Why Connection Is the Medicine We've Been Missing | Julie Holland

In this episode, Julie Holland explains why connection may be the medicine we’ve been missing. She explores how genuine human connection helps regulate the nervous system, why disconnection can keep us stuck in fight-or-flight, and how our phones often give us a synthetic version of connection that never fully satisfies. Julie also discuss oxytocin, stress, loneliness, addiction, psychedelics, and the simple ways we can return to the real relationships and embodied experiences that help us heal. Good Wolf Reminders… A little wisdom, right when you need it. Start receiving free text reminders designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful action. Sign up at oneyoufeed.net/sms. Key Takeaways: Discussion of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and their impact on mental health. Exploration of the science of human connection and the biological need for social interaction. Personal anecdotes from working in a psychiatric emergency room and the challenges faced in that environment. The effects of social disconnection on physical and mental health, including stress responses. The importance of physical, face-to-face interactions for emotional well-being. Examination of the role of digital communication versus in-person connection. Insights into addiction, including the distinction between classical psychedelics and other substances. Discussion of process addictions and their underlying causes related to existential distress. The therapeutic potential and risks of psychedelics in treating addiction and mental health issues. Emphasis on local action and personal agency in addressing mental health and community well-being. For full show notes, click here! If you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Julie Holland, check out these other episodes: Neuroscience Behind Our Reality with James Kingsland 232: Michael Pollan This episode is sponsored by: Shopify – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed. David Protein bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to www.davidprotein.com/FEED Alma has a directory of 20,000 therapists with different specialities, life experiences, and identities, and 99% of them take insurance. Visit helloalma.com to learn more! Talkiatry⁠⁠⁠ connects you with licensed psychiatrists for personalized, evidence-based mental health care, all online and covered by most major insurance plans. To get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes, visit ⁠⁠⁠Talkiatry.com/FEED.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Tiny Health⁠⁠⁠‘s at-home gut health test provides science-backed insights into your microbiome, along with personalized recommendations to help you improve your digestion, energy, and overall well-being. Get $50 off your first test kit at⁠⁠⁠ tinyhealth.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠ Aura Frames: Named #1 by Wirecutter, you can save on the gifts moms love by visiting AuraFrames.com. For a limited time, listeners can get 25 dollars off their best-selling Carver Mat frame with code FEED. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout! Brodo Broth: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo. Head to Brodo.com/TOYF for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at rocketmoney.com/feed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices