Is all that time alone actually good for you, or is it just making life harder? In this essential episode, we dive deep into the modern paradox of social isolation. Evan and Claire lead the discussion, tackling the real-world benefits and difficulties of socialising in a post-pandemic, digital world. We share our personal experiences with social anxiety and ask the question: How does an introvert balance the need to recharge with the need for connection? We break down how the digital world has made meaningful conversation a lost art and discuss practical ways to be more social than the generic pleasantries we're all used to. Plus, we compare the vastly different realities of living in solitude versus the constant interaction of family life. Tune in for an honest, relatable, and heartwarming conversation about human connection. Chapters 0:00 Intro: isolation topic 0:25 Last week’s “homework” check 0:50 Cold shower and grounding chat 1:56 Barefoot outside: bees and grass 3:15 Soft feet, city life, massages 4:21 Alone in Bangkok vs family life 5:18 Extroverted introvert explained 6:58 Is isolation relief or risk? 7:53 Work focus over social time 9:12 Small talk drain vs meaning 11:30 Tech changing conversation 13:19 Screens, pace, and lost art of conversation 14:21 Default “no thanks” reflex 16:07 AI chats vs real opinions 17:15 Solitude benefits, overdoing it 18:01 COVID isolation and re-entry 22:35 Texting and call anxiety 30:06 How to reconnect, gently 32:18 Micro-interactions 34:37 Wrap-up and next week teaser