6. Rediscovering Connection with Friends and The Science of Connection with Dr Robin Dunbar and Shelley Doyle

Rediscovering Connection with Shelley Doyle

Do you ever wonder what it takes to cultivate and maintain lasting friendships? Have you considered the profound impact of social connections on your wellbeing?
Join Shelley Doyle for a captivating conversation with the Head of the Social and Evolutionary Neuroscience Research at the University of Oxford, Dr Robin Dunbar, the mind behind Dunbar's Number, as we explore the secrets of lasting friendship and the intriguing world of social interaction.
Robin enlightens us on the significance of having a tight-knit group of 5-15 for optimum health and happiness. Dive deep into the dynamics of friendships and uncover the profound influence of similarities in relationships.
In a world reshaped by the digital age, we question whether it has improved our ability to form and maintain authentic relationships or exacerbated feelings of loneliness.
We delve into the concept of a 'sympathy group,' the vital role of trust in relationships, and the fascinating effects of oxytocin and endorphins on bonding.
Learn about the power of shared experiences and their role in creating strong bonds. Drawing from personal stories and a wealth of social structure knowledge, we tackle the issue of loneliness in communities and discuss potential ways to combat it.
This episode was a true gift into the heart of relationships and social connections.
Delve deeper into this topic with Robin Dunbar's book:
Friends: Understanding the Power of our Most Important Relationships. Little, Brown and Company (2021)

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I hope our conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your personal or professional life.
Subscribe now and let the magic unfold.
Love & sparkles,
✨Shelley
About Your Host

Hi, I'm Shelley Doyle, a Social Wealth Strategist and Connection Coach, helping remote and hybrid leaders who are struggling to find a balance between tasks and relationships, within and beyond the workplace.
I combine cutting-edge research on social wealth, social health, social capital, and social tech, with two decades in corporate communications to deliver mind-shifting talks, workshops, and programs around the world.
Find me at TheCommuniverse.com and on LinkedIn.

Global Workshop Tour "Beyond Screens" launches September 2024.
I also help people who move or work remotely activate their social wealth, so they can feel connected and supported, online and offline, everywhere! Discover More.
To hear when new episodes drop, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or check out recent episodes.

Chapters

1. Importance of Close Connections (00:00:00)

2. Importance of Social Relationships and Processing (00:18:06)

3. Creating and Maintaining Friendships (00:34:53)

4. Influences on Friendships (00:42:12)

5. Social Connections (00:50:33)

6. Social Media's Impact on Relationships (01:05:17)

7. The Dynamics of Conversation and Relationships (01:16:51)

8. The Sympathy Group and Social Structures (01:26:30)

9. Trust in Maintaining Relationships (01:30:40)

10. Effects of Oxytocin and Endorphins (01:38:47)

11. Childhood Immersion and Loneliness in Communities (01:52:14)