Dr. Justin R. Garcia on "The Intimate Animal"

In partnership with the Kinsey Institute, join us on the evening of Monday, February 9 for a conversation with Kinsey Institute Director and author Dr. Justin R. Garcia, PhD. Dr. Garcia is celebrating the release of his new book, The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love, and he will be in conversation with Jessica Hille, JD, PhD, Assistant Director of Education for the Kinsey Institute.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In an eye-opening exploration of the most powerful force that drives our species, Kinsey Institute Director Dr. Justin Garcia illuminates the mysteries of how we date, mate and navigate our love lives.
"The best book on modern mating.” - David M. Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire.
Why do we love who we love? Why do we stay in unfulfilling relationships, and stray from rewarding ones? Is it ever a good idea to open a relationship? How has the digital age impacted courtship? And why do some long-time couples crash and burn while others stay madly in love?
In The Intimate Animal, one of the world’s leading experts on the science of love and sex answers these questions and more, taking readers on a journey through the lifecycle of a romantic relationship, from the thrill of first attraction to the devotion that lasts decades.
Intimacy is core to the human condition, a key pillar of a loving relationship, and an evolutionary drive. In fact, Dr. Garcia reveals that the need for intimacy –even more than sex drive– is key to our species’ survival and flourishing.
But therein lies the challenge. We evolved for social monogamy but not for sexual monogamy, yet these impulses are often at odds. Understanding this tension is the key to aligning our romantic choices with our true desires.
Whether you're seeking that special someone, recovering from heartbreak, or trying to keep the passion alive, The Intimate Animal is the essential, research-backed guide to forging deeper, more intimate connections in these disconnected times.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Justin R. Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and international authority on the science of sex and relationships. Since 2019, he has served as the Executive Director of the world-renowned Kinsey Institute, where he is also a Senior Scientist. He holds an appointment as the Ruth N. Halls Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University and is a Founding Co-Director of Human Sexuality and Health at the IU School of Medicine. Dr. Garcia holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology and M.S. in biomedical anthropology from Binghamton University and an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School.

An award-winning researcher and educator, Dr. Garcia has consulted with a variety of industry partners, and he is currently the Chief Scientific Advisor to Match where he provides expertise for the annual Singles in America study. His research has been featured widely in the media and focuses on people’s romantic and sexual lives throughout the life course, especially on integrative biopsychosocial models of variation in courtship, intimacy, and sexual behavior. He has co-authored over 100 academic articles and book chapters, and is co-author of Evolution and Human Sexual Behavior. His latest book,The Intimate Animal, explores the science behind why we live for love and is available for pre-order ahead of its release date in January 2026.

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