How to Overcome Social Anxiety | Dr. Nick Epley

Dr. Nick Epley, a behavioral scientist at the University of Chicago and expert on social connection, joins Andrew Huberman to discuss how small daily interactions—even with strangers—can significantly improve mental and physical health. They explore why we are often bad at inferring what others think, how tone of voice conveys more emotion than text, and the importance of responsiveness in genuine connection. Epley shares science-backed tools to reduce social anxiety, including practicing small moments of connection and challenging pessimistic expectations. The conversation also touches on the surprising joy that children with Down syndrome bring to families, challenging our assumptions about happiness.