Strange Secrets of the Human Body and Why Your Brain Requires Friends

Something You Should Know

Mike Carruthers | OmniCastMedia

Science, Social Sciences, Self-improvement, Education, Health & Fitness

4.6 • 4K Ratings

🗓️ 10 November 2025

⏱️ 50 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

When you touch someone else’s skin, it often feels softer than your own — but that can’t be true for everyone. What’s really happening is a fascinating illusion rooted in how your brain perceives touch. I’ll explain this strange sensory trick as we open the episode. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580302/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Your body is filled with mysteries you probably never learned in biology class — like why you get goosebumps, why hiccups happen, or why you unconsciously favor the left side of your face. And why no other creature on Earth can even come close to our ability to throw a ball fast and far. My guest Adam Taor, author of Bodypedia: A Brief Compendium of Human Anatomical Curiosities (https://amzn.to/4hpIEc2), joins me to explore these and other quirky features of the human body. Friendship and social interaction aren’t just nice to have — they’re vital to your health and longevity. Neuroscientist Ben Rein, author of Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection (https://amzn.to/495Nh9p), explains how meaningful connections strengthen the brain, protect against illness, and even extend your life. He also shares surprising insights on why having a pet — or a partner — can have profound benefits for both mind and body. If you’re looking for a simple, science-backed way to lose weight that isn’t just another gimmick, I have one that might surprise you. It’s all about water. Research shows that one glass at the right time can have impressive results. I’ll share the details in the final segment. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.21167 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	Let's hear from the Chancellor Jeffrey. From the Chancellor, Nigel. Chancellor John Norman. Kenneth. Gordon. Allister. George Philip. Sagi. Sagi. Rishi. Nadeem. Quasi Jeremy. And now, Rachel. Another year. Another budget. Over the past 40 years, we've seen it all. Our experts will continue to filter through the noise and uncertainty, helping you make the
0:22.1	most of your tax allowances. Hargreys lands down, helping Britain invest through it all. Capital
0:27.9	at risk, tax rules applying can change. Today on something you should know, why other people's
0:35.7	skin usually feels softer than your own.
0:38.3	Then, strange things about the human body, like why you intuitively know to show the left side of your face.
0:46.3	In fact, research shows that selfies on social media are much more likely to be left-sided than right-sided.
0:52.3	And also, interestingly, pictures of left-sided
0:54.7	faces get more likes on social media because the left side of the face is more emotional.
1:00.3	Also, the research that shows how a glass of water helps people lose weight, and the very
1:06.6	latest on our need for friends and the dangers of social isolation. And that's probably because
1:13.0	in an ancient world where being in groups made us survive, being alone meant you're closer to death.
1:18.8	And so when we are isolated, it basically triggers a stress response. Our brains and bodies react
1:24.8	as if there is an imminent threat. All this today on Something You Should Know.
1:31.1	Ready to launch your business?
1:32.5	Get started with the commerce platform made for entrepreneurs.
1:35.6	Shopify is specially designed to help you start, run, and grow your business with easy customizable
1:41.2	themes that let you build your brand, marketing tools that get your products out there.
1:45.5	Integrated shipping solutions that actually save you time.
1:48.3	From startups to scaleups, online, in person, and on the go.
1:52.8	Shopify is made for entrepreneurs like you.
1:55.3	Sign up for your $1 a month trial at Shopify.com slash setup.
2:01.7	Something you should know.
	...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 6 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Mike Carruthers | OmniCastMedia, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Mike Carruthers | OmniCastMedia and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.