The Chemistry of Trust: Dr. Paul Zak on the Brain’s Hidden Codes for Belonging and Extraordinary Experience

May 2, 2025

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Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.

I’m your host, Ariane Sommer and today, we journey into the chemistry of connection, the science of trust, and the hidden forces that shape extraordinary human experiences.

My guest is Dr. Paul Zak, neuroscientist, best-selling author, Professor of Economics, Psychology, and Management at Claremont Graduate University, and co-founder of the pioneering company Immersion Neuroscience.

Paul’s groundbreaking research has revealed how neurochemicals like oxytocin build trust, shape moral behavior, and fuel human happiness.

He is a founding figure in the field of neuroeconomics and a leader in applying neuroscience to real-world domains like organizational leadership, marketing, and experience design.

In this conversation, we explore how extraordinary experiences are engineered, how organizations can foster deeper human connection even across virtual spaces, and how emerging technologies like Neuroscience as a Service are transforming industries from healthcare to education to consumer engagement.

We also dive into profound frontiers:

How understanding trust could enhance therapies,

how immersion can create lasting, life-changing experiences, and how the brain’s deepest codes can be honored rather than manipulated.

If you have ever wondered how biology, belief, and belonging weave together to shape the human story, this conversation is a portal.

Episode highlights:

02:50 The Power of Oxytocin in Human Behavior

07:26 Practical Ways to Boost Oxytocin

12:17 The Role of Social Interactions in Happiness

16:58 Innovations in Mental Health and Psychiatry

18:52 The Future of Therapeutic Treatments

22:13 Engineering Extraordinary Experiences

25:07 Reflecting on Customer Experience