Is this the loneliest we’ve ever been?

In this cozy, honest episode, Judy and Tamara reflect on modern loneliness — the kind that exists even when you’re constantly connected, scrolling, and “keeping up.”

We talk about how social media quietly reshapes our capacity for friendship: how being inundated with information, updates, and comparison can leave us emotionally maxed out — with less energy for real connection.

From friendship changes in our 30s, to motherhood, to connection fatigue, to the loss of spontaneity, this conversation is for anyone who feels close to people online… but far from them in real life.

Maybe connection doesn’t need to be constant.
Maybe it just needs to be real.

🎧 Share this episode with someone you miss — or comment “Friend” and we’ll send it your way.

Chapters

00:00:00 – Welcome to Balance Not Boring & today’s topic

00:00:20 – Are we more connected yet lonelier than ever?

00:01:45 – The loss of spontaneity & unannounced visits

00:04:15 – Why phone calls feel draining in modern life

00:07:28 – Ambition, FOMO, and the nonstop pace of adulthood

00:10:46 – Community, neighbors, and why village life disappeared

00:13:25 – Childhood friendships vs friendships in your 30s

00:16:20 – Social media, overstimulation, and emotional burnout

00:19:32 – Disconnection, virtual friendships, and growing isolation

00:22:34 – Tech, the future, and longing for a slower life

00:25:22 – Burnout, boundaries, and protecting your energy

00:27:34 – Accepting changing friendships as you grow

00:30:45 – Letting go, maturity, and emotional vs logical thinking

00:33:10 – Being your own best friend and narrowing your circle

00:36:12 – How this friendship and podcast came together

00:36:58 – Final reflections on evolving friendships & priorities