Loneliness is more than just a feeling—it shapes how we see ourselves and the world around us. It can make us withdraw, hesitate to reach out, or convince us that connection is for other people. But Dr. Vivek Murthy has spent years reminding us of what is most true: we are meant to hold each other up.

As U.S. Surgeon General (twice!), Vivek confronted some of the biggest public health challenges of our time—addiction, youth mental health, the opioid crisis. But at the heart of it all was something deeply human: our need for each other. In this conversation, Kate and Vivek talk about what actually makes a life full—not perfect, not endlessly productive, but anchored in love and belonging. 

Together, they discuss:


The quiet ache of loneliness and why so many of us feel it


Why relationships, purpose, and service are the real building blocks of a fulfilled life


Small, practical ways to reach out, even when it feels awkward


How asking for help might bring us closer, not pull us apart.

If you liked this conversation, you might also enjoy: 


Made to Belong - Vivek Murthy & Jon Scheyer


Hope is a Muscle - Nikolas Kristof


The Art of Gathering - Priya Parker

Loneliness is more than just a feeling&mdash;it shapes how we see ourselves and the world around us. It can make us withdraw, hesitate to reach out, or convince us that connection is for other people. But Dr. Vivek Murthy has spent years reminding us of what is most true: we are meant to hold each other up.
As U.S. Surgeon General (twice!), Vivek confronted some of the biggest public health challenges of our time&mdash;addiction, youth mental health, the opioid crisis. But at the heart of it all was something deeply human: our need for each other. In this conversation, Kate and Vivek talk about what actually makes a life full&mdash;not perfect, not endlessly productive, but anchored in love and belonging.&nbsp;
Together, they discuss:
<ul>
<li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">
The quiet ache of loneliness and why so many of us feel it
</li>
<li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">
Why relationships, purpose, and service are the real building blocks of a fulfilled life
</li>
<li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">
Small, practical ways to reach out, even when it feels awkward
</li>
<li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">
How asking for help might bring us closer, not pull us apart.
</li>
</ul>
If you liked this conversation, you might also enjoy:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">
<a href="https://katebowler.com/podcasts/made-to-belong/">Made to Belong</a> - Vivek Murthy &amp; Jon Scheyer
</li>
<li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">
<a href="https://katebowler.com/podcasts/hope-is-a-muscle/">Hope is a Muscle</a> - Nikolas Kristof
</li>
<li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted">
<a href="https://katebowler.com/podcasts/the-art-of-gathering/">The Art of Gathering</a> - Priya Parker
</li>
</ul>

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens.  Find her online at @katecbowler.

Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/

Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens.  Find her online at @katecbowler.
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media <a href="https://lemonadamedia.com/" data-stringify-link="https://lemonadamedia.com/" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://lemonadamedia.com/</a>

Honest conversation about life's less-shiny moments.

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