Are You Starved for Human Connection? How to Build Friendships, Overcome Loneliness and Feel Happier | Happiness | E490

Do you ever find yourself longing for deeper human connection, yet unsure how to actually make it happen? So many people are trying to overcome loneliness while craving friendships that genuinely support their happiness, well-being, and the desire to grow and heal. In this episode, we explore what strengthens your social wellness - from simple practices that help you reconnect with yourself to meaningful experiences that help you feel happier.

My guest today is Julia Hotz, a solutions-focused journalist and award-winning author of The Connection Cure. Julia has spent years studying why loneliness is so widespread, what it does to our bodies and minds, and why meaningful relationships feel harder to build than ever. Today, we discuss social prescribing - an emerging practice where doctors and therapists “prescribe” activities like art classes, forest walks, or book clubs based on what matters to you most. These aren’t hobbies for the sake of hobbies; they’re structured ways of reconnecting with joy, identity, and people who help you feel more like yourself.

Julia shares powerful stories, including Glenn, a 92-year-old veteran who went from weeks of silence to a real friendship, and Jonas, who lives with social anxiety and found that culture, music, and stories were his bridge back to connection. We talk about why meaningful relationships aren’t just about companionship but self-expansion, helping you understand who you are through the people you connect with. We also explore the internal obstacles that make it harder to overcome loneliness: time constraints, social anxiety, and the awkwardness many people still feel after years of disrupted connection.

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Why social connection and strong relationships boost health and happiness
00:40 Introducing Julia Hotz and The Connection Cure
01:11 How the UK’s minister of loneliness sparked social prescribing
06:47 What loneliness really is and how it impacts your brain and body
10:26 Self-expansion: how deep relationships help you know yourself
12:28 Rebuilding community: from Bowling Alone to modern social prescribing
14:21 Glenn and Ryan’s story: loneliness to friendship at age 92
18:05 Social anxiety and culture “vitamins”: easier ways to meet people
23:20 How people connect differently: activities, intimacy, and friendship
26:18 Flipping “What’s wrong with me?” to “What matters to me?”
31:14 Why 20 minutes in nature can reset your mind and attention
38:35 How to “prescribe yourself” connection and build a values-based social life

If something in this episode resonates and you’re thinking, “I don’t want to feel this alone anymore,” we would love to support you. At Growing Self, you can schedule a free consultation to get connected with a therapist or coach on my team who truly understands what it takes to overcome loneliness and build meaningful human connection. You’ll be able to chat with someone who can walk alongside you as you strengthen your social wellness, rebuild friendships, and feel happier. Schedule a free consultation today.

You are worthy of relationships where you feel seen, chosen, and emotionally safe. You don’t have to figure this out alone. 💗

xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Growing Self