Can faith, religion foster connection amid loneliness epidemic?

Hey NJ! This week, we’re talking about the nation’s loneliness epidemic.

In May 2023, then-Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory that revealed about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness.

As part of NJ PBS’ “A Matter of Faith” series, podcast host Manya Brachear Pashman explored what it means to feel alone and how faith, religion and spirituality are driving both the science of belonging and the surprising ways that people are forming meaningful bonds. On this episode of “Hey, NJ,” Brachear Pashman shares what she learned talking to medical professionals, community builders and clergy members about rediscovering genuine connection.

We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.

Listen to “A Matter of Faith”