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The Neuroscience of Likability, Social Connection, and Brain Health | Ben Rein

The Neuroscience of Likability, Social Connection, and Brain Health | Ben Rein

10% Happier with Dan Harris
Aug 10, 2026 1h 1m
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About this episode

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.benrein.com/">Ben Rein</a>, PhD is a neuroscientist who studies the biology of social behavior and explains the brain to an audience of over 1.2 million people online. He serves as Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation, Head of Science Communication at ResearchHub Foundation, and teaches at Stanford University. </p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode we talk about:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Distinguishing between science and online "neurobullshit"</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Three research-backed ways to protect your brain health and boost social connection, even for introverts</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why isolation shows up in the body like a low-grade injury</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The real difference between loneliness and isolation, and why we rarely recognize either in ourselves</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The power of pets in reducing stress and inflammation</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Whether sugar is really more addictive than cocaine (short answer: no, and here's why)<strong><br /></strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Get the 10% with Dan Harris app <a href= "https://app.danharris.com/membership">here</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Sign up for Dan's free newsletter <a href= "http://www.danharris.com/">here</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Follow Dan on social: <a href= "https://bit.ly/3tGigG5">Instagram</a>, <a href= "https://bit.ly/3FOA84J">TikTok</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Subscribe to our <a href= "https://bit.ly/3FybRzD">YouTube Channel</a><strong><br /></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Additional Resources: </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/dp/059385084X?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback"> Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection</a></p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">This episode is sponsored by:<br /> <br /> BetterHelp: See the reviews, see what stands out, and see if BetterHelp is right for you. Visit <a href= "http://betterhelp.com/HAPPIER">betterhelp.com/HAPPIER</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Quo: Try QUO for free, PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to <a href= "http://quo.com/HAPPIER">Quo.com/HAPPIER</a>.<br /> <br /> Ironwall: Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks with Ironwall. Visit <a href= "http://ironwall.com/DANHARRIS">ironwall.com/DANHARRIS</a> and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are.</p> <p dir="ltr">To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit <a href= "https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris">https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris</a></p>

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