JRE #1665 – Carole Hooven

This podcast explores the fascinating world of testosterone, the hormone that plays a pivotal role in shaping sex differences across various species, including humans. Evolutionary biologist Carole Hooven, author of the book “T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us”, delves into the science behind testosterone and its impact on behavior, psychology, and physical attributes. Controversial topics include the impact of testosterone on gender identity and athletic performance, prompting discussions about the ethics of transgender participation in sports. Underlying themes explore the importance of scientific truth amidst ideological pressures, the challenges of understanding complex human behavior, and the need for greater acceptance and understanding of differences.

Major Topics:

1. The Science of Testosterone:
• Testosterone’s role in shaping sex differences in behavior and psychology across species, including humans.
• The evolutionary basis of testosterone, focusing on its role in maximizing reproductive success for males.
• How testosterone influences brain development in utero and shapes childhood behavior, particularly aggression and rough-and-tumble play.
• The impact of testosterone on adult behavior, including aggression, sexuality, and emotional expression.
2. Testosterone and Gender Identity:
• The experiences of transgender individuals who alter their hormone levels, focusing on the changes in sexuality and sexual experience.
• The impact of testosterone on the intensity and nature of orgasms, highlighting differences between male and female experiences.
• The complexities of understanding brain differences in transgender individuals, acknowledging the lack of definitive scientific evidence.
• The controversial issue of gender dysphoria and the debate surrounding the role of testosterone in shaping gender identity.
3. Testosterone and Athletic Performance:
• The scientific evidence that testosterone confers an athletic advantage, particularly in sprinting and powerlifting.
• The debate surrounding transgender participation in women’s sports, focusing on the ethical implications of a potential physical advantage.
• The importance of separating sports into male and female divisions for fairness and equity in competition.
• The argument for a transgender division in sports to accommodate individuals who have transitioned and wish to compete against others with similar biological and hormonal profiles.
4. The Role of Science in Understanding Human Behavior:
• The importance of embracing scientific evidence, even when it challenges pre-existing beliefs or ideologies.
• The dangers of distorting science to fit a particular narrative or agenda, emphasizing the need for truth and honesty in scientific discourse.
• The potential for science to empower individuals to understand themselves and their behavior better, leading to greater self-acceptance.
• The challenges of navigating the complexities of human behavior, acknowledging the interplay of genetics, hormones, environment, and culture.
5. The Importance of Open Communication and Acceptance:
• The need for open and honest conversations about sensitive topics, even when they involve difficult or challenging perspectives.
• The value of understanding where individuals come from and their experiences, promoting empathy and compassion for those who hold different views.
• The importance of resisting the urge to shame or silence individuals who express dissenting opinions or perspectives.
• The role of 1-on-1 conversations in facilitating genuine understanding and connection, contrasting with the limitations of online communication.
6. The Power of Challenging Oneself:
• The transformative power of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits, exemplified by marathon running and martial arts.
• The value of overcoming challenges and setbacks, building resilience and mental toughness through difficult experiences.
• The importance of finding community and support from those who share a similar drive for excellence and self-improvement.
• The role of hard work, discipline, and dedication in achieving goals and reaching one’s full potential.
7. The Intersection of Testosterone, Gender, and Society:
• The evolution of societal norms and perceptions of gender, highlighting the impact of cultural influences on the expression of testosterone-related traits.
• The complexities of gender identity, acknowledging that it is a spectrum and not a binary, with individuals experiencing a wide range of experiences.
• The importance of individual expression and self-acceptance, regardless of gender identity or societal expectations.
• The need for greater understanding and acceptance of differences in behavior and expression, recognizing that individuals are shaped by a complex interplay of factors.

Memorable Quotes:

• “There’s nothing wrong with understanding who we are from a biological point of view. And I think we should all be open to that and learn as much as we can about who we are and how we work.” – Hooven emphasizes the importance of embracing scientific understanding of our biology, promoting open-mindedness and curiosity.
• “Denying the importance of, say, testosterone in male aggression isn’t gonna change the way that sort of differences in our natures or the impetus for males to feel more than females that they want to be physically aggressive or to respond aggressively in certain situations.” – Hooven challenges the notion that denying the role of biology can erase biological influences on behavior.
• “We’re just different things. And transgender people are different as well. It’s all we’re all just different. We should be accepting of each other and loving of each other and give each other equal rights and laws and and respect.” – Hooven highlights the importance of acceptance and respect for diversity, recognizing the unique qualities and experiences of all individuals.
• “The largest thing is using to be fed lines about science just because it makes people feel better. But what is this shift? Where do you think this shift happened in academia?” – Hooven expresses concern about the growing trend of distorting science to fit an ideology, questioning the motives behind this shift.
• “It’s not that they couldn’t be a lot. It’s that they haven’t inserted themselves into that thing and understand and learn the rewards of that. You know, instead they’re fearful of it or they’re dismissive of it, they look at it like it’s a brutish path you know, that’s a terrible person’s path to me. It’s not.” – Hooven challenges the perception of martial arts as a brutish path, highlighting the transformative and empowering potential of challenging oneself.