46. Jeff Krasno: The Loneliness Epidemic - How Social Isolation Is Killing Us Faster Than Smoking

Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

What if the symptoms you've been chalking up to "normal life"—brain fog, persistent insomnia, chronic fatigue, and the stubborn belly fat—were actually signs of a deeper disconnection from what makes us truly human?

In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Krasno, author of "Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things," to explore the hidden epidemic of disconnection and its profound impact on our health. We dive into why social isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, how community might be the #1 factor in longevity according to Harvard's 85-year study, and practical strategies for rebuilding "social fitness" in an increasingly isolated world.

Jeff shares his personal journey from successful wellness entrepreneur to burnout victim—running a yoga festival while suffering from insomnia, pre-diabetes, and deep disconnection. His story reveals how the modern lifestyle can lead anyone into what he calls "wealth and hellness" instead of health and wellness.

Jeff is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being. He hosts the Commune podcast, interviewing a wide variety of health experts and luminaries from Andrew Huberman and Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey and Gabor Maté. Jeff pens a personal weekly essay titled “Commusings” that explores spirituality, wellness and culture and is distributed to over one million subscribers every Sunday. Jeff is the author of Good Stress, a collection of wellness protocols that he developed to reverse his diabetes, lose 60 pounds and reclaim his health at age 50.

We Discuss:

(01:00) - Belonging, Community, and Loneliness

(14:34) - Social Connection and Introversion

(25:53) - Health Crisis in Modern Society

(33:22) - Navigating Burnout and Stress Responses

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Jeff Krasno:

Website: https://www.jeffkrasno.com/

Instagram: @jeffkrasno

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