A podcast on the research and experience of loneliness. In each episode, I have a conversation with a guest who has something interesting to say about loneliness, be it from an academic (and often philosophical), personal, or any other perspective.
Each episode opens with a reading of Emily Dickinson's poem "The Loneliness One dare not sound" (#777):
The Loneliness One dare not sound--
And would as soon surmise
As in its Grave go plumbing
To ascertain the size--
The Loneliness whose worst alarm
Is lest itself should see--
And perish from before itself
For just a scrutiny--
The Horror not to be surveyed--
But skirted in the Dark--
With Consciousness suspended--
And Being under Lock--
I fear me this—is Loneliness--
The Maker of the soul
Its Caverns and its Corridors
Illuminate—or seal--
The Loneliness One dare not sound--
And would as soon surmise
As in its Grave go plumbing
To ascertain the size--
The Loneliness whose worst alarm
Is lest itself should see--
And perish from before itself
For just a scrutiny--
The Horror not to be surveyed--
But skirted in the Dark--
With Consciousness suspended--
And Being under Lock--
I fear me this—is Loneliness--
The Maker of the soul
Its Caverns and its Corridors
Illuminate—or seal--
Thanks for their generous help with this project are due to Melike Güvenc for her reading of the poem, Salvatore Favazzi for recording it, Dave Meckin for sound design, Steve Salina for editing and technical production, and Matt Hoffend for research. I am grateful to the Valente Center for Arts and Sciences at Bentley University for financial assistance, and - last not least - to my guests for their support.