podcast

Essentials: Science of Building Strong Social Bonds with Family, Friends & Romantic Partners

20.11.2025
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In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss the science of social connection and how we form meaningful bonds with others.

I explore the neural basis for "social homeostasis"—our drive for a certain amount of social interaction—which explains why we feel lonely, seek connection and how we navigate social hierarchies. I also explain how the brain and neurochemicals, such as oxytocin and dopamine, shape our relationships from infancy through adulthood and underlie traits like introversion and extroversion. The episode also offers practical insights into forming deeper connections and how shared experiences with others enhance social bonding.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman

Timestamps

Social Connection

Social Bonds, Social Isolation & Stress Hormones

Sponsor: LMNT

Brain & Social Homeostasis; Social Hierarchies & Flexibility

Dopamine & Pro-Social Behaviors; Chronic Social Isolation & Introversion

Introverts vs Extroverts, Dopamine & Social Homeostasis; Context

Loneliness, Dorsal Raphe Nucleus & Social Hunger

Key Takeaway: Introvert vs Extrovert & Dopamine

Social Bonds & Physiological Synchrony, Tool: Shared Experiences

Sponsor: AGZ by AG1

Right- vs Left-Brained Attachment, Parent & Child, Unconscious Mind

Friends & Romantic Partners, Emotional & Cognitive Empathy

Sponsor: David

Oxytocin & Social Connection

Tool: Emotional & Cognitive Empathy

Introverts, Extroverts & Social Interaction

Break-Ups; Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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