The epidemic of loneliness isn't just a product of technology or even capitalism -- it has its roots in the same fertile ground as the founding of the United States. And it may just be the most important "ism" of all to escape as we enter the Great Unraveling of social and environmental systems.

Warning: This podcast occasionally uses spicy language.

Sources/Links/Notes:

• Definition of individualism from the American Psychological Association
• Article in Opumo magazine - "Super singles: 10 coolest one seater cars"
• U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 report: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation
• BBC Loneliness Experiment
• Robert Putnam's classic book - Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community
• Country comparison tool for exploring Hofstede's Individualism Index
• Part 1 of Post Carbon Institute's webinar on mutual aid; Part 2
• Donna M. Butts and Shannon E. Jarrott, "The Power of Proximity: Co-Locating Childcare and Eldercare Programs," Stanford Social Innovation Review, April 2021
• Pets for the Elderly
• Dean Spade's book - Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)
• History of the free breakfast movement of the Black Panther Party
• Teju Ravilochan, "The Blackfoot Wisdom that Inspired Maslow's Hierarchy"
• City of Knoxville program guide: Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Plan

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