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And with that, please enjoy this week's episode. What's up, up up everybody? Before introducing today's episode, I'd like to take a moment to

reflect on what has been an extraordinary year.

I don't know if anyone else has this experience, but I struggle to remember what it was like

to actually live a normal life.

I haven't forgotten it, but I've lost that feeling of what it was like to go to the movies

to go to a bar or to even strike up a conversation with a stranger. It's that quality of

social dynamism and liveliness that started to fade.

And boy do I miss it.

I think that if I were in a different place in my life, if I were alone, or if I didn't have such a fulfilling job that I could

have easily fallen into depression during this time.

And I know that many of you are struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety right now.

It is absolutely normal.

I want you to know that this show and this community is about more than just sharing interesting philosophical ideas

or heady intellectual topics. And while I do love reading some of your geekier emails,

don't get me wrong, I love it. I also want you to know that I appreciate

and read every single one of the more personal emails and messages that I get from those of you who find companionship in these podcasts

and who are otherwise struggling or having a very difficult time with these uniquely isolating

...