Episode

#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
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2:07:17
Published: Thu Mar 26 2020
Description

Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More | Brought to you by NutriBullet and Trello.“All of us, regardless of what stage of life we’re at, we’ve got three basic needs: we all want to know that we matter, we want to be seen for who we are, and we want to know that we’re loved.” — Dr. Vivek MurthyDr. Vivek H. Murthy (@vivek_murthy, vivekmurthy.com) served as the 19th Surgeon General of the United States between 2014-2017. As the Vice Admiral of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, he commanded a uniformed service of 6,600 public health officers globally. During his tenure, Dr. Murthy launched the TurnTheTide campaign, catalyzing a movement among health professionals to address the nation’s opioid crisis. He also issued the first Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, calling for expanded access to prevention and treatment and for recognizing addiction as a chronic illness, not a character flaw.In 2017, Dr. Murthy focused his attention on chronic stress and loneliness as prevalent problems that have profound implications for health, productivity, and happiness. He has co-founded a number of organizations: VISIONS, an HIV/AIDS education program in India; Swasthya, a community health partnership in rural India training women as health providers and educators; software company TrialNetworks; and the grassroots physicians organization Doctors for America.Since leaving government service, Dr. Murthy has continued to focus on loneliness and social connection. His book Together: the Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World will be published this spring by Harper Collins.Please enjoy! This episode is brought to you by NutriBullet. NutriBullet is the affordable, easy-to-use, easy-to-clean blender that was first recommended to me by entrepreneur Noah Kagan when I interviewed him for the podcast. Its signature blending process transforms high-fiber veggies, nuts, seeds, and fruits into silky, nutrient-dense smoothies (or protein shakes, savory soups, and dips) that are easy to digest and absorb.Now, the engineers at NutriBullet have created an incredibly convenient upgrade named the NutriBullet Blender Combo. This device is their most versatile yet, allowing you to effortlessly switch between single-serve and full-size blending—everything you know and love about the classic device, plus all the performance and capacity you expect from a full-size blender. Don’t settle for blenders that leave your smoothies filled with chunks. Get the NutriBullet Blender Combo, and introduce your veggies and fruits to 1,200 watts. It easily gets the job done. And for you, my dear listeners, NutriBullet is offering 20% off of all products on its website. To get your 20% off, just go to NutriBullet.com/Tim!This episode is also brought to you by Trello. Now, more than ever, teams must come together and work together virtually to handle challenges, opportunities, and everything in between. Trello, part of Atlassian’s collaborative suite, is an app with an easy-to-understand visual format and tons of features that make working with your team more functional and more fun. Teams of all shapes and sizes—and companies like Google, Fender, and even Costco—all use Trello to collaborate and get work done.With Trello, you can work with your team wherever you are, whether it’s at home or in an office. And no matter what device you’re using—computer, tablet, or phone—Trello syncs across all of them so you can stay up to date on all the things your team cares about. Keep your workflow going from wherever you are with Trello. Try Trello for free and learn more at trello.com/tfs!***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests.For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at tim.blog/sponsor.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more. 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Chapters
This audio clip contains ads for Trello, a visual collaboration app for teams to work together virtually, and Nutribullet, a user-friendly blender.
00:00 - 02:04 (02:04)
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Collaboration Tools
Summary

This audio clip contains ads for Trello, a visual collaboration app for teams to work together virtually, and Nutribullet, a user-friendly blender.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Former Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, discusses his newest book, Together, which focuses on the healing power of human connection to combat loneliness and improve overall health, productivity, and happiness.
02:04 - 10:23 (08:19)
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Health
Summary

Former Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, discusses his newest book, Together, which focuses on the healing power of human connection to combat loneliness and improve overall health, productivity, and happiness.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former Surgeon General of the United States, explains his personal experience with loneliness and how it inspired him to explore the often-overlooked public health crisis of loneliness and its impact on overall health and well-being.
10:23 - 17:32 (07:09)
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Loneliness
Summary

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former Surgeon General of the United States, explains his personal experience with loneliness and how it inspired him to explore the often-overlooked public health crisis of loneliness and its impact on overall health and well-being.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The author is a doctor who is a father of two.
17:32 - 25:59 (08:26)
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Life
The Surgeon General is a flexible position responsible for overseeing the Commission Corps as well as providing the public with the best possible information on health so people can make good decisions for themselves and their families.
25:59 - 34:48 (08:49)
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Surgeon General
Summary

The Surgeon General is a flexible position responsible for overseeing the Commission Corps as well as providing the public with the best possible information on health so people can make good decisions for themselves and their families. Commission Corps officers are deployed to disaster areas and other emergencies to provide medical care and support to affected communities.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
COVID-19 is a test for humanity's ability to collaborate and confront tough questions related to society, infrastructure, and our interdependence.
34:48 - 41:07 (06:19)
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COVID-19
Summary

COVID-19 is a test for humanity's ability to collaborate and confront tough questions related to society, infrastructure, and our interdependence. It is a reminder of the need to approach the virus with caution, be aggressive in addressing it, and support those who are most affected by it.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The former US Surgeon General outlines three important principles for disaster response: leading with science in decision making and communication, transparent communication with the public, and providing necessary resources to those on the front lines, particularly healthcare workers.
41:07 - 47:52 (06:44)
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Disaster Response
Summary

The former US Surgeon General outlines three important principles for disaster response: leading with science in decision making and communication, transparent communication with the public, and providing necessary resources to those on the front lines, particularly healthcare workers.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed focuses on the three areas the US government should focus on in order to effectively fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including coordinating equipment distribution, ramping up domestic production, and being transparent with data while providing hope for the future.
47:52 - 53:20 (05:28)
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COVID-19
Summary

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed focuses on the three areas the US government should focus on in order to effectively fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including coordinating equipment distribution, ramping up domestic production, and being transparent with data while providing hope for the future.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Dr. Vivek Murthy discusses the burden of responsibility on government leaders to communicate clearly during the pandemic, the need to make trade-offs for individual liberties in the interest of the nation, and how building relationships with others may help bridge the polarization gap in politics.
53:20 - 1:00:24 (07:03)
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political polarization
Summary

Dr. Vivek Murthy discusses the burden of responsibility on government leaders to communicate clearly during the pandemic, the need to make trade-offs for individual liberties in the interest of the nation, and how building relationships with others may help bridge the polarization gap in politics.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast, a doctor reflects on the importance of relationships and how they give us deep joy and fulfillment in our lives, contrary to the societal message of wealth, power, and reputation.
1:00:24 - 1:06:06 (05:42)
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Relationships
Summary

In this podcast, a doctor reflects on the importance of relationships and how they give us deep joy and fulfillment in our lives, contrary to the societal message of wealth, power, and reputation. COVID-19 could be a catalyst for cultivating unity and interdependence, but day-to-day life and cultural influences often pull us away from this focus on relationships.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast, the former Surgeon General discusses the importance of social connections and loneliness in society and gives tips on how business leaders can cultivate human connections in the workplace to improve productivity, retention, and overall employee satisfaction.
1:06:06 - 1:13:59 (07:52)
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Workplace Connections
Summary

In this podcast, the former Surgeon General discusses the importance of social connections and loneliness in society and gives tips on how business leaders can cultivate human connections in the workplace to improve productivity, retention, and overall employee satisfaction.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this episode, Vivek Murthy explains the power of human connection in the workplace and how workplaces can create opportunities for people to get to know each other better.
1:13:59 - 1:21:08 (07:09)
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Workplace
Summary

In this episode, Vivek Murthy explains the power of human connection in the workplace and how workplaces can create opportunities for people to get to know each other better. He mentions the benefits of creating a culture of kindness and compassion, and highlights the importance of helping others and receiving help from others.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Former Surgeon General of the United States, Vivek Murthy, stresses the significance of anchors - people or things that keep us grounded in times of anxiety and worry.
1:21:08 - 1:28:57 (07:49)
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mental health
Summary

Former Surgeon General of the United States, Vivek Murthy, stresses the significance of anchors - people or things that keep us grounded in times of anxiety and worry. These can be friends or family and are essential to stay connected to.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The interviewee recounts how he unexpectedly resigned from his government job during the early days of the administration, and how he made a commitment with two friends to video conference with each other once a month.
1:28:57 - 1:38:05 (09:08)
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Resignation
Summary

The interviewee recounts how he unexpectedly resigned from his government job during the early days of the administration, and how he made a commitment with two friends to video conference with each other once a month.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast, the speaker talks about the importance of having honest and authentic relationships in life, and how it can help us reconnect with our values and true identity.
1:38:05 - 1:46:06 (08:00)
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Relationships
Summary

In this podcast, the speaker talks about the importance of having honest and authentic relationships in life, and how it can help us reconnect with our values and true identity. He emphasizes the role of emotions as a source of strength, and how sharing our vulnerabilities and struggles can normalize the human experience.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Dr. Vivek Murthy discusses the impact of love and loneliness on our health and decision-making, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to loneliness.
1:46:06 - 1:52:38 (06:32)
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Health
Summary

Dr. Vivek Murthy discusses the impact of love and loneliness on our health and decision-making, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to loneliness.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Author and physician Vivek Murthy speaks to Tim Ferriss about the importance of prioritizing human connection in our lives and the impact it has on our health and well-being.
1:52:38 - 1:59:55 (07:16)
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Human connection
Summary

Author and physician Vivek Murthy speaks to Tim Ferriss about the importance of prioritizing human connection in our lives and the impact it has on our health and well-being.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Nutribullet is a popular blender that makes cleanup easy with its single-serve cup design.
1:59:55 - 2:05:36 (05:41)
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Nutribullet
Summary

Nutribullet is a popular blender that makes cleanup easy with its single-serve cup design. The upgraded Nutribullet blender combo offers both single serve and full-size blending, making it a versatile kitchen device that can create smoothies, soups, and dips.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
This is an ad for Nutribullet and Trello, highlighting their features and benefits for individuals and teams.
2:05:36 - 2:07:03 (01:27)
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advertisement
Summary

This is an ad for Nutribullet and Trello, highlighting their features and benefits for individuals and teams. Nutribullet is offering a 20% discount at Nutribullet.com/tim while Trello is a collaborative app that can help teams work together more effectively.

Episode
#417: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show