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Social health is just as essential as physical and mental health—so why do we often neglect it? In this episode, Dr. Iain Smith joins Michelle Handy to explore the science of social connection and its impact on well-being, longevity, and workplace culture. As the Head of Behavioral Science at Sunny, Dr. Smith has spent years studying how relationships shape our lives and how we can create healthier, more connected workplaces and communities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What is social health? Understanding the biopsychosocial model of health
•  The science of connection: How social relationships reduce stress, boost immunity, and increase lifespan
•  Why social health is undervalued compared to physical and mental health
•  The loneliness epidemic and its effects on different generations
•  The role of workplace culture in fostering meaningful human connection
•  Barriers to connection in today’s fast-paced, digital world
•  Practical tips for improving social health—even for busy professionals and remote workers

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Social connection is a powerful buffer against stress. Research shows that strong relationships help mediate stress and promote better mental and physical health.
• The quality of relationships matters more than quantity. While digital tools make it easier than ever to stay connected, many people report dissatisfaction with the depth of their interactions.
• The workplace plays a critical role in social well-being. Organizations that prioritize trust, communication, and genuine relationships see stronger team performance, resilience, and engagement.
• Small changes make a big difference. Just adding one or two extra social interactions per week can reduce extreme loneliness by 50%.

One Action Step You Can Take Today

• Send a voice note to a friend or colleague! Instead of a text, send a short voice message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Hearing your voice makes the interaction more personal, meaningful, and engaging.

More About Our Guest

• Dr. Iain Smith is a behavioral scientist focused on improving workplace well-being through social health. As the Head of Behavioral Science at Sunny, he has led groundbreaking research on fostering connection in modern work environments. His work has been featured in The Independent, Management Today, and he has spoken at Google Cloud, Volkswagen, and Shell.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Sunny & their upcoming app: gosunny.org
•  Read Sunny’s Workplace Social Health Report: Social Connection in the Modern World Report
•  Follow Sunny on LinkedIn: Sunny on LinkedIn 

 Books mentioned in this episode:

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Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.