In this episode of Getting Open, Andrea Miller sits down with evolutionary anthropologist and Oxford researcher Dr. Anna Machin to explore the science of love — from why fathers are biologically vital to their children’s development to how brain chemistry explains connection, heartbreak, and even parasocial love. Discover what really bonds us, how “maternal gatekeeping” can harm relationships, and the surprising chemical that actually powers lifelong love.
💖 Don’t forget to like this video & subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/c/tangodaily
Chapters:
01:00 – Meet Dr. Anna Machin: Oxford’s Love Scientist
03:34 – The “Deadbeat Dad” Myth
05:11 – How Fatherhood Shaped Human Evolution
10:24 – Three Things Every Great Dad Does
15:15 – Is It Ever Too Late to Repair Father–Child Bonds?
20:08 – Breaking Generational Patterns: Becoming the Father You Needed
23:47 – The Birth Story That Changed Her Career
31:12 – Maternal Gatekeeping: When Moms Don’t Let Dads Parent
35:41 – The Opioid Theory of Love
43:12 – Why Dancing & Singing Makes Us Feel Alive
54:25 – The Dark Side of Love
56:04 – Love Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Biological Need
58:12 – What Happens in the Brain When We Lose Love
01:00:47 – Loneliness: The Modern World’s Silent Killer
01:04:26 – Online Love & Parasocial Bonds Explained
01:15:00 – Love Is the Most Human Thing We Do
FOLLOW YOURTANGO
INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/yourtango
TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@yourtango
THREADS | https://www.threads.net/@yourtango
TWITTER | https://www.twitter.com/YourTango
FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/YourTango/
“Getting Open w/ Andrea Miller” is a podcast aimed at helping people truly open up to one another and themselves by digging into hard truths and varying perspectives. This show offers expert-approved relationship advice through vulnerable stories, dynamic discussions, and inspiring insights.
Subscribe to catch new episodes of Getting Open with Andrea Miller every Tuesday at 3 PM ET.
🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fFUVNB4cA91iWIvbPXee0?si=7ff5b8283d2d4784
📚 Read more at: https://www.YourTango.com
📩 Have a relationship issue or topic you'd like to discuss on the show? Email us: gettingopen@yourtango.com
#scienceoflove #fatherhood #neuroscience
Anna Machin, science of love, fatherhood, psychology of love, oxytocin myth, beta endorphins, emotional bonding, relationships and neuroscience, parasocial relationships, father daughter bond, parenting science, how to be a good dad, love hormone, human connection, maternal gatekeeping, fatherhood research, neurobiology of love, Oxford research, love addiction, why fathers matter, evolutionary anthropology, attachment and love, science of relationships, Dr. Anna Machin interview, Getting Open podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
Spooky Podcasts from iHeartRadio
Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a brave bat, this collection of episodes from iHeartPodcasts will put you in the Halloween spirit. Binge stories, frights, and more that may keep you up at night!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.