#7: Neuroscience of Love: A Neurochemical Journey From the First Date to Falling in Love

Valentine's Day Special: The Neuroscience of Love!What happens in our brains when we fall in love, form bonds, and sustain a relationship? What molecular conversations are happening during that first date's small talk? How does our scent—something we're not even consciously aware of—reveal clues about genetic compatibility and fertility? How do birth control pills influence these evolutionary attractions?Are the butterflies we feel in love a sign of stress or security? Why can love turn into an obsession? In this episode, we’ll answer these questions and take a little courage from Alan Watts on the adventure of falling in love. Don't miss it!00:00 - 04:00 Introduction & Saint Valentine04:25 - 07:10 Act 1, Scene 1: Dopamine, Stress Hormones & the Prefrontal Cortex07:50 - 17:25 Act 1, Scene 2: Scent, Pheromones, MHC, Ovulation & Birth Control Pills17:25  - 21:15 Act 2: Mirror Neurons, Default Mode Network & Neural Synchrony21:15 - 21:35 Act 2, Scene 3: Leaving the Place21:33 - 22:33 Act 2, Scene 4: Saying Goodbye22:33 - 25:00 Act 2, Scene 5: Dreams & Butterflies25:15 - 27:15 Act 3: Falling in Love, Serotonin & Obsessions27:15 - 28:20 Act 4: Lasting Love28:20 - 31:40 Alan Watts & Closing Thoughts