Loneliness is a far more common and far more serious problem than we think. It affects one in five Americans, and takes a toll on our bodies and minds. To thrive we need to several types of social interactions - both casual and more intimate.   With the help of US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy; Harvard Divinity School fellow Casper ter Kuile; and friendship expert Marisa Franco; Dr Laurie Santos looks at how loneliness might be affecting you or someone you know, and what science-back steps you can take to increase your circle of friends.  For further reading:  Vivek Murthy - Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World. Marisa Franco - Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends as an Adult. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, discusses nutrition, food additives, social media and mental health, public health initiatives for social isolation, obesity crisis, addiction, health care accessibility, insurance barriers, and myths about 'Big Pharma' and 'Big Food'. They explore the roles of Surgeon General, addressing vaping among kids, principles of public health communication, importance of diverse committees, isolation crisis, negative impact of social media on mental health, and cultivating kindness and connection.

In this engaging chat, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, a champion for public health and author of "Together," explores the loneliness epidemic gripping society. He discusses the profound effects of loneliness on mental health and emphasizes the necessity of community bonds. Vivek shares his personal experiences and practical strategies for cultivating meaningful relationships. He further examines the nuances of connection in the digital age and advocates for protecting young people's mental well-being through social media reforms.

We need a modicum of vitality to simply be alive in this time. And we're in an enduringly tender place. The mental health crisis that is invoked all around, especially as we look to the young, is one manifestation of the gravity of the post-2020 world. How to name and honor this more openly? How to hold that together with the ways we've been given to learn and to grow? Who are we called to be moving forward? Dr. Vivek Murthy is a brilliant, wise, and kind companion in these questions. He's a renowned physician and research scientist in his second tenure as U.S. Surgeon General. And for years, he's been naming and investigating loneliness as a public health matter, including his own experience of that very human condition. It is beyond rare to be in the presence of a person holding high governmental office who speaks about love with ease and dignity — and about the agency to be healers that is available to us all. There is so much here to walk away with, and into. This conversation quieted and touched a room full of raucous podcasters at the 2023 On Air Fest in Brooklyn.There are many resources for mental health support. If you're in the U.S., find some of them here.Vivek Murthy is the 21st Surgeon General of the United States. He also served in this role from 2014 to 2017. He hosts the podcast House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy. And he’s the author of Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.___________Sign up for The Pause to receive our seasonal Saturday morning newsletter and advance invitations and news on all things On Being.And: if you can, please take a minute to rate On Being in this podcast app — you'll be bending the arc of algorithms towards this adventure of conversation and living.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy discusses the epidemic of loneliness in America and its impact on mental and physical health. They explore the origins and mandate of the US Public Health Service, the decline of community and connection, the neurochemistry of loneliness, and creating a culture of kindness and service. They also touch on topics like enhancing performance, wearable devices, gut health, parenting challenges in the digital age, and leadership and kindness.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, dives into the loneliness epidemic affecting many Americans, especially the youth. He discusses how technological changes and cultural shifts have contributed to this public health crisis. Emphasizing the power of in-person connections, Murthy shares strategies to nurture meaningful relationships. The conversation also touches on the media's role in covering potential presidential actions and the balance needed to maintain integrity while engaging audiences. It's a compelling discussion on connection in today's fractured landscape.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, a leading advocate for public health, dives into the pressing issues of loneliness and mental health. He shares personal anecdotes that highlight the profound impact of isolation on well-being. Murthy emphasizes the importance of deep, meaningful connections over superficial ones, especially in our digital age. He offers practical strategies for rebuilding social ties post-pandemic and calls for data-driven interventions to combat loneliness. Ultimately, he champions the need for authentic relationships to enrich both personal and professional lives.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former U.S. Surgeon General, shines a light on the loneliness epidemic affecting millions. He emphasizes the importance of emotional and social health, advocating for deeper connections over the pursuit of wealth and fame. Dr. Murthy shares personal reflections on the joy of service and the transformative power of kindness. He discusses how love can conquer fear and the necessity of authenticity in fostering meaningful relationships. This conversation is a heartfelt call to prioritize community and connection in our lives.

Dr. Laurie Santos and US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy discuss the Gen Z happiness crisis, examining the impact of academic pressure, technology, and the culture of achievement. They emphasize the importance of evidence-based strategies like social connection, sleep, exercise, and purpose for long-term happiness. They also explore behavior change and the need to shift from a hustle mentality, and discuss mindfulness and self-kindness in a culture of anger and division.

US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy discusses the rising epidemic of loneliness, its impact on health, and practical solutions. They highlight the importance of building social connections, taking social risks, and the negative effects of excessive social media use on mental health, especially among young people.