logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2022
32m 19s

The Secret to Making Friends as an Adult

Pushkin Industries
About this episode

Loneliness is a far more common and far more serious problem than we think. It affects one in five Americans, and takes a toll on our bodies and minds. To thrive we need to several types of social interactions - both casual and more intimate.  

With the help of US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy; Harvard Divinity School fellow Casper ter Kuile; and friendship expert Marisa Franco; Dr Laurie Santos looks at how loneliness might be affecting you or someone you know, and what science-back steps you can take to increase your circle of friends. 

For further reading: 

Vivek Murthy - Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World.

Marisa Franco - Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends as an Adult.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Oct 19
Why Happiness Experts Still Struggle to Be Happy with Dr. Ethan Kross
You might assume that people who study happiness for a living have it all figured out. But even happiness experts struggle to follow their own advice. They know the science behind feeling happier, managing difficult emotions, and building healthier habits — but putting that knowl ... Show More
52m 47s
Oct 12
What Gets Lost When We Text Instead of Talk with Dr. Nick Epley
For most of human history, we only had one way to talk to one another: our voices. Today, we have more ways to communicate than ever before. We can text, call, send a video message, reach out over social media, et cetera. And we often choose whichever option seems easiest or leas ... Show More
44m 59s
Oct 5
Finding the Magic in Everyday Life with Thoreau and Eric Weiner
As we move through our busy lives, it’s easy to stop noticing the tiny, beautiful things all around us. But rediscovering the sense of wonder we had as children might not only bring us more joy — it could also help us better navigate life’s hardest moments. Dr. Laurie explores th ... Show More
33m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2023
How to combat loneliness
1 in 4 adults says they're lonely. The consequences of long-term social disconnection can be dire — everything from an increased risk of heart attacks to dementia and premature death. Primary care physician and author of the new book Project UnLonely Dr. Jeremy Nobel offers tips ... Show More
17m 10s
Jul 2020
Feeling Lonely? You're Not Alone.
<p>Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy shares with us the startling effects of chronic loneliness and how we can combat this public health crisis -- even in a socially distant world.</p> 
13m 18s
Sep 2023
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy On America’s Epidemic Of Loneliness
I think it’s safe to say that many people are suffering, not just from major public health concerns and economic hardship, but also from loneliness—the prevalence of which has skyrocketed in recent years. Studies indicate that about half of U.S. adults have reported experiencing ... Show More
1h 46m
Nov 2023
How Loneliness Can Impact Your Health – and What You Can Do About It with Dr. Vivek Murthy
It is widely known that smoking and obesity can lead to chronic disease and death, but do you know that loneliness can be equally detrimental to your health? Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, is here to talk about the epidemic he is most concerned about righ ... Show More
50m 4s
Jun 2024
The Hidden Health Crisis: How It Affects All Of Us And What We Can Do About It with US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy #462
Have you ever felt lonely, even when surrounded by people? Do you struggle to forge meaningful connections in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world? If so, you're not alone. Loneliness is on the rise in many countries around the world and more people than ever before are fe ... Show More
1h 36m
Jun 2023
Lonely? You're not alone.
tail spinning
24m 6s
Jul 2020
Dear Sugars Presents: Loneliness In A Socially Distant World
<p>Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy talks with the Kind World team about the startling effects of chronic loneliness and how we can combat this public health concern -- even in a socially distant world.</p> 
13m 37s