As human beings we're wired for connection – to be seen and known fully – yet loved anyway. When we lack this true connection, we begin to drift into a feeling of loneliness or isolation, both of which have been proven to impact our physical and mental health.

Today's guest, Justin Whitmel Earley, explains the difference between social isolation and loneliness, then implores us to prioritize healthy, deep connections with others stating, "The difference between those of us who are persevering or getting crushed by life is whether or not you're walking through life beside close friends, people who really deeply know you. Because we all experience hard things, we all experience suffering, we all have mental health struggles. But if you walk through it alone, you will be crushed."

He also shares a few strategies we can all use to foster deep friendships from his new book, Made for People: Why We Drift into Loneliness and How to Fight for a Life of Friendship.

I hope this episode encourages you to stop and take an inventory of your own connections.