Curiosity Weekly: “Connection and Play Can Keep the Doctor Away”

Host: Dr. Samantha Yammine (“Science Sam”)
Guest: Julia Hotz, journalist & author of The Connection Cure
Date: September 3, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine explores the surprising health impacts of social connection, play, and nature — and how doctors in some countries are now formally prescribing these activities. Special guest Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure, joins to discuss the science and practicalities of “social prescribing.” The episode also covers a striking new study linking the shingles vaccine to reduced dementia risk, as well as research revealing how our enjoyment of art and media hinges on the right mix of familiarity and novelty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Shingles Vaccine and Dementia ([01:23]–[05:25])

• Groundbreaking Study Findings:
  Dr. Yammine highlights a 2025 Stanford-led study showing that getting the shingles vaccine reduces dementia risk by 20%, especially in women.
  • “That means the shingles vaccine … also means you have less risk of dementia, for example, Alzheimer’s disease.” (Dr. Yammine, [01:41])
• Why This Matters:
  The study used a rare “natural experiment” due to a quirk in the vaccine rollout in Wales, creating two nearly random groups by age cutoff—a strong methodology for human studies.
• Unresolved Mechanisms:
  The precise reason isn’t fully understood, but possible explanations include direct viral effects on brain cells or overall inflammation.
• Broader Context:
  About 1 in 3 Americans will develop shingles, and the current vaccine is over 90% effective in adults 50+ with healthy immune systems.

2. What is Social Prescribing? ([06:27]–[07:54])

Julia Hotz introduces “social prescribing”:

• Definition:
  “A social prescription is a healthcare referral for any non-medical resource or activity … an art class, a bird-watching club…” (Hotz, [07:54])
• How It Differs:
  Rather than treating only symptoms, it also addresses what matters to the person and supports lasting wellbeing.
  • “Health isn’t just the absence of disease; it’s also the creation of lasting well being.” (Hotz, [07:54])
• Legitimatizes Activities:
  Formal prescriptions (sometimes covered by insurance) make engagement more accessible and reduce barriers.
  • “If you don’t have a bike, insurance is going to cover that.” (Hotz, [01:56], [07:54])

3. Scientific Evidence for Social Prescribing ([10:02]–[12:21])

• The Five Key Pillars:
  Hotz’s book structures social prescriptions around:
  1. Movement
  2. Nature
  3. Art
  4. Service
  5. Belonging
• Research Findings:
  • Movement increases serotonin and endorphins.
  • Nature and art reduce cortisol and inflammation.
  • Service and social connection increase longevity and reduce risk of chronic diseases.
    “This too has all these health promoting effects. It’s been associated with greater longevity, lower risk of cognitive decline, cardiovascular risk, dementia...” (Hotz, [11:15])
• Evidence from the UK:
  National programs show improved mood, reduced loneliness, less need for hospitalization, and lower costs for healthcare systems.

4. Criticisms & Personalization ([13:04]–[15:23])

• Critique:
  Some argue social prescribing feels paternalistic; shouldn’t people guide their own connections?
  • “Shouldn’t they be driving the connections that they want?” (Dr. Yammine, [13:04])
• Julia’s Response:
  • It provides a first step for those unsure where to begin, and can proactively address issues before they escalate.
    “If we could do social prescribing proactively … I am feeling really distracted today, I’m going to prescribe myself nature...” (Hotz, [14:25])

5. Practical Steps for Self-Prescribing ([15:11]–[17:35])

Hotz’s advice for listeners to act on their own, even without a doctor’s formal order:

• Introspective Questions:
  “If you had two more hours in your week, what would you spend it doing? What’s something you loved as a kid but haven’t thought about since?” (Hotz, [15:23])
• “Opposite of the Symptom” Approach:
  • Stuck/ruminating? Move your body to reduce rumination.
  • Unable to focus? Dose of nature.
  • Anxious? Art can help distract.
  • Angry or self-pitying? Serve others.
  • Lonely? Seek belonging through community involvement.
  • “When I know I need a dose of nature … just 20 minutes, the research suggests, is enough.” (Hotz, [16:45])

6. Julia’s Reporting Journey & the Science of Loneliness ([17:35]–[19:19])

• Julia’s Backstory:
  Once a loneliness researcher, she learned that loneliness is common and evolutionarily adaptive: it signals our need for connection.
  “Loneliness is actually a very adaptive thing—it signals our need to reconnect with other people because evolutionarily, we needed to feel a sense of belonging…” (Hotz, [18:09])
• Widespread Adoption:
  Social prescribing is now used in over 30 countries, across diverse healthcare systems.

7. Resources & Further Learning ([19:19]–[20:02])

• Resource Recommendation:
  • Website: socialprescribing.co
  • Features: Research summaries, activities directory (crowdsourced and growing)

8. Fanfiction, Familiarity, and Novelty in Art ([20:08]–[24:30])

Dr. Yammine shifts to recent research on creativity:

• The Familiarity–Novelty Equation:
  New study analyzed over 670,000 fanfiction stories to see what keeps readers engaged:
  • Familiarity (plots, settings, characters) attracts readers; novelty elicits enjoyment and keeps them.
  • “Come for the familiar, stay for the plot twist.” (Dr. Yammine, [22:55])
• Broader Implications:
  Our cultural evolution is driven by a tension between what’s known and what challenges our expectations.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you don’t have a bike, insurance is going to cover that.”
  — Julia Hotz ([01:56], [07:54])

• “Health isn’t just the absence of disease; it’s also the creation of lasting well being.”
  — Julia Hotz ([07:54])

• “Nature and art reduce our cortisol production. It tends to lower all these inflammation markers.”
  — Julia Hotz ([11:00])

• “Loneliness is actually a very adaptive thing—it signals our need to reconnect with other people…”
  — Julia Hotz ([18:09])

• “Come for the familiar, stay for the plot twist.”
  — Dr. Samantha Yammine ([22:55])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [01:23] – Dr. Yammine introduces the episode and shingles vaccine story
• [02:08] – Julia Hotz on social prescribing and insurance
• [06:27] – Interview with Julia Hotz begins
• [07:54] – Defining social prescribing
• [10:12] – Scientific evidence and the five pillars
• [13:04] – Paternalism and personalization
• [15:11] – Self-prescribing strategies
• [17:35] – Julia’s reporting journey and the science of loneliness
• [19:19] – Resources: socialprescribing.co
• [20:08] – Research: Familiarity vs. novelty in art and fanfiction
• [24:30] – End of content; advertisements and promos begin

Tone & Style

The episode seamlessly blends actionable scientific insight, real-world examples, and warm, relatable conversation. Dr. Yammine and Julia Hotz both encourage curiosity and self-compassion, making the science of social connection tangible and accessible for everyday listeners.

This episode is ideal for anyone interested in holistic health, the science of community, or the psychology behind our enjoyment of art and culture. The conversation offers a practical, evidence-backed rationale for incorporating more play, connection, and nature into regular life—and shows how these things may be as vital as medicine itself.