About this episode

Dr. Laurie Santos explores the complexities of loneliness and the benefits of solitude with various experts.

In recent years, we've heard a lot of unsettling news about the loneliness epidemic and the dangers of social isolation. But could all this talk about loneliness paradoxically be making the problem... worse? Dr. Laurie unpacks what we get wrong about loneliness. Along the way, she speaks with historian Fay Bound-Alberti about why loneliness, as we think of it today, is a surprisingly modern phenomenon. Psychologist Micaela Rodriguez explains why we often confuse loneliness with being alone — and why learning to enjoy solitude can actually make us less lonely. And writer Emma Gannon shares practical tips for embracing the joy of your own company. Laurie discovers why spending time alone is a skill, and how getting better at it can help us regulate our emotions, spark creativity, and strengthen our connections with others. Experts Mentioned: Vivek Murthy , 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States Fay Bound-Alberti , Professor of Modern History at King’s College London Micaela Rodriguez , Assistant Professor of Psychology at Yale University Emma Gannon , author, blogger, and podcaster  Matthew Killingsworth , Senior Fellow at The Wharton School, University…

People in this episode

Host: Laurie Santos

Guests: Fay Bound-Alberti, Micaela Rodriguez, Emma Gannon

Topics covered

• loneliness
• solitude
• social isolation
• mental health
• emotional regulation
• creativity

Keywords

• loneliness
• solitude
• mental health
• social isolation
• emotional regulation
• creativity
• Fay Bound-Alberti
• Micaela Rodriguez
• Emma Gannon

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• The Life-Changing Power of a Sabbatical · August 17, 2026 · 49 min
• You're Actually Not Bothering People Enough · August 10, 2026 · 26 min
• Winning the Lottery Could Ruin Your Life · July 27, 2026 · 42 min

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