Podcast Episode Details

Neuroscientist Explains MDMA and The Science of Social Connection | Dr. Ben Rein Ph.D.

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Episode 179

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In this fascinating and deep-diving episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon talks with neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein, PhD (author of Why Brains Need Friends), about the science of social connection, emotion, and cognitive health. Dr. Rein, an expert in neurobiology and psychedelic research, reveals the cutting-edge studies that explain why loneliness is as damaging as smoking and how our digital world is affecting our brain's ability to connect.

They discuss the neurochemistry of love, the controversial use of MDMA in therapy, and whether AI can ever truly replace human intimacy. This conversation provides an essential look at the biological drivers of happiness, performance, and long-term brain health.

Chapter Markers

0:00 - MDMA (Molly): The History & Therapeutic Benefits

5:59 - The Legal Status of MDMA for PTSD

6:44 - The Safety and Effectiveness of MDMA in Clinical Trials

8:29 - PTSD (The Amygdala Alarm)

9:41 - How MDMA Soothes the Amygdala to Access Memory

11:42 - Is There an Alternative to MDMA? (Ketamine's Mechanism)

13:16 - Ketamine and Neuroplasticity for Depression

15:48 - Botox and Empathy:

18:12 - The Problem of Volume: How Screens Depersonalize Interaction

19:48 - The Virtual Disengagement Hypothesis Explained

25:00 - Defining Cognitive and Emotional Empathy

29:43 - MDMA's Link to Serotonin & Social Reward

31:04 - Do SSRIs Have Pro-Social Effects?

36:10 - The Science of Likability and "Easy to Read" Faces

40:10 - Top 3 Ways to Be More Likable

49:49 - The Likability Gap: Why You Underestimate How Well-Liked You Are

56:59 - The Neurobiology of Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Serotonin

1:09:23 - The Goldilocks Zone of Empathy

1:15:58 - Narcolepsy

1:18:16 - Alcohol: Why the Neurotoxin is Bad for Brain Health

1:21:47 - Exercise and Neurogenesis

1:22:27 - Sex, Orgasm, and Oxytocin Release

1:25:06 - Oxytocin During Childbirth

Who is Ben Rein:

- Award-winning neuroscientist - Recognition from organizations including NIH, Society for Neuroscience, and Sigma Xi.

- Expert in Social Behavior - Published 20+ peer-reviewed papers on autism, empathy, MDMA, and digital interactions.

- Academic Roots - PhD in Neuroscience from SUNY Buffalo; postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University.

- Industry Consultant - Scientific advisor for over 20 organizations.

- Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation, providing funding to early-career neuroscientists.

- Broad Digital Reach - Over 1 million social media followers and 75 million video views; making neuroscience clear and accessible for the public.

- Award-Winning Communicator - Received honors from the National Academies, AAAS, Pulitzer Center, Society for Neuroscience, and elsewhere.

- In the News - Featured in 80+ news articles including appearances on Entertainment Tonight, Popular Mechanics, and features on Good Morning America, ABC News, etc.

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Find Ben Rein at:

- Website: https://www.benrein.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.benrein/#

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.benrein?lang=en

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benreinneuroscience/

- Youtube: Published on 13 hours ago