podcast

Romantic Love, Solved

18.02.2026
Listen to the episode on your favorite platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Youtube
  • Spotify
  • Castbox
  • Pocket Casts
  • Stitcher
  • iHeart
  • PlayerFM
  • Overcast
  • Castro
  • RadioPublic

We put love on trial — literally. Drew and I squared off in a full debate over whether romantic love is overrated. I made the case that love is basically your brain's con man, a neurochemical hijacking designed to make you delusional about deeply flawed people, and that the most intoxicating relationships are often the most toxic. Drew fought back with the evidence that love is the foundation of social infrastructure, physical health, and long-term happiness. By the end, we came to a gentlemen’s agreement: a framework that explains why we're all chasing the wrong kind of love, and what the right kind actually looks like.

Ready to stop listening to podcasts and actually start taking action? Join the Solved Community, a group of like-minded people who are taking small steps every day to make big changes in their lives: https://membership.solvedpodcast.com

Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

Get clarity on what actually matters. Try Purpose, Mark's AI mentor app that learns your patterns, challenges your blind spots, and helps you take action. Get 7 days free at https://www.purpose.app

Check out our sponsors:

IM8: Transform your daily routine with IM8's Daily Ultimate Essentials at https://www.im8health.com/solved

Factor: Head to https://www.factormeals.com/solved202650off and use code solved202650off to get 50% off and free breakfast for a year. Eat like a pro this month with Factor.

Chapters

Introduction

Round 1: Love is the Brain's Conman

Round 2: Love as Social Infrastructure

Round 3: Love and Happiness

Round 4: We're Drawn to People Who Hurt Us

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices