Podcast Title: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Episode: #595 - Dr. David Linden
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Theo Von
Guest: Dr. David Linden, Neuroscientist, Author, and Professor at Johns Hopkins University
1. Introduction to Dr. David Linden
Theo Von welcomes Dr. David Linden, a renowned neuroscientist and professor at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Linden is celebrated for his extensive research on addiction, love, death, and the essence of humanity.
Notable Quote:
"Today's guest is a neuroscientist. He's an author and a professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore." [00:44]
2. Neuroscience Research on Brain Injury and Neuron Regrowth
Dr. Linden delves into his primary research focus: understanding recovery after brain injuries. He explains the challenges in neuron regeneration, particularly the inability of axons in the brain and spinal cord to regrow post-injury, contrasting this with nerve regeneration in limbs.
Notable Quote:
"Some of that is because the long, thin information-sending part of the neuron, which is called the axon, can't grow after it's damaged at all in the brain and the spinal cord." [03:31]
3. SSRIs and Mental Health
The discussion shifts to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), their effectiveness, and side effects. Dr. Linden critiques SSRIs for their limited success rates and adverse side effects, suggesting that alternatives like exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy are more beneficial.
Notable Quote:
"SSRIs are not that great. And they're not as good as exercise. They're not as good as cognitive behavioral therapy." [06:12]
4. The Science and Biology of Love
Exploring the neuroscience of love, Dr. Linden discusses human mating systems, the necessity of long-term pair bonding for child-rearing, and the evolution of love as a biological imperative. He highlights how love originated to ensure gene survival and the unique human trait of prolonged childhood.
Notable Quote:
"We're most attached to the people we share genetic history with." [21:40]
5. Sexual Orientation: Genetics and Biology
Dr. Linden addresses the heritability of sexual orientation, emphasizing that while genetics play a role (40% in men, 20% in women), environmental factors and early biological influences also significantly contribute. He debunks myths that parenting styles determine sexual orientation.
Notable Quote:
"Sexual orientation turns out it's actually different for men and women... about 40% heritable, and in women it's about 20% heritable." [28:19]
6. Faith and Science: Compatibility
The conversation explores the relationship between faith and science. Dr. Linden argues that both are branches of human curiosity aimed at understanding existence. He cites examples like the Catholic Church’s support for scientific research and Buddhism’s adaptability to scientific findings.
Notable Quote:
"Science and faith are two branches of the same human stream." [43:00]
7. Individuality and Uniqueness: Fingerprints and Development
Discussing human individuality, Dr. Linden explains that even genetically identical twins have unique fingerprints due to random developmental processes. He illustrates how biology ensures diversity and uniqueness among individuals.
Notable Quote:
"Even genetically identical twins have different fingerprints." [66:21]
8. Evolution and Its Impacts
Dr. Linden touches on evolutionary biology, explaining concepts like punctuated equilibrium and the ongoing nature of evolution. He highlights recent developments in gene editing technologies like CRISPR and their potential to revolutionize medicine.
Notable Quote:
"Evolution never stops happening. It's just, you know, some people like to think, oh, evolution is something that happened a long time ago and now, like, that doesn't happen anymore." [73:01]
9. Funding Cuts to Biomedical Research
A critical segment where Dr. Linden expresses concern over proposed 40% budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He warns that such reductions would devastate biomedical research, halting progress in therapies for diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Notable Quote:
"These corporations are really good at taking an idea and turning it into a product. They're not good at the basic research that gives the idea to do it." [114:36]
10. Dr. Linden’s Personal Cancer Journey
Dr. Linden shares his poignant personal experience with synovial sarcoma, a heart-related cancer. Diagnosed four years prior with a grim prognosis, he attributes his extended survival to the love and support of his wife, linking emotional bonds to biological benefits in fighting cancer.
Notable Quote:
"I attribute it to the love of my wife... love will keep us alive." [127:05]
11. Mind-Body Connections and the Biological Basis of Love
Concluding the episode, Dr. Linden discusses the profound connection between emotional states and physical health. He explains how love activates brain circuits that can enhance the immune system, offering a scientific basis for the mind-body connection.
Notable Quote:
"The place you're feeling safe and the love you're receiving activates the immune system in a way that can fight cancer." [127:05]
Conclusion
The episode provides an enlightening exploration of neuroscience, touching upon topics from brain injury recovery and mental health to the biological underpinnings of love and individuality. Dr. David Linden offers a unique blend of scientific insight and personal narrative, underscoring the intricate connections between our biology, emotions, and societal structures.
Final Notable Quote:
"The thoughts you have, the beliefs you have, your emotional state can affect your brain and your body in fundamental ways." [131:15]
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments were omitted to maintain focus on the substantive discussions between Theo Von and Dr. David Linden.