A Bit of Optimism

Revisited: Why Awkward Is Awesome with psychologist Ty Tashiro

Mar 25, 2025

In this engaging conversation, psychologist Ty Tashiro, author of "Awkward: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome," delves into the surprising benefits of social awkwardness. He reveals how awkward traits can indicate extraordinary talent and creativity. Ty discusses the evolution of social interactions, empathy's role among awkward individuals, and how these unique characteristics can lead to personal empowerment and fulfillment. He also shares personal stories that highlight the journey from awkwardness to self-reliance.

31:51

Creator website

Episode guests

Ty Tashiro

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Social awkwardness can be a superpower, enabling individuals to forge deep connections through understanding and unique perspectives on social interactions.

Understanding the roots of social awkwardness can empower individuals to navigate their social skills effectively and adapt their environments for better experiences.

Deep dives

The Nature of Social Awkwardness

Socially awkward individuals often struggle in social situations, finding it difficult to insert themselves into conversations or connect with others. The conversation highlights the personal experiences of the participants, with one sharing their long-standing awkward tendencies and the comfort they find in simply observing social interactions. This exploration reveals that being socially awkward is not merely a drawback, but rather a trait that carries unique advantages. These advantages can help socially awkward individuals understand and empathize with others, often leading to deeper connections despite the initial awkwardness.

Intro

4min

Navigating Social Dynamics

7min

Embracing Awkwardness: Evolution and Empathy

15min

Finding Fulfillment in Creative Problem-Solving

2min

A Memorable Lesson in Generosity and Independence

2min

Empowering Self-Reliance Through Awkwardness

3min

A Bit of Optimism is on hiatus this week, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations! In this episode, Simon talks with psychologist Ty Tashiro about social awkwardness and why being awkward can actually be a superpower.

*****

Awkwardness gets a bad rap. But being awkward is often an indicator that someone has extraordinary.

Psychologist and author Ty Tashiro has spent a great deal of time studying (and living!) social awkwardness. He's fascinated by how the same traits that cause us social embarrassment can also drive exceptional accomplishment.

As a fellow awkward person, I was delighted to sit down with Ty and discuss the competitive advantages of social awkwardness, and how sometimes what society labels a weakness turns out to be our greatest strength.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Ty and his work check out:

his book, AWKWARD: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome

tytashiro.com