In this episode, New York Times writer Alan Feuer expands on what he wrote about his 400-mile drive on Alaska’s Dalton Highway, which he calls one of America’s loneliest roads. I talk to Yahoo Travel editor at large Paula Froelich, a big fan of solo trave

The Lonely Hour

#01 Solo Travel: Alan Feuer, Paula Froelich, and Randall Reeves

Rachel Mennies on what loneliness means to her.

Listen to her read and discuss her essay "On the Fence"
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/11-essay-episode-on-the-fence/id1071977106?i=1000375278632&mt=2

Visit the site:
http://thelonelyhour.com

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Rachel Mennies on Loneliness

"Technology has distracted us from the age-old truths of what is most important — true friends whom we can be ourselves in front of, rather than our carefully scripted online persona.

#02 Social Media: Patrick Janelle, Molly Guy, Kat Kinsman, Sydney Engelberg, and Anna Caltabiano

Human closeness is fundamental to our mental well-being, but many people have hurdles to human closeness. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or addiction, mental illness can be isolating.

#08 Mental Illness: Kira Asatryan and Kat Kinsman

Subscribe to the new feed!

Composer Chris McLeod created an original theme song for The Lonely Hour's second season!

Lonely Hour Season Two Theme Song

Sex with Shakespeare author Jillian Keenan struggled with understanding her spanking fetish—and so did those around her.

#15 The Spanking Fetishist: Jillian Keenan

Writer Samantha Siva discusses the breakup of her marriage, and the loneliness of having been the breaker.

#16 The Loneliness of the Leaver

Brooke Russell stepped onto the scale and couldn’t believe the number she saw. She tells the story of how, as she struggled with disordered eating, she kept herself away from others.

#23 When You’re a Stranger To Yourself

At the age of 20, Christopher Knight left his car and the rest of the world behind: He didn’t send a letter, spend any money, or use the internet for over two decades. He said one word to one person, accidentally, during that time. Michael Finkel, who wrote a book about Knight called Stranger in the Woods, shares his story.

#24 Alone in the Maine Woods for 27 Years

Writer Jennifer Romolini visits the show next week. Here's an excerpt from her new book, Weird in a World That's Not.

Coming Next Week!

Jennifer Romolini, author of the new memoir and career guide, Weird in a World That's Not, opens her book with this: “I am not supposed to be here. I spent the first 28 years of my life as a fuckup and a failure. I failed and I failed and I failed.” And then she became a professional success—and wrote a book about it. She speaks about her journey on today’s episode.

#25 Weird in a World That’s Not

Abandon Me author and former heroin addict and dominatrix Melissa Febos discusses what it’s like to lose your identity to addiction and obsession—and host Julia Bainbridge signs off with a meditation on living in that loneliness.

#26 The Loneliness of Losing Yourself

Find four new episodes of The Lonely Hour on Stitcher Premium. Subscribe now at stitcher.com/lonelyhour.

We’re baaaaaccckkkkk!

After a decade in New York working as a talent agent and a producer in fashion and a loss in her family, Kamey Butler sacrificed leaving her friends and familiar places to try to regain control the only way she knew how: She bought a one-way ticket to Cape Town. 

Original illustration by Payton Cosell Turner.

#27 Looking for Clarity Halfway Around the World

How losing both parents, navigating the transition of her only sibling, and extreme burnout led film producer Annabelle Dunne to seek solitude in Sri Lanka with just a cot and 17 books—and what it taught her about how she should lead her life now that she’s back home. 

This episode is sponsored by Audible and Away. Original illustration by Payton Cosell Turner.

#28 One Month—No Schedule, No Internet, and No Electricity

Brandon Baltzley is the chef and co-owner of a restaurant called the Buffalo Jump. Determined to kick his substance abuse issues, he climbed a snow- and ice-covered hill in the dark to reach his home for the next month of his life: a yurt with no heat or running water. 

This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh and Care/of Vitamins. Original illustration by Payton Cosell Turner.

#29 Facing Dead-of-Winter Maine Alone in a Tent

Manoush Zomorodi, host of the Note to Self podcast, makes the case for rethinking our digital habits and being more purposeful about putting boredom into our lives. Part one of The Lonely Hour's mini-series, Inner Lives. 

Original illustration by Payton Cosell Turner.

#31 Why Boredom Leads to Creativity, with Manoush Zomorodi

Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, shares how discussing her childhood dreams with her mother equipped her with the tools to deeply understand what it is that she desired. Part two of The Lonely Hour's mini-series, Inner Lives. 

Original illustration by Payton Cosell Turner.

#32 How a Healthy Inner Life Improves the Outer Life, with Priya Parker

Poet and philosopher David Whyte discusses his inner life and the importance of loneliness: "I've always felt that when you do feel loneliness, it's always a kind of inverse measure of what you actually belong to." Part three of The Lonely Hour's mini-series, Inner Lives. 

Original illustration by Payton Cosell Turner.

#33 How Loneliness Tells You Where to Go, with David Whyte

Jenny Odell, author of How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy, talks about wandering, observing without judgment, and letting go of the idea that time is money. Part four of The Lonely Hour's mini-series, Inner Lives. 

Original illustration by Payton Cosell Turner.

#34 The Importance of Doing Nothing, with Jenny Odell

We've been social distancing—a term with which we're now all painfully familiar—and so have you. But we've also been working: The Lonely Hour will have new episodes, starting this week, to help you through these strange, isolating times. Get ready to hear more from us soon. xo

The Lonely Hour to the Rescue

We are social distancing—a term with which we're now all painfully familiar—in order to slow contagion of the coronavirus. In a break from format, host Julia Bainbridge talks more directly to listeners in this episode, and she consults various experts about dealing with anxiety as well as ways to find joy in this time of crisis.

#35 The Era of Social Distancing

The Walking Dead actress Pollyanna McIntosh chooses good vibes over stress while sheltering in place in Los Angeles. Let her be your guide to finding happiness in the small things right now.

#36 Finding Moments of Joy During Coronavirus Lockdown

In our next isolation diary, host Julia Bainbridge's father records from the Maryland countryside, plus a relaxation meditation to help reduce anxiety right now.

#37 One Family Successfully Quarantines and Finally Touches Again

It’s hard not to think about touch right now, when it’s something so many of us are craving and can't have. In this episode, we explore physical contact, relationships and single life during the era of social distancing.

#38 Single Life and Skin Hunger in Isolation

Kimberly Chou was already experiencing a period of uncertainty this winter. Now we all are—and the stakes are high. Those of us who are lucky enough to be at home are seeking comfort, and Kimberly is finding it in food and gift giving. Plus: Understanding how the pandemic has impacted the restaurant industry.

#39 One Story of Food, Friendship, and Caretaking in the Time of Corona

It's a strange time for all of us, but only healthcare workers know the particular stresses of caring for sick people right now—and what it feels like to put themselves at risk for contracting coronavirus every day they’re at work. In this episode, nurse Mary-Elizabeth Suarez records from the ER at Stanford Hospital.

The Lonely Hour

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