What’s Behind Lasting Attraction? (Paul Eastwick, PhD)

About this episode

Elise Loehnen interviews psychologist Paul Eastwick about myths surrounding attraction and relationships.

I had so much fun reading psychologist Paul Eastwick’s book Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection. A lot of his work reveals the enduring myths that are engrained in our culture and our minds about attraction, compatibility, gender differences, and relationships—and why these myths have been somewhat mistakenly connected to evolutionary psychology. The way he debunks these myths is so helpful, and also very entertaining, I think, whether you are single, dating, or in a relationship. Today, he shares some great hot takes on the apps; the significance (or not!) of first impressions, what’s behind compatibility and lasting attraction, how same-sex friends work, infidelity risk factors—and much more. For the show notes, head to my Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Elise Loehnen

Guest: Paul Eastwick

Topics covered

• attraction
• compatibility
• relationships
• evolutionary psychology
• infidelity
• dating apps

Keywords

• attraction
• compatibility
• relationships
• evolutionary psychology
• infidelity
• dating apps
• first impressions
• same-sex friendships

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection

More episodes of Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen

• Why Women Need Fairytales Now (Sharon Blackie, PhD) · June 4, 2026 · 57 min
• The Promise of Dark Retreat (Andrew Holecek) · May 28, 2026 · 58 min
• Taking Your Foot Off the Gas (Monthly Solo) · May 25, 2026 · 31 min
• Designing Your Own Ritual (Bruce Feiler) · May 21, 2026 · 54 min
• The Most Dangerous Idea Ever Created (Ibram X. Kendi, PhD) · May 14, 2026 · 47 min
• Not Operating by the Checklist (Stacey Lindsay) · May 7, 2026 · 58 min