Evolutionary Psychology (the podcast)

Are group boundaries solid, impermeable, and red in tooth-and-claw? Is animosity between groups inevitable? In this episode, we talk to Anne Pisor (U Penn) about all things inter-group from an evolutionary perspective, including the forging of relationships across group boundaries as a way to deal with uncertainty and risk, and the circumstances that increase or decrease inter-group antagonism.  More about Anne Pisor: https://www.socialitylab.org/ https://anth.la.psu.edu/people/anne-pisor/ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Qav4JJ4AAAAJ&hl=en

Daniel Sznycer, an evolutionary psychologist from Oklahoma State, delves into the fascinating world of self-conscious emotions like shame, pride, and guilt. He critiques traditional views on shame, arguing it serves vital social functions, like managing how others value us. Sznycer discusses the difference between shame and guilt, the cultural variations in these emotions, and explores how they impact social dynamics and personal actions. He even connects current societal behaviors to evolutionary insights, making his findings both relevant and relatable.

Motive? Intent? Case closed! In this episode, Keelah Williams (JD, PhD, Hamilton) runs us through our bar exam prelims, explaining how our evolved psychology influences legal decision-making, and what consequences this may have on truth, justice, and much else... If you are interested in how evolutionary approaches inform legal issues, this episode is for you. Bonus: Keelah also discusses her ground-breaking work on ecology stereotypes.  More about Keelah Williams: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=42lmiPwAAAAJ https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/evolution-and-human-behavior/vol/44/issue/3  

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.