“Finding sanity” theme: touch
“During this time of quarantine, we no longer take for granted handshakes and hugs from friends. Moving forward, we need to find tangible connections without endangering each other’s health and well-being. —Laura Joyce Davis
Episode 87: untouched
“I like the uncooked texture of being real, but I also hate it. Real love, the kind that won't walk away when you're detestable, requires squeezing fingers through emotions like ground meat.”
Fifteen years ago, the first thing Laura ever published was a short piece of creative non-fiction called "Touched." Today, she responds to that younger version of herself with "Untouched," a reflection on life in a world where she no longer takes touch for granted.
Episode 48: open for business
“This is not a one and done decision, but rather a process that includes regular re-evaluation so that the dial can be turned up or down in response to how the pandemic unfolds with time.”
Over the past week, many states have lifted their shelter in place orders at least partially. Others have put in place measures more extreme than before. In a time when even the coronavirus has become political, how do we find our way forward without contributing to further polarization as a nation? Laura looks to infectious disease doctor Joyce Sanchez for perspective during this confusing time.
Episode 21: human touch
“It’s a loss I didn’t immediately place, one I assumed didn’t apply to me since I live with four other people, three of whom are constantly climbing all over me.”
Not touching isn't just about physical contact. It reveals something deeper and more troubling about our current reality. Laura explores the research behind why touch is so important, and offers some practical solutions of how we can care for ourselves right now.
Episode 15: social media distancing
“I grasp at the small hits of alerts-induced dopamine and squirrel them away into my Human Contact tank. But I think I’ve realized that I’m not filling up the right tank.”
Social distancing has made us more reliant on social media than ever--and also more susceptible to its pitfalls. Laura reflects on the changes in her own life around social media during this time, and features work from Anya Marchenko, Keyonna Summers, and Sherry Turkle.