Beat Your Genes Podcast - podcast cover

Beat Your Genes Podcast

BeatYourGenesbeatyourgenes.org
Evolutionary psychology with Dr. Doug Lisle, PhD and Nathan Gershfeld, D.C. Most psychology advice treats your brain like a broken machine. Beat Your Genes starts somewhere different: your instincts aren't broken. They're just optimized for a Stone Age environment that no longer exists. Dr. Lisle - Evolutionary psychologist, former Stanford lecturer, and co-author of The Pleasure Trap - has spent decades developing frameworks that explain human behavior from the ground up. Nathan Gershfeld, D.C. - trained first as an electrical engineer and then spent 14 years as a Doctor of Chiropractic. He brings a systems thinker's curiosity to every conversation. He mostly lets Dr. Lisle talk. Topics include relationships and attraction, self-esteem, personality, depression and anxiety, willpower, the ego trap, and how pushy people exploit agreeable ones. 380+ episodes. New episodes every other week. New here? Start at beatyourgenes.org/start-here
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Episodes

350: Are women delusional,humble, or just right about how hot they are? What is "the Magic 10%"? Listener wants to know why she fantasizes about women while with boyfriend, Listener is puzzled by choices of family member with aggressive cancer

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, we discuss a recent survey reported by survey artist, @Aella_Girl (on X). This survey reveals some interesting deductions about human mating difficulties in finding our "Magic 10%". Dr. Lisle explains what the term "Magic 10%" means, and we then go over 2 listener questions – the first is whether sexuality is learned or conditioned, specifically bisexual fantasies, and then our l...

Jan 22, 202557 minSeason 1Ep. 350

349: "Going crazy" after cheating on husband, Are there limitations to Personality or Intelligence tests? Are problematic/disagreeable co-workers less estrogenized? Follow-up question from E347

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, Dr. Lisle discusses the idea of "going crazy", a question about personality and intelligence testing, a question about disagreeable co-workers, and a follow-up from episode 347. 0:00 Teaser Clips 1:23 Question 1: Woman cheats on her husband then snaps 9:57 Can it be induced by psychiatric medications 12:22 Question 2 – Are there errors/biases in personality or intelligence testin...

Jan 09, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 349

348: Dr. Lisle's Book Update, Friend acting unbothered following his wife's death

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, Dr. Lisle gves us an update on his upcoming book, and we take a question from a listener who is rethinking a friendship with their friends' husband following the death of his wife. 0:00 Teasers and Intro 0:23 Year in Review and Book Update 23:42 Friend acting unbothered following his wife's death – what might be going on? 1. My wife had a best friend since 5yrs old up until last ...

Dec 26, 202450 minSeason 1Ep. 348

347: Do husbands just want sex and food? Are good looking people the only ones that can find love?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, Dr. Lisle discusses our first question in which a wife feels like she's sometimes just being used for sex and food. Question #2 is from a listener wondering if some people are just doomed to never find love. 0:00 Teasers and Intro 1:21 Question 1: Wife admires husband but sometimes feels like all he wants is sex and hot meal 36:29 Question 2: Are some people (in the middle of bel...

Dec 11, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 347

346: Applied Evolutionary Psychology, Young woman dating wealthy man, Dietary disagreement in raising child, Women may feel secure when mate is right more often

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, Dr. Lisle discusses the concept of Beating Your Genes and applying evolutionary psychology as a therapist, and then he answers listener questions on dating, dietary disagreement, and mutual decision making in relationships. 0:00 Teasers and Intro 1:56 Applying evolutionary psychology in a therapy practice 25:05 Beating your Genes 28:05 Young woman dating a wealthy man but feeling...

Nov 29, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 346

UPDATE: Our Last Episode, BYG is Moving on...to X

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, we discuss our last episode 345 being removed for 'medical misinformation' even though we have video proof of what was referenced in the offending episode. After an appeal, our video was re-instated, but the creepy feeling of censorship remains. So we are moving to the X platform. We hope to see you there for our normal BYG content. Follow us: X: @beatyourgenes Web: www.beatyourg...

Nov 28, 202414 minSeason 1Ep. 1

345: Psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD, weights in on the US Election… What is Morality?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, Dr. Lisle discusses the US Presidential Election and what to consider if you are distraught or if you are celebrating the results of President Trump being elected. Also, Dr. Lisle discusses the concept of morality – what is it? Is it innate? Is it taught? 1. Dr. Lisle weighs in on what to consider about the US Presidential election 2. If morality requires us to act against our ps...

Nov 14, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 345

344 (343 Pt 2) How can Gay Genes stay in the population without offspring?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's Part 2 from episode 343, Dr. Lisle discusses a potential explanation for why homosexuality persists in the population despite homosexuals having fewer children. 1. I understand that the very basis of natural selection is transmission and expression of genes - basically we are all evolved to pass as many of our successful genes into the population, and that the characteristics and behav...

Oct 31, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 344

343 Pt 1: Can you breed higher Intelligence into society?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, Dr. Lisle explains how genes are passed on through generations and just how complex and interdependent they are. However, sometimes this can lead to the mistaken belief that societies can easily breed certain traits into or out of their population. 1. Dr lisle you've often mentioned that we cannot get intelligent people to breed for generations and give rise to a population whose...

Oct 31, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 343

342: The EGO TRAP – when expectations are too high, motivation suffers

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, Dr. Lisle's discusses a term called The Ego Trap in the context of the following listener question: 1. Do you think Lebron James is ego-trapping his son Bronny? He has tweeted that Bronny is going to do extremely well he just needs a bit of time, but in reality the kid looks like he's not even cut out for the D-League. I know there's something to be said of Lebron's status and in...

Oct 17, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 342

341: Evolutionary MISMATCH is everywhere – work, academia, retirement

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, we discuss the following listener questions about evolutionary mismatch at work, academia, and retirement. 1. I was on straight energy conservation mode for years at work. Putting in minimum effort and getting poor performance reviews. I hated it but for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to get my motivation on board. Then I listened to you for years and over time bits of ...

Oct 03, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 341

340: The TRUTH about Social Anxiety – are extroverts really the outliers?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, we discuss different questions on social anxiety and finish with a short question about dating. 1. Is there a social strategy that involves not competing in an effort not to be seen as a threat? I am a woman and believe I notice in myself a tendency to make myself small around other women. I do this in interactions with women who are both more and less attractive than I am. I hav...

Sep 26, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 340

339: Disagreeable people blame trauma for their circumstances.

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. Question 1: I had a very traumatic childhood, but I don't blame my experiences with my violent alcoholic mother for any of my stupid adult decisions. I did those all on my own -- with some help from my parents' genes, of course. What Dr. Lisle teaches on this topic makes sense to me. I have a friend who, by any measure, had a much less traumatic childhood. In fact, I don't think it is fair to say...

Sep 05, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 339

338: A MARRIED man tried to KISS me! Wanting to Fall in Love AGAIN – What's my mind telling me?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. Intro 0:00 Question #1: 0:30 I have been with the same man for 13 years (since I was 19) and we have 2 children together. Though we have had our ups and downs and areas of incompatibility I believe our relationship is good, I love our family and want it to continue. However there is a part of me that wishes to fall in love with someone new again and feels regret about committing to someone when I...

Aug 22, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 338

337: I'm RICH but I DIDN'T EARN it – Can I EVER be HAPPY? Should I be CONCERNED about all the NEGATIVITY in the news?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. Question 1: How do I get back to being happy with so much violence and negativity swirling around in the news and in the world? No matter what has been going on in my life, I have always tended to be happy and optimistic, but recently it feels like everything seems pretty bleak in the world and it is bringing me down. I truly don't have any reason to be unhappy- I am part of a magic 10% marriage,...

Aug 08, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 337

336: Having SECOND THOUGHTs about fiancé – Should I marry anyway? Is waiting until MARRIAGE a TRAP?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In today's show, we discuss staying a virgin until marriage, and what to consider when having second thoughts before marrying. 1. I am a 32 year old female, Catholic and I want to wait until marriage to have sex. Not 10 paid dates, but marriage. However, it seems that nowadays no one is willing to wait. All the religious men I know that are my age are already married or even they didn't wait. I d...

Jul 25, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 336

335: I find ALL MEN my age REPULSIVE, Will 10 paid dates WARD OFF the casual daters?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In Today's show, we discuss a listener's struggle with being attracted to men her own age, and then Dr. Lisle discusses a question about whether 10 paid dates strategy is outdated. To listen to past episodes that discuss 10 paid dates, check out episodes 18, 22, 35, 96, 151, 164, and 284. Today's questions: 1. I'm a 41 year old female. A combination of good genetics, good diet, exercise, good ski...

Jul 11, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 335

334: Some sad news...Remembering Dr. John McDougall

A visionary physician and author, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend, Dr. McDougall died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Saturday, June 22nd, at the age of 77. Dr. McDougall leaves behind a profound legacy and in today's show, Dr. Lisle shares some stories and memories of Dr. McDougall. Follow us: YT: @beatyourgenes X: @beatyourgenes Insta: @Beatyourgenespodcast Web: www.beatyourgenes.org Doug Lisle, PhD www.esteemdynamics.com Nathan Gershfeld, DC www.fasting...

Jun 27, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 334

333: Great marriage but romance FADING? How do our traits OVERLAP? Are PSYCH meds EVER worth it?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In Today's show, Dr. Lisle discusses the overlap of Big Five traits in normal human behavior and how to understand the conceptual framework rather than getting bogged down in formulaic thinking. Our next question has to do with anti-anxiety medications and whether they are ever worth taking. Then we wrap things with a question about being in a great marriage to a best friend but whose romance is ...

Jun 13, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 333

332: OCD relief, Estranged parent-child relationships, Long-term relationship considerations

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. Today's topics are about people who seek and only feel relief if they have deep understanding about certain subjects, a parent who appears worn out from an estranged adult child, and a young man unsure about a long-term relationship. Listener Questions: Throughout my life, I continue to encounter people who have a deep attachment to understanding. They seem to only feel satisfied, secure or at pe...

May 30, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 332

331: Do Narcissists Hide their Intentions more than Most? Impact of Upbringing on Future Preferences

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD and social scientist, Jen Howk, PhD, discuss the following listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld. 1. What do you make of the common description that narcissistic/highly disagreeable people "wear a mask." Do high disagreeables go around actively and purposefully fooling people about their true feelings and intentions any more than other people do? We all try to put on a good face for the most part, but is this actually more true for certain pers...

May 16, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 331

330: Is Life ALL ABOUT making money OR can you Beat Your Genes and feel happier?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses a listener question with host, Nathan Gershfeld. In episode 328 dr lisle answered a questioner who was frustrated about their lower income relative to friends. One aspect of that question was that life isn't always about making money or climbing dominance hierarchies. In fact the very same instincts to keep pursing more can lead you to being unhappy. How then does one navigate when to pursue more and when to beat the genes? Are there any rough...

Apr 18, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 330

329: Is there Valid Critique of Twin Studies and Behavioral Genetics?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD and social scientist, Jen Howk, PhD discuss twin studies, behavioral genetics, and the logic of evolutionary psychology with host, Nathan Gershfeld Paper mentioned : https://tinyurl.com/j3c7tbt7 Copyright Beat Your Genes Podcast Watch this episode on Youtube! @BeatYourGenes Host: Nathan Gershfeld Interviewee: Doug Lisle, Ph.D. and Jen Howk, Ph.D. Podcast website: http://www.BeatYourGenes.org True to Life seminars with Dr. Lisle and Dr. Howk : http://www...

Apr 04, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 329

328: Frustrated about Lower Income degree, Helping child increase confidence

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discuss the following listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld 1. I'm a 29 year old economics major and I'm frustrated because I see friends who have gone into investment banking, big law or medicine on track to make 5-10x my yearly salary. I'm making a decent living on 60k a year but I feel like an idiot for choosing my major and now it feels too late to change. What would you have to say for someone in my position? It feels like I squandered an ...

Mar 21, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 328

327: Is Pseudoscience in Psychology CAUSED by Academia?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD and social scientist, Jen Howk, PhD discuss listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld Today's question: Is psychology doomed to remain a pseudoscience based on the crowd of people who self select to go into psychology? Im a university student and it from what i can tell, the vast majority of my peers and lecturers have no interest questions like why are we this way, how did we get here? Could it have happened any other way? Instead they are mainly ...

Mar 07, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 327

326: Priest broke confession seal and told husband I cheated

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD & social scientist, Jen Howk, PhD discuss the following situation with host, Nathan Gershfeld: I cheated on my husband three years ago while traveling for work. It was a one-night stand and we didn't exchange numbers or keep in contact. I don't even know his last name. Until last month, I've never told anyone about this event. At the time I cheated, I didn't really care because my marriage was rocky and I felt unappreciated. But my huusband and I re...

Feb 22, 20241 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 326

325: Prove-'em-wrong Motivation, Managing child's outbursts, Aunt is very disagreeable

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD and social scientist, Jen Howk, PhD discuss listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld: 1. Help! My son just turned 8. He has acquired part of his personality from my mother- he can be loud and will overreact or get really angry about things. This includes being told he needs to stop an activity because we are leaving the house, etc. I am trying to help him manage these outbursts because kids are starting to make fun of him at school for them. Do yo...

Feb 08, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 325

324: Is Attachment Theory WRONG? Do parents owe you support?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD discusses the following listener questions with host, Nathan Gershfeld: 1. I'm trying to decide whether to go back to work a year after my second child, or to stay home with her till preschool. I have heard you say on your podcast 'it doesn't matter who raises your kids' which I understand to be a reference to twin studies that show that parents have very little influence on how their children turn out (outcomes are about 80% genetic). How do you square...

Jan 25, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 324

323: Can everyone be happy? Does online dating change the cost-benefit?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD and social scientist, Jen Howk, PhD discuss the following listener questions: 1. Can all personality types be equally happy if they apply diligent effort to worthwhile goals? ie all other things being equal, would a low conscientiousness individual be as happy as a high conscientiousness individual if they both applied their version of diligent effort and equally felt they hadn't left 'anything on the table' (despite those levels of effort and results b...

Jan 11, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 323

322: Love him when he's here, but hate him when he's away, Solving social anxiety? Are SJW's really more noble?

Evolutionary psychologist, Doug Lisle, PhD and social scientist, Jen Howk, PhD discuss the following listener questions: 1. I have a friend who is very active in fighting for workers' rights. In fact he has a high level job in one of my country's major trade unions. He often organises protests, and is always the first person on the frontline with the megaphone. On a personal level, he is quite overweight, and I know for a fact does not help out much at home with housework and childcare. I used t...

Dec 14, 202354 minSeason 1Ep. 322
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