Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness

JVN sits down with journalist and author James Longman to explore one of the most fascinating questions in mental health: can you inherit trauma? Drawing from his deeply personal journey and his new book The Inherited Mind, James unpacks the science behind genetic predisposition, epigenetics, and the interplay between nature and nurture. Together, they explore how trauma shapes our brains, why mental illness remains so stigmatized, and whether healing can be passed down just as much as hardship. James shares his own family’s history, the groundbreaking research that’s reshaping our understanding of mental illness, and the hopeful innovations that might change how we address treatment in the future. James Longman has been a foreign correspondent for ABC news since 2017. Based in London, his work takes him all over the world -- to date, more than 45 countries and counting. He has covered some of the most important international events of our time. He was in Moscow when Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine and spent a month reporting from the Russian capital with the situation deteriorating by the day. He then spent more than 12 weeks in Ukraine and was one of the first reporters to see firsthand the horrors in Bucha. From the fight against the Islamic State group on the Syrian front line, confronting Chechen authorities about abuses against LGBTQ+ people, terror attacks across Europe and further abroad to tagging humpback whales in the Antarctic, Longman has one of the most varied briefs in American network news. His new book, The Inherited Mind, is out now! You can find James Longman on Instagram @jameslongman Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.  Go to nordvpn.com/jvn with our link, you’ll get an extra 4 months free on the 2-year plan and it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we’re unpacking everything from the state of the world to the state of our own little bubble. It’s giving life lessons with a little bit of pop culture chaos. From the art of letting go of goals that don’t serve you to the death of the Duolingo owl, we’re covering all the bases. Plus! JVN’s under-eye  hack - it’s major. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonathan sits down with certified sexologist and intimacy expert Shan Boodram for a Valentine's Day deep dive into the world of romance, sex, and relationships. Together, they explore how to make love work for you—whether you’re single, coupled, or somewhere in between. Shan breaks down the key ingredients of a healthy relationship, explains why we often confuse intensity for intimacy, and shares how to bring more fun, safety, and fulfillment into dating and hookup culture. Plus, they get into the psychology of comparison, the myths around monogamy, and why your Valentine's Day should be about your love story—whatever that looks like. Shan Boodram is a certified sexologist, intimacy expert, and author known for her engaging approach to sex education and relationships. She holds certifications from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and the American Board of Sexology, and has earned a Master of Science in Psychology. Boodram has gained widespread recognition through her work on various media platforms. She appeared as a sex expert on Netflix's "Too Hot to Handle" and currently hosts the "Lovers and Friends" podcast. Her media presence extends to major networks, including appearances on "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "The Talk," "The Real," and "The View." You can find Shan Boodram on Instagram @shanboodram, on TikTok @shanboody and on her website www.loversbyshan.com Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.  Go to nordvpn.com/jvn with our link, you’ll get an extra 4 months free on the 2-year plan and it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices