Why Your Brain Needs Friends, with guest Dr. Ben Rein

In this book, Matthew D. Lieberman argues that our brains are wired to connect with others, and this social need is a primary driver of our behavior. He discusses how social pain is similar to physical pain, the neural circuitry of empathy, and the importance of social connections for our success, well-being, and happiness. The book draws on extensive research in social neuroscience, including studies conducted by Lieberman himself, to explain how our brains use spare time to learn about the social world and how we have a unique ability to read other people's minds and understand their hopes, fears, and motivations.