This podcast episode delves into the multifaceted roles of the amygdala, challenging the long-held belief that it is solely responsible for fear while highlighting its involvement in a variety of emotional processes, including the encoding of rewards and the necessity of social interaction. Through insightful discussions, the episode emphasizes the impact of social media, social isolation, and hierarchy on our well-being and emotional health, introducing novel concepts such as "loneliness neurons" and the importance of social nourishment. Kay's research illuminates the urgent need to comprehend these dynamics, particularly as loneliness rises in modern society, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and sustainable academic culture.
