We know that connection is essential for our health, but why does it feel so hard sometimes? In this final episode of the series, we move from theory to action, tackling the internal barriers and cognitive errors that sabotage our social lives.
Neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein provides the ultimate masterclass on likability and longevity, explaining why our brains are hardwired to make us underestimate how much people enjoy our company—a phenomenon known as The Liking Gap. He also offers a practical framework for prioritizing connection, even during the most stressful times (like launching a book and having a baby in the same month!).
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
● The Social Math Mistake: Why most people wrongly rate themselves as worse-than-average at socializing, leading to health anxiety and isolation.Inter-Brain Synchrony: The incredible phenomenon of your brain "syncing up" with romantic partners or collaborators, often described as being "on the same wavelength".
● The Masterclass on Likability: Three easy adjustments to make yourself more appealing, including the power of social touch (which can lead to higher tips!), maintaining eye contact, and avoiding Phubbing (ignoring a person to look at your phone).
● Leveling Up Digital Interaction: How adding emojis to a text message can activate similar brain responses to a human facial expression, enhancing richness and preventing miscommunication.
● Longevity's Missing Link: The standardized psychological tool (Revised Index of Social Engagement - RISE) that Dr. Rein recommends for measuring social connectedness as a fundamental health biomarker.
This series wraps up with the powerful reminder that friendships aren't just "nice to have"—they're a fundamental part of being human and a vital investment in your long-term health.
📘 Dr. Ben Rein’s new book, Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection, is available now: https://amzn.to/46ZLFv6
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not represent the views of their employers. This episode is for informational and storytelling purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any personal medical concerns.
Music Credits: Music for this episode comes from Blue Dot Sessions and the Descript Audio Library.
Production Note: The MedStory Podcast is made possible by MedStory Studios and listeners like you.