On the Intimate Animal (In Person)

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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? And why do some long-time couples crash and burn while others stay madly in love? Evolutionary biologist, author, and Executive Director of the world-renowned Kinsey Institute, Dr. Justin Garcia examines these questions and more in this conversation on modern mating.
Join Dr. Garcia and Dr. Christopher Walling, chair the Research Psychology program at CIIS, for an illuminating conversation on the science of love and sex in celebration of the landmark exhibition Desire on the Couch presented in collaboration with The Kinsey Institute at CIIS.

In his latest book, The Intimate Animal, Dr. Garcia discusses the lifecycle of a romantic relationship, from the thrill of first attraction to the devotion that can last decades. Intimacy is core to the human condition, a key pillar of a loving relationship, and an evolutionary drive. 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, Dr. Garcia shares tools for deeper intimacy and illuminates the mysteries of how we date, mate, and navigate our love lives.

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.

Dr. Christopher G. Walling is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Research Psychology at CIIS, Faculty Chair of Adult Psychoanalytic Training at the New Center for Psychoanalysis, and a licensed clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst. His scholarship bridges relational psychoanalysis, trauma science, and human sexuality, anchoring courses on embodied development, intersubjectivity, and affect regulation. Dr. Walling serves as a Clinical Research Fellow and International Advisory Council member at the Kinsey Institute and sits on the American Psychoanalytic Association's Committee on Gender & Sexuality. He maintains a private practice in Brentwood, California.

We are grateful to our Bookstore Partner

Marcus Books is the nation’s oldest Black-owned independent bookstore celebrating its 60th year. Marcus Books’ mission is to provide opportunities for Black folks and their allies to celebrate and learn about Black people everywhere. Learn more about Marcus Books.

Accessibility Information
If you need to request accessibility accommodations, please email [email protected] at least one week prior to the event. For more information, explore our Accessibility web page.

Recording Policy
Ticket holders will have access to an ad-free replay of the event for one month after the live event, after which unlimited viewing with ads will be available. Portions of the audio will also be released on our podcast. Only registered ticket holders who choose to watch live can participate in the chat and Q&A.

Refund Policy
All tickets and add-ons purchased for this event are nonrefundable.

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