Sonia and Simon

How do we know who are closest genetic relatives are and why is it important?

Dr. Debra Lieberman is an evolutionary psychologist, who explains how our brains are hardwired to prevent inbreeding a pattern seen across humans and the animal kingdom. She breaks down the science behind kin detection, how humans unconsciously calculate genetic relatedness, and why evolution has designed us to reject sexual attraction to family. We also explore the moral and ethical questions surrounding incest and what crying and tears communicate from an evolutionary perspective.

We Discuss:

• How animals and humans detect who their relatives are
• Why your brain automatically rejects forbidden attraction
• The high-level reasoning behind incest taboos
• How emotions like disgust and empathy shape our instincts

Dopamine expert Dr. Anna Lembke reveals how addiction is hijacking your brain, why dopamine dependency is skyrocketing, the hidden dangers of social media, AI, porn, and the fast-track to regaining control.

Dr. Anna Lembke is Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Director of Addiction Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. With over 25 years treating patients with substance and behavioral addictions, she’s also the bestselling author of Dopamine Nation.

We Discuss:

• Why constant stimulation makes us feel empty, anxious, and burnt out
• How digital rewards are rewiring your brain for distraction instead of discipline
• The hidden crash behind every dopamine spike- How over comfort and instant gratification quietly destroy motivation, drive, and resilience
• Actionable strategies to reset your brain, regain control, and perform at your peak

You can purchase Dr Anna’s book, Dopamine Nation: Why our Addiction to Pleasure is Causing us Pain, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dopamine-Nation-Finding-Balance-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B09GMCCLLX?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Follow Dr Anna

Website: https://www.annalembke.com/

Stanford Medicine: https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/anna-lembke

Debbie Millman is one of the world’s most influential voiceson design, creativity, and personal growth. A renowned designer, author, educator, and host of the pioneering podcast Design Matters.

In this powerful conversation, she explains why a meaningfullife doesn’t happen by chance it’s designed. From overcoming self-doubt to embracing failure, Debbie shares the mindset shifts that separate people who drift from those who build a life with purpose.

We discuss:

• How to design a life with intention
• The real role of failure in long-term success
• Scarcity vs. abundance thinking (and why itmatters)
• Why “busy” is a decision
• Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome

What if love isn’t something you find but something you design?

World-renowned relationship expert and TEDx speaker Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh breaks down why so many people chase the wrong version of love and how greater self-awareness is the key to building a relationship that actually lasts.

Dr. Sara introduces the six essential ingredients of thriving love and explains why missing just one can quietly unravel even the strongest partnerships.

We discuss:

• The six ingredients every thriving relationship needs
• How to recognise red flags early
• Why compassion is more powerful than empathy in love
• Money, stress, and relationship breakdown
• How AI could reshape dating and intimacy

For more on Dr Sara's work head to www.Sara-Nasserzadeh.com

Check out Dr Sara's TED talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/sara_nasserzadeh_the_6_essential_ingredients_of_loving_relationships

Why does attraction sometimes fade?

Certified sexologist and relationship expert Shan Boodram joins us to break down the psychology of modern love, from the signals that spark chemistry to the emotional intelligence required to sustain it.

We discuss:

• Why chemistry fades and how to rebuild it

• The signals people miss when dating

• Foreplay, mystery, and maintaining desire in long-term relationships

• Creating dating profiles that actually reflect who you are

• How vulnerability and communication deepen connection

  
  

  For more on information about Shan head to her website: https://www.loversbyshan.com/

Fatherhood is one of the most misunderstood and underestimated forces shaping human connection.

Evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin breaks down the science of fatherhood and explains why dads play a far more powerful role in relationships, child development, and emotional wellbeing than we often acknowledge.

She unpacks the biology, psychology and culture behind love, attraction and long-term connection. Drawing on science, neuroscience and real-world research, Anna explains why we’re drawn to certain people, how technology and dating apps are reshaping intimacy, and what we misunderstand about commitment in today’s fast-moving world.

She discusses:

• The biological and emotional forces that drive attraction
• How dating apps and technology are rewiring modern love
• The underestimated role of fatherhood in human connection
• Why nurturing all forms of love is essential for wellbeing
• The emerging challenge of AI and human relationships

Markets, money, tech, and the next generation

Ed Elson, investor, business writer, and co-host of the Prof G Markets podcast, breaks down how money, AI, and technology are reshaping our world. With experience analysing capital markets, Gen Z trends, and the creator economy, Ed brings expert insight into the risks and opportunities shaping modern life.

He discusses:

Why American stocks outperform crypto and the risks of unregulated digital assets

How Gen Z’s screen use is impacting mental health, social connection, and politics

The real implications of AI on jobs and why regulation is crucial

The rise of the creator economy and its connection to loneliness

Building real-world connections in an increasingly digital world

Jeffrey Pfeffer emphasizes the critical role of power and influence in effecting change within organizations and society. He argues that to truly make a difference, one must embrace the pursuit of power, as it is essential for leadership and creating impact. Pfeffer advocates for a proactive approach to gaining influence, suggesting that it is not something to be ashamed of but rather a necessary component of effective leadership.

He Discusses:

• If you're going to make a difference in this world, you're going to need power and influence.
• The Stanford Business School model is change lives, change organizations, change the world.
• To change lives, change organizations, and change the world, you need power.
• You should lead into gaining power and influence.-Don't be embarrassed about seeking power; it's essential for change.
• Power is the only way to make any change in this world.

Air pollution is one of the biggest public health crises of our time and in India, the impact is impossible to ignore.In this episode, we sit down with Barun Aggarwal, air quality expert and sustainability leader, to unpack the real consequences of polluted air both outdoor and indoor and what it’s doing to our health, our homes, and future generations.We discuss:

• Why air pollution is a silent killer affecting millions
• The cumulative health impact of poor air quality, especially on children
• The difference between indoor vs outdoor pollution — and why indoor air is often worse
• How homes and buildings can be designed smarter for healthier air
• What air purifiers can (and can’t) do

For more information about Barun's work head to https://breatheeasylabs.com/

or join the WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBBfdu0gcfSkSIZIa31

In this compilation of the Sonia and Simon podcast, we show you the best moments from our podcast, in which the guest shows an item that means a lot to them, or inspires them. Guests:Tracy WalderWim HofGrok Ai ChatbotJaspreet Singh