How Friendship Affects Health

In this episode, Michael Dargie is joined by returning guests Loreen Wales and Dr. Prerana from My Viva Plan to explore a topic that’s as vital as any prescription—friendship. Drawing on decades of experience in healthcare and real-life stories, the trio unpacks the profound impact social connection has on our mental and physical health.

Friendship, it turns out, is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential component of a healthy life. Dr. Prerana shares research-backed insights on how social connection affects everything from inflammation markers and chronic illness risk to stress recovery and even how well we fight off the common cold. Loreen Wales brings the concept home with deeply personal stories, including one about her father’s experience with digital isolation and the very real dangers that come with a lack of community.

They tackle hard truths—how seniors are being preyed upon by AI-driven scams, how loneliness is a modern epidemic, and how technology has shifted our understanding of connection in subtle but devastating ways. But there’s also hope. The conversation points to simple, actionable steps to rebuild our connections: starting with intentionality, showing up, and creating third spaces where real human connection can happen.

This isn’t just an episode about friendship—it’s a conversation that challenges you to be part of the solution. Whether it’s saying hello in the hallway, attending community potlucks, or building new friendships through intentional movement and shared spaces, it’s clear that our health depends on each other.

3. PULL QUOTES

• “Living well isn’t something we do alone—it’s about who we walk beside.” — Michael Dargie

• “I prescribe you friends.” — Michael Dargie

• “Social connection is more than just socializing—it’s a sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself.” — Dr. Prerana

• “We have to intentionally go and build real relationships. Each of us is responsible.” — Loreen Wales

• “I need human interaction. That was the lesson.” — Loreen Wales

4. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[01:26.434] Why Social Connection Matters | Defining social connection beyond casual conversation
[02:39.007] Belonging is Health | Research-backed definitions of social connection
[03:37.354] Self-Understanding and Community | Loreen explains how My Viva Plan builds connection from self-awareness
[05:37.388] Friendship and Chronic Disease | How diverse social networks improve health outcomes
[07:43.222] Healthcare Needs to Ask | Social connection as a vital sign
[08:10.211] Prescribe Friendship | The value of prescribing human connection
[10:37.397] Hormones and Connection | How social connection regulates stress and boosts feel-good chemicals
[11:58.553] From Isolation to Healing | Michael shares a real-life story of the power of community
[13:19.857] The Dark Side of Digital | Loreen shares a personal story about her father’s vulnerability to online scams
[17:20.585] Incompetence vs. Vulnerability | Challenges families face in protecting seniors
[19:14.421] How Do We Build Structure? | Exploring how to create support systems
[22:33.174] Third Spaces Matter | Condo potlucks and church socials as medicine
[25:05.395] The Power of a Hug | Loreen shares a moment that changed everything
[27:57.321] Suburban Isolation | Michael contrasts inner-city connection vs. suburban silence
[28:44.949] Africa Gets It Right | Reflections from visitors shocked by Canadian isolation
[33:04.251] A Social Experiment | Loreen shares how saying “hello” changed her day
[36:09.556] Friendship Prescription | Dr. Prerana offers the FITT method for prescribing friendship
[38:14.197] Building New Friendships | Loreen shares her approach while working between cities

 

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