Loneliless - A Podcast to Reconnect

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences—and yet it can feel incredibly lonely. In this episode of Loneliless, we speak with Bianca Neumann, Clinical Director at the UK nonprofit Sue Ryder, about the powerful connection between grief and loneliness. When we lose someone, our world can suddenly feel unfamiliar and unstable, and the absence of a loved one can leave us feeling disconnected from others and from the life we once knew. Bianca explains why grief is often invisible, why many people don’t know how to support someone who is grieving, and why the widely known “stages of grief” can actually be misleading. She also shares practical insights on how to support someone in grief, how to stay connected to a loved one who has died, and small ways to soothe yourself when the loneliness of loss feels overwhelming. Whether you are currently grieving, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand the experience of loss, this episode offers compassion, understanding, and gentle guidance. About our guest: Bianca Neumann is Director of Grief and Bereavement at Sue Ryder (UK) and a PhD researcher in Palliative Care at the End of Life Observatory, Lancaster University. She leads the strategic development of Sue Ryder’s national bereavement support and public education work, integrating service delivery, research, and public health approaches to grief. Bianca helped build the foundations of the Grief Kind campaign, develop educational Grief Kind resources, and establish the clinical and ethical basis for Sue Ryder’s first public health focused television campaign on grief.

Does social media make us lonely — or can it help us connect? In this episode of Loneliless, we speak with Alex Quattrone, social innovator and researcher, about loneliness, social media, and digital connection among young adults. Drawing on insights from a recent study conducted by Neighbourly Lab and King’s College London in collaboration with Snapchat, Alex shares a more nuanced picture of how young people connect online. Together we explore why young people are particularly vulnerable to loneliness, how different social media platforms serve different social needs and why young people’s voices must be central to research, policy, and platform design. Listen now — and join the conversation on social media and loneliness. About our guest: Alex Quattrone is a social innovator who believes communities should be at the heart of every decision. With a decade of experience working across public, private and charity sectors - including Neighbourly Lab - he leads participatory research and co-design projects tackling challenges from mental health to climate change.

What does it mean to build connection far from home? In this episode of Loneliless, we talk to Paulina Moreno about moving from Mexico City to Berlin and starting over 9,700 kilometers away from home. Paulina shares her experiences with loneliness, cultural differences, and finding community abroad. From building routines and a chosen family to reflecting on discrimination and belonging, this episode offers personal insights into building connection far from home. We’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts, experiences, or questions you’d like us to explore in future episodes. About our Guest: Paulina Moreno was born and raised in Mexico City. In 2023, she moved to Berlin to pursue her studies in International Management, alongside personal reasons that led her to start a new chapter abroad. Since then, she has been navigating life in a new city — learning how to adapt, build meaningful connections, and grow while living far away from home.

Do Cities Make Us Lonely? In this episode of Loneliless, we explore how urban living shapes our wellbeing and what we can do to find connection in the city. Our guest is Prof. Dr. Mazda Adli, psychiatrist and stress researcher, who explains why loneliness is a form of social stress, how urban environments affect our mental health, and what individuals, neighborhoods, and cities can do to foster connection. From the urban advantage and neurourbanism to public spaces and everyday interactions, this episode offers insights and practical perspectives on finding connection in urban life. We’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts, experiences, or questions you’d like us to explore in future episodes.

Welcome to the very first episode of Loneliless - A Podcast to Reconnect. In this introduction, hosts Lea and Enya share their personal experiences, why they started this podcast and what to expect from season 1. You'll also hear how loneliness differs from social isolation, what recent WHO data reveals about how widespread it its, and how deeply our physical and mental health are shaped by social connection. We’d love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts or questions you’d like us to explore in future episodes. Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loneliless.podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loneliless.podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/loneliless.podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lonelilessde Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The Loneliless Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. If you are struggling, please contact a health professional or local support services (Germany: 116 123; international: findahelpline.com). © 2025 Enya Elstner & Lea Merkel — Loneliless®

Welcome to Loneliless – A Podcast to Reconnect. Join Medical Doctor Lea Merkel and Actress & Producer Enya Elstner as they explore loneliness and social connection. Each episode hosts open conversations with experts from science, practice and lived experience to break the stigma and explore pathways to greater social connection.