Style-ish Podcast Episode Summary

Title: A DM from a Listener Inspired Us...
Host/Author: Shameless Media
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction: Embracing a New Format

In this special episode of Style-ish, hosts Madison Sullivan Thorpe, Joanna Fleming, and Arnika Joshi introduce a fresh segment inspired by a heartfelt direct message (DM) from a listener named Hannah. This episode marks the beginning of the "Are You Well?" series, where the team delves into wellness-adjacent topics based on audience feedback and polls.

The "Are You Well?" Segment: Addressing Loneliness

Timestamp: 08:25 - 52:10

Setting the Stage

Madison opens by sharing a DM from Hannah, who expressed a desire to explore how social media impacts feelings of loneliness among Style-ish listeners. This sparks the team's decision to focus on loneliness, a topic they identified as pressing through internal polling.

Understanding the Loneliness Epidemic

Timestamp: 10:18 - 12:39

Madison provides context on the widespread nature of loneliness, citing a Guardian report stating that one in four Australians experienced persistent loneliness for at least eight weeks (Ending Loneliness Together, August 2024). She emphasizes the importance of unpacking this complex emotion, especially in the post-COVID era.

Notable Quote:

"What is both of your relationships with loneliness? And I want to start by acknowledging that this is obviously probably the most vulnerable we're going to be on a Style-ish episode to date."
— Madison Sullivan Thorpe (11:46)

Personal Experiences with Loneliness

The hosts share their individual experiences:

• Arnika Joshi discusses feeling lonely during the COVID-19 lockdowns, especially after ending a long-term relationship and living in isolation. She highlights how being the last in her friend group to marry or have children created a disconnect.

• Joanna Fleming reflects on her transformation from a social butterfly in her early 20s, grappling with severe FOMO, to valuing solitude and meaningful friendships in her mid-30s. She touches upon the loneliness that accompanies personal growth and changing life stages.

• Madison Sullivan Thorpe recounts her battle with loneliness during IVF treatments and the aftermath of becoming single at 27. She underscores the isolating feeling of undergoing such personal challenges without peers to relate to.

Notable Quote:

"When you don't have something to do and you are in that space with your thoughts, it can be a little bit confronting at times."
— Arnika Joshi (25:34)

Impact of Social Media on Loneliness

The discussion pivots to the role of social media:

• Audience Poll: 52% of listeners feel that social media makes them lonelier.

• Key Insights:

  • Comparison Culture: Viewing others' curated lives can exacerbate feelings of loneliness.
  • Superficial Connections: Liking and commenting do not substitute for deep, meaningful relationships.

• Notable Quotes:

  "Like when you doom scroll at night and spend time like looking at other people's lives and comparing your lives, just remember it is all smoke and mirrors."
  — Joanna Fleming (47:42)

  "Social media exacerbates it for sure, but they've found their little sisterhood, and I just want people to feel like they'll find theirs, too."
  — Madison Sullivan Thorpe (30:25)

Loneliness in Romantic Relationships

Exploring the intersection of loneliness and romantic partnerships:

• Findings: 53% of surveyed listeners feel lonely within their romantic relationships.

• Host Reflections:

  • Joanna emphasizes the importance of continuous effort in relationships to prevent loneliness.
  • Madison shares her experience of feeling isolated despite being in a relationship, highlighting that a partner alone cannot fulfill all emotional needs.

Notable Quote:

"If you are constantly feeling this way and this is a long term situation. Yes. You're gonna go through phases where you're on different pages and, you know, life looks a little bit different for each of you, but if this is a constant, that is not your person."
— Arnika Joshi (37:57)

Strategies to Combat Loneliness

The hosts and listeners offer practical solutions:

1. Social Media Breaks: Limiting time spent online to reduce comparison and foster real connections.

2. Building and Nurturing Friendships:

   • Join Clubs or Groups: Engaging in activities like book clubs to meet like-minded individuals.
   • Initiate Contact: Actively reaching out to friends rather than waiting for invitations.
   • Quality over Quantity: Focusing on a few close friendships rather than numerous superficial ones.

3. Engaging in Hobbies:

   • Solo Activities: Pursuing interests that bring joy and fulfillment independently, such as Pilates or visiting a favorite café.

4. Utilizing Podcasts as Companions: Some listeners find comfort in podcasts, feeling like they are conversing with friends.

Notable Quotes:

"If you're ever lonely, get a dog or a cat or a rabbit. I don't know, just get a pet, anything with a pulse."
— Madison Sullivan Thorpe (18:15)

"Find hobbies you like doing alone as well. Like, if you like going to Pilates, go to Pilates."
— Arnika Joshi (46:10)

"We think it's just small interactions that can help poke that loneliness little hole in the gut."
— Madison Sullivan Thorpe (43:07)

The Power of Community and Support Systems

The episode underscores the significance of having a supportive community:

• Listener Feedback: Many appreciate the podcast feeling like a friend, offering a sense of companionship.

• Host Insights: Emphasizing that everyone experiences loneliness differently and that building a support network is crucial.

Notable Quote:

"If you're feeling like you don't have that now, don't think that's forever. There's so many things now. There's run clubs, there's walking groups, there's girls on TikTok."
— Madison Sullivan Thorpe (31:29)

Conclusion: Moving Forward Together

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their commitment to addressing wellness topics through the "Are You Well?" series. They emphasize the importance of collective support and open conversations about loneliness, aiming to build a stronger, more connected community among their listeners.

Final Thoughts: Madison poignantly states,

"What we really hope from this segment is that we can come together as only three of a much larger community, but hopefully speak and advocate and bring some light into some of these things that we're all dealing with and balancing with it."
— Madison Sullivan Thorpe (52:06)

Key Takeaways:

• Loneliness is a widespread issue, affecting a significant portion of the population, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Social media can both connect and isolate, depending on how it's used and perceived.
• Meaningful, quality friendships are essential in combating loneliness, often requiring intentional effort to nurture.
• Personal strategies, such as engaging in hobbies, limiting social media use, and seeking community support, can effectively reduce feelings of isolation.
• Open conversations about loneliness and mental wellness are crucial in fostering understanding and support within communities.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Madison Sullivan Thorpe:

  "If you're ever lonely, get a dog or a cat or a rabbit."

• Joanna Fleming:

  "Quality over quantity any day."

• Arnika Joshi:

  "What is your purpose, what is my why? Why do I do what I do?"

This episode of Style-ish serves as a heartfelt exploration of loneliness, offering both personal anecdotes and actionable advice to help listeners navigate their own experiences with isolation and connection. By fostering an open dialogue, the hosts aim to create a supportive environment where listeners feel seen, heard, and less alone.