{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"182. Why your brain needs connection and how isolation impacts your mental health with Dr. Ben Rein.","description":"Hey friend. \ud83d\udc4b Today, Dr. Ben Rein joins us to explore why connection isn\u2019t just a cool idea \u2014 it\u2019s a biological necessity for a healthy mind. Dr. Rein is an award-winning neuroscientist, author of Why Brains Need Friends, Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, and a brilliant science communicator. We dive into the neuroscience of connection, how isolation triggers stress in the brain, and how meaningful relationships help us thrive. We also talk about recognizing when you\u2019re running low on connection, curating a \u201csocial diet\u201d that meets your needs, and how modern life and social media quietly erode real relationships. Ben also shares how the loss of social cues online fuels hostility and division, why disagreement doesn\u2019t have to break connections, and how small acts of kindness benefit the brain. \u2728&amp;nbsp;If this episode resonates, share it with a friend \u2014 text it, email it, or post it on social. Connection and community are what this podcast is all about. Episode show notes...&amp;nbsp;  https:\/\/courageouslyu.substack.com\/p\/dr-ben-rein-why-your-brain-needs Hang out with me on Instagram... https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thetarabixby\/ ","author_name":"the tara bixby podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/courageouslyu.libsyn.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/38517740\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/38517740"}