In this episode, I chat with two fantastic psychologists, David E. Lundberg-Kenrick and Douglas T. Kenrick, about their excellent book Solving Modern Problems with a Stone Age Brain. In it, we discuss Maslow, Evolutionary Psychology, Human Motivations, and the Challenges of the Modern World. And much, much more.
Douglas Kenrick is a President’s Professor of Psychology who has published over 230 books and articles, many applying ideas from evolutionary biology and anthropology to understand human social psychology. His research has been funded by NSF and NIMH, published in top scientific journals, and covered in media outlets, including New York Times and numerous BBC documentaries. He also wrote for the New York Times, Scientific American, Fortune, and Psychology Today. He received the Lifetime Career Award for Distinguished Scientific Contribution from the Human Behavior & Evolution Society.
Dave Lundberg-Kenrick has a background in both film production and psychology and is the Media Outreach Program Manager for ASU’s Psych for Life program, for which he films psychological experts addressing the question of how research can inform us about living more fulfilling lives. He has filmed for numerous documentaries and is co-host of the Zombified podcast. Along with Steven Neuberg and Robert Cialdini, he is co-author of Social Psychology: Goals in Interaction (7th ed.).
We touch on questions and ideas such as:
Why is it terrible advice to “just act naturally?”
If the world is more crowded than ever, why do we feel so lonely?
If the world is richer than ever, why is it so hard to get ahead?
7 motives that human beings have, including:
PARENTING
KEEPING MATE
FINDING MATE
STATUS/ESTEEM
MAKING FRIENDS AFFILIATION
SAFETY SELF-PROTECTION
PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS
Obviously, there is an overlap with Maslow’s hierarchy. Can you share how your pyramid is different?
Surviving and living healthy lives.
How do our evolved psychologies set us up to be parasitized by modern technology?
The conflict between our evolutionary desires and how the modern world works
Technological parasites – economic incentive to create stuff that satisfies feelings…
Loneliness
Physiological solutions that don’t work anymore
Using technology to improve our lives
The behavioral principle of stimulus control
Macro and micro-predators
Who was Osceola McCarty, and why do you think she is someone worthy of modeling our lives after?
A Favorite movie,
Author,
Book
Artist,
Musician
Philosopher,
TV series,
Desired superpower,
Ideal time travel experience,
Alternative location you would live,
Alternative career you would have
One piece of advice for the world
To get their excellent book check it out here: Solving Modern Problems with a Stone Age Brain
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