Nick Epley

Mentioned in 8 analyzed podcast episodes across 7 shows

A social scientist at the University of Chicago whose research explores how people connect through deep conversation and vulnerability. Known for extensive experimental work on perspective-taking and the cognitive biases that lead to misunderstanding, particularly how we make incorrect assumptions about similarity. His findings on question design and human connection are frequently referenced in discussions about building meaningful relationships and overcoming interpersonal barriers.

Appears On

10% Happier with Dan Harris Am I Doing It Wrong?Passion Struck with John R. Miles Good Life Project The Happiness Lab: Getting Unstuck Something You Should Know Dare to Lead with Brené Brown

Episode Appearances

10% Happier with Dan Harris · Mar 23, 2026

Handling Difficult People, Healing Breakups, and the Science of Talking to Strangers | Shankar Vedantam

“Conducted research showing people are happier after conversations with strangers despite initial dread”

Acceptance vs. change in romantic relationshipsConflict externalization and naming relationship dynamicsPorcupine and turtle conflict patterns

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Am I Doing It Wrong? · Mar 19, 2026

Practical Tips For Practicing Gratitude That Could Change Your Life

“Studies undersociality bias showing people are less social than optimal for happiness”

Gratitude practice and journalingExpressing appreciation to othersPhysical health benefits of gratitude

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Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Feb 17, 2026

How to Feel Loved: The 5 Mindsets That Change Everything | | Sonja Lyubomirsky & Harry Reis – EP 730

“University of Chicago researcher; conducted studies showing people want to be asked deep questions despite social fears”

Feeling Loved vs. Being LovedResponsiveness in RelationshipsVulnerability and Self-Disclosure

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Good Life Project · Feb 5, 2026

Why You Feel Unloved | 5 Research-backed Shifts That Change How Love Feels | Harry Reis

“University of Chicago researcher studying miscalibrated expectations in self-disclosure and vulnerability”

Emotional Reciprocity and the CSOM ModelAuthentic Self-Disclosure in RelationshipsActive Listening and Radical Curiosity

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The Happiness Lab: Getting Unstuck · Feb 2, 2026

How to Design a More Meaningful Life (with Dave Evans and Bill Burnett)

“Social scientist whose research on deep vs. shallow questions informs formative community conversation design”

Design Thinking Applied to Life DesignTransactional vs. Flow World MindsetScandal of Particularity Philosophy

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The Happiness Lab: Getting Unstuck · Jan 19, 2026

Why Chasing Success Can Leave You Feeling Stuck (with David Brooks)

“University of Chicago researcher studying how vulnerability and deep conversation with strangers increases connection and happiness”

Resume Virtues vs. Eulogy VirtuesCharacter Development Through Daily PracticeCommunity Service and Local Interdependence

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Something You Should Know · Dec 13, 2025

How to Truly Know People & The Science Behind the Human/Dog Bond-SYSK Choice

“Conducted research showing people underestimate enjoyment of talking to strangers on commuter trains”

Conversational skills and active listening techniquesLoneliness and social disconnection in modern societyHuman-dog attachment bonds and neurological research

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Dare to Lead with Brené Brown · Oct 15, 2025

Brené and Adam Grant on the Skillsets of Empathy

“Researcher cited for 25 experiments on perspective mistaking showing how similarity assumptions lead to misunderstanding”

Cognitive vs. Affective EmpathyEmpathy Skills Training and Muscle MemoryEight Empathy Misses in Leadership

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