Ep 173 with Johann Hari (Part 1)

Mark is joined by journalist and author Johann Hari as they discuss loneliness and disconnection, why depression and addiction are rising, the limits of individual self-help, how social media and modern capitalism shape our mental health, the politics of attention, rebuilding community, and what it would actually take to fix what the fuck is going on in our heads. If you enjoyed the subjects doscussed today why not purchase “Stolen Focus” and “Lost connections” at You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on the higher tier of Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Johann @johann.hari Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You can listen to Ep 173 with Johann Hari (Part 1) online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Ep 173 with Johann Hari (Part 1) is an episode from What The F*** Is Going On...? With Mark Steel by Carousel Studios.

This episode is 60:31 long.

This episode was published on Jan 5, 2026.

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