logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2023
20m 59s

Is loneliness the next global health thr...

Al Jazeera
About this episode

Is there a cure for the loneliness epidemic? Loneliness is as harmful to a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The World Health Organization has even declared it a ‘global public health concern,’ echoing a warning by the top US health authority. But despite the alarm, experts say there are ways to cultivate a new culture of connection. 

In this episode: 

  • Niobe Way (@niobe_way), New York University Professor of Developmental Psychology

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Miranda Lin and host Natasha Del Toro, in for Malika Bilal. Zaina Badr and Sarí el-Khalili fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on TwitterInstagram, FacebookThreads and YouTube

Up next
Today
How did Lula da Silva cut Amazon deforestation in half?
When Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office more than a year ago, he pledged to end deforestation in the Amazon by 2030. He’s on the right track: Last year, the forest shrank 50% less than in 2022. But the clock is ticking. Will Lula manage to keep his word? Th ... Show More
23m 12s
Aug 23
Another Take: Why hasn't Pakistan recovered from its catastrophic floods?
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on February 22, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Pakistan is still reeling from 2022’s deadly floods, which put a third of the country underwater. Tho ... Show More
20m 45s
Aug 22
Why are Sudanese refugees returning home despite the civil war?
Nearly two and a half years into Sudan’s war, millions remain displaced. Yet some refugees are making the difficult choice to return home, despite the ongoing conflict. UNHCR’s Mamadou Dian Balde explains why Sudanese families are going back, the challenges awaiting them, and the ... Show More
23m 4s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
What is behind our mental health pandemic?
*CW: This episode contains discussions about suicide* More than a hundred of you - our listeners - have been in touch to share your own experiences with mental health care (or lack of it) in this country. Collectively, you paint a picture of a system in crisis, a pandemic particu ... Show More
49m 27s
Jan 2023
Havana Syndrome: A New Podcast from VICE
Today we are sharing an episode from one of our newest series – Havana Syndrome. In 2016, a mysterious, debilitating illness begins to afflict American diplomats and spies working abroad – first in Cuba, and then around the world. Victims report crippling neurological symptoms. S ... Show More
41m 4s
Apr 2024
Episode 88: Creativity and Public Speaking can cure mental health with Sheryn Knaider
If you are wondering what leads to happiness, tune in to our latest episode of the podcast with Sheryn Knaider. Sheryn currently resides in Dubai and is the founder and head of the Professional Speakers Association of Arabia. In this episode, we discuss how creativity and public ... Show More
55m 34s
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
Oct 2023
Rishi Sunak Puts Out Cigarettes
As the dust settles after Rishi Sunak’s conference speech, Adam and Chris focus on the fallout from the biggest talking points, including the prime minister’s plans to ban smoking for younger generations.They’re joined by doctor and TV presenter Alexander "Dr Xand" van Tulleken t ... Show More
36m 35s
Feb 2022
You're Not Alone
Public health experts have been warning for years about a looming “loneliness epidemic” in the United States, with serious potential impacts on our mental and physical health. But what’s the cure? Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks to loneliness expert Professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad about h ... Show More
22 m
Jan 2023
New Year, New Covid Sub-Variant
How worried should we be about the spread of coronavirus abroad?Restrictions are about to ease in China and there’s a new strain of Coronavirus in the USA. James Gallagher, presenter of Radio 4’s Inside Health and Kerry Allen, the BBC’s China media analyst put Covid back on the a ... Show More
30m 16s
Aug 2022
Self-Love Is A Mouthful
In this empowering first episode of The R Spot Iyanla talks to Ms. E., a breast cancer survivor struggling with body image post mastectomy. Worried about how a new suitor may react to her altered body, Ms. E.’s love life has been non-existent since her life saving surgery. Iyanla ... Show More
38m 18s
Jul 2022
Monkeypox Health Alert
A global health emergency is declared, so how worried should we be?Adam is joined in the studio by the BBC’s James Gallagher and Dr Rosamund Lewis from the World Health Organisation, to discuss the global outbreak of Monkeypox and how the world can get it under control.Also, ther ... Show More
28m 16s