In the first episode of This Matters, a daily news podcast from the Toronto Star, the team works from home in self isolation like millions across the world. COVID-19 has resulted in the need for social distancing, self isolation and quarantine in what is already considered a lonely time. As the world gets used to its new normal, this social and physical disconnection might become even more baked into people’s lives, straining already frayed communal ties. Or could it draw people closer together?

Today, Saba Eitizaz talks with Dr. Ami Rokach, a clinical psychologist who has studied loneliness for forty years. She is also joined by the Star’s culture reporter, Karon Liu, who talks about navigating life, parties and partners while in self isolation.

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