124 episodes

Journalists from The Atlantic document the first 15 months of the coronavirus pandemic through regular phone calls. Listen in as Dr. Jim Hamblin, the producer Katherine Wells, and the comedian and the writer Maeve Higgins ask journalists, experts, and friends about the news and science behind the pandemic, get some advice, and learn how to apply it. 

Social Distance The Atlantic

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.5 • 915 Ratings

Journalists from The Atlantic document the first 15 months of the coronavirus pandemic through regular phone calls. Listen in as Dr. Jim Hamblin, the producer Katherine Wells, and the comedian and the writer Maeve Higgins ask journalists, experts, and friends about the news and science behind the pandemic, get some advice, and learn how to apply it. 

    Presenting: The Review, a new podcast from The Atlantic

    Presenting: The Review, a new podcast from The Atlantic

    On The Review, The Atlantic's writers and guests discuss how we entertain ourselves and how that shapes the way we understand the world. Please subscribe and enjoy!
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    • 2 min
    How To Build A Happy Life: A new podcast from The Atlantic

    How To Build A Happy Life: A new podcast from The Atlantic

    Hello Social Distance listeners! We'd like to introduce you to a new show.
    In this series, host Arthur Brooks digs into research and offers tools to help you live more joyfully. Join us for deep conversations with psychologists, experts, and friends of The Atlantic's Chief Happiness Correspondent. For more info, visit www.theatlantic.com/happy, or search for How to Build a Happy Life on your podcast app.
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    • 2 min
    Is It Over?

    Is It Over?

    Though the pandemic continues around the world, the end appears in sight in the United States. At the same time, this episode will mark the last one for Social Distance.
    Jim, Maeve, and returning host Katherine Wells gather to say goodbye to the show, listen to voicemails from past expert guests, and reflect on what we’ve learned these last fifteen months.
    Support all of The Atlantic’s journalism by becoming a subscriber at theatlantic.com/supportus.
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    • 30 min
    Breakthrough Infections and Lonely Puppies

    Breakthrough Infections and Lonely Puppies

    While case counts in the U.S. continue to drop, there are still headlines about variants and "breakthrough" infections that might worry you. Fortunately, The Atlantic staff writer Katherine Wu explains to James Hamblin and Maeve Higgins why these shouldn't alarm us just yet. And staff writer Sarah Zhang drops in to help figure out how to keep pandemic puppies from being too anxious as people return to pre-pandemic routines.
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    • 38 min
    It's Time to Tango

    It's Time to Tango

    Now that Jim's "Quite Possibly Wonderful Summer" is coming to fruition, a lot of listeners have been considering the present and future. Can you go to a tango festival? What should parents be watching for? And why, exactly, is the Surgeon General wearing that uniform? Hit play for answers and a short history lesson from historian and listener Ruth Fairbanks.
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    • 34 min
    Dealing With Post-Pandemic Trauma

    Dealing With Post-Pandemic Trauma

    We've all been suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another, and as the U.S. starts to emerge, we'll need to reckon with that. The Atlantic's Ed Yong discusses his piece on pandemic trauma, how to think about it, and what he's learned in talking to psychiatrists and other experts.
    We want to hear from you! Email your questions or concerns to socialdistance@theatlantic.com or leave a voicemail at 202-642-6487.
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    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
915 Ratings

915 Ratings

AndySZ ,

Come Back!

We need you, Jim!

bgawne ,

Ended way too soon

This was my go-to podcast during the worst of the pandemic. It really helped to put into perspective some of the conflicting news… but then they ended the podcast right before we had another full year of new variants and misinformation. It would’ve been nice if it hadn’t ended so soon!!

mouse94002 ,

Come back!!

We need you and Maeve’s humor more than ever!!

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