Grief is one of the most universal human experiences—and yet it can feel incredibly lonely.

In this episode of Loneliless, we speak with Bianca Neumann, Clinical Director at the UK nonprofit Sue Ryder, about the powerful connection between grief and loneliness. When we lose someone, our world can suddenly feel unfamiliar and unstable, and the absence of a loved one can leave us feeling disconnected from others and from the life we once knew.

Bianca explains why grief is often invisible, why many people don’t know how to support someone who is grieving, and why the widely known “stages of grief” can actually be misleading. She also shares practical insights on how to support someone in grief, how to stay connected to a loved one who has died, and small ways to soothe yourself when the loneliness of loss feels overwhelming.

Whether you are currently grieving, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand the experience of loss, this episode offers compassion, understanding, and gentle guidance.

This interview was conducted during the Volkswagen Foundation’s theme week on loneliness.

About our guest:

Connect with us:

Resources:

Disclaimer:

© 2026 Enya Elstner & Lea Merkel — Loneliless®

Does social media make us lonely — or can it help us connect?

In this episode of Loneliless, we speak with Alex Quattrone, social innovator and researcher, about loneliness, social media, and digital connection among young adults.

Drawing on insights from a recent study conducted by Neighbourly Lab and King’s College London in collaboration with Snapchat, Alex shares a more nuanced picture of how young people connect online.

Listen now — and join the conversation on social media and loneliness.

About our guest:

Connect with us:

Resources:

Disclaimer:

© 2026 Enya Elstner & Lea Merkel — Loneliless®

What does it mean to build connection far from home?

In this episode of Loneliless, we talk to Paulina Moreno about moving from Mexico City to Berlin and starting over 9,700 kilometers away from home. Paulina shares her experiences with loneliness, cultural differences, and finding community abroad. From building routines and a chosen family to reflecting on discrimination and belonging, this episode offers personal insights into building connection far from home.

We’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts, experiences, or questions you’d like us to explore in future episodes.

About our Guest:

Connect with us:

Resources:

Disclaimer:

© 2026 Enya Elstner & Lea Merkel — Loneliless®

Do Cities Make Us Lonely?

In this episode of Loneliless, we explore how urban living shapes our wellbeing and what we can do to find connection in the city. Our guest is Prof. Dr. Mazda Adli, psychiatrist and stress researcher, who explains why loneliness is a form of social stress, how urban environments affect our mental health, and what individuals, neighborhoods, and cities can do to foster connection.

We’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts, experiences, or questions you’d like us to explore in future episodes.

About our Guest:

Connect with us:

Resources:

Disclaimer:

© 2025 Enya Elstner & Lea Merkel — Loneliless®

Welcome to the very first episode of Loneliless - A Podcast to Reconnect.

In this introduction, hosts Lea and Enya share their personal experiences, why they started this podcast and what to expect from season 1. You'll also hear how loneliness differs from social isolation, what recent WHO data reveals about how widespread it its, and how deeply our physical and mental health are shaped by social connection.

We’d love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts or questions you’d like us to explore in future episodes.

Connect with us:

Resources:

Disclaimer:

© 2025 Enya Elstner & Lea Merkel — Loneliless®