Episode

Shoshana's Summer Playlist (2/5): What happens to your brain without any social contact? with Dr. Vivek Murthy

Podcast
TED Health
Published
Jul 30, 2026
Duration seconds
2319
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://audiocollective.ted.com/
Audio
https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/67585b08102e6d4448d360b1/e/6a57cc2dc152a357dbd3a77f/media.mp3
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Markdown
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Summary

In this episode, Shoshana invites Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, to discuss the ongoing loneliness epidemic. After the interview, Shoshana shares a TED-Ed talk from Terry Kupers, "What happens to your brain without social contact?" Everyone needs time to themselves, and peaceful solitude has stress-relieving benefits. But when being alone is forced upon you, the effects can be surprisingly extensive. And though different people experience distinct effects, symptoms tend to become more severe and persistent the longer they're isolated. So, how exactly does isolation affect your body and brain? Terry Kupers investigates. [Directed by Camille Bovey, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa]. tid156465tid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.