How to Overcome Social Anxiety | Dr. Nick Epley

Dr. Nick Epley, PhD, is a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago and a leading expert on the science of social connection. We discuss how seemingly small daily interactions with strangers (as well as with people we know) can meaningfully improve our mental and physical health. Dr. Epley also explains how to reduce social anxiety using simple and easily accessible science-supported tools. We also discuss the data on assumptions — both the ones we and others make — and why so often those are wrong when it comes to social dynamics. Show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/NaH2OiO Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Wealthfront*: https://wealthfront.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Follow Huberman Lab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hubermanlab X: https://x.com/hubermanlab Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hubermanlab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-huberman Website: https://www.hubermanlab.com Newsletter: https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter Timestamps 00:00:00 Nick Epley 00:02:29 Assumptions about Other Thoughts; Inferring Behavior 00:09:03 Eye Gaze, Social Cues 00:14:27 Sponsors: Wealthfront & Eight Sleep 00:17:18 Tone, Voice vs Writing; AI; Public Figures & Ambiguity 00:29:59 Importance of Social Connection, Communication Types 00:37:18 Social Isolation, Self-Worth 00:42:33 Sponsor: AG1 00:44:16 Social Media, Conversation & Responsiveness 00:47:52 Social Connection & Cooperation; Adopted Children 00:57:04 Connecting with Strangers, Manners 01:02:52 Fear of Strangers, Tool: Small Moments for Connection 01:08:50 Sponsor: Function 01:10:28 Connection to Humanity, Strangers; Extroversion & Well-Being 01:22:26 Social Anxiety & Changing Beliefs; 100 Days of Rejection 01:33:52 Perceived Creepiness, Social Anxiety; Developing Social Skills 01:41:40 Spon