The missing ingredient to living longer, healthier and happier | Kasley Killam, MPH

Episode #317. Are you neglecting your social health without realising it? We know connection is the often-forgotten pillar of wellbeing and longevity – but how much of a difference does it truly make to your physical and mental health? More than you might think. Join me as I sit down with Kasley Killam, a leading expert in social health, to discover the science behind why relationships are so critical to our well-being.
In this episode, Kasley Killam paints a comprehensive picture of the importance of social health and how you can foster it. You’ll learn how connection affects physical and mental health, what good social health is, and how to achieve it. We also discuss what to do about difficult relationships, how to build a strong relationship with yourself, and how to fit intentional connection into a busy schedule.

Specifically, we discuss:

Introduction to Kasley Killam and Her New Book (00:00)

What is Social Health? (03:11)

The Importance of Social Health (06:17)

Mechanisms Linking Social Health and Physical Health (11:04)

Practical Tips to Boost Your Social Health (16:48)

Overcoming Challenges & Misconceptions About Social Health (20:44)

Personal Practices and Experiments (22:29)

Building and Assessing Social Health (34:32)

The Decline of Friendships and Social Health (44:32)

Impact of Technology on Social Connections (47:10)

Work Trends and Social Health (49:11)

Public Health and Social Health Innovations (50:12)

Fostering Social Health in the Corporate World (54:11)

Decode Your Social Health Style (01:00:37)

Self-Compassion and Building a Relationship with Yourself (01:15:04)

Envisioning a Socially Healthy Future (01:22:08)

Conclusion and Final Thoughts (01:23:37)


Head to https://www.kasleykillam.com/ to learn more about Kasley Killam’s work and purchase her new book, The Art and Science of Connection. Connect with her on Instagram, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn, and subscribe to her newsletter here.

This episode is brought to you by:
InsideTracker
If you want to improve your health, you need to measure where you’re currently at. InsideTracker analyses up to 48 blood biomarkers including ApoB, LDL, HDL, A1C, and more before giving you advice to optimise your health. Get a 20% discount on your first order at insidetracker.com/simon.
BON CHARGE
Enhance skin health, increase collagen production, and reverse sun damage with BON CHARGE, my choice of low-level light therapy. Holistic, evidence-based, premium products for healthier skin. Get started at boncharge.com and use code THEPROOF for a 15% discount.
Cozy Earth
Sleep better and cooler with Cozy Earth, the softest science-backed sheets on the market. With a 10-year warranty, 100-day trial period, and ethical production, Cozy Earth is my favourite easy way to improve my rest and recovery. Use code SIMON at cozyearth.com for up to 35% off.
Eimele
Use code SIMON at checkout for 10% off your first order.
38TERA
Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.
WHOOP
Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon.

Want to support the show?
The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.
Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill
Author of The Proof is in the Plants