
Why We Avoid Conversations That Would Make Us Happier
From A Slight Change of Plans by Pushkin Industries
May 12, 2026 · 46 min · Season 1 · Episode 124
About this episode
Nick Epley discusses the misconceptions around social interactions and how to foster positive connections.
We often avoid social interactions out of fear that others don’t want to engage with us. But social psychologist Nick Epley says that fear is misplaced. Today, Nick joins Maya to talk about why we’re missing out on positive connections that could enrich our lives, and how we can fix this. Check out Nick’s new book, “A Little More Social.” If you enjoyed our conversation with Nick, check out our episode with Vanessa Bohns, “You Have More Influence Than You Think.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People in this episode
Host: Maya
Guest: Nick Epley
Topics covered
- social interactions
- psychology
- positive connections
- fear of engagement
- self-improvement
Keywords
- social psychology
- fear of rejection
- communication
- relationships
- happiness
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Pushkin Industries
Books & works: A Little More Social, You Have More Influence Than You Think
More episodes of A Slight Change of Plans
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- True Fun in a Fake Fun World · June 3, 2026 · 44 min
- When Grief Remakes You · May 28, 2026 · 1h 1m
- Maya’s Advice to New Grads · May 19, 2026 · 19 min
- BONUS: How Small Businesses Endure for Generations · May 5, 2026 · 15 min
- Rainn Wilson and Maya on Navigating Change and Identity · April 28, 2026 · 1h 8m
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