 |
Sex in SpaceA new weekly podcast where we have open-minded conversations, delving into sex across all its infinite dimensions. Author: Sex in Space Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Sexuality, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
Why Do We Kiss? The 21-Million-Year-Old Science of Smooching, with Evolutionary Biologist Dr. Matilda Brindle.
Episode 123
Wednesday, 28 October, 2026
Have you ever wondered why humans kiss – and when we actually started doing it? In this episode of the podcast, Toshi is joined by evolutionary biologist Dr. Matilda Brindle to explore the evolutionary history of kissing.Dr. Brindle breaks down her Ig Nobel Prize-winning research redefining what a "kiss" actually is, how far back the behaviour goes in our primate family tree, and why species from polar bears to bonobos engage in lip-locking. Together, they dive into fascinating hypotheses about why kissing evolved in the first place – from conflict resolution, to partner choice, to a potential subconscious test for genetic and immune compatibility. Plus, hear what studying saliva-swapping between early humans and Neanderthals tells us about our shared past.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:57 – Why Study the Evolution of Kissing?02:54 – What Actually Counts as a Kiss?08:15 – Kissing: A 21-Million-Year-Old Tradition12:30 – How Scientists Track Ancient Behaviours15:40 – Evolution, Arousal, and Compatibility: Why We Kiss22:20 – Why Romantic Kissing Isn't as Universal as You Think28:15 – The Hidden Gap in Animal Sex Research30:02 – Reconsidering Neanderthals32:36 – What’s Next: Dr. Brindle’s Upcoming Book Wild ThingFind more of Dr. Brindle here: https://www.matildabrindle.com/-----------------Check out our books, 'How to talk with your kids about porn' and 'The Organ Education Forgot', available at https://www.sexinspace.com/books to download or buy.Follow us here:https://www.instagram.com/sexinspacedotcomhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sexinspacedotcomhttps://www.facebook.com/sexinspacedotcomhttps://www.youtube.com/@sexinspaceFor more info, check out our website at:https://www.sexinspace.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
