LH135 — Hungry for Connection: Influencers & Avocado Toast Part 2

Life Habits

In this episode, Karel and Paige continue their conversation with Eve Turow-Paul, author, globally recognized thought leader, and founder and executive director of Food for Climate League. In the second part of this four-part series, Eve delves into the themes of control, community, and purpose in our relationship with food and social media. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating habits that prioritize our well-being and offers solutions to counteract the negative impacts of social media. Eve shares personal changes she has made, such as gardening and prioritizing in-person experiences, to create a greater sense of control, community, and purpose. She encourages listeners to be mindful of their online realities, curate their social media feeds, and make time for tangible, meaningful experiences.

Quotes from this episode:

“There is absolutely no proof that human well-being inevitably improves as history rolls along” — Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

“Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mold myself.” — Henry David Thoreau From ‘Walden’

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Key Takeaways:

Pandemic Exacerbation of Trends:

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened stress, anxiety, loneliness, and the search for purpose, with many people turning to food and digital activities as coping mechanisms.

The "Great Resignation" highlighted a widespread search for meaning and a reevaluation of personal and professional priorities.

Control and Community through Food:

Many individuals turned to baking, gardening, and other food-related activities during the pandemic as a way to regain a sense of control and community.

The trend of making sourdough bread, for example, provided a tangible way for people to connect with others and develop new skills.

Negative Impact of Digital Overload:

The pandemic led to increased reliance on social media and digital communication, exacerbating feelings of isolation and reducing time for essential activities like cooking and sleeping.

Eve discusses how this digital overload contributes to a cycle of stress and poor well-being.

Positive Counter-Trends:

Engaging in tangible activities, such as DIY projects, crafts, and spending time in nature, can counteract the negative effects of the digital age.

Building and cultivating community, whether through local meetups or reconnecting with old friends, is crucial for improving well-being.

Personal Practices and Recommendations:

Eve shares her personal strategies for maintaining control, community, and purpose, including gardening, mindful phone use, and creating local community events.

She emphasizes the importance of being intentional with social media use and prioritizing real-life connections over digital ones.

Hope and Action:

Despite the challenges, there are simple and accessible solutions to improve well-being, such as curating a positive online environment and making incremental changes to daily habits.

Eve encourages listeners to take small steps towards creating a more fulfilling and connected life.