Best David Pinsof Podcasts (2025)

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Evolutionary Social Sciences with Dan Nettle 1:44:44

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3d ago1:44:44

1:44:44

Poverty? Universal basic income? Do we really crave sugar because of evolutionary mismatch? How do you train for an 800meter and a 100K running race? We cover this and much more with Dan Nettle (Jean Nicod). More about Dan Nettle: https://www.danielnettle.eu/ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=rl3kkv4AAAAJ&hl=en…

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Culture, Killing, and PTSD with Sarah Mathew 2:01:08

9d ago2:01:08

2:01:08

How do evolutionary behavioral scientists think about the interplay between our psychology and culture? What causes some cultural norms to persist and spread? Do non-Western combatants in war have something like PTSD? In this episode, we explore all of these questions and more with Sarah Mathew (ASU), who talks about her work with the Turkana, and …

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Reasoning and Epistemic Vigilance with Hugo Mercier 1:37:54

16d ago1:37:54

1:37:54

Is the evolved mind prone to believing misinformation? Are people gullible? What is reasoning, anyway? And what is it for? In this episode, we talk all things reasoning with Hugo Mercier (Institute Jean Nicod). If you have an opinion about whether people are reasonable (or not) this episode is for you. More about Hugo Mercier: https://sites.google.…

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How do you decide? – Decision Theory and Uncertainty | with Itzhak Gilboa 30:07

17d ago30:07

30:07

In this episode, we explore the foundations and evolution of decision theory. Our guest, Itzhak Gilboa, begins with a brief historical overview of how the field has developed over time. We naturally discuss maximising expected utility, Bayesian decision theory, and Savage's representation theorem. Itzhak then delves into critiques of the Bayesian a…

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Love and Regret with Cari Goetz 1:50:43

23d ago1:50:43

1:50:43

What is love? What is regret? What are we missing in our understanding of mating? In this episode we talk to Cari Goetz (Cal State San Bernardino) about the (still largely unexplored) emotions surrounding romance, sex, commitment, and parenting. Topics include: the field's current overemphasis on the early stages of mating, the cultural propaganda …

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Exploitation with Hannes Rusch 1:57:03

1M ago1:57:03

1:57:03

What is exploitation? Why does it happen? And how can we better understand what makes it more or less likely? In this episode, we talk to Hannes Rusch (Max Planck Crime, Security, & Law) about all things exploitation and group-y. Other topics include jobs, mopping, scapegoating, bravery, and how much people care about their group identities. More a…

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Influence Pays – Game Theory for Smarter Workplace Incentives | with Pau Milán 25:52

1M ago25:52

25:52

In this episode, we explore how game theory and network effects intersect to inform optimal incentive structures in organizations. Pau Milán walks us through his recent research, co-authored with Nicolás Oviedo-Davila and Marc Claveria, which uses a novel game-theoretic model to show how the productivity of one employee can amplify the output of ot…

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Polygamy with Brooke Scelza 1:51:22

1M ago1:51:22

1:51:22

Are humans designed to be monogamous? Polygamous? In this episode, we talk to Brooke Scelza (UCLA) about her work with the Himba and the complex web of social norms at play in that society and what it can teach us about our evolved psychology. Other topics include parental investment, the state of cross-talk between evolutionary anthropology and ps…

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Are equilibria a good predictor for real-life behaviour? | with Colin Camerer 28:30

1M ago28:30

28:30

In this episode we explore the most classical topic from Game Theory – equilibrium analysis. Our guest Colin Camerer shares insights on the game LUPI ('lowest unique positive integer'). We first discuss the actual mathematical equilibrium analysis and then dive into real life: results from a Swedish game show in which the game was played in a lotte…

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Leadership with Zach Garfield 1:46:02

1M ago1:46:02

1:46:02

Are mothers the evolutionary crucible of leadership psychology? And is leadership more misunderstood and cryptic than we might think? In this episode, we talk to Zach Garfield (UM6P, Morocco) about all things lead-y and follow-y, and the new and amazing Omo Valley Research Project. More about Zach Garfield: https://zhgarfield.github.io/ The Omo Val…

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Cultural Dynamics with Bret Beheim 2:04:34

2M ago2:04:34

2:04:34

What is cultural diffusion, why do need models of cultural change and distance, and what is on Bret's whiteboard? In this episode, we do a deep on how cultural change and distance are measured and studied with Bret Beheim (Max Planck for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig). Other topics include the local norms surrounding red lights and the evergre…

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Inter-group Relations with Anne Pisor 1:46:57

2M ago1:46:57

1:46:57

Are group boundaries solid, impermeable, and red in tooth-and-claw? Is animosity between groups inevitable? In this episode, we talk to Anne Pisor ( Penn State) about all things inter-group from an evolutionary perspective, including the forging of relationships across group boundaries as a way to deal with uncertainty and risk, and the circumstanc…

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The Power of Connection – A Game Theoretic View on Networks | with Matthew Jackson 26:09

2M ago26:09

26:09

In this episode we explore the economic and strategic foundations of networks – from personal connections in the labor market to complex webs of international trade and conflict together with our guest Matthew Jackson. He unpacks how networks shape opportunities, inequalities, and global dynamics, and how game theory helps us understand the power a…

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Shame, Pride, and Guilt with Daniel Sznycer 2:04:30

2M ago2:04:30

2:04:30

Why do we feel shame? Is it a useless emotion? Our guest, Daniel Sznycer (Oklahoma State) has been studying "self-conscious" emotions from a functional/evolutionary perspective. If you're curious about why we feel things like shame, pride, guilt, or how an evolutionary approach can she light on understanding our emotions, this episode is for you. M…

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Evolutionary Psychology and the Law with Keelah Williams 1:45:14

2M ago1:45:14

1:45:14

Motive? Intent? Case closed! In this episode, Keelah Williams (JD, PhD, Hamilton) runs us through our bar exam prelims, explaining how our evolved psychology influences legal decision-making, and what consequences this may have on truth, justice, and much else... If you are interested in how evolutionary approaches inform legal issues, this episode…

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Robbing the many to pay the one – game theory and temptation | with Carlos Alós-Ferrer 30:53

3M ago30:53

30:53

In this episode we are talking about corporate scandals, selfishness, and how game theory can help us understand when people give in to temptation. Carlos Alós-Ferrer explains how his "Big Robber" experiment shows that while people often act pro-socially in classical economic games, things change when individuals are given the chance to earn large …

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Horror and Morbid Curiosity with Coltan Scrivner 2:06:05

3M ago2:06:05

2:06:05

By Dave Pietraszewski & David Pinsof

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Cooperative breeding with Karen Kramer 1:16:14

3M ago1:16:14

1:16:14

How are humans able to sustain large families? What is our "true" reproductive strategy as a species? Are kids designed to raise younger children? And is it unnatural for us to live in such strongly age-segregated societies? In this episode, we talk to Karen Kramer (U of Utah) where we discuss our (possibly unique) ability to live with and raise on…

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Belief with Dan Williams 1:54:16

3M ago1:54:16

1:54:16

Why do we believe what we believe? And our we aware of why we believe what we believe? And what is a belief anyway? And what should we think of people like Jordan Peterson? We tackle these questions and more in this episode with Dan Williams (Sussex): our first guest representing evolutionary approaches to philosophy. More about Dan Williams: https…

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The Evolution of Human Longevity with Mike Gurven 1:52:34

3M ago1:52:34

1:52:34

Did we evolve to live long lives? Is heart disease a human universal? In this episode, we talk to Mike Gurven (UCSB), who has run a number of large-scale studies on the life and health of non-Western populations (among much, much more). And now, he has a new book out (Seven Decades: How We Evolved to Live Longer) summarizing the big picture of what…

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Language and Communication with Thom Scott-Phillips 1:38:25

4M ago1:38:25

1:38:25

What do the lindy hop, ostensive communication, and the evolution of language all have in common? Thom Scott-Phillips! In this episode, we discuss if language is an adaptation, why art museums have that certain vibe, the theory crisis in the behavioral sciences, the state of scientific publishing, and why Thom loves the lindy hop. More about Thom S…

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The Evolutionary Psychology of Humor 1:45:51

4M ago1:45:51

1:45:51

Humor is one of the great puzzles of evolutionary psychology. Co-host David Pinsof (UCLA) presents the coordinating “mix-up” hypothesis of humor, in which….well, you’ll have to listen to find out. By Dave’s account, it is one of the best accounts of the psychology of humor out there (but what do we know?) Content warning: this episode does contain …

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Plants, Infants, and the Evolution of Social Learning with Annie Wertz 1:58:02

4M ago1:58:02

1:58:02

Plants are mini chemical weapon factories! Learning and evolution are not opposed! This week, Annie Wertz (UCSB) joins us to describe her groundbreaking world on the evolutionary psychology of what babies know about plants, and how infants selectively use social information to guide their interactions with them. A lovely example of how adopting an …

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Cooperation with Pat Barclay 1:55:07

4M ago1:55:07

1:55:07

Pat Barclay (Guelph) joins us to discuss his work solving the mysteries of the evolution of cooperation. Pat is a wonderful human being and an exceptional scientist, whose work is at the forefront of understanding how and why we solve the problem of cooperation as a species. More about Pat Barclay: http://patbarclay.com/ More about David Pinsof: ht…

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Drugs, Delusions, and Depression with Ed Hagen 2:00:20

5M ago2:00:20

2:00:20

Why would a mind ever be delusional or depressed, and can we understand these as functional or maladaptive outcomes? Why do humans take drugs, and why do plants make them in the first place? (And why might the answer to the second question also answer the first?) Join us on a fun, wide-ranging conversation with guest Ed Hagen (Washington State, Van…

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Conspiracy Theories and Group Boundaries with Cristina Moya 2:01:04

5M ago2:01:04

2:01:04

Guest Cristina Moya (UC Davis) is one of our favorite evolutionary behavioral scientists. In this episode, we discuss her work in Peru on ethnolinguistic group boundaries, why we all believe crazy things, and what the lay of the land is in the evolutionary behavioral sciences. More about Cristina Moya: https://sites.google.com/site/cristinasolermoy…

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Thoughtful Warriors with Brenda Bowser 2:22:45

5M ago2:22:45

2:22:45

Guest Brenda Bowser (CalState Fullerton) recounts a life spent studying conflict and politics in Canambo, in the Ecuadorian Amazon, with her late husband and colleague John Q. Patton. Brenda shares first and second hand accounts of incredible events (including death by phantasm), and how she thinks about status, violence, and conflict, and how thes…

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From First Offer to Final Minute: Lessons from Unstructured Bargaining | with Emin Karagözoğlu 32:18

5M ago32:18

32:18

In this episode, we dive into the world of experimental research on unstructured bargaining, exploring how real-world negotiations unfold when stripped of rigid rules and scripts. Our guest Emin explains how opening offers shape the conversation, the unspoken dance of reputation, and the ticking clock of deadlines – showing that even in seemingly m…

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Egalitarianism in the Amazon with Chris Von Rueden 1:57:59

5M ago1:57:59

1:57:59

Egalitarianism is not what you think it is! Guest Chris Von Rueden (URichmond) has wrapped his head around what egalitarianism is and shares his insights and what he’s learned living with and studying the Tsimane, hunter horticulturists in the Bolivian rainforest. TL;DR: How to make a more just society requires respecting the complexity of our evol…

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Disgust, Morality, and Kinship with Deb Lieberman 2:31:40

5M ago2:31:40

2:31:40

Why do we appeal to disgust when we moralize, and why do we moralize what we find disgusting? Guest Deb Lieberman (UMiami) explains why our human propensity to gang up on others may be driving a lot of our moral sentiments, and why she gets uncomfortable when people appeal to disgust to argue for what is right and wrong. More about Debra Lieberman:…

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Impact or Innocence? Game Theoretic Clues to Why We Give | with Dennie van Dolder 29:18

6M ago29:18

29:18

In this episode we explore what motivates people to give, using insights from a Dutch TV game show where a live audience decides how to split €10,000 among three contestants. We discuss how real-world data from natural experiments can help answer questions about fairness, impact, and generosity - and what this means for fundraisers and policymakers…

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Terrorism, Drag Queens, and International Humanitarian Law with Michael Moncrieff 1:53:49

6M ago1:53:49

1:53:49

From offering the UN insights into the psychology of terrorists to interviewing victims of war-torn Croatia, guest Michael Moncrieff has seen a lot of life and yet remains hopeful. Dave wonders aloud why we are so blind to the civilian impacts of war and David and Michael discuss predatory rationality. Michael explains the history of the drag-queen…

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Bonus: Dave & David (and guest Pat Barclay) Read Some Reviews 17:16

6M ago17:16

17:16

Dave and David read a review of the podcast, and future guest Pat Barclay (Guelph) joins them for a second reading. Topics include why it may be good to be skeptical of high production values, and the tradeoff between focusing on basic research findings versus their broader implications.By Dave Pietraszewski & David Pinsof

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Examples of Good Evolutionary Psychology 2:18:36

6M ago2:18:36

2:18:36

Dave and David move beyond the controversies to explain—and give examples of—evolutionary psychology done well. Topics covered include the science of racial categorization and why we get angry. If you’re looking for examples of novel insights in evolutionary psychology, this episode is for you. More about Evolutionary Psychology The Center for Evol…

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From Clicks to Chatbots: The Future of Online Advertising | with Dirk Bergemann 28:44

6M ago28:44

28:44

In this episode we dive deep into the economics of digital markets with Dirk Bergemann. We discuss how search platforms like Google created entirely new marketplaces around user attention and private information, what makes digital markets so unique, and how auction design evolved to match the scale and complexity of internet advertising. Dirk also…

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Childhood in the Congo Basin with Sheina Lew-Levy 1:52:55

6M ago1:52:55

1:52:55

Helicopter parenting is not a human universal! Guest Sheina Lew-Levy (Durham) explains what drew her to studying childhood among BaYaka foragers in the Congo Basin, and what parenting and childhood is like there and how this helps us understand who we are and what we need growing up. In this episode we also cover why field anthropologists are bad*s…

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Friendship with Jaimie Krems 2:01:51

6M ago2:01:51

2:01:51

Why is the study of friendship so lonely, and what makes Philadelphia Philly? Guest Jaimie Krems (UCLA) explains why friendship is a blindspot in science, and why she has no advice to give you if you’re feeling lonely (we’re only half-kidding). If you do want friends, don’t want friends, or have friends, you should listen to this episode. More abou…

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Strange Bedfellows: The Game Theory Behind Counterintuitive Alliances | with David Pinsof 28:26

6M ago28:26

28:26

In this episode, we talk to David Pinsof about the surprising ways people form their beliefs and build alliances. Drawing on his survey with Cards Against Humanity, he shares how people often hold contradictory views and what this reveals about group coordination. We also dive into his game-theoretic model of coalition-building, explore how humor f…

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Mating with Daniel Conroy-Beam 1:58:11

7M ago1:58:11

1:58:11

Guest Daniel Conroy-Beam (UCSB) explains why human mating has occupied the interest of evolutionary psychologists, what consequences this has had on science, and how things might be done better. If you want to understand the science behind why we prefer certain other people to bonk, don’t listen to this episode (we’re kidding, this is exactly what …

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Controversies in Evolutionary Psychology 2:01:28

7M ago2:01:28

2:01:28

Dave and David plunge (or dip a toe) into the controversies surrounding evolutionary psychology and try to make a good-faith effort, while not suffering fools (or internet trolls) lightly. Listen through to the end of this one. More about Evolutionary Psychology The Center for Evolutionary Psychology “Primer” More about David Pinsof: https://www.ev…

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Man vs. model – game theoretic insights on AI in auctions | with Vitali Gretschko 22:31

7M ago22:31

22:31

In this episode we are talking to Vitali Gretschko about how generative AI can be used to simulate strategic behaviour in auctions. We explore where AI tools can support auction design, where they fall short, and how practitioners should interpret simulation results. Vitali also explains why AI is best seen as a co-intelligence that needs expert gu…

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Basement Cults 2:09:33

7M ago2:09:33

2:09:33

Co-host Dave Pietraszewski explains how he learned to love evolutionary psychology despite hating it at first, why attending basement cults as a child in upstate New York wasn’t all bad, really, and why he thinks understanding the human mind will require eventually understanding the evolutionary psychology of psychologists. More about Evolutionary …

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Is Evolutionary Psychology Bulls**t? 1:56:21

7M ago1:56:21

1:56:21

Co-host David Pinsof explains how he discovered evolutionary psychology, why it might not be bulls**t, and why we hate status-seekers (most of the time). Since this is our first episode and it’s been a while, there may be other stuff in this episode, but we don’t remember what it is. More about Evolutionary Psychology The Center for Evolutionary Ps…

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Punishment or Pettiness? The Game Theory Behind Spite | with Rory Smead 25:36

7M ago25:36

25:36

In this episode, our guest Rory Smead shares insights on spite and what game theory can teach us about this puzzling behaviour. He explains why people sometimes punish others even at a cost to themselves, and whether this can be understood through more than just fairness. Using the ultimatum game as a central example, he discusses how spite can inf…

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When Bonuses Backfire: Rethinking Attendance Incentives | with Timo Vogelsang 20:44

8M ago20:44

20:44

In this episode we are talking to Timo Vogelsang about why incentives aimed at reducing absenteeism can sometimes have the opposite effect. Based on a Field Experiment in a German supermarket chain, he explains why offering bonuses for attendance backfired. We also explore how incentives can unintentionally shape beliefs and undermine motivation. T…

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Too Sure for Our Own Good? The Hidden Cost of Overconfidence | with Philipp Strack 17:09

8M ago17:09

17:09

In this episode, we sit down with Philipp Strack to explore the hidden consequences of overconfidence. From distorted learning to discrimination and systemic bias, Philipp explains to us how overestimating ourselves can quietly shape our decisions, relationships, and even society — and why it's not always a bad thing. Philipp Strack is a professor …

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The marriage penalty – how the church rewired cooperation networks | with Jonathan Schulz 28:27

9M ago28:27

28:27

In this episode we explore how historical kinship structures, shaped in part by decisions of the Catholic Church, may have fundamentally changed the way humans are able to cooperate on a large scale. Using game theoretic concepts like reciprocity and network structure, we uncover how bans on cousin marriages and even modern Facebook data can help e…

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Why Climate Agreements Fail: An Innovative Solution Based on Mechanism Design | with Klaus M. Schmidt 30:04

9M ago30:04

30:04

In this episode together with our guest Klaus M. Schmidt, we explore the economic challenges behind global climate agreements. We discuss why past agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement struggled to deliver the desired results and examine how a new negotiation design centered on a uniform CO₂ price could lead to better outcomes.…

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Globalization and Protectionism – A Game Theoretic View | with Claudia Steinwender 27:58

10M ago27:58

27:58

In this episode, we explore how globalization has shaped trade and innovation—and why rising protectionism is challenging its benefits. What happens when countries impose tariffs and trade restrictions? And how can policymakers navigate the balance between open markets and domestic interests? Claudia Steinwender is a Professor of Economics at Ludwi…

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How to achieve cooperation: Learnings from fieldwork with the Turkana people | with Sarah Mathew 44:15

10M ago44:15

44:15

In this episode we are speaking with Sarah Mathew about cooperation – especially how cooperation is achieved in the absence of institutions. Sarah gives some theoretical background, shares the concept of free rider problems and the relationship to punishment. She then illustrates the background based on her fieldwork: She has studied how the Turkan…