Beat Your Genes Podcast

BeatYourGenes

Evolutionary Psychology

Marriage

Relationships

Love Instinct

Romantic Relationships

Happiness

Social Anxiety

Attractiveness

Infidelity

Workplace Dynamics

Genetics

Divorce

Narcissism

Male-Female Dynamics

Parenting

Self-Confidence

Emotional Stability

Motivation

Plant-Based Diet

Big Five Personality Traits

Evolutionary psychology with Dr. Doug Lisle, PhD and Nathan Gershfeld, D.C. Most psychology advice treats your brain like a broken machine. Beat Your Genes starts somewhere different: your instincts aren't broken. They're just optimized for a Stone Age environment that no longer exists. Dr. Lisle - Evolutionary psychologist, former Stanford lecturer, and co-author of The Pleasure Trap - has spent ... more

772 ratings

Publishes	Twice monthly	Episodes	400	Founded	10 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Health & FitnessMental Health

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Latest Episodes

384: What Looks Like a Flaw Is Actually a Strategy

Why do some people freeze when they try to speak up in a group, while others jump in without a second thought? Dr. Doug Lisle says it is not shyness or a confidence problem you can train away. It is your nervous system running a cost benefit analysis... more

10 Jun 2026 • 1 hr 5 min • Most popular

Why Your Bad Moods Are Never Random

A listener noticed their kid gets dissatisfied after too much screen time and asked Dr. Lisle a deeper question: when your mood feels off, is it always worth analyzing, or are some bad moods just random? Dr. Lisle's answer is blunt. Moods are never r... more

3 Jun 2026 • 1 hr 9 min

Perfect on Paper, But Not for Me - Mate Value, Attraction, and the Disagreeable Personality

Most people assume mate value is a fixed, rankable number and that attraction follows logically from it. Dr. Lisle says that is the wrong model entirely. Mate value has deep objectivity across a population, but your personal experience of any given p... more

13 May 2026 • 1 hr

When the Marriage Is Over, but the Mortgage Isn't

Most people think a marriage in trouble can be downgraded into a business arrangement to protect the house. Dr. Lisle says that is the previous investment trap talking, not your judgment. The four walls are not where the happiness lives, and the asse... more

29 Apr 2026 • 50 min

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Recent Guests

Doug Lisle

PhD, psychologist and author featured as a guest on the episode

Episode: 377: Dr. Lisle ESCAPES Dubai … to talk about Acceptance/Commitment therapy

Douglas Lisle

Evolutionary psychologist

Beat Your Genes Podcast

Episode: 365: Hustle Culture, Burnout, and the Evolution of Self Esteem

Hosts

Nathan Gershfeld

Co-host and systems thinker who guides dialogue and engages with evolutionary psychology concepts.

Dr. Douglas Lisle

Co-host, psychologist specializing in evolutionary psychology; frequent expert guest and dialogue facilitator.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 772 ratings

A truly tranformative podcast
I’ve been listening to this podcast for years, and it continues to amaze me. Dr. Lisle has opened my eyes in so many ways. The insights I’ve gained about psychology, human behavior, and how people really work have been nothing short of life-changing.
Every episode teaches me something new and deepens my understanding of others — and of myself. The clarity, wisdom, and calm logic Dr. Lisle brings to even the most complex topics is extraordinary!
I’m genuinely grateful for everything I’ve learne... more
Apple Podcasts
5
MashaBiely
Germany7 months ago
Eye opening and practical
The podcast does a fantastic job of making evolutionary psychology engaging and useful. The episode on the evolutionary roots of procrastination really resinated with me – it gave me a new perspective on why we put things off and how to work with, not against, our brains. Every episode helps me better understand human behavior and apply those insights to daily life. Highly recommend!
Apple Podcasts
5
Elizabeth_Toth
Netherlands9 months ago
Fantastic podcast!
My favourite podcast I could listen to an episode every day, so interesting and informative. I love the discussions between the presenters and appreciate the humour.
Apple Podcasts
5
Cathy McIntyre
United Kingdoma year ago
What happened to this podcast?
Why were all sides removed?
Apple Podcasts
5
amwteach
United Statesa year ago
Absolutely outstanding!
I found this podcast by total chance. I have always been very interested in human nature, for example I’ve always wondered how did someone like Eminem, who was very clearly abused make it all the way to the top in life…? He’s not lying down in the gutter crying, he’s a millionaire! The answer: he was born with exceptional genes that lead him down his path! WOW! I particularly have had more of an interest in figuring out myself, like a driving force that’s been encoded and I can’t escape it. And ... more
Apple Podcasts
5
Sandeebriggs
United Statesa year ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans describe the hosts as insightful, clear, and occasionally provocative in controversial topics.

A segment of listeners wishes for more focus on evolutionary psychology and less on politics.

Several listeners appreciate accessible explanations of complex concepts, though a few find some episodes polarizing.

Some praise the blend of EP with practical life advice, while others critique political discussions as it relates to the show.

The show is seen as transformative for some in understanding personal dynamics and motivation.

Listeners praise the rigorous, science-based approach to human behavior and relationships.

The humor and authenticity of hosts are frequently mentioned as strengths.

Quality guest dialogue and actionable takeaways are common highlights.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#102	New Zealand/Health & Fitness/Mental Health
Apple Podcasts	#198	New Zealand/Health & Fitness
Apple Podcasts	#231	Hong Kong/Health & Fitness/Mental Health

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

When the Marriage Is Over, but the Mortgage Isn't

Q: Dear Dr. Lisle, my husband broke the implied contract of our marriage that we would both remain healthy. He has led me on for six years about his quitting marijuana and getting fit. Should I jump ship or is there another path?

The host explains that relationships are trades of resources driven by cost-benefit analyses; if the love instinct no longer activates, it's reasonable to reassess the relationship and consider redefining the arrangement, potentially separating if the core values and health concerns are not being met. He suggests evaluating whether the trade is still worth it and that a more business-like approach may be necessary, but warns that such decisions depend on long-term happiness and personal costs.

365: Hustle Culture, Burnout, and the Evolution of Self Esteem

Q: In Europe there seems to be a slower-paced, more content lived approach and less emphasis on wealth; in the US, goal achievement often appears tied to burnout. If meaningful achievement is the path to self-esteem, how should people navigate cross-cultural differences in pursuing success while maintaining happiness?

Happiness is not monolithic across cultures; it's about the fit between personal temperament, social ecology, and available opportunities. While high achievers may thrive in more dynamic, risk-taking environments, others benefit from stability and strong social support. The key is recognizing personal preference and ecological feedback—finding goals that are both meaningful and realistically attainable within one's environment, while maintaining sleep, relationships, and personal values.

365: Hustle Culture, Burnout, and the Evolution of Self Esteem

Q: Dear Dr. Lisle, this question is about self-esteem and building long-term happiness through the meaningful pursuit of achievable goals, which I've heard you discuss in relation to burnout, feeling overwhelmed, and therefore unhappy with life in the modern world. If this is the formula for happiness, why do we see so many people today end up burnt out or overextended in their pursuit of achievement?

Burnout arises when ambitious individuals operate in a fractured social system that overloads their internal decision-making with conflicting demands from work, family, and institutions. Happiness comes from aligning meaningful, achievable goals with one's personality and social ecology, and from sustaining effort that feeds a reinforcing cycle of self-esteem and competence rather than chasing constant, unsustainable peaks. In essence, burnout is not simply about pushing harder; it's about finding a sustainable rhythm that respects one's environment and inner moral compass.

378: All's Fair in Love, War, AI, and the Marketplace

Q: What do you say to artists who fear AI will replace them because it can produce art with less skill and effort?

AI can replicate certain outputs, but the deeper value lies in the authentic integration of skill, intention, and expression. People still seek authentic, context-rich experiences, and mastering AI as a tool while maintaining personal craft can create new niches rather than simple replacement.

377: Dr. Lisle ESCAPES Dubai … to talk about Acceptance/Commitment therapy

Q: What do you think about acceptance and commitment therapy in relation to ACT's view on thoughts and feelings guiding behavior?

Therapy should be understood as updating the brain's model of reality; while thoughts and feelings are real experiences, the brain's value judgments come from evolved circuitry, so therapy should focus on aligning behavior with accurate information and resource optimization rather than simply accepting all thoughts and feelings.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Beat Your Genes Podcast

What is Beat Your Genes Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep-dinish look at human behavior through evolutionary psychology, with a focus on relationships, mating, social signaling, and practical behavior strategies. Episodes frequently explore how innate biases shape dating, marriage, parenting, and workplace interactions, often pairing theory with actionable tips for improving communication, motivation, and life satisfaction. The format tends to be thoughtful, data-driven, and occasionally provocative, blending philosophical arguments with real-world applications across personal and professional contexts. A standout aspect is the combination of rigorous EP frameworks with down-to-earth coaching, and a willingness to discuss controversial political and cultural topics through an evolutionary l... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Beat Your Genes Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Beat Your Genes Podcast:

1. Nutrition Facts with Dr. Greger
2. PLANTSTRONG Podcast
3. The Proof with Simon Hill
4. The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee
5. The Peter Attia Drive

How many episodes of Beat Your Genes Podcast are there?

Beat Your Genes Podcast launched 10 years ago and published 400 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Beat Your Genes Podcast?

Recent guests on Beat Your Genes Podcast include:

1. Doug Lisle
2. Douglas Lisle

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