This week’s podcast touches on the push for gender-neutral toys, our latest Civitas Poll, and the continued insistence by many North Carolina lawmakers for more corporate incentives.
Given the holidays, Brooke and I also discuss the loneliness epidemic that is particularly prevalent in the Western world. This has real-world policy implications too, especially in regards to healthcare. Over the last 10 years, healthcare costs for the average family of four have increased by $100 per month every month. Mental health and loneliness have at least played a factor to some degree in the price increase. The rising costs and the inability of many conservatives to tackle healthcare at the national level has caused them to pay a political price too.
I want to briefly touch on something I neglected for the podcast. Of course, there are a plethora of negative connotations around loneliness. Particularly when talking about an epidemic and the health pitfalls. But there can also be positives to being alone, such as coming out of that experience a better observer and more well-rounded person. Experiences like that can make us more sensitive to our surroundings, too, particularly those in need.
You can watch an extended recording of the latest episodes on the Civitas Facebook page.
Have a question or comment? Send us an email at radio@nccivitas.org!
Thanks for listening!
