We Need to Talk: In this episode, Paul dives into the critical role status plays in our relationships. He explores why couples engage in "status games" and how our evolutionary drive for status impacts our pursuit for sexual partners.

His guest this week is Will Storr, award-winning journalist and Sunday Times bestselling author of The Status Game, The Heretics, Selfie, and The Science of Storytelling.

Together, they unpack how understanding status can help us build stronger, long-lasting relationships.

Learn more about Will Storr's work here: https://g2ul0.app.link/lV7aQOFvTMb

(00:00) Introduction

(1:30) What Is Status and How Do We Define It?

(2:23) Why Is Status So Important in Modern Society?

(2:58) 1st PTC

(3:22) How Status and Connection Impact Happiness

(4:15) The Role of High Status in Tribal Societies

(5:52) How Status Shapes Our Identity

(6:56) The Difference Between Superficial and Meaningful Connections

(10:20) 2nd PTC

(11:44) Are We Doomed to a Culture of Doom and Gloom?

(13:30) How to Handle the Loss of Celebrity Status

(16:17) Navigating Multiple Status Games in Life

(18:32) Sponsor - Tinder

(19:33) The Link Between Status and Suicide: What You Need to Know

(21:31) How to Support Someone Losing Their Status

(22:24) 3rd PTC

(22:54) Is Modern Dating Being Destroyed by Dating Apps?

(24:41) Does Social Media Affect How We Behave in Real Life?

(26:16) How Status Displays Differ in Hookups vs. Serious Relationships

(30:23) 4th PTC

(31:41) What Is 'Detect and Protect' Mode in Relationships?

(34:44) Why We Crave Connection with the Same People

(38:18) Why My Partner and I Decided Not to Have Children

(42:51) How Childhood Unhappiness Can Lead to Adult Success

(44:22) How to Overcome Jealousy and Insecurity in Relationships

(45:48) Why Loving Yourself Is Key to a Healthy Relationship

(48:56) The Most Meaningful Conversation I’ve Ever Had

(51:42) My Biggest Takeaways From This Discussion

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