Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Are your instincts talking you out of your own happiness? Every day, we make split-second decisions to avoid the people around us. We put in our earbuds on the train, stare at our phones, and assume the stranger next to us prefers to be left alone. Our brain tells us that reaching out will be awkward or intrusive. But what if those instincts are wrong?
In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman (katymilkman.com/) , we look at the barriers we build between ourselves and the rest of the world, why we might misjudge the social value of a simple conversation, and how connecting more can make us happier and wiser.
Katy speaks with Nick Epley (nicholasepley.com/) , a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the author of the new book A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection (nicholasepley.com/books) . They delve into Nick's lived experience of embracing social connection during a difficult moment in his family's life and the joyful, permanent difference it made. Then, Katy and Nick discuss the science behind our social fears and what happens when we choose not to follow our instincts.
Choiceology (schwab.com/learn/choiceology) is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/choiceology (schwab.com/choiceology) .
If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts (http://getpodcast.reviews/id/1337886873) .
0:00 Introduction
1:03 The Difference a 'Happy to Chat' Bench Made
4:13 Nick Epley: A Personal Story of Connection
10:12 Inside the Research on Social Miscalculations
32:16 Why We Need to Open Up: Katy's Reflections
Important Disclosures
The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.
Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.
All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk including loss of principal.
The books How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Mindwise: How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want, A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection, and Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.
0926-1WR3
Are your instincts talking you out of your own happiness? Every day, we make split-second decisions to avoid the people around us. We put in our earbuds on the train, stare at our phones, and assume the stranger next to us prefers to be left alone. Our brain tells us that reaching out will be awkward or intrusive. But what if those instincts are wrong?
In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman (katymilkman.com/) , we look at the barriers we build between ourselves and the rest of the world, why we might misjudge the social value of a simple conversation, and how connecting more can make us happier and wiser.
Katy speaks with Nick Epley (nicholasepley.com/) , a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the author of the new book A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection (nicholasepley.com/books) . They delve into Nick's lived experience of embracing social connection during a difficult moment in his family's life and the joyful, permanent difference it made. Then, Katy and Nick discuss the science behind our social fears and what happens when we choose not to follow our instincts.
Choiceology (schwab.com/learn/choiceology) is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/choiceology (schwab.com/choiceology) .
If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts (http://getpodcast.reviews/id/1337886873) .
0:00 Introduction
1:03 The Difference a 'Happy to Chat' Bench Made
4:13 Nick Epley: A Personal Story of Connection
10:12 Inside the Research on Social Miscalculations
32:16 Why We Need to Open Up: Katy's Reflections
Important Disclosures
The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.
Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.
All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk including loss of principal.
The books How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Mindwise: How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want, A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection, and Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.
0926-1WR3
