Acclaimed economist and author Noreena Hertz breaks down the world’s loneliness crisis, and what it means for the well-being of our minds, bodies, economies and democratic institutions. In this episode, we define loneliness and how to recognize it, its mental and physical health implications, the shame around admitting you’re lonely, and what we can do to help alleviate the crisis for ourselves and our kids.

Hertz has been an Honorary Professor at the Institute for Global Prosperity at University College London since 2014 and she’s the author of five books, including the 2020 release The Lonely Century: Coming Together in a World that's Pulling Apart.

Additional Episode Notes:
Noreena’s thoughts on the differences between loneliness and feeling alone in a relationship, and the role technology plays in our loneliness.

On why the loneliness crisis is affecting people all over the world, and is more pronounced in more individualistic, capitalistic societies.

Discussing the physical health conditions brought on by loneliness.

Breaking down how loneliness affects democracy and the rise of populist candidates.

On what parents can do to identify signs of loneliness in children and what they can do to help.