What if some of the happiness, belonging, and meaning you’re looking for is hiding in conversations you never start?<br /><br />In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with social psychologist Nicholas Epley to explore the surprising science of human connection and why we consistently underestimate how much a little more social interaction can improve our lives. Drawing from his new book<i> A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Big Happiness</i>, Nick reveals a profound paradox: We are wired for connection, yet every day we choose to be less social than we could be. And it may be costing us far more than we realize. <br /><br />We explore why talking to strangers often makes us happier than solitude, why we misjudge how others will respond to us, and how tiny “micro choices” of connection can dramatically influence happiness, health, and belonging.<br /><br />Nick shares the famous train study that launched years of research, the psychology of reciprocity, why we underestimate other people’s kindness, and how loneliness may be fueled not just by disconnection—but by mistaken assumptions about rejection.<br /><br />We also dive into the hidden ways comparison, adaptation, and secrecy can quietly block gratitude and closeness, and why some of the biggest transformations in life may begin with the smallest social risks.<br /><br />Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. <br /><br /><b>Check out full show notes here:</b><br /><br />Explore companion insights for this episode at:<br /><br /><br /><b>Thank You to Our Sponsors </b><br />Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!<br /><br />Preorder Nick's Book, <i>A Little More Social</i>: <a href="https://sites.prh.com/a-little-more-social" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://sites.prh.com/a-little-more-social</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Connect with John </b><br /><ul><li>Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: <a href="https://matteringeffect.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://matteringeffect.com/</a></li><li>Book John to Speak: <a href="https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/</a></li><li>Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: <a href="https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles</a></li><li>Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: <a href="https://youmatterluma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://youmatterluma.com/</a></li><li>Substack: <a href="https://www.theignitedlife.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.theignitedlife.net/</a></li></ul><br /><b>Support the Movement</b>: <a href="https://startmattering.com/." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://startmattering.com/.</a> Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.<br /><br /><b>Disclaimer</b><br /><br />The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions