Episode
Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?
- Podcast
- Open to Debate
- Published
- Dec 26, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3235
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADL4932772515.mp3?updated=1766680674
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/open-to-debate-610487/episodes/can-religion-cure-the-loneliness-epidemic/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/open-to-debate-610487/can-religion-cure-the-loneliness-epidemic.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
America is suffering from a loneliness epidemic. Some groups have suggested religious communities may be key to solving it. Could it help? Those arguing “yes” say it gives people regular social contact, support systems, and a sense of purpose that could combat isolation. Those arguing “no” say that secular options would provide better, broad-based solutions. Now we debate: Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic? Arguing Yes: Harold Koenig, Director of Duke University’s Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health Chris Murphy, Senator from Connecticut Arguing No: Ruth Whippman, Author of "America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness Is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks" and "BOYMOM: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity." Dan Barker, Co-President of the Freedom from Religion Foundation Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices