Why being ‘a little more social’ makes us happier than we expect, with Nicholas Epley, PhD episode artwork

EPISODE · May 20, 2026 · 39 MIN

Why being ‘a little more social’ makes us happier than we expect, with Nicholas Epley, PhD

from Speaking of Psychology · host American Psychological Association

From chatting with a stranger on the train to reaching out to an old friend, everyday social interactions make us happier than we realize. Yet many people avoid these moments because they expect them to feel awkward or uncomfortable. Nicholas Epley, PhD, author of ‘A Little More Social,’ discusses why people consistently underestimate how much they’ll enjoy all kinds of social interactions; the psychology behind small talk and deep conversations; how technology is changing the way we connect; and why even brief moments of connection can improve our happiness, health and well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 20, 2026

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Why being ‘a little more social’ makes us happier than we expect, with Nicholas Epley, PhD

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