Why do we avoid talking to strangers when connection is exactly what we need most? This week, Nick Epley returns to explore the psychology of “under-sociality” and why we consistently underestimate how rewarding social interaction can be. Nick explains why even small moments of openness, from conversations with strangers to deeper honesty with the people around us, can dramatically improve happiness, trust, and belonging. Turns out, the biggest social risk often isn’t reaching out, it’s staying quiet.

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Nick Epley

[10:40] The Paradox of Being Social

[19:12] Experiments and Findings

[26:20] How Being Social Impacts Your Health

[32:27] The Challenges of Being Social - Political Divides

[46:00] Introverts, Extroverts, and What Maslow Got Wrong

[54:30] Loneliness, Survival, and the Need to Belong

[1:02:18] Grief, Adoption, and the Power of Connection

[1:12:56] Desert Island Music

[1:15:42] Grooving Session: Leadership, Conversation, and Connection

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

About Nick

A Little More Social by Nick Epley

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Matt Kearney - Ships in the Night

Rufus Wainwright - Across the Universe (Cover)

In this 500th episode celebration, we reflect on eight years of behavioral science insights, from habits and decision-making to why we so often misunderstand each other. Joined live by Nick Epley, we run a real-time experiment that reveals the gap between what we expect from conversations and what actually happens, and why asking better questions can transform how we connect.

[0:00] Eight Years, 500 Episodes, and Counting!

[6:28] Introducing Nick Epley

[11:24] Understanding Social Cognition

[15:32] Strategies for Improving our Communication

[21:36] Live Experiment - Talking to Strangers

[37:34] Lessons Learned from 8 Years Podcasting

[43:45] The Importance of Social Connections and Compassionate Curiosity

[51:00] Coming Soon to Behavioral Grooves

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

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Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again

Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun

What if the issue isn’t whether people love you, but whether you actually feel it? In this episode, Sonja Lyubomirsky joins us to explore the gap between being loved and feeling loved, and why that disconnect happens. Drawing from her book How to Feel Loved, we talk about the psychology behind connection, challenge common myths like love languages, and dig into how curiosity, vulnerability, and better conversations can help you build more meaningful relationships.

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Sonja Lyubomirsky

[11:08] Being Loved vs. Feeling Loved

[14:14] Why Love Doesn’t Always “Land”

[19:42] Deep Conversations vs. Small Talk

[23:47] Vulnerability: The Key to Real Connection

[32:01] What Are Love Mindsets?

[37:24] Psychological Barriers to Feeling Loved

[44:53] The #1 Happiness Tip

[50:51] Are Love Languages Real?

[53:23] Music, Focus, and Flow

[56:21] Grooving Session: Letting Love In

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Groove vs Grind Survey

About Sonja

How to Feel Loved by Sonja Lyubomirsky and Harry Reis

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Tina Turner - What’s Love Got To Do With It

The Lumineers - Stubborn Love