203. Nicholas Epley on Connection, Conversation and Community

Nicholas Epley is one of the world’s leading social psychologists and a professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His research explores how we understand other people, why we so often get their reactions wrong, and how small changes in our behaviour can strengthen our relationships and improve our wellbeing. In this episode, Nicholas discusses his new book, A Little More Social, and the surprising science of human connection. We chat about the Chicago train experiment that found commuters were happier talking to strangers than sitting alone, why our pessimism about social interaction can become self-fulfilling, and the evidence that acting more extroverted can make even introverts happier. From chatting to a stranger on the train to reaching out to someone we care about, Nicholas’s advice is simple: when in doubt, reach out.