The One Where I Talk To Author Of ‘The Connection Cure’, Julia Hotz

May 13, 2025

Julia Hotz, an award-winning author and journalist, delves into the fascinating world of social prescribing in this conversation. She shares her journey in writing 'The Connection Cure' and highlights the alarming impact of loneliness on mental health. Discover how 80% of our health outcomes are influenced by social factors and learn about the role of link workers. Hotz shares moving stories, like a woman whose depression improved through sea swimming, and emphasizes the healing power of art and community, particularly for single women.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

What Is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing involves doctors prescribing community activities to enhance wellbeing.
It shifts healthcare focus from "what's the matter with you" to "what matters to you."

ANECDOTE

Sea Swimming Aids Depression

Amanda overcame depression with a social prescription to sea swimming lessons.
Moving her body in nature and community helped reduce antidepressants and improve wellbeing.

INSIGHT

Nature Restores Attention & Health

Humans evolved to pay close attention to nature, benefiting survival.
Time in nature restores attention and reduces stress and anxiety effectively.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Send us a text

My guest on the podcast this week is the fabulous Julia Hotz.

Julia is a journalist and award-winning author of The Connection Cure — the first book chronicling the science, stories, and spread of social prescribing. She helps other journalists report on evidence-backed ideas at the Solutions Journalism Network, and advises health organisations like Walk with a Doc and Social Prescribing USA. For her work on social prescribing, she has spoken at TEDx, taught in medical schools and practices, delivered keynote speeches, advised policymakers, and more.

Topics that we cover are:

how she came to write her book, The Connection Cure;
what she discovered about loneliness;
social prescribing, and what exactly it is;
how 80% of our health is determined by social and environmental factors;
how 1 in 5 people in the UK are going to their GP for social reasons;
link workers — who they are and what they do;
how loneliness is correlated with things like anxiety and depression;
how depression is strongly related to the loss of a connection;
the huge importance of moving our bodies;
the story of Amanda who was prescribed sea swimming for her depression;
the undeniable benefits of spending time in nature;
how art can be effective for people suffering from anxiety disorders;
the connection between mental and physical health;
how social prescribing pertains to single women;
what matters to you vs what’s the matter with you;
how your relationship status is about as interesting as your hair colour, i.e. not very!

Buy Jules' book, The Connection Cure: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connection-Cure-Prescriptive-Movement-Belonging/dp/1035423081

Check out her website: https://www.hotzthoughts.com/

Follow Jules on Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/hotzthoughts/

Support the show

Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com

And thank you so much for listening!