Monitoring our macros, steps or sleep (maybe with a wearable?) might come to mind if one wants to optimize their well-being. But there’s another factor often gets overlooked in hacking our health: social connection. And, as a society, we’re currently lacking it. One in three Americans report feeling lonely every week, according to an American Psychiatric Association poll — and 30% of Americans age 18 to 34 say they feel lonely every day. Building a strong, meaningful social network (IRL, not online) can be as significant for our health as quitting smoking or losing weight. But what counts as meaningful connection — and can small talk, texting and casual interactions really make a difference? This episode explores how social connection shapes our mental and physical well-being, why loneliness and isolation aren’t the same thing, and how to build healthier, more authentic connections in everyday life.

Expert: Dr. Olivia Tomasco, primary care doctor

Notable topics covered:

• What loneliness is and how it differs from isolation
• Why loneliness can affect both mental and physical health
• Who is most at risk for social disconnection?
• When technology helps connection — and when it may make loneliness worse
• Why both quality relationships and everyday small talk matter
• What a healthy, supportive connection actually looks like
• Whether texting, memes and other digital check-ins really count
• How to make new connections in more authentic, low-pressure ways
• When loneliness may be a sign it’s time to seek professional help

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