

Beating the Loneliness Epidemic, One Step at a Time
Aug 7, 2025
Kat Vellos, an author and connection coach, explores the complexities of adult friendships and the impact of urban design on social connections. She shares insights on building community, emphasizing how our environments can either foster or hinder relationships. Kat discusses innovative strategies to combat loneliness, such as reimagining public spaces for spontaneous interaction and promoting local engagement. Through personal anecdotes and local initiatives, she inspires listeners to cultivate meaningful connections and enrich their communities.
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Better Than Small Talk Events
- Kat Vellos prototyped gatherings called "Better Than Small Talk" to escape routine questions and shallow chats.
- She met hundreds of people who wanted richer conversations and better friendship practices.
Try A Busyness Detox
- Try a 30-day busyness and social media detox to free time for quality friendships.
- Small life experiments reveal where time exists and what you can reprioritize for people.
Friend Definitions Reveal Platonic Longing
- Research subjects define friends by safety, ease, and integration rather than mere acquaintance.
- Kat Vellos calls the deep desire for those ties 'platonic longing'.