Love Factually

Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel
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We're just two professors standing in front of a rom-com, asking it to be the subject of our podcast. Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel explain what your favorite romantic films get right -- and wrong -- about the science of romance. Because it's time for scientists to take Ryan Gosling as seriously as you do.

  1. 29/12/2025

    My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

    What happens when a narcissist decides she wants something? Why is it complicated when your best friend is also your ex? Why is it so important to keep alternatives at bay? Paul and Eli revisit Julia Roberts' unforgettable and unrivaled transformation into rom-com anti-hero in "My Best Friend's Wedding." For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

    53 min

  2. 15/12/2025

    The Holiday (2006)

    Can a change of scenery help people find a partner? What is the nature of unrequited love? How do people react to sexual overtures from strangers? Paul and Eli savor impeccable kitchens and exquisite real estate in The Holiday, Nancy Meyers's 2006 starring vehicle for Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

    54 min

  3. 08/12/2025 · BONUS

    Deep Dive: The Compatibility Puzzle

    In this special episode, Eli interviews Paul about his upcoming book, Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection. Part 1 of this series is devoted to complexities of romantic compatibility. They discuss how they began studying attraction in the first place, why online dating failed to live up to its potential, and why a relationship is what you make it. Plus: Why is it wise to have a few intimacy-inspiring questions in your back pocket? Pre-order your copy today, submit your receipt here, and receive a "book plate" that turns your book into a signed copy! Book plate gift with preorder: US Residents, 18+. Ends February 10, 2025. See terms at prh.com/lovefactually Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

    33 min

  4. 01/12/2025

    It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

    Does giving to others makes us happy? Why is expressing vulnerability so powerful? How can we feel grateful for what we already have? In collaboration with the Pods Fight Poverty campaign, Paul and Eli fire up Frank Capra's immortal and inspiring It's a Wonderful Life (1946), the generosity-filled holiday classic. With Giving Tuesday right around the corner, we hope you'll consider donating to #PodsFightPoverty, in which your favorite social science podcasts ("The Happiness Lab," "You Are Not So Smart," "Hidden Brain," and many others) join forces to lift three entire villages in Rwanda out of extreme poverty. Most of these ~700 families live on less than $2 a day and struggle to afford the basics: food, education, medical care, and the like. It's astonishing how much difference a donation of $100, or even $25, can make for one of these families. If you appreciate our show, please express that gratitude by supporting Pods Fight Poverty (donate here). For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

    55 min

  5. 24/11/2025

    Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

    How do friend networks facilitate relationship formation? What happens to those networks when people fall in love? Are wedding guests just looking to hook up? Paul and Eli find answers lurking at both wedding altar and graveyard in the very British rom-com, Four Weddings and Funeral. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

    50 min

  6. 17/11/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Beaches (1988) with Nina Badzin and Rebekah Jacobs

    Do opposites attract? When is intimacy scary? Can offering forgiveness inadvertently escalate conflict? In this special crossover episode of the Dear Nina: Conversations about Friends podcast, Paul and Eli chat with Nina Badzin and Rebekah Jacobs about Beaches, the Bette Midler musical showcase about lifelong friendships.

    50 min

  7. 10/11/2025

    Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

    What happens when our self-esteem is tied to our looks? How can significant others make us feel confident? What is the nature of found families? Paul and Eli travel to the gorgeously trippy world of Howl's Moving Castle (2004), Hayao Miyazaki's anti-war fable about the power of love and hair dye. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

    46 min

  8. 27/10/2025

    The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)

    Are some people just late bloomers? Is asking questions a good dating strategy? What does it mean to be a good lover, anyway? Paul and Eli unpack The 40 Year-Old Virgin—the 2005 transgressive comedy from Judd Apatow—and reflect on how times (and they themselves) have changed in the intervening 20 years. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons Artwork by Katie Keil

    52 min
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About

We're just two professors standing in front of a rom-com, asking it to be the subject of our podcast. Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel explain what your favorite romantic films get right -- and wrong -- about the science of romance. Because it's time for scientists to take Ryan Gosling as seriously as you do.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Love Factually

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