Your Brain Needs Friends episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 14, 2026 · 28 MIN

Your Brain Needs Friends

from NOVA Presents · host GBH

Wendy Suzuki says the key to a beautiful brain is friendship, and she joins Hakeem to discuss why human connection can extend your life. By studying certain animals, like prairie voles who develop intense love bonds, we can understand what’s going on in our heads when we connect with others. Hard data and personal stories show, the power of friendship is a shockingly important part of a healthy lifestyle.Learn more about NOVA and visit our YouTube channel.--------------------------Guest Bio:Wendy Suzuki is a neuroscientist and the Dean of the College of Arts and Science at New York University, where her research focuses on the effects of exercise on memory and brain function. She is the author of several books, including Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion, and is a widely sought-after speaker on brain health, anxiety, and human performance.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 14, 2026

Wendy Suzuki says the key to a beautiful brain is friendship, and she joins Hakeem to discuss why human connection can extend your life. By studying certain animals, like prairie voles who develop intense love bonds, we can understand what’s going on in our heads when we connect with others. Hard data and personal stories show, the power of friendship is a shockingly important part of a healthy lifestyle. Learn more about NOVA and visit our YouTube channel. -------------------------- Guest Bio: Wendy Suzuki is a neuroscientist and the Dean of the College of Arts and Science at New York University, where her research focuses on the effects of exercise on memory and brain function. She is the author of several books, including Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion, and is a widely sought-after speaker on brain health, anxiety, and human performance.

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Your Brain Needs Friends

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This episode was published on July 14, 2026.

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Wendy Suzuki says the key to a beautiful brain is friendship, and she joins Hakeem to discuss why human connection can extend your life. By studying certain animals, like prairie voles who develop intense love bonds, we can understand what’s going...

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