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Science of Friendship

By: Kyler Shumway, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Kyler Shumway
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Publisher's Summary

Loneliness isn’t our natural state.  

As relationship-oriented creatures, human beings are hardwired for connection. In fact, it’s at the heart of our survival - both as a species and as individuals. This makes America’s current loneliness epidemic all the more concerning. 

But the truth is that it’s hard to make friends. So many of us yearn for belonging but fear the icy sting of rejection, the long dark night of isolation. All of us deserve a place to belong, whether we’re completely friendless or we feel lonely in crowds.  

And that connection is possible. Kyler Shumway, CEO of Deep Eddy Psychotherapy, knows this firsthand. His own success story with friendship stems from a lifeline of loneliness, rejection, and heartache. And in his inspiring Audible Original, The Science of Friendship, he offers you insights into what friendship is, how it works, and how to cultivate more rewarding connections in your own life - regardless of how lonely you may or may not feel. How does interpersonal connection work on a neuroscientific level? What schemas do we live under that keep us unconnected from one another? Why do some friendships evolve into romantic relationships or even become toxic? 

At its core, Shumway’s lessons are a rewarding, life-affirming look at how to make our disconnected world just a bit more connected. With his help, you can learn to become a good friend to your community, to those around you, and (most important) to yourself.

©2021 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.

What listeners say about Science of Friendship

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loved this

I enjoyed every chapter. I have to hear this one again 🙂 amazing read,

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An enjoyable listen but nothing mind blowing

Not sure if the author narrates this book but I enjoyed listening to him, great tone, pace and expression.
The content was relatable to me which kept me engaged, but no huge mind shift. Lots of common sense with emotive stories for examples.
It was worth spending those hours listening.

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Essential for making friends in the post pandemic world

Great content and story telling to help us learn about the elements of and research on friendship. As we remember how to people after months and years of lockdown this is a brilliant guide. I appreciate it being read by the author.

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its okay

I didn't like his heavy breathing in chapter 3 and bmi as an indicator of being overweight is debatable. At chapters 4 onwards its gets much better

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Delivered by a sincere friend

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to these upbeat talks/ chapters covering subjects many of us have probably travelled before like regarding attachment, schema theories and our survival brain. Kyler's open style and through the friendship perspective makes it fresh and meaningful. Hoorah to self-love, insight, non-judgey-ness and engaging in empathic connections with significant and strong friendships!

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Very helpful clearly written book.

I have really enjoyed listening to this book. It was well documented with scientific compelling facts and plenty real examples. The writer engaged the listeners with personal heartfelt experiences that made it clear what was his problem and what he had to do to turn his marriage, friendship making around.

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Meh

Not great - not awful but not actionable advice, just a lot of proving why friends are good (obviously, people don’t need convincing of that). As I said not bad but I wouldn’t listen again or recommend.

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