Keep Talking

David Buss is a professor at the University of Texas - Austin. During our conversation, David talks about the creation of the field of evolutionary psychology, its key findings about the human mind and human nature, and his expertise, human mating.------------Support this podcast via VenmoSupport this podcast via PayPalSupport this podcast on Patreon------------Show notesLeave a rating on SpotifyLeave a rating on Apple PodcastsFollow Keep Talking on Twitter, Instagram, and FacebookListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube------------(00:26) The history of evolutionary psychology(12:01) David’s thoughts on evolutionary psychology(21:02) Some interesting themes that unfolded during David’s research for his book(28:09) David talks about some misnomers in sex differences(33:07) Learn about the major sex differences(40:12) Understanding universal applicability of psychological studies(55:47) Some points to check for healthy long-term relationships (similarity in fundamental life goals and values - religious, political views and intelligence, sense of humor, approval of kin group and emotional stability)(01:06:46) David talks about his upcoming book, When Men Behave Badly(01:15:51) Potential investigations in evolutionary psychology (status, prestige, reputation and coalitional psychology)(01:17:53) What are the qualities to look out for in a partner for long term success in marriages?(01:22:31) David mentions two other subjects that interest him deeply - sexual morality and reputation, and why(01:29:430 David shares his thoughts on different mating lifestyles and the misconceptions around evolutionary psychology

Alex Dominguez is a member of the Texas House of Representatives. During our conversation, Alex talks about his political career, his knowledge of psychedelic medical research, and House Bill 1802, which would set up Texas's first medically-supervised psilocybin trial for those suffering from PTSD. 1802 has passed the Texas House 134-12, and the Senate 25-5.------------Support this podcast via VenmoSupport this podcast via PayPalSupport this podcast on Patreon------------Show notesLeave a rating on SpotifyLeave a rating on Apple PodcastsFollow Keep Talking on Twitter, Instagram, and FacebookListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube------------(01:00) Alex shares about his friend who suffered severe PTSD post release from the military.(14:56) The factors that led Alex to go ahead with his decision for the PTSD bill - elected officials in the state and in the country genuinely have an affection for veterans. And though they may disagree why they were sent to a particular country to do battle, they will all agree that they've done so at great personal risk. Also, he understood that they owed them a duty to help them transition back.(22:36) Alex knew he was taking a leap of faith while taking the decision to go ahead with the bill. He speaks about why he knew that this bill could save lives.(27:51) Governor Rick Perry’s role in the passing of the bill. Alex learned what it was like living with PTSD and explored the topic. He researched several nonprofit organizations that worked on the cause.(32:36) Alex reveals what convinced him to investigate psychedelics as an option for those suffering. He realized that it mental illness is not a moral shortcoming.(38:15) Why we say that psychedelics offer a possible avenue for treatment.(41:17) On what the bill has to offer for the citizens of Texas - information. The first part of the bill proposes a clinical study with Baylor College of Medicine to study the effects of psilocybin for those who have PTSD.(48:52) Alex explains the working of psychedelics and the effects they have on the human brain.(55:45) If the bill gets passed, what more will be available to the people?

Mike Ware is the Executive Director of the Innocence Project of Texas. During our conversation, Mike talks about his career in the law, his work within Dallas's Conviction Integrity unit and the wrongfully-convicted clients he and his organization have represented and helped to exonerate.------------Support this podcast via VenmoSupport this podcast via PayPalSupport this podcast on Patreon------------Show notesLeave a rating on SpotifyLeave a rating on Apple PodcastsFollow Keep Talking on Twitter, Instagram, and FacebookListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube------------(00:49) How Mike was introduced to the Innocence Project and what drew him towards it.(05:27) Injustice and smugness around criminal justice.(07:02) Why is anyone who is arrested in America viewed as someone who has done wrong?(13:17) What is it that inhibits people of power from undoing a wrong at any point during an investigation or trial?(16:29) What is an example of a confirmation bias case?(22:18) Mike addresses the Duke lacrosse case.(30:00) About the first post-conviction DNA exoneration ever done.(48:50) What happens when a statute of limitation expires?(49:54) How are DNA databases managed?(54:24) Patrick Waller, man who spent over a decade in prison for a crime he did not commit.(56:51) What happens when a wrongly convicted person is later on exonerated by the state?(01:13:40) How many people have been exonerated since 1984?(01:22:10) What prompted Mike into switching from the Conviction Integrity Unit to the Innocence Project?(01:38:36) What is the downside risk for being completely wrong about the story anybody presents to the jurors?(01:41:12) What keeps Mike motivated to do what he does with the Innocence Project?(01:50:28) What is it that citizens can do to combat injustice?(01:52:19) How does the Innocence Project get enough legal resources to meet the demand from inmates who are clamoring for help?(01:55:56) Which cases involve DNA testing?(01:59:44) How can we as a society get better at rendering justice more frequently?