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.
Topics
[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
Links
About Nick
A Little More Social by Nick Epley
Join us on Substack!
Join the Behavioral Grooves community
Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube
Support Behavioral Grooves
Musical Links
Matt Kearney - Ships in the Night
Rufus Wainwright - Across the Universe (Cover)