Dr. Jeff Hall & Dr. Andy Merolla | The Calories of Connection: Feeding Your Social Biome

This week Marlon sits down with Dr. Jeff Hall and Dr. Andy Merolla, authors of The Social Biome. Jeff is a professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, and Andy is a professor of communication at UC Santa Barbara. Together, they explore what it takes to build and sustain the connections that keep us thriving. They talk about why relationships are as essential to our health as food and exercise, the idea of "social calories" and how different kinds of conversations nourish us in different ways, the complicated nuance of social media, why one close connection can make all the difference for our well-being, and so much more. Purchase: The Social Biome: How Everyday Communication Connects and Shapes Us ✨ Join us at the 9th Annual Wellness Together Conference, happening September 29 - October 1 in San Diego, CA! Hear from incredible speakers, connect with fellow advocates, and be part of something meaningful. Use code thishelps for 10% off your registration. 🎥 Watch This Helps YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thishelpspodcast! 🔗 Stay connected with the podcast! Instagram: @thishelpspodcast For business: [email protected] 🔗 Stay connected with the podcast host, Marlon Morgan, Founder & CEO of Wellness Together Instagram: @mrmarlonmorgan LinkedIn: Marlon Morgan 📢 Know someone extraordinary who should be featured on This Helps? Visit https://www.thishelpspodcast.com/joinus and tell us all about it. 📓 FREE online mental health training at our Wellness Education Lab.WELLNESS EDUCATION LAB™ (WEL) is practical and empowering online mental health training. Each module offers three different versions for three unique audiences: students (13+), parents/guardians, and educators/school staff. Parents/guardians modules are also available in Spanish. ⛵️ Wellness Together is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation providing mental health services for students (K-12 and University), families, and educators on campus and online. Our mission is to deliver mental health support & programming to advance mental health awareness, advocacy, and access for everyone. NOTE: If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911. If you or someone you know needs to speak with someone immediately, call or text The Lifeline at 988.