Video/podcast
20 July 2026

Men don’t just need friends. They need bromance.

Author: Laurie Santos
Published by: Pushkin
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Men today are spending less time with friends, and many have no close friendships at all. Research shows that this lack of social connection can lead to serious long-term consequences for men’s mental and physical health. The answer isn’t just more social interaction. Guys need something deeper: bromance.

Dr. Laurie speaks with actor, director, and author Andrew McCarthy about his book, Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America, and what he learned after reconnecting with the men who shaped his life. She also talks with Harvard behavioural scientist Todd Rogers about why sports fandom can be a surprisingly powerful way for men to build deeper relationships.