Everyone reacted to the isolation of the first years of COVID a little differently. But there's evidence to suggest that Americans are becoming more solitary. This type of reaction isn’t new. In fact, it can even be found across the world in 12th century Japan. On this episode of Revival, we bring you the story of a Japanese aristocrat who withdrew from the world in response to rampant disease and natural disasters. And then, we have a story of a group of neighbors in Grand Rapids who were inspired to draw toward each other during the pandemic. 

GUESTS: 

Erin Brightwell, associate professor at the University of Michigan 

Grand Rapids neighbors Rae Bunce, Dot and Cal Hekman, Karen Brown, Susan Buist, Sally Wackerly, Josh Brinks, Barb and Joe

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.