S4 Ep196: An Intimate Conversation with the Author of The Intimate Animal, Dr. Justin Garcia

S4 Ep196: An Intimate Conversation with the Author of The Intimate Animal, Dr. Justin Garcia

February 25, 2026 · 54 min · Season 4 · Episode 196

About this episode

Dr. Streicher hosts a conversation with Dr. Justin Garcia about his book 'The Intimate Animal' and various aspects of relationships and intimacy.

In this episode, join me in my living room for a conversation between me, Christie Hefner, and the author of a just released book, Intimate Animal by Justin Garcia, an evolutionary biologist and international authority on the science of sex and relationships and the Executive Director of the world-renowned Kinsey Institute. The Intimate Animal explores: Why we love who we love? Why do we stay in unfulfilling relationships and stray from rewarding ones? Is it ever a good idea to open a relationship? How has the digital age affected courtship? And why do some longtime couples crash and burn while others stay madly in love? The difference between intimacy and sex If evolution is driven by sex or intimacy Dating in a digital world If ending a relationship is the same as a failed relationship The number one thing people are looking for in a partner ..and much more Dr. Justin Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and international authority on the science of sex and relationships. Since 2019, he has served as the Executive Director of the world-renowned Kinsey Institute, where he is also a Senior Scientist. Dr. Garcia holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology and M.S. in biomedical…

People in this episode

Host: Lauren Streicher

Guest: Justin Garcia

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kinsey Institute

Books & works: The Intimate Animal

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