At A Distance

Every state in the U.S. has partially reopened, but health officials are still worried about COVID-19. What does it all mean for summer soirees and backyard barbecues? May and Sam look for answers by dreaming up a socially distanced party of their own, with guidance from Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The doctor’s advice raises questions about the smartest way to hang out with friends and family, and sets up the big finale: Will May and Sam finally get to meet up in person?

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On Twitter: @mayvortega and @samuelbrasch

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult, but it’s hardly unprecedented. In 1918, the Spanish flu pandemic sickened or killed millions around the globe. In this episode, we look at the lessons of 1918: How did society change when it was all over? What hints might it offer to us as we think about what our world will look like in a few months or years? Monica Schoch-Spana, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, offers May and Sam a look back as well as some predictions.

By the way: The team that makes At A Distance is thinking about what the future of this podcast should look like. So we’re asking listeners: What do you want to hear more of from At A Distance? What should we do less? What other changes to the show should we consider? Email us: [email protected].

The lack of scientific clarity around COVID-19 has offered a perfect opening for conspiracy theories. May and Sam talk to a scientist monitoring those rumors online: Jevin West of the Center For An Informed Public at the University of Washington. He explains how accepting a certain level of uncertainty around the pandemic can help people resist easy answers and, over time, inch closer to the truth.

On Twitter: @mayvortega and @samuelbrasch

Life during a pandemic can bring lots of anxiety and stress. One way to deal with those issues is to practice mindfulness – and that doesn’t necessarily look like what you might expect. May and Sam talk to a meditation instructor about how and why mindfulness can help alleviate some of your pandemic-induced anxiety and anger.

On Twitter: @mayvortega and @samuelbrasch

If you’ve lost someone close to you during this pandemic, your grief may feel different than what you expected. That’s totally normal. Tracy, a woman from Denver, lost her father to cancer just as stay-at-home orders took effect. Tracy says it’s been hard to grieve with the rest of her family, and she hasn’t been able to find the support she’d get from friends and coworkers in normal times. She's not out of options, though. At a time when everyone is up against some sort of loss, grief isn't just possible. It might be essential.

James and Elyssa have a relationship built on games and puzzles, so they came up with a plan to turn their passion into a business called Paruzal. Then the pandemic hit -- and gave their idea a big boost. We tried out one of their audio escape rooms and asked them how they did it. Plus, some advice for the rest of us thinking about how to make some money as coronavirus throws the economy into turmoil.

On Twitter: @CPRNews

It may sound like a cliche, but simple acts of kindness and generosity can make a huge difference while we’re living through COVID-19. And a phone call or greeting card can be even more powerful when we’re social distancing in a pandemic. Sarah Kaplan, a Washington Post science reporter, talks about how small gestures can help our mental well-being and maybe even boost our immunity. And she gives May and Sam some simple suggestions that can help you and the people you care about.

Read Sarah’s article in the Washington Post

Contact Sam Brasch and May Ortega: [email protected]

On Twitter: @CPRNews

May’s been feeling a little lonely. Since she can’t invite her friends over during the pandemic, she improvises. She organizes a virtual game of Loteria, a game that she’s loved since she was child. What she learns could help you throw your own fun and comforting virtual game night.

Most of us are still figuring out how to live with social distancing and stay-at-home orders during this pandemic. But some people have a head start.