Free Will, Genetics, Autism, and What Makes You... You w/ Dr. Kevin Mitchell

Update: 2025-06-26

Description

I've been fascinated by the concept of free wall for decades now. The ongoing debate if we have control over our own lives, or if we are simply giant walking meat sacks being taken from place to place, goal to goal, by our DNA, our biology, and our environment.

Today, I talk with Professor Kevin Mitchell, a geneticist and developmental neurobiologist at Trinity College Dublin. Kevin’s research sits right at the crossroads of biology, psychology, and philosophy — and if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re in charge of your own life or just acting out a pre-written script of DNA and experience, this conversation is for you.

We get into:

What your genes really do (and don’t) control
The truth behind personality traits like introversion, impulsivity, and neuroticism
Whether autism is increasing — or if the definition is just expanding
Why blaming your bad behavior on your biology is a dead end
The surprisingly hopeful science behind free will
Why even your phone might be chipping away at your agency

Kevin’s also the author of Innate and Free Agents, two books that explore the science of who we are and how we act in the world. I’ve rarely come across someone who makes complex neuroscience and genetics this clear — or this empowering.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered whether change is really possible, this episode will challenge how you think about personality, decision-making, and what it means to live with intention.

🔗 Resources:

Kevin’s blog: http://www.wiringthebrain.com
Kevin’s books:

Innate – https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/38902055

Free Agents – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60387495-free-agents
Kevin on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/wiringthebrain.bsky.social
Personal website: https://kjmitchell.com