CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing and themes of an adult nature.

This week, I continue the conversation with the inspirational Johann Hari, who shares insights from his forty-thousand-mile journey across the world to interview the leading experts about what causes depression and anxiety, and what solves them. But it was not those experts that taught Johann the most, it was the incredible people of a Berlin district called Kotti – he shares the heart-warming story of how an unlikely community was borne out of desperation and the unbelievable transformations that occurred for the whole community as a result of it.

We discuss how our isolated lives mean that our basic psychological needs are not being met and how this is impacting suicide rates, particularly for white males. We delve into how a dramatic change in societal ideals is leading to more unhappiness. Also, how people are turning to screens, social media and other addictions to fulfill their unmet needs. Finally, Johann shares some truly inspirational top tips. This really is a captivating and incredibly important conversation – I hope you enjoy it! My new book, ‘The Stress Solution’ contains lots of practical solutions to help you with many of the issues discussed in this podcast. It is available to order on Amazon now.

Episode Highlights:

• Link to PART 1
• Johann talks about the German town of Kotti and the social protests that helped a community to come together.
• How is our digital culture affecting the way we interact as a society for better or worse?
• Hear Johann talk about the reSTART Life facility in Washington, a rehab centre for people addicted to the internet.
• Rangan talks about the L.I.V.E. framework he created in his latest book, The Stress Solution.
• Rangan & Johann talk about the impact of digital technology, its addictive nature and how in many scenarios technology has replaced real life.
• How has Johann researched addiction along his own journey of addiction and depression?
• What are Johann’s top tips?

Further learning:

• Read about Kotti, Germany here.
• Find out about Dr. Hilarie Cash’s reSTART Life facility in Washington.
• Link to Professor Bruce Alexander’s work on drug addiction.
• Find Andrew Sullivan, writer & journalist’s book – Virtually Normal.