Long before the coronavirus upended our lives and distanced ourselves from our jobs, routines, and loved ones, loneliness was already considered a widespread issue. But now, whether you're living alone or surrounded by people, that feeling of loneliness is probably more profound than ever. On this episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, Katie talks with former surgeon general Vivek Murthy about how dangerous this human condition can be, not only to our emotional health but also our mental and physical health. In a discussion around his new book, "Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World," Katie and Dr. Murthy talk about ways to mitigate our loneliness and how to use this time of isolation to appreciate and strengthen our relationships. Later in the show, massage therapist David Lobenstine shares a few techniques — to use on yourself or on one of your quarantine partners — to help relieve the effects of this longterm stress and loneliness. Sign up for Katie's morning newsletter, Wake-Up Call, at KatieCouric.com for more information on today's episode, the coronavirus, and the day's most pressing news.

 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Long before the coronavirus upended our lives and distanced ourselves from our jobs, routines, and loved ones, loneliness was already considered a widespread issue. But now, whether you're living alone or surrounded by people, that feeling of loneliness is probably more profound than ever. On this episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, Katie talks with former surgeon general Vivek Murthy about how dangerous this human condition can be, not only to our emotional health but also our mental and physical health. In a discussion around his new book, "<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.harperwave.com_book_9780062913296_Together-2DVivek-2DH.-2DMurthy-2DMD_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=GC0NZZhaEw6GOQSjMHI2g15k_drElRoPmOYiK2k0eZ8&amp;r=7-MxQ18FieZ-Wwf79PaUBayArar-Ekc6ceTgLE2-5aE&amp;m=5GU8f4J2XmV0_JB0OjWCGVvb9Z-wH5fQNGAfqB_LMjw&amp;s=cMkLWBG4nRhStmwhb1MqM8lVCi7zUw5WdQrMEGviEQY&amp;e=">Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World</a>," Katie and Dr. Murthy talk about ways to mitigate our loneliness and how to use this time of isolation to appreciate and strengthen our relationships. Later in the show, massage therapist <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.instagram.com_davidlobenstine_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=GC0NZZhaEw6GOQSjMHI2g15k_drElRoPmOYiK2k0eZ8&amp;r=7-MxQ18FieZ-Wwf79PaUBayArar-Ekc6ceTgLE2-5aE&amp;m=5GU8f4J2XmV0_JB0OjWCGVvb9Z-wH5fQNGAfqB_LMjw&amp;s=UrBT0bH367-3D12ywwX5DnksGy4eRe4FW4m20x3tlcg&amp;e=">David Lobenstine</a> shares a few techniques — to use on yourself or on one of your quarantine partners — to help relieve the effects of this longterm stress and loneliness. Sign up for Katie's morning newsletter, Wake-Up Call, at <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__katiecouric.com_newsletter&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=GC0NZZhaEw6GOQSjMHI2g15k_drElRoPmOYiK2k0eZ8&amp;r=7-MxQ18FieZ-Wwf79PaUBayArar-Ekc6ceTgLE2-5aE&amp;m=5GU8f4J2XmV0_JB0OjWCGVvb9Z-wH5fQNGAfqB_LMjw&amp;s=irg3MWkbJiWEigWCrafXalGcSQUp6xdPF91XltosyfY&amp;e=">KatieCouric.com</a> for more information on today's episode, the coronavirus, and the day's most pressing news. Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

Tired of political headlines that feel like déjà vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie’s asking those same questions—and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she’s breaking down what’s worth your attention (and what’s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7—but we can stay informed without losing our minds. 

Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.

🎉 Big news! Next Question with Katie is nominated for Best News & Politics Podcast at the @TheWebbyAwards!

These awards are fan-voted—and we need YOUR help to bring it home 🏆🎧🗳️

Voting’s open now through April 17th. Hit that vote button 👉 https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/shows/music

Tired of political headlines that feel like d&eacute;j&agrave; vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie&rsquo;s asking those same questions&mdash;and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she&rsquo;s breaking down what&rsquo;s worth your attention (and what&rsquo;s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7&mdash;but we can stay informed without losing our minds.&nbsp;
Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.
🎉 Big news!&nbsp;Next Question with Katie&nbsp;is nominated for&nbsp;Best News &amp; Politics Podcast&nbsp;at the @TheWebbyAwards!
These awards are fan-voted&mdash;and we need YOUR help to bring it home 🏆🎧🗳️
Voting&rsquo;s open now through April 17th. Hit that vote button 👉&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvote.webbyawards.com%2FPublicVoting%23%2F2025%2Fpodcasts%2Fshows%2Fmusic&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMeredithBarnes%40iheartmedia.com%7C95ec7d21e71443fb6ad808dd75dc78d1%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638796311966818329%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=9byzUj8ZcAtESjmNd6bmdw2CV%2BjN7E4g7342WjEhXE0%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/shows/music</a>

Next Question with Katie Couric

How can we feel less alone during — and after — COVID-19?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7e58b88a-3dae-434d-92db-ae28005fcbd8/transcript

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