Loneliness isn’t just a feeling — it’s a public health crisis. In this episode of Reimagining Black Health, Dr. Melicia Whitt-Glover digs into the dimension of social wellbeing, exploring why real connection is as vital to our health as sleep, nutrition, and movement.

Guests Michele Paul, creator of Let’s Get Social Raleigh and founder of the Adult Recess movement, and Chelsey Reese, therapist and somatic practitioner, break down how community, joy, play, and vulnerability shape our emotional and physical health.

Together, they examine:

• Why loneliness raises the risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and early death

• Why joy is a birthright, not something we have to earn

• What “being seen” truly feels like — and why it's deeper than just being around people

• How play and community events can spark radical healing

• Practical, simple steps anyone can take this week to strengthen their own social wellbeing

This episode is an invitation to step outside, reconnect, and remember that we’re designed for community — and that connection is a core part of thriving.

EPISODE CHAPTERS — Social Wellbeing

00:00 — Joy as a Birthright

00:26 — What Is Social Wellbeing?

01:00 — Meet Michele Paul & Chelsey Reese

01:20 — Loneliness as a Public Health Crisis

03:00 — Systemic Barriers to Connection

03:35 — Social Media’s Role

04:45 — Is Loneliness Really That Serious?

05:30 — Ubuntu and Community

07:00 — Adult Recess & the Power of Play

09:00 — Rethinking Optimal Health

10:00 — Inside Chelsey’s Therapy Practice

11:00 — How Disconnection Shows Up in the Body

14:30 — The Hardest Step: Getting Out of the House

18:00 — Creating Safe, Welcoming Spaces

23:00 — What It Means to Be Seen

27:00 — Why Adults Lose Touch With Joy

31:00 — Teens, Tech, and Isolation

36:00 — One Simple Step to Improve Social Wellbeing

38:00 — Closing

💡 Connect and Learn More

Visit councilbh.org to learn more about the Council on Black Health’s mission to advance health equity and reshape the future of Black wellness.

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