378: Marta Zaraska - Growing Young Through Friendship, Optimism & Kindness

<p>Marta Zaraska (IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mzaraska/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@mzaraska</a>) is a Polish-Canadian science journalist published in the Washington Post, Scientific American, New Scientist, the Atlantic, and Discover.</p> <p>Her first book, "<a href="https://geni.us/D5AoPeR" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Meathooked: The History and Science of Our 2.5-Million Year Obsession with Meat</a>" was chosen by the journal Nature as one of "the best science picks" in 2016.</p> <p>Her second book, "<a href="https://geni.us/lXLGa" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100</a>" is a Globe and Mail bestseller. It's a research-driven case for why optimism, kindness, and strong social networks will keep us living longer than any fitness tracker or superfood.</p> <p><strong>In this episode, we discuss:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Marta’s father influenced her interest in diet and exercise</li> <li>The transition from Poland to Canada as a freelance science journalist</li> <li>Friendship, kindness, and optimism are free</li> <li>The culture in France makes it easier for children to eat properly</li> <li>The strength of community</li> <li>The most important thing you can do for your longevity</li> <li>Men benefit more from a happy marriage than women do</li> <li>What defines a happy marriage?</li> <li>Friendships are extremely important for health & longevity</li> <li>How many friends does one person need?</li> <li>Facebook friends don't replace real friends</li> <li>What is phubbing?</li> <li>Turning off your phone improves relationships</li> <li>Scheduling time for friends</li> <li>What it means to be conscientious</li> <li>Being neurotic/narcissistic is negative for your health</li> <li>You can improve your personality traits</li> <li>Would you pay to hug a stranger?</li> <li>A boost of oxytocin makes you feel more connected</li> <li>Our gut microbiome is impacting our brain</li> <li>What is the vagu