Dr. Ben Rein is a neuroscientist and the author of the new book Why Brains Need Friends.

Ben guest stars on my podcast to share his expertise about:

-Is loneliness as dangerous as smoking, and why

-How social interaction improves our health and well being

-The difference between solitude and isolation

-Why we experience isolation as stress

-How isolation leads to inflammation 

-Is increased virtual interaction dangerous

-Can some forms of virtual interaction be positive 

-The growing danger of societal fracture along tribal lines whether political or nutritional 

-The difference in experience between introverts and extroverts in their dose of social interaction 

-The benefits of interaction with pets

-Can pet interaction be as healthy as interaction with other people

-Alcohol’s potential role in social health

-And much more

01:08 The Dangers of Loneliness

03:05 Isolation and Health Impacts

07:46 Solitude vs. Isolation

12:46 Virtual Interaction and Social Media

18:01 Societal Tribalism and Empathy

26:45 Navigating Political Tribalism

27:41 The Importance of Social Connections

30:44 Introverts vs. Extroverts: Social Interaction Benefits

36:08 The Role of Pets in Mental Health

40:53 Alcohol and Social Interaction

49:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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