The Neuroscience of Connection: Why Great Work Requires a Wolf Pack

Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: The Neuroscience of Collaboration & Great Work with Dr. Catherine Franssen

Guest:

Dr. Catherine Franssen – Neuroscientist, Educator, and Advocate for Preventative Mental Health

Episode Summary:

In this transformative conversation, Dr. Catherine Franssen joins the podcast to discuss the science behind stress, connection, and collaboration. Drawing on her background in neurobiology and decades of research, Catherine shares why building a "wolf pack" is not only beneficial but essential for mental resilience and peak performance. From oxytocin and mirror neurons to the myth of the lone genius, this episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to do meaningful, impactful work without burning out.

Topics Covered:

• Why stress and burnout are signals, not flaws
• The myth of the “lone wolf” and the neuroscience of human connection
• The role of oxytocin and mirror neurons in collaboration
• How loneliness registers as physical pain in the brain
• Small steps for lone wolves to ease into collaboration
• How to foster trust and avoid common collaboration pitfalls
• Using biology to build better teams

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Franssen's website: franssenstrategies.com
• Connect with Dr. Franssen on LinkedIn

LINKS

https://www.franssenstrategies.com/

BIO

Dr. Catherine Franssen is passionate about teaching high achievers how to use practical strategies, backed by science, to improve productivity, performance, and well-being. She received her Ph.D. in neurobiology from the University of Chicago and has thrived at multiple universities over the past two decades. Her collaborative research over the past two decades has appeared in prestigious academic journals as well as popular media outlets. Her areas of expertise include stress management, mental health, and neurodiversity.