Billy Baker

Billy Baker, a journalist and author of 'We Need to Hang Out,' explores the crucial role friendship plays in our health and happiness. He discusses the loneliness epidemic and shares research connecting strong friendships to better mental and physical well-being. Baker urges listeners to prioritize friendship daily and suggests creating predictable social routines. He emphasizes vulnerability in making connections and using shared interests as 'velvet hooks' to foster new bonds. Maggie Penman illustrates this by inviting a colleague to be friends.

Join journalist Billy Baker, author of "We Need to Hang Out," as he dives into the importance of adult friendships. He discusses the loneliness epidemic and shares his personal journey into male loneliness after a Globe assignment. Discover the concept of the 'Velvet Hook'—soft, regular connections that keep friendships alive. Billy provides practical tips, like prioritizing friendship as a daily task and using shared interests to form bonds. He even challenges listeners to reach out to someone they miss. Friendship can be cultivated, one courageous ask at a time!

Billy Baker, a journalist and author of "We Need to Hang Out: A Memoir of Making Friends," dives into the pressing issue of male loneliness. He shares his personal quest to forge friendships in middle age, emphasizing the unique challenges men face. Discussing the 'men's shed' movement, Billy highlights the importance of shared activities for building connections and encourages embracing social risk. Discover his insights on rekindling old friendships and the intentionality needed to navigate adult relationships.