Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry

Melissa Kearney, a Professor of Economics at Notre Dame and author of The Two-Parent Privilege, dives into the complexities of fertility and family dynamics. She explores why modern contraception can't solely explain declining birth rates and how societal norms are shifting. Kearney emphasizes the need for public investment in families and addresses the implications of low fertility on national security. She also highlights cross-country evidence showing no clear connection between female labor and fertility, challenging common assumptions around parenting and economic stability.

Diana Fleischman, an evolutionary psychology researcher, joins to dive into the provocative themes of Lily Allen's latest album. They explore why polyamory isn't a fit for everyone, revealing the nuances of jealousy from an evolutionary standpoint. Discussion includes the differing dynamics in open relationships and the surprising habits of celebrities when it comes to affairs. They also touch on the trend of middle-aged women using testosterone to enhance libido. This conversation uncovers deep insights into contemporary sexual behaviors.

Joyce Benenson, a Harvard Lecturer in Human Evolutionary Biology and author of 'Warriors and Worriers,' dives into the fascinating world of male psychology. She explores why young boys are drawn to enemies and superheroes, linking these interests to evolved traits for aggression and team identity. Joyce discusses how early experiences with play fighting and weapon fascination shape boys, and examines how peaceful environments can transform aggression into sports and martial arts. Her insights on the importance of male role models in guiding boys’ behaviors are particularly enlightening.

Nina Power, a philosopher and writer known for her expertise in political theory and ethics, explores the profound ideas of Alasdair MacIntyre. She discusses the shift from Marxism to virtue ethics, challenging modern academia's dismissal of such concepts. The conversation tackles issues like excessive individualism versus communitarianism, the critiques of liberalism, and the implications of MacIntyre's views on natural law and gender differences. Power argues that virtues must be practiced within moral communities to counteract cultural fragmentation.

This episode is sponsored by Relay. For a 7 day free trial, go to https://joinrelay.app/maiden and use the code ‘LOUISE’ at checkout.📰 Subscribe to Maiden Mother Matriarch here to listen to full extended episodes: louiseperry.substack.com My guest today is Joe Alto, a psychotherapist who specialises in men’s issues, particularly sexual impulse control relating to infidelity and porn use. We spoke about the therapy styles that work best for men, why men so often use porn as a self soothing tool, the false assumptions that women make about men’s porn use, why men tend to go to strip clubs in groups, how porn exposure has replaced traditional rites of passage for boys, and practical means of combating porn addiction. The MMM podcast can also be found on Apple, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms: https://linktr.ee/maidenmothermatriarchFollow Maiden Mother Matriarch on social media:Twitter: @maiden_podcastInstagram: @maiden_mother_matriarchTikTok: @maiden_podcast #LouisePerry #JoeAlto #MaidenMotherMatriarch This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.louiseperry.co.uk/subscribe

Meghan Murphy, a writer known for her feminist critique, dives into the fascinating world of 'gooning,' as discussed in a Harper's article. They explore how this subculture revolves around prolonged masturbation sessions sought for blissful states. Comparisons are made between gooning and dark retreats, and they reveal alarming habits—daily marathons that can lead to physical harm. Meghan connects the rise of gooning to Gen Z's internet upbringing and discusses its implications on social isolation, particularly post-COVID.

Ann Furedi, former chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service and author of The Moral Case for Abortion, joins Leah Libresco Sargeant, a writer and policy analyst, to delve into the complexities of abortion and women's flourishing. They discuss the historical changes in abortion laws during the 1960s–70s and the cultural factors that influenced demand. The guests examine whether abortion is framed more as freedom or justice, and tackle moral questions about fetal status and bodily autonomy, all while debating the implications for women's rights.

Rob Henderson, a writer and commentator on sex differences and cultural trends, dives into the 'Great Feminisation Hypothesis.' He discusses how female-majority institutions influence political culture, enhancing notions like wokeness and cancel culture. Henderson shares insights on significant shifts in female representation in media and academia since the 1970s, while expressing skepticism about remedies for bias. The conversation explores the balance between sentiment and evidence in assessing cultural changes.

Dan Hitchens, senior editor at First Things magazine, dives deep into the complex issue of assisted suicide and its implications for society. He explores how legalizing assisted suicide could redefine societal duties towards the vulnerable. Hitchens raises alarms about the risks posed by the NHS's centralized system and discusses the economic pressures driving this debate. He also sheds light on historical parallels, the shifting national identity, and the need for careful consideration of compassion and societal values.

A compelling discussion centers around the Pope's remarks on migration, stirring debate within Christianity. Rod Dreher shares personal insights on living in Europe, revealing the tensions underlying migration issues. The conversation critiques the church's welcoming stance, highlighting concerns for local communities. Theological questions about neighborly obligations and moral priorities emerge, illustrated by J.D. Vance's concentric circles of responsibility. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of faith, ethics, and the complexities of immigration.