The words connection, friendship, and laughter probably don't describe the relationship you have with your doctor. A recent Gallup poll found that most people feel dismissed or ignored by their doctors. They just don't have the time or interest in getting to know their patients.

Then there are the excessive costs, which leave many unable to get the healthcare they need. But our guest today has spent his entire medical career putting into practice the idea that healing should be a loving human connection, not a business transaction. He has traveled throughout the world delivering a message of peace, friendship, love, and many of you may recognize his name from the Golden Globe award-nominated film Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams.

Dr. Patch Adams graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1971. From there, he opened the Gesundheit Institute, a pilot project that has helped over 15,000 patients in a large six-bedroom communal home. This embarked him on a journey to build a hospital that would eliminate the outrageous healthcare costs and allow doctors to connect.

In this episode, we'll hear about his upbringing, depression as a symptom of loneliness, the power of friendliness in medical diagnosis, and his plans for a holistic hospital.