Evolutionary Psychology (the podcast)

Grab some candy (or brains): Halloween is here! This week, we talk to Coltan Scrivner about why we can't look away from the macabre, what exactly the "horror" genre is, and why a self-dose of fear and horror may be good for anxiety. If you are curious about horror, true crime, cobwebs, zombies, great white sharks, Jurassic Park, or whether its good for kids to experience gross or scary things, this episode is for you!  Also, today, Coltan's book, Morbidly Curious, comes out: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705578/morbidly-curious-by-coltan-scrivner-phd/ More about Coltan Scrivner: https://www.coltanscrivner.com/ https://www.morbidlycuriousthoughts.com/  

How are humans able to sustain large families? What is our "true" reproductive strategy as a species? Are kids designed to raise younger children? And is it unnatural for us to live in such strongly age-segregated societies? In this episode, we talk to Karen Kramer (U of Utah) where we discuss our (possibly unique) ability to live with and raise one another.    More about Karen Kramer: https://www.sapiens.org/authors/karen-l-kramer/ https://profiles.faculty.utah.edu/u0839608/about https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=2tP1330AAAAJ&hl=en

Join philosopher Dan Williams from the University of Sussex as he delves into the nature of belief, misinformation, and delusion. He examines why we cling to bizarre beliefs and the social motivations behind them. Williams critiques the concept of self-deception in favor of understanding propaganda and signaling. Discover how beliefs can be compartmentalized, the adaptive reasons for internalizing propagated ideas, and the implications of our biases on daily life. Enjoy insights on navigating controversial topics in research and the pursuit of truth.

In this discussion, anthropology professor Mike Gurven from UC Santa Barbara dives into the fascinating evolution of human longevity. He shares insights from his extensive research on non-Western populations, challenging common beliefs about aging and heart disease. They explore how aging varies between modern and traditional societies, the significance of family dynamics, and the contributions of older adults. Additionally, the conversation sheds light on the impact of urban design on health and the evolution of personality traits across different cultures.

Thom Scott-Phillips, an expert in the evolution of communication and language, takes us on a fascinating journey through the nuances of human interaction. He explores if language itself is an adaptation and discusses the complexities of ostensive communication. The conversation dives into the intersection of art, language, and social dynamics, revealing how these fields influence our understanding of one another. Plus, Thom shares his passion for the lindy hop, drawing connections between dance and cultural expression.

The complexities of humor take center stage as hosts delve into its evolutionary significance. They explore the role of mistakes and miscommunication in comedy, offering amusing anecdotes and historical insights. Through discussions on common knowledge and social dynamics, they highlight how laughter can foster connections and even reveal societal norms. The interplay between humor, embarrassment, and reputation in adolescents adds depth, culminating in a light-hearted examination of how laughter shapes our interactions and understanding of humanity.

Annie Wertz, a Professor of Psychology at UCSB, shares her groundbreaking research on infants' understanding of plants and the role of social learning in their interactions. She discusses how babies navigate their environment using social cues to assess which plants are safe or toxic, revealing an intricate cognitive process. Wertz critiques traditional views on cognitive modularity, emphasizing the evolutionary aspects of learning and survival strategies. The conversation highlights the deeper emotional connections humans have with plants and the importance of hands-on learning in fostering positive relationships with nature.

Pat Barclay (Guelph) joins us to discuss his work solving the mysteries of the evolution of cooperation. Pat is a wonderful human being and an exceptional scientist, whose work is at the forefront of understanding how and why we solve the problem of cooperation as a species.  More about Pat Barclay:  http://patbarclay.com/  More about David Pinsof:  https://www.everythingisbullshit.blog/ https://www.kremslab.com/people   More about Dave Pietraszewski:  https://cal.psych.ucsb.edu/david-pietraszewski  

Why would a mind ever be delusional or depressed, and can we understand these as functional or maladaptive outcomes? Why do humans take drugs, and why do plants make them in the first place? (And why might the answer to the second question also answer the first?) Join us on a fun, wide-ranging conversation with guest Ed Hagen (Washington State, Vancouver) one of evolutionary psychology’s most encyclopedic minds.    More about Ed Hagen: https://anthro.vancouver.wsu.edu/people/hagen/ https://blog.edhagen.net/   Evolutionary Psychology FAQ: https://grasshoppermouse.github.io/evpsychfaq/   More about David Pinsof:  https://www.everythingisbullshit.blog/ https://www.kremslab.com/people   More about Dave Pietraszewski:  https://cal.psych.ucsb.edu/david-pietraszewski

Cristina Moya, an anthropology professor at UC Davis, dives into her research on ethnolinguistic group boundaries in Peru. She discusses why people cling to bizarre conspiracy beliefs and how these beliefs forge group loyalty. The conversation explores cultural evolution's impact on social dynamics, highlighting the intricacies of identity and group affiliation. Moya sheds light on the role of charisma in leadership and the importance of diverse perspectives in academia, linking these topics to greater understanding of human behavior and belonging.