Huberman Lab
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss the science of social connection and how we form meaningful bonds with others.
I explore the neural basis for “social homeostasis”—our drive for a certain amount of social interaction—which explains why we feel lonely, seek connection and how we navigate social hierarchies. I also explain how the brain and neurochemicals, such as oxytocin and dopamine, shape our relationships from infancy through adulthood and underlie traits like introversion and extroversion. The episode also offers practical insights into forming deeper connections and how shared experiences with others enhance social bonding.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman
Timestamps
0:00 Social Connection
1:10 Social Bonds, Social Isolation & Stress Hormones
3:09 Sponsor: LMNT
4:42 Brain & Social Homeostasis; Social Hierarchies & Flexibility
9:14 Dopamine & Pro-Social Behaviors; Chronic Social Isolation & Introversion
11:04 Introverts vs Extroverts, Dopamine & Social Homeostasis; Context
13:08 Loneliness, Dorsal Raphe Nucleus & Social Hunger
14:18 Key Takeaway: Introvert vs Extrovert & Dopamine
15:23 Social Bonds & Physiological Synchrony, Tool: Shared Experiences
18:19 Sponsor: AGZ by AG1
19:48 Right- vs Left-Brained Attachment, Parent & Child, Unconscious Mind
24:30 Friends & Romantic Partners, Emotional & Cognitive Empathy
27:52 Sponsor: David
29:09 Oxytocin & Social Connection
31:39 Tool: Emotional & Cognitive Empathy
32:54 Introverts, Extroverts & Social Interaction
33:48 Break-Ups; Key Takeaways
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Peter Attia: Exercise, Nutrition, Hormones for Vitality & Longevity
My guest this episode is Dr. Peter Attia, M.D., who trained at Stanford University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Attia is host of The Drive podcast…
Sleep Toolkit: Tools for Optimizing Sleep & Sleep-Wake Timing
In this episode, I describe a comprehensive toolkit consisting of behavioral and supplement-based tools that you can customize to enhance the quality, duration and impact of your sleep. This has an enormous positive impact on…
Dr. Emily Balcetis: Tools for Setting & Achieving Goals
My guest this episode is Dr. Emily Balcetis, PhD, Professor of Psychology at New York University (NYU). Dr. Balcetis’ research focuses on how our perception of the world, particularly our visual perceptions, influences our level…
The Science & Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
In this episode, I explain the biology, symptoms, causes and types of bipolar disorder (sometimes called bipolar depression). I discuss neuroplasticity and how the brain normally regulates mood, energy, and perceptions; then, I contrast that…
Dr. Charles Zuker: The Biology of Taste Perception & Sugar Craving
My guest this episode is Charles Zuker, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics and Neuroscience at Columbia University and an Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Zuker is the world’s leading expert in the…
Optimize & Control Your Brain Chemistry to Improve Health & Performance
In this episode, I explain the biological roles of the four major neuromodulators—dopamine, epinephrine (aka adrenaline), serotonin, and acetylcholine—and describe how these neuromodulators impact a wide variety of mental states and behaviors, including focus, creativity,…
Jeff Cavaliere: Optimize Your Exercise Program with Science-Based Tools
My guest this episode is Jeff Cavaliere, MSPT CSCS, a world-class physical therapist and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Jeff has coached athletes ranging from novice to professional and has taught science-based physical training protocols…
The Science & Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
In this episode, I explain the biology and psychology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—a prevalent and debilitating condition. I also discuss the efficacy and mechanisms behind OCD treatments—both behavioral and pharmacologic as well as holistic and…
Ido Portal: The Science & Practice of Movement
My guest is Ido Portal, the world’s foremost expert on human movement. Ido has spent a lifetime studying, combining and evolving elements from an enormous range of martial arts, dance genres, athletic endeavors, and science,…
Improve Flexibility with Research-Supported Stretching Protocols
In this episode, I explain the science behind limb range of motion and flexibility and how to increase them by using science-supported protocols. Flexibility is crucial for physical movements and can help prevent injuries, decrease…