46. Jeff Krasno: The Loneliness Epidemic - How Social Isolation Is Killing Us Faster Than Smoking

Mar 22, 2025

Join Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Commune and author of "Good Stress," as he tackles the loneliness epidemic in today’s disconnection-filled world. He reveals startling insights, comparing social isolation's dangers to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Jeff shares his journey from wellness entrepreneur to burnout victim, shedding light on the necessity of community for health and longevity. He offers practical strategies for enhancing 'social fitness,' emphasizing that even small interactions can transform lives—highlighting the essential role of connection in our well-being.

Ask episode

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 5min

The Loneliness Epidemic: Connection and Community

05:07 • 13min

The Importance of Social Connection in a Disconnected World

18:20 • 5min

Building Connections: The Essential Role of Social Engagement in Well-Being

23:10 • 1min

Navigating Burnout and the Importance of Cellular Health

24:40 • 3min

Confronting Comfort: The Health Paradox

27:38 • 8min

Navigating Distractions: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

36:08 • 3min

What if the symptoms you've been chalking up to "normal life"—brain fog, persistent insomnia, chronic fatigue, and the stubborn belly fat—were actually signs of a deeper disconnection from what makes us truly human?

In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Krasno, author of "Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things," to explore the hidden epidemic of disconnection and its profound impact on our health. We dive into why social isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, how community might be the #1 factor in longevity according to Harvard's 85-year study, and practical strategies for rebuilding "social fitness" in an increasingly isolated world.

Jeff shares his personal journey from successful wellness entrepreneur to burnout victim—running a yoga festival while suffering from insomnia, pre-diabetes, and deep disconnection. His story reveals how the modern lifestyle can lead anyone into what he calls "wealth and hellness" instead of health and wellness.

Jeff is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being. He hosts the Commune podcast, interviewing a wide variety of health experts and luminaries from Andrew Huberman and Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey and Gabor Maté. Jeff pens a personal weekly essay titled “Commusings” that explores spirituality, wellness and culture and is distributed to over one million subscribers every Sunday. Jeff is the author of Good Stress, a collection of wellness protocols that he developed to reverse his diabetes, lose 60 pounds and reclaim his health at age 50.

We Discuss:

(01:00) - Belonging, Community, and Loneliness

(14:34) - Social Connection and Introversion

(25:53) - Health Crisis in Modern Society

(33:22) - Navigating Burnout and Stress Responses

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Jeff Krasno:

Website: https://www.jeffkrasno.com/

Instagram: @jeffkrasno

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com
Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah