logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
49m 18s

Ep91 "What is love?"

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

What are we talking about neurobiologically when we talk about love? What does it have to do with how you were raised, the symmetry of someone's face, or the smell of their underarms? What do we learn from heartbreak, rom-coms, and little rodents called prairie voles? And what is the future of love & AI? Join Eagleman for a Valentine's Day special to learn what unseen sparks in the skull set the heart ablaze.

Up next
Oct 6
Ep124 "Why don't we notice gaps in time?"
How is your consciousness like a flame that continually goes out and gets re-lit? Why can you see other people's eyes move, but you can't see your own eyes move in the mirror? And what does any of this have to do with deep sleep, anesthesia, comas, amnesia, and empires of soft-bo ... Show More
41m 34s
Sep 29
Ep123 "Will AI cure loneliness?" with Paul Bloom
On the one hand, AI companions are (increasingly) amazing at rectifying isolation. But on the other hand, loneliness is a biological signal that pushes us toward improving ourselves socially. So what's the right balance here? And does everyone have the same need to cure lonelines ... Show More
40m 48s
Sep 22
Ep122 "Why do we so rarely say what we mean?" (with Steven Pinker)
Why do people on a date speak in innuendo? Why do dictators squelch protests? Why do humans stand apart from the rest of the animal kingdom by blushing, laughing, and crying? And what does any of this have to do with bullies, George Costanza, or cancel culture? Join this week wit ... Show More
44m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
What is love?
How you define love will be what you get from it. If you don't have a definition for love, you may get stuck with something that appears to be love, but is really something else altogether. If you are 100% happy with the people you love in your life, skip this episode. 
53m 49s
Jan 2023
How We Love
What is love? What's happening in our brains when we're falling for someone? And why are we wired for forming deep, meaningful connections? In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist and love expert Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the neuroscience of love, ... Show More
36m 37s
Feb 2025
Let’s talk about love
Valentine’s Day is here - the one day of the year where you can be unashamedly romantic and splash out on posh dinners, flowers and chocolates for your beloved. So we dig into the science of love. First, we find out about a monogamous rodent that has a special way of forming life ... Show More
49m 29s
Sep 2024
What is Love?
In the latest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser ask, 'What is love?' Reflecting on their lives, they discuss their experiences of love, and share how love has changed for them over time. They dissect the portrayal of love online and in the media, and highlight how the ... Show More
45m 27s
Apr 2011
What is love?
What are the reasons we love one person rather than another, and can love be unjustified? 
3m 42s
Feb 2021
“Love Sucks”
Today’s Episode we dissect the phrase “Love Sucks”. Post Valentine’s Day what are the things that we are in love with? What has our total attention? It varies from the love of sports, people, places and things. We tell of how our love of wrestling led us to an encounter with a cu ... Show More
18m 43s
Jul 2024
Why We Love Things & Your Guide to Deadly Risk - SYSK Choice
Is it safe to let your dog lick your face or eat off your plate? It pretty much depends on how clean your dog’s mouth is. This episode begins with a look at whether being so intimate with your dog is okay or cause for concern. https://nypost.com/2022/04/06/your-dogs-kisses-could- ... Show More
48m 29s
Jul 3
The New Science of Love & The Fascinating World of Death
Who hasn’t had a brilliant idea or revelation while taking a shower? It seems the shower is a place where we do some of our best thinking. Why is that? This episode starts with an explanation. https://www.headspace.com/articles/shower-epiphanies What is love? Is it an experience, ... Show More
48m 43s
Mar 2025
How to Attract a Man Who Emotionally Protects You
Beyond butterflies and fireworks, what truly makes a relationship thrive? We're diving deep into the often-overlooked power of emotional protection. Join us to learn what it means, why it matters, and how to cultivate it in your own love life.NEXT STEP: Book a complimentary ... Show More
27m 19s
Apr 2011
Love and relationships: a function or an illusion
Is love just an emotion, or is there more to it? 
3m 13s