This interview podcast features Trevor Noah interviewing Robert Putnam, an expert on social isolation and its impact on democracy. The conversation begins with a discussion of Putnam's work, particularly his book "Bowling Alone," which uses the decline of bowling leagues as a metaphor for decreasing social connectedness in America. Putnam presents data showing a strong correlation between social isolation and negative societal outcomes, including decreased life expectancy and the rise of political polarization. He argues that Donald Trump's success was a symptom of this pre-existing social fragmentation, and offers three key strategies to improve civic engagement: focusing on young people, supporting local initiatives, and promoting a sense of moral obligation towards others. The discussion highlights the importance of bridging social capital (connections with diverse individuals) over bonding social capital (connections with similar individuals) to foster a healthier society.
