#1214 Paul Eastwick: The Science of Love and Connection
RECORDED ON JANUARY 12th 2026.
Dr. Paul Eastwick is Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Eastwick’s research investigates how people initiate romantic relationships and the psychological mechanisms that help romantic partners to remain committed and attached. One of his research programs examines how the qualities that people say are critically important to them in a romantic partner—their ideal partner preferences—direct romantic partner selection and retention. He is the author of Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection.
In this episode, we focus on Bonded by Evolution. We talk about the science of close relationships, and common misconceptions about attraction and relationships. We discuss how we have evolved to bond, what makes relationships successful, and short-term and long-term mating. We talk about compatibility, and compatibility-driven bonding. We discuss whether dating apps are realistic. We talk about the toxicity and misogyny of the red pill community and the manosphere. Finally, we discuss dating and relationships in the 21st century.
Time Links:
Intro
The science of close relationships
Common misconceptions about attraction and relationships
How have we evolved to bond?
What makes relationships successful?
Short-term and long-term mating
Compatibility-driven bonding
Are dating apps realistic?
The toxicity and misogyny of the red pill community and the manosphere
Dating and relationships in the 21st century
Follow Dr. Eastwick’s work!
Follow Dr. Eastwick’s work:
Faculty page: https://bit.ly/3hzXk8T
Website: https://bit.ly/34zmReC
ResearchGate profile: https://bit.ly/32sEkmj
Bonded by Evolution: https://tinyurl.com/bdf8359n