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The Story

The psychological effects of a world without touch

The Story

The Times

News, Investigative Reporting, Long-form Audio, Current Affairs, In-depth Journalism, Daily News, Audio Storytelling, Daily News Podcast, Global News, Politics, Uk News, News Analysis, Exclusive Interviews

3.91.6K Ratings

🗓️ 5 January 2021

⏱️ 32 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

The British are not known as tactile people, a firm handshake will do while our continental neighbours embrace with hugs and kisses, but is that really the whole picture? And what has the lockdown induced separation done for our sense of touch and its importance in our lives?


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.


Guests: 

Helen Rumbelow, Times feature writer and columnist.

Katerina Fotopoulou, Professor in Psychodynamic Neuroscience University College London.


Host: David Aaronovitch.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


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Transcript

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0:00.0

Hello Hello, I'm Robin Richfords and I'm Sophie Brown. The Luslips podcast brought to you by

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1:01.3

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1:02.3

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1:05.0

It sounds silly today, but I used to pride myself on my handshake.

1:11.0

Firm, warm, for of sincerity.

1:15.0

I adapted to continental cheek kissing.

1:18.0

I even managed to enjoy the occasional Hollywood hug.

1:22.0

But now.

1:25.2

It's a bit like a Morris dance. You meet someone and you hug back a bit and you

...

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