In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and affective neuroscientist Jim Coan. Jim is a leading researcher on how social connection impacts our minds, brains, and bodies, and he's also pushing the boundaries of impactful science communication. This conversation covers many topics, including:

• studying relationships and emotions in the brain;



• how a confusing research finding changed his career;



• how holding hands impacts our bodies and minds;



• understanding energy regulation and prediction;



• social baseline theory;



• the prefrontal cortex and self-regulation;



• implications for the default mode network;



• social support as energetic resources for the body;



• effects of hand holding on pain processing;



• introversion and social support;



• the two things all his students must memorize;



• the costs and benefits of social interactions;



• implications for loss of relationship;



• sense of self, belonging, and the importance of supporting others;



• communicating science through comics;



• and surviving—even flourishing—through climate change.

Full show notes and resources