Why You Still Feel Lonely (Even with People Around)
September 9, 2025
What if the cure for loneliness isn't more people—but a deeper connection with yourself?
In this eye-opening episode of the Emotional Longevity Podcast, Dr. Elisha Goldstein sits down with Dr. Amit Sood—founder of the Global Center for Resiliency and Wellbeing and former Mayo Clinic professor—to shatter the biggest myth about loneliness.
Dr. Sood reveals why adding more social connections often backfires, how loneliness literally rewires your DNA for inflammation, and the simple practices that can shift you from isolation to genuine belonging—starting from within.
From silent blessings to the neuroscience of smiling with your eyes, this conversation is packed with research-backed tools to transform how you connect with yourself and others
What if the cure for loneliness isn't more people—but a deeper connection with yourself?
In this eye-opening episode of the Emotional Longevity Podcast, Dr. Elisha Goldstein sits down with Dr. Amit Sood—founder of the Global Center for Resiliency and Wellbeing and former Mayo Clinic professor—to shatter the biggest myth about loneliness.
Dr. Sood reveals why adding more social connections often backfires, how loneliness literally rewires your DNA for inflammation, and the simple practices that can shift you from isolation to genuine belonging—starting from within.
From silent blessings to the neuroscience of smiling with your eyes, this conversation is packed with research-backed tools to transform how you connect with yourself and others.
🎧 In this episode, we explore:
✅ Why most loneliness solutions completely miss the point
✅ How loneliness triggers ancient genes that harm your health
✅ The "kind attention" practice that rewires social anxiety
✅ Why self-worth is the hidden key to all connection
✅ Simple shifts to move from judgment to genuine curiosity
✅ How to convert guilt into compassion and action
✅ How loneliness triggers ancient genes that harm your health
✅ The "kind attention" practice that rewires social anxiety
✅ Why self-worth is the hidden key to all connection
✅ Simple shifts to move from judgment to genuine curiosity
✅ How to convert guilt into compassion and action
⏱ Chapters:
00:00 — The loneliness misconception that's harming millions
06:11 — How loneliness affects your body at the cellular level
11:55 — Why social connections don't cure loneliness
23:42 — The "kind attention" practice that changes everything
32:10 — Converting shame and guilt into growth
49:26 — Scaling emotional health in organizations
55:30 — Making these tools accessible to everyone
06:11 — How loneliness affects your body at the cellular level
11:55 — Why social connections don't cure loneliness
23:42 — The "kind attention" practice that changes everything
32:10 — Converting shame and guilt into growth
49:26 — Scaling emotional health in organizations
55:30 — Making these tools accessible to everyone
🌱 Explore Dr. Elisha Goldstein's Support Tools:
Therapeutic Coaching Program (Free Consult):
Newsletter & Free Emotional Health Guide:
Free Tools for Emotional Resilience:
📕Get on the Early Access List for the new book Tiny Shifts (+Access to the Tiny Shifts Mini-Guide) - https://drelishagoldstein.com/tiny-shifts-early
Therapeutic Coaching Program (Free Consult):
Newsletter & Free Emotional Health Guide:
Free Tools for Emotional Resilience:
📕Get on the Early Access List for the new book Tiny Shifts (+Access to the Tiny Shifts Mini-Guide) - https://drelishagoldstein.com/tiny-shifts-early
Connect with Dr. Elisha Goldstein
YouTube
📧 Sign Up for Elisha's Email Newsletter & Get the Emotional Health Guide: https://bit.ly/DrGoldsteinNewsletter
🎯 Join Dr. Elisha Goldstein's Private Therapeutic Coaching Program: https://bit.ly/UPWFreeCall