Missing Each Other by Edward S. Brodkin, MD, and Ashley A. Pallathra, M.A. Summary
Overview of Missing Each Other
In our distracted world, "Missing Each Other" reveals the neuroscience of human connection. Endorsed by Angela Duckworth and Adam Grant, this guide to attunement arrives when we need it most. Can four simple practices transform your relationships during an era of digital isolation?
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Key takeaways
The Miracle of Human Attunement
Have you ever experienced that rare moment when someone makes you feel completely seen and understood? Like the Dalai Lama, who famously makes each person feel like the only one in the room, this capacity for deep connection represents our most fundamental human need. Yet in our technology-saturated world, genuine connection becomes increasingly elusive. "Missing Each Other" explores attunement-the ability to be aware of your own state while simultaneously connecting with another person. This isn't just social cognition but a profound emotional and physical connection that creates the deepest bonds between people. From the first moments of life to our final days, this capacity for attunement shapes our wellbeing, our relationships, and ultimately, our humanity. We enter the world primed for human connection. Newborns recognize and prefer human faces almost immediately after birth, developing attachment bonds that provide the security needed for healthy development. These connections aren't luxuries-they're biological necessities. Their absence can lead to altered brain development, emotional regulation problems, and health issues comparable to obesity or smoking.
The Digital Paradox and Our Need for Connection
The Four Elements of Deep Connection
Cultivating Present-Moment Awareness
The Lost Art of Listening and Understanding
The Dance of Connection in Relationships
Reclaiming Human Connection in a Digital World
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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