In 'Our Kids', Robert Putnam examines the diminishing prospects for children in America, contrasting the successful lives of his high school class of 1959 in Port Clinton, Ohio, with the harder lives faced by their children and grandchildren. The book blends individual testimonies with extensive social-science research to highlight the growing class-based opportunity gap among young people, affecting rich, middle-class, and poor kids across the country. Putnam's work provides a disturbing yet thoughtful and persuasive account of the American dream in crisis, emphasizing the need for a deep examination of the future of American society.
In this book, Julia Hotz combines diligent science reporting, moving patient success stories, and surprising self-discovery to illustrate the lasting and life-changing power of social prescribing. Instead of traditional pharmaceutical prescriptions, social prescribing involves referrals to community activities and resources. Hotz shares stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed through social prescribing, such as an aspiring novelist who copes with trauma through art workshops, a policy researcher who tapers off antidepressants through swimming courses, and an army vet who forms meaningful friendships through phone conversations. The book emphasizes the importance of reconnecting to what matters to us to improve our health and well-being.
In 'Bowling Alone', Robert D. Putnam presents extensive data showing how Americans have become disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures. He argues that this decline in social capital has significant negative impacts on physical and civic health. The book explores various factors contributing to this decline, including changes in work, family structure, suburbanization, and the influence of technology such as television and the internet. Putnam also discusses historical precedents and potential solutions for reviving civic engagement and social connections.
Our society is not built for connection – we can order everything on our phones, and it is possible for us to get most of our needs met without even leaving the house. This convenience is deceptive and has left us lonelier, and more sick, than ever before.
We’ve all heard the conventional hacks and tips about improving our health, but we often feel the healthiest when we are connected with other people. In this episode, Julia Hotz dives into the real benefits of social prescription. While not a replacement for medicine, social activities can provide us with additional physical and mental health benefits, particularly in light of the loneliness crisis. You can improve your happiness and health through connection, nature, art, and more.
- 7:01 The Health Impacts Of The Loneliness Epidemic
- 15:18 Social Prescribing: A New Approach To Health
- 22:05 How Antidepressants Actually Work
- 27:13 Biopsychosocial Diagnoses
- 35:10 The Effects of Nature
- 44::08 Reclaiming Movement
- 56:57 Belonging & Your Health
- 1:08:05 Quality vs. Quantity of Connections
- 1:12:14 The Social DSM
For more from Julia, you can find her on Instagram @hotzthoughts or online at www.hotzthoughts.com. You can find her book, The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging, where books are sold.
Ready to uplevel every part of your life? Order Liz’s book 100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success now!
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The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy.
Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast.
This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
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