Volcanoes. Trees. Drunk butterflies. Mars missions. Slug sex. Death. Beauty standards. Anxiety busters. Beer science. Bee drama. Take away a pocket full of science knowledge and charming, bizarre stories about what fuels these professional -ologists' obsessions. Humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward asks smart people stupid questions and the answers might change your life.
Conversational Psychology (CONNECTING WITH OTHERS) with Nicholas Epley
Social anxiety icebreakers. Third spaces. Slumber parties with old friends. Helping out strangers. And why primates are wired to be better connected than we are now. Dr. Nicholas Epley – a distinguished Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago and the author of “A Little More Social” – explains how important social activity is for physical and mental health, why people are experiencing a friendship recession, how texting affects your hormones, how seeing other cultures can shape your life, the world’s friendliest cities, and the low expectations keeping us feeling lonely. Also: don’t be afraid to pick up the phone.
Visit Dr. Epley’s website
Buy his books, A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection and Mindwise: Why We Misunderstand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want
A donation went to Ruby’s Rainbow
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Other episodes you may enjoy: Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES), Awe Psychology (WONDER), Eudemonology (HAPPINESS), Awesomeology (GRATITUDE FOR LITTLE THINGS), Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE), Syndesiology (CONNECTIONS), Mythology (STORYTELLING)
Jarrett Sleeper’s “30 Words for Love – a long poem”
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Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee
Managing Director: Susan Hale
Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth
Transcripts by Aveline Malek
Website by Kelly R. Dwyer
Theme song by Nick Thorburn
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