Books from Darby Saxbe

The conversation

Dr. Darby Saxbe, a psychology professor and director of the NEST Lab at USC, discusses her research on how parenthood reshapes the brain and hormones. The episode covers brain shrinkage and increased efficiency in new parents, testosterone drops in fathers, and the evolutionary purpose of the 'dad bod.'

Talking points

• Parental brain shrinkage and efficiency
• Testosterone drop in hands-on fathers
• Trade-offs of parenthood and purpose
• Neuroprotective effects of parenthood
• Oxytocin and social support for parents
• Dad bod as nature's design
• Societal issues like parental leave
• Declining birth rates and relationships