The greatest predictor of human longevity, apart from genetics, is close ties and social integration. According to today’s guest, research has shown that even the success of a business can be traced back to the oxytocin levels (the chemical released when you feel a connection) found in the bodies of its employees. Jon Levy is the founder and host of Influencers, a private organization that arranges dining experiences dedicated to bringing together exceptional people and thought leaders. He is also a behavioral scientist and author who has a new book coming out, titled You Are Invited, about how to create connection, trust, and a sense of belonging. In this episode, John talks about how the human brain is wired for novelty, why networking events and swag bags are a waste of time, and how to genuinely foster human connection. Tune in and learn about the IKEA effect, the Mere-exposure effect, and an art heist at the Louvre that will blow your mind!

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

• [00:13] An introduction to Jon Levy.
• [01:48] John talks bout the dinners he hosts with 12 high-profile people who can only share their names or professions once they have cooked a meal together.  
• [02:30] How the human brain is wired for novelty: people do really well when they’re doing something just outside their skillset. 
• [03:45] The state of peaking in performance: when you’re doing something that’s fully engaging, you lose all sense of self-consciousness.
• [05:01] Jon talks about Shane Snow’s book, Smartcuts, and the value of momentum. 
• [06:31] Jon shares his background as a human behavioral psychologist
• [07:55] Thoughts on Youtuber, MrBeast.
• [09:09] Jon’s main focus on increasing the connections between people.
• [10:50] How the definition of a close friend has changed: why Gen Z is the loneliest generation. 
• [11:45] An introduction to Jon’s book, You're Invited; how to create connection, trust, and a sense of belonging.
• [13:04] Why Jon wrote the book: to share the importance of and misunderstandings about human connection.
• [14:38] Jon explains the IKEA effect and why we care about what we put effort into.
• [16:05] Using his book as a guide to figure out the ideal way to connect with people.
• [16:43] Jon addresses some of the commonly held misperceptions about how to meet people.[17:38] Why he found memorable stories to demonstrate his lessons. 
• [18:37] An example of one of his stories is an art heist at the Louvre that demonstrates the Mere-exposure effect. 
• [21:54] What else is Jon reading: Breathe about the Wim Hof method of fire breathing.
• [23:25] What breathwork has done for Jon.
• [26:30] How to find Jon’s book and other resources.

 

Resources From The Interview:

 

• Jon Levy

 

• You’re Invited 

• You're Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence

 

• Influencers

 

• Smartcuts

 

• MrBeast

 

• The 2 AM Principle: Discover the Science of Adventure

• Breathe

 

 

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