We are all seeking out ways to stay connected to family and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic. We do so because physically, emotionally, and spiritually humans thrive in communities. Studies indicate close contact with others can have a positive effect on our health, wellbeing, and longevity. Without friendships or other relationships, we become lonely, which can cause detrimental changes in our behavior. To discover how we can live longer while enjoying the precious time of our lives, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with three female authors who value connection, friendship, and community. Marta Zaraska sheds light on how positive engagements with others can lengthen our time on earth and shares insights from her book, Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism, and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100. And, Jenn Bane and Trin Garritano discuss friendship dynamics, tips for creating friendships that endure, and excerpts from their book, Friendshipping: The Art of Finding Friends, Being Friends, and Keeping Friends.

About Lisa’s guests: 

Marta Zaraska is a science journalist published in the Washington Post, Scientific American, New Scientist, The Atlantic, Discover, and more. She is the author of MeatHooked: The History and Science of Our Two and a Half Million Year Obsession with Meat. 

Book: Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism, and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100

Jenn Bane is a writer, editor, producer, and co-host of the podcast Friendshipping, a feel-good advice show about making friends. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and lives in Chicago with her husband and dog. 

Trin Garritano is a writer, game developer, and the other half of the Friendshipping podcast. She has contributed to games like Asmadi Games’ tabletop roleplaying game 1001 Odysseys, and Victorian dating simulator Max Gentlemen: Sexy Business. She lives with her partner, cats, and too many plants in Chicago. 

Book: Friendshipping: The Art of Finding Friends, Being Friends, and Keeping Friends

This episode of Harvesting Happiness Talk Radio is sponsored by: 

StoryWorth — is a great way to stay in touch with family, bridge geographic distance by providing lively and inspiring discussion topics, and preserve memories. Your loved ones’ stories and photos will be bound into a hardcover, precious, printed keepsake book. Get $10 off your subscription at StoryWorth.com/HH. 

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