Host ⁠Reed Galen⁠⁠ is joined by Sarah Stein Lubrano - writer, researcher, and author of Don’t Talk About Politics: How to Change 21st Century Minds for the second half of their conversation about why building real community is so challenging in the modern world. They discuss the rise of loneliness, the difference between weak ties and true friendships, and how social media has changed the way we connect and organize.

They also explore what “social atrophy” means for Americans’ personal lives and politics, why genuine in-person relationships matter more than ever, dig into the science behind deep canvassing, and the hard truth that strong communities require consistent effort. Plus, what the loss of social infrastructure means for democracy and why anyone can play a part in rebuilding it.

For more from Sarah Stein Lubrano, check out Don’t Talk About Politics: How to Change 21st Century Minds wherever books are sold, subscribe to My Subschtick, and follow her work with the Sense and Solidarity Initiative, The Future Narratives Lab, and the AHEAD app.

For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit⁠⁠ JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today.

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Robert A. Heinlein Book Club: Episode 16: Universe