Why Brains Need Friends

The Neuroscience of Social Connection

By: Ben Rein PhD

Narrated by: Ben Rein PhD

"An exquisite book that reminds us our minds aren't soloists but symphony players: we are wired for connection."—David Eagleman, PhD, author of Incognito and Livewired

A neuroscientist’s guide to boosting your brain health by living a more connected life, and thriving in a post-interaction world

Headlines have made clear that we are in a crisis of loneliness, but the conversation has yet to explore how spending less time with others can impact the body and mind on a cellular level—and why this knowledge is part of the way forward. Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein dives into the fascinating science of social interaction, revealing how our brains are wired for connection and why modern life is challenging those ancient instincts. Through the lens of neuroscience, he explains our need for community and provides new frameworks for bringing togetherness into our lives. Rein uncovers the mesmerizing biological factors at play in our moments together, from small talk with baristas to deep conversation with friends, and shares how to leverage this information to our advantage as we seek happiness and health.

Enlightening and empowering, this book reveals:

• How socializing supports brain health and mood
• The hidden dangers of isolation and why it increases the risk of death by any cause
• Why the brain experiences virtual conversations differently from in-person encounters
• The science of likability and the secrets of making a positive impression
• The neuroscience of empathy, deep bonds, and how we understand others
• How relationships with animals can support our health
• How certain drugs like ecstasy enhance social exchanges, while others like painkillers impair them
• Strategies for improving your social life to maximize benefits to your mental and physical health

Weaving together cutting-edge scientific discoveries, storytelling, and practical advice inspired by data, Rein reveals how our brains and our bodies are made stronger by connection, and ultimately why brain health is critical to our well-being.


* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of key visuals and worksheets from the book.

Appreciation and suggestion

Dear Ben!
I enjoyed listening to this heart-warming book backed up be science and sprinkled with humor, and I definitely recommend it!
What I miss is a clear statement that people / beings with trauma, either traumatic event/s with other humans or those with developmental trauma don't respond or experience social connection in the way you describe. Of course there is research and literature on such and therefore does not need to be repeated here, but it should be more clearly stated that such is the case. Otherwise it's possible that young audiences in particular don't understand why things may not play out for them as you describe in your book.

Inspiring and a so informative!!

As I finish "Why Brains Needs Friends", I am overwhelmed with emotions. Dr. Ben Rein fills his book with knowledge about how the brain functions, and how we need to connect with others (even people we don't know) with guidance to accomplish this.
From how to improve your social life to how our relationships with our pets can support our health. Dangers of isolation, to learning how to make a good first impression. Dr. Rein writes with such compassion and insight.
Dr. Rein promises from page one that this is a book that is understood by all individuals, and he fulfills that promise. This book made me laugh and also brought me to tears. I feel like calling each family member and friend and telling them that I love them!
These pages are filled with such compassion and empathy, making it a must-read for everyone. Learned so much from this book.
Bravo!!!!!

Be Friendlier

The book revealed many interesting elements of what is known about the brain chemistry of humans’ interactions. But I never synched up with the performance and story. I am grateful for the lessons encouraging me to interact socially more.