Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry

Wendy Wang, a demographer at the Institute for Family Studies, and Jenet Erickson, an associate professor at Brigham Young University, explore the nuanced relationship between motherhood and happiness. They argue that married mothers often report higher levels of happiness, attributing this to the benefits of physical touch and deeper community connections. Discussion includes the contrasting experiences of married versus cohabiting women and the profound sense of purpose that children provide. The episode challenges common perceptions about maternal dissatisfaction, revealing a more complex reality.

Nina Power, a cultural critic and writer, dives into the intriguing phenomenon of hybrisophilia—women's sexual attraction to criminals. She shares personal insights from her prison visits, revealing the surprising dynamics between female officers and inmates. The conversation explores how paraphilias manifest differently in men and women, and they discuss the complex layers of female sexuality, including the ties to erotic fiction. Power's candid analysis highlights the darker, stranger aspects of what drives female desire.

Jean Twenge, a psychology professor and author known for her work on generational differences, discusses the alarming shifts in adolescent mental health linked to smartphones and social media since 2012. She highlights how device use has plunged teens into loneliness and depression, advocating for limits on screen time. Twenge also explores alternatives like basic phones to preserve youth well-being, emphasizing the need for enforceable rules over mere conversations about tech use. Parents are encouraged to foster community norms that prioritize healthier, more traditional interactions.

Rob Henderson, a keen commentator on sexual politics and education, joins the discussion to unpack some contentious ideas. They explore whether men really care if a potential partner holds a degree and the impact of educational achievements on dating dynamics. The conversation dives into why attractive, educated women attract backlash from less competitive men and examines how different academic fields can spark varying levels of online outrage. Their insights challenge conventional thinking on education as a signal in the mating market.

Diana Fleischman, an evolutionary psychologist, fiercely advocates for certain negative eugenic policies, suggesting state incentives for contraception among vulnerable populations. Lyman Stone, a demographic researcher, counters that such policies can be ethically problematic and argue for the status quo. They discuss the moral implications of reproductive rights, incest laws, and the complexities of genetic interventions, ultimately debating the balance between social benefits and ethical concerns in shaping reproductive policies.

In this discussion with Ed West, a noted writer and commentator, the conversation dives into startling new data revealing a significant rise in British emigration. They explore how this trend is reshaping the Anglosphere and analyze the demographics of those leaving—particularly young professionals heading to popular spots like Australia and Dubai. The duo also debates how personal experiences stack against statistical findings and how skewed perceptions in certain circles can obscure the reality of emigration.

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.