The Michael Shermer Show The Evolutionary Roots of Love, Sex, and Jealousy
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Feb 3, 2026 Justin R. Garcia, evolutionary biologist and Kinsey Institute director, explores the biology and cultural twists of love and sex. He explains why intimacy commands such high value, how pair bonding and jealousy shape behavior, and the tensions between desire, technology, and consent. Short, revealing conversations about dating, infidelity, and how modern tools reshape relationships.
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Kinsey Went From Wasps To Human Sex
- Michael Shermer recounts Alfred Kinsey's shift from entomology to human sexuality after finding little literature on the topic.
- Kinsey applied big-data approaches from wasp collection to human sexual behavior research.
Sex Education Gaps Fuel Risk And Confusion
- Lack of comprehensive sex education leaves people ignorant about consent, contraception, and safer practices.
- Garcia notes fewer than 20% of adults discussed consent with parents, worsening risks and harms.
Emotional And Sexual Betrayal Often Blend
- Classic gender findings show men more upset by sexual infidelity and women by emotional infidelity, but most report being upset by both.
- In reality emotional and sexual betrayals blend and both trigger strong responses.
