Is Empathy Learned or Innate?

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In this fascinating episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon talks with neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein, PhD (author of Why Brains Need Friends), about the science of social connection, emotion, and cognitive health. Dr. Rein, an expert in neurobiology and psychedelic research, reveals the cutting-edge studies that explain why loneliness is as damaging as smoking and how our digital world is affecting our brain's ability to connect.

They discuss the neurochemistry of love, the controversial use of MDMA in therapy, and whether AI can ever truly replace human intimacy. This conversation provides an essential look at the biological drivers of happiness, performance, and long-term brain health.

Chapter Markers:

0:00 - MDMA (Molly): The History & Therapeutic Benefits

5:59 - The Legal Status of MDMA for PTSD

6:44 - The Safety and Effectiveness of MDMA in Clinical Trials

8:29 - PTSD (The Amygdala Alarm)

9:41 - How MDMA Soothes the Amygdala to Access Memory

11:42 - Is There an Alternative to MDMA? (Ketamine's Mechanism)

13:16 - Ketamine and Neuroplasticity for Depression

15:48 - Botox and Empathy:

18:12 - The Problem of Volume: How Screens Depersonalize Interaction

19:48 - The Virtual Disengagement Hypothesis Explained

25:00 - Defining Cognitive and Emotional Empathy

29:43 - MDMA's Link to Serotonin & Social Reward

31:04 - Do SSRIs Have Pro-Social Effects?

36:10 - The Science of Likability and "Easy to Read" Faces

40:10 - Top 3 Ways to Be More Likable

49:49 - The Likability Gap: Why You Underestimate How Well-Liked You Are

56:59 - The Neurobiology of Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Serotonin

1:09:23 - The Goldilocks Zone of Empathy

1:15:58 - Narcolepsy

1:18:16 - Alcohol: Why the Neurotoxin is Bad for Brain Health

1:21:47 - Exercise and Neurogenesis

1:22:27 - Sex, Orgasm, and Oxytocin Release

1:25:06 - Oxytocin During Childbirth

Who is Ben Rein:

Dr. Ben Rein is an award-winning neuroscientist and Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation, where he supports early-career researchers in neuroscience. He earned his PhD from SUNY Buffalo and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University, publishing over 20 peer-reviewed papers on autism, empathy, MDMA, and digital behavior. Recognized by the NIH, the Society for Neuroscience, and Sigma Xi, he also serves as a scientific advisor to more than 20 organizations. With over one million followers and 75 million video views, Dr. Rein is celebrated for making neuroscience accessible to the public and has been featured by outlets such as Good Morning America, ABC News, and PopularMechanics.

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Find Ben Rein at:

• Website: https://www.benrein.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.benrein/#
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.benrein?lang=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benreinneuroscience/
• Youtube:  @dr.benrein 

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Disclaimers:

This episode includes paid sponsorships.

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.