How to Overcome Social Anxiety | Dr. Nick Epley

About this video

Huberman interviews Dr. Nick Epley, a behavioral scientist at the University of Chicago who studies social connection. Dr. Epley argues that people systematically underestimate how much strangers enjoy conversation and how willing others are to help, and that this misplaced fear is a barrier to connection. He describes exposure to real interaction — not simulated practice — as the way to ease social anxiety, because doing the feared thing for real updates beliefs about other people. The conversation covers everyday moments of connection with people we barely know, the assumptions we make about what others are thinking, and Dr. Epley’s own family life. Huberman frames these brief interactions as far from trivial and as key to mental and physical health.

Key takeaways

• Dr. Epley argues that social anxiety eases through real exposure — doing the feared interaction — rather than simulated practice.
• Dr. Epley explains that exposure works by changing beliefs about other people, not simply by dulling anxiety.
• Dr. Epley describes people’s fears of rejection as usually wildly misplaced, with others accepting more often than expected.
• Huberman highlights Dr. Epley’s point that brief everyday conversations can benefit mental and physical health.
• Dr. Epley discusses how the assumptions we make about what others are thinking often mismatch reality.

Episode details: published May 18, 2026 · 183.3K views · 2:30:25 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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