How might childhood trauma relate to some of the big problems in our relationships and our world? Eli is joined by the psychologist Dr. Ronald Goldman, a longtime Jewish opponent of circumcision, to talk about Ron’s new book about empathy. Eli and Ron discuss mother-infant bonding and the effects it can have on adults, the systemic issues that prevent optimal mother-infant bonding, the psychology of trauma, and Ron’s journey as a writer and activist.

Audrey-Ann Deneault, Stuart I. Hammond, and Sheri Madigan, “A Meta-analysis of Child–Parent Attachment in Early Childhood and Prosociality” 

Saul McLeod, “Attachment Theory in Psychology” 

Ronald Goldman, The Empathy Evolution: Preventing Violence, Racism, Political Corruption, and Mental Illness by Creating More Caring People

Circumcision Resource Center