Best-selling author, Air Force veteran, and psychologist Rob K. Henderson joins Erik Torenberg to explore the complex dynamics and evolutionary psychology in modern dating.

The conversation examines how evolutionary psychology explains attraction patterns, particularly women's occasional interest in men with dark triad personality traits. Henderson unpacks the phenomenon through the lens of the Luigi Mangione case, discussing how violence and aggression can paradoxically enhance male appeal due to evolutionary adaptations.

They explore dark triad attraction, pickup artist culture, partner selection research, and practical advice for men navigating relationships in the age of dating apps and challenging social dynamics.

Modern Relationships is a podcast from Turpentine. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

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LINKS:

Rob’s Newsletter: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Rob-Henderson/177690581

Rob’s Best-selling book Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Troubled/Rob-Henderson/9781982168544

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FOLLOW ON X:

Rob - @robkhenderson

Erik - @eriktorenberg

Turpentine - @turpentinemedia

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Intro and Preview
• 00:01:41 Evolutionary psychology in relationships
• 00:04:17 Dark triad attraction case study: Luigi Mangione
• 00:10:56 Why women respond to violent men
• 00:14:04 Sponsor: Relationship Hero
• 00:15:54 Pickup artist culture evolution
• 00:20:40 Reconciling evolutionary psychology with being a good person
• 00:24:14 Partner selection research findings
• 00:29:49 Dark triad assortative mating patterns
• 00:31:13 High-leverage ways men can improve dating value
• 00:37:44 Age gap relationships
• 00:42:15 Black pill ideology and incel communities
• 00:49:41 Jordan Peterson vs. Andrew Tate as male influences
• 00:55:09 Vulnerability's role in male attraction
• 00:57:44 Closing thoughts on modern dating challenges
• 01:01:18 Wrap