I speak with Mario Luis Small, PhD. Dr. Small is Grafstein Family Professor in the Department of Sociology at Harvard University. He is the son of an architect and has published award-winning articles and books on topics such as social connection, urban poverty, personal networks, and more. His books include Villa Victoria, Unanticipated Gains, and Someone To Talk To.

We discuss… A Place of Connection for Him Growing Up [02:56] What are Social Capital and Social Ties, and Why They are Important [05:47] Bridging versus Bonding Ties [07:57] How Social Ties Impact Our Health and Overall Well-being [09:25] Self-Care versus Caring for Others [14:43] How Nature of our Social Connections Changed During the Pandemic [18:08] Do Fewer Connections Mean Deeper Connections? [24:27] Places where He Feels the Environment Has Impacted the Connections of Communities [26:45] Networking of Mothers at Childcare Centers [31:20] How Things are Different for Communities of Lower Socioeconomic Status [32:54] What He Wishes Designers Would Consider When Designing for Social Connection [35:48] Closing Remarks [38:33]