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#595 - Dr. David Linden

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#595 - Dr. David Linden

This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

2025/07/08
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

2025/07/08
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

Dr. David Linden, Ph.D., is an author and professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. He has written several popular books on the brain including his latest, “Unique: The New Science of Human Individuality.” Dr. Linden joins Theo to talk about ...

Highlights

In this wide-ranging conversation, neuroscientist Dr. David Linden delves into the intricate science behind human individuality, exploring how biology, genetics, and personal experience shape who we are. Joined by Theo, Dr. Linden discusses not only the neurological and evolutionary underpinnings of love, attraction, and identity, but also how a terminal cancer diagnosis has influenced his personal and professional outlook. The discussion bridges scientific research with deeply human themes of mortality, meaning, and connection.
08:49
SSRIs can dampen feelings and sexual desire, highlighting the need for better depression treatments.
15:00
Human childbirth is difficult due to large brain size and upright posture
30:04
Only 40% of sexual orientation factors are heritable, 60% are non-heritable biological influences
39:12
1 in 20 married couples maintain brain activity similar to new lovers
42:12
Love gives a sense of purpose in a disconnected world.
54:16
The brain is wired to presume a future, making it hard to engage with the idea of one's own demise
1:12:12
Sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity and population resilience.
1:20:32
The corona and frenulum of the penis have the highest concentration of Krause corpuscles involved in sexual sensation.
1:23:35
Sweat gland response to climate is shaped by upbringing, not genetics
1:40:38
Science fiction writers often anticipate the future, like the concept of computer viruses.
1:58:42
CRISPR and AI are paving the way for personalized medicine and genetic corrections.
2:07:23
Love and social connection activate the brain's reward system and may enhance immunity

Chapters

What happens in the brain during depression and how do treatments really work?
00:00
How evolution shaped love and long-term bonding in humans and animals
15:00
Are attraction and sexual orientation written in our genes?
20:50
Does love exist in the animal kingdom—and what does it teach us about ourselves?
33:17
Can science and faith coexist in the modern world?
42:12
Why is it so hard for the brain to imagine our own death?
54:16
What makes each of us truly unique—biology, chance, or experience?
1:03:02
How do fingerprints and genetic diversity reveal the subtleties of individuality?
1:14:52
Do our parents shape us more than our DNA?
1:23:35
Is human evolution speeding up—and where are we headed?
1:31:48
What breakthroughs are transforming medicine—and what's threatening progress?
1:43:12
How can hope and belief influence biology—and even disease?
2:04:48

Transcript

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