviors.

Today we welcome Dr. Carole Hooven. For the past six years, she served as a lecturer and co-director of undergraduate studies at Harvard’s department of Human Evolutionary Biology. She has received numerous teaching awards, and her popular Hormones and Behavior class was named one of the Harvard Crimson’s “top ten tried and true.” Currently, Dr. Hooven has moved to the Psychology department where she works as an associate at Steven Pinker’s lab. Her latest book is called T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us.In this episode, I talked to Dr. Carole Hooven about the science of testosterone. Why do males have higher rates of physical violence, take on more risk, and desire more sexual partners? Dr. Hooven’s research points to testosterone as the answer. Although sex differences may stem from biology, variations in behavior may be better explained by genetics interacting with culture. We also touch on the topics of evolutionary biology, gender dysphoria, gender-affirming care, and academic freedom.Website: carolehooven.comTwitter: @hoovlet Topics02:49 Dr. Carole’s background and expertise09:26 Sex differences in mental rotation21:38 How hormones work24:47 The uses and effects of testosterone28:00 Testosterone, risk, and violence31:23 Genetic and cultural differences35:33 Trans women’s athletic advantages38:51 Let scientists conduct research44:22 Side effects of puberty blockers49:31 Evidence-informed view of transitioning56:30 There is no trans phenotype59:22 The TERFs vs trans debates1:03:28 Suppression of academic freedom1:06:48 Untangle science from politics1:09:15 Can we modify our chromosomes?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Carole Hooven, a Harvard biologist and author of "T: The Story of Testosterone," delves into the powerful influence of testosterone on male identity and behavior. She discusses how T underpins sex differences from prenatal development to adulthood, shedding light on both biological and cultural impacts. Historical cases of castration reveal shocking insights into masculinity, while the hormone's effects on aggression and nurturing are thoroughly examined. Hooven also passionately advocates for celebrating positive masculine traits.

In this conversation, Carole Hooven, an evolutionary biologist and former Harvard lecturer, discusses her groundbreaking work on testosterone and sex differences. She shares her experiences with backlash for stating biological truths, highlighting the complexities of puberty blockers and hormones. Hooven explains the critical role of testosterone in development, aggression, and behavioral patterns, emphasizing the challenges of segregating sports by hormone levels. Her insights challenge cultural narratives, advocating for a clear understanding of biological evidence.

In this engaging discussion, Carole K. Hooven, a human evolutionary biologist, explores the profound effects of testosterone on behavior, particularly in play. She reveals how testosterone drives boys towards rougher play compared to girls, and integrates insights from both human and animal studies to challenge ideas around aggression and play restrictions. Hooven also examines cultural influences on masculinity, advocating for healthier expressions of male behavior while emphasizing the importance of outdoor play for children's development.

Carole Hooven, a Harvard professor and author of "T: The Story of Testosterone," delves into the complexities of testosterone's role in shaping our identities. She discusses how this hormone influences behavior, athletic performance, and even gender transitions. With insights on the biological and social implications, Carole makes connections between testosterone and topics like toxic masculinity and parenting. The dynamic conversation sheds light on the ongoing debates within science and society about gender and identity, making for a compelling listen.

Carole Hooven, an evolutionary biologist from Harvard and author of 'T: The Story of Testosterone', dives deep into the complexities of gender and hormones. She discusses how testosterone and estrogen shape behaviors and identity, while exploring the biological underpinnings of gender differences. The conversation touches on contemporary issues like transgender participation in sports and the societal perceptions of masculinity. Hooven emphasizes the need for open dialogue and a nuanced understanding of biology's role in shaping human experiences.

Carole Hooven, a lecturer and co-director of undergraduate studies at Harvard, discusses sex and gender, her cancellation story, and the role of scientists in fostering free speech. They delve into spatial ability, the power dynamics of graduate student life, and institutional failure in defending free speech. They also explore the role of science in controversial questions and the division between scientific facts and the vision of the world we want to create.

Carole Hooven discusses her experience at Harvard and the challenges she faced from the woke left. They explore Harvard's problems, the DEI structure, and the suppression of truth in universities. The speaker expresses their distress over the potential loss of freedom of thought and dialogue at universities, highlighting the importance of being able to disagree and engage in conversation.