Why Brains Need Friends

Dr. Ben Rein on the latest science of social neuroscience.

I had a great chat with Dr. Ben Rein, a Stanford neuroscientist and one of today’s most engaging science communicators. Dr. Rein has spent over a decade studying the neuroscience of social interaction, and his new book, Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection, explores how our relationships shape our minds and well-being.

We take a deep dive into the science of why humans are wired for connection, the growing epidemic of loneliness, and how social interactions influence the brain. We also unpack the neurobiology of empathy—what it is, how it works, and whether we can actually train ourselves to become more empathetic.

See trailer here:

Listen to the full episode here.