The Biology of Bonding: Understanding Human Sexuality with Dr. Justin Garcia, PhD

*This is part one of a two-part conversation

In the field of human sexuality, understanding the bridge between primal drive and complex affection is a central challenge. While sex functions as a biological imperative for species survival, the science of love and relationships reveals that modern intimacy is actually a precarious cocktail of physical, cultural, and psychological factors. Despite this complexity, Kinsey Institute Research suggests we are hardwired to pursue these connections; the powerful dopamine payoff acts as a neurological engine, urging us past the hurdles of modern dating toward connection.

 **This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature audiences.

To better understand sex, love, and the future of dating, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Justin Garcia, an award-winning researcher, educator, and Executive Director of Kinsey Institute Research.

In the first part of this conversation, Justin unpacks the provocative research behind his book, The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love. He candidly discusses compulsive sexual behaviors, unique challenges associated with polyamory, and the enduring benefits of coupledom.

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Dr. Justin R. Garcia, PhD, is Executive Director of The Kinsey Institute and Ruth Halls Professor of Gender Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. An award-winning researcher and educator, Dr. Garcia’s research focuses on people’s romantic and sexual lives throughout the life course, especially on integrative bio-psycho-social models of variation in courtship, intimacy, and sexual behavior. He has co-authored over 100 academic articles and book chapters, and is co-author of Evolution and Human Sexual Behavior (Harvard University Press). Since 2010, he has been Scientific Advisor to the world’s largest relationship company, Match.com.

Book: The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love

Justin R. Garcia, PhD—The Science of Love & Relationships from Kinsey Institute Research:

Like what you’re hearing?

WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING?

Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Follow Justin R. Garcia, PhD:

Shareables:

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.

Continue Your Journey:

Related Episodes:

• Loving the World in Dark Times: Fearless Thinking
• Fearless Conversations and Essential Connections: An Indigenous Perspective
• Awakening the Hardiness of the Modern Day Super Hero Living Within Us All
• Expressions and Creativity Through Music
• Harvesting Happiness Talk Radio Ushers in The Holiday Season Through Music with Bekah Eden, Terence Davis, Hannah Mulholland, and Abe McDonald November 23rd