You’re Lonely: What’s the prescription? An Interview with author Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure

Thanks For Asking

Feelings & Co.

Society & Culture, Personal Journals, Health & Fitness, Mental Health

4.7 • 13.4K Ratings

🗓️ 22 April 2025

⏱️ 53 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What if your doctor prescribed you a hiking group? A ceramics class? Not in place of whatever medication or treatment you may need, but as a complement to it? It’s called Social Prescribing, and journalist Julia Hotz traveled to some 30 countries to talk to patients and professionals who are at the forefront of this approach to wellness. I loved her book, and loved this conversation (and regret we didn’t have time to talk about AI chatbots!). You can buy Julia’s book here to support her, independent bookstores, and this podcast. This is a preview of Thanks for Asking, a call-in show about what matters to you. You can get the full episode on my Substack. Have something you want to talk about? You can call or text us any time at 612.568.4441 or email [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	At Pure Gym, whatever you're here for, we're here for it.
0:04.0	So whether you're here to meet your goals, or meet your gals,
0:08.0	take a bit of me time, or a weight off,
0:12.0	getting back on the bike,
0:16.0	or filling the tea while you spin, they said what?
0:19.0	We're here for it.
0:24.9	With 50% off your first month and no joining fee for a limited time.
0:27.5	Whatever you're here for, we're here for it.
0:28.4	Pure Gym.
0:29.7	Terms and conditions apply.
0:32.1	Um, how are you?
0:41.0	Most of us say fine or good, but obviously it's not always fine and sometimes it's not even that good.
0:47.2	This is a podcast that gives people the space to be honest about how they really feel.
0:54.0	It's a place to talk about life, the good, the bad, the awkward, the complicated.
0:58.8	I'm Nora McInerney, and this is thanks for asking.
1:14.3	Imagine going to the doctor and being prescribed a mahjong league, a hiking group, a pottery class. This is not just an exercise and imagination. This is called social prescribing. And there are healthcare professionals around
1:19.3	the world who are doing this, who are prescribing social connection, art, nature, friendship,
1:26.2	because it improves our health.
1:28.3	Now, we are living in very lonely times.
1:32.3	People are talking to AI chatbots and calling them their friends.
1:37.3	And I'm not saying there are no applications where that might be useful,
1:40.3	but I am saying that we seem really excited to find a technological solution to a very
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