The Scientist Who Scans Fathers' Brains: Parenthood Shrinks Your Brain, And Drops Testosterone 25%!

We've discovered something about the brain I think is quite surprising. So we found that in fathers the brain is actually shrinking. and I'll explain why. But also there are studies that find that both men and women who report having had more kids have markers of a younger looking brain age. And then also typically men when they do this show about a 25% drop in testosterone. The next studies of single women have found that, you know, if you show them a series of body types, dad bot is the most popular. And that's proven by science. So if I go out and get a dad bot, you're telling me the science that says I'm getting more attractive. Yeah, go for it. Have you done any studies on that? Yes. That is one of the most robust findings in parenthood research. My lab found actually that Wow.

So I've always been really interested in families and becoming a parent is one of the biggest transformations that you can experience. But I'm concerned about the declining birth rate and I think that we've managed to market it as an undesirable choice. According to the CDC and Pew research data, the US total fertility rate just hit an all-time recorded low. Yeah, I mean the transition to parenthood can be really challenging. You are sacrificing yourself. It can be very isolating. You're losing your sleeve. But becoming a parent, you are benefiting from this sense of connection and purpose. You will rediscover your priorities in a way That will ultimately bring a lot of value. So if all goes well, next year I will be a dad and I would like you to give me some advice on becoming a father based on all the research that you have. So great fathers are made not for. There's a lot you can do. I'm gonna write it down. Love it. So first Guys, I've got a favor to ask before this episode begins. The algorithm, if you follow a show, will deliver you the best episodes from that show very prominently in your feed. So when we have our best episodes on this show The most shared episodes, the most rated episodes. I would love you to know. And the simple way for you to know that is to hit that follow button. But also it's the simple

easy free thing that you can do to help us make this show better. And I would be hugely grateful if you could take a minute on the app you're listening to this one right now and hit that follow button. Thank you so, so so much. Dobby. Sucks me.

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