Build More Friendship
Hi, I'm Tony! I teach classes and programs on friendship and social connection at UC Berkeley, Stanford Continuing Studies and other institutions throughout the Bay Area. I'm passionate about helping people make more friends, feel more connected and deepen existing relationships. Join me!
Upcoming Classes and Programs
The Science of Great Conversations (4 weeks)
Oct 7-28, 2026 (Wednesdays 7-8:30)
Improv Central - Alameda
Why do some conversations seem painful and clunky while others are energizing and fun? Having meaningful, enjoyable conversations is essential to connecting with others, building relationships, and thriving in a world of increasing isolation. No one is born a great conversationalist; conversation is a skill that can be learned and practiced.
In this fun, highly interactive 4-week class, we will learn the science of conversation and how to make conversations flow, move beyond small talk, build relationships and be more enjoyable. We’ll engage in skill-building exercises and learn from each other in a supportive environment. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, at work or a party, you will leave the class with new perspectives and skills to better connect with people in your life.
Connected: The Science & Practice of Building Friendships (6 weeks online)
Oct 5 - Nov 9, 2026 (Mondays 6:30-8)
Stanford Continuing Studies
Friendship is a practice and doesn’t happen magically on its own. Decades of research show that the single most important factor for a healthier and happier life is good relationships. Yet in our busy, digital world, the difficulty of sustaining close ties fuels a loneliness epidemic. This course blends evidence-based findings from psychology and social science with practical exercises designed to help participants build stronger, more meaningful relationships. We’ll explore the science and skill of building friendship—such as likeability, reciprocity, affection, and vulnerability—within a supportive cohort. You’ll learn how to have conversations that engage and connect and practice exercises to build closeness. Each session begins with a brief lecture followed by self-assessments, breakout rooms, and in-depth group discussion. You’ll set a weekly goal, apply it between sessions, and return to reflect and refine. You’ll leave with a personalized connection plan and the skills to grow friendships that can make life longer, healthier, and more fulfilling.
Why does friendship matter?
According to an 85-year study at Harvard, the number one key to happiness is not diet exercise, or career success. It's positive social relationships. It's friendship.
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Lacking social connection increases premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day
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Having strong social relationships lowers mortality risk by about 50%
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Quality relationships are the #1 predictor of happiness and health
Can I "learn" friendship?
Absolutely! Humans are wired to learn and connect. Forming social connections was a survival imperative as groups are more able to care for each other and make it through difficult times. Modern life, technology and circumstances have made relationships more challenging, but friend-making skills and habits can be learned and practiced.
Friendship Workshop in Oakland, CA
About
My name is Tony Shen
I help people around the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond cultivate stronger friendships through my "Friendship Lab" classes and coaching. I run workshops at UC Berkeley, teach improv theater, and performs in live shows. I was a C-suite executive and consultant to Fortune 500 firms before discovering my passion for helping people build happier, more friend-filled lives. I received a BA in economics from Stanford and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
Testimonials
This was an interesting and engaging course. I appreciate the instructor's kind demeanor and open approach. The course confirmed the importance of being intentional and putting forth effort if you are interested in growing and maintaining friendships. I'd recommend it to people that want to learn more about the value of friendships and how they can be nurtured and developed.
Denise Herd, PH.D
Professor School of Public Health
Community Health Sciences Division Head
Very sweet, useful, and motivating offering! It helped me reevaluate how I show up in close friendships and adjust based on that, helped motivate me to get out of my comfort zone to make new friendships (still working on that!), and helped me feel less alone in the search for friendship by bringing me into community with others looking to deepen/create new friendships.
Staff Member
UC Berkeley Othering and Belonging Institute