Episode 12: Why Everyone’s Social Skills Are Getting Worse (ft. David Brooks)

About the Episode

Data suggests that there’s a loneliness epidemic among us.

We are more socially isolated than ever before. Social media is destroying our ability to interact like we used to. And people can’t even trust their families anymore. But why?

These are questions that I, and renowned journalist and author David Brooks, unpack together as we nose dive into the social and emotional disconnect of millions of people.

Need lessons on how to talk to the barista making your coffee? Looking to build a better relationship with Gary from across the fence? This episode won’t make you a master of communication overnight, but it’s a fascinating conversation packed with useful insight from beginning to end.

Listen to it.

David Brooks Quotes From the Episode

The things we need most in life are relationships, and the things we suck at most are relationships.

My practice is always to lead with trust. You will be betrayed and there will be people who screw you over. But most of the time you bring out a better version of people.

There are certain deep questions you can ask that you really get to know the other person, like: If these five years are a chapter in your life, what’s the chapter about? If we met a year from now, what would we be celebrating? What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Politics has become the opioid of the masses.