This is how wellness should be discussed. The biggest trending health topics of our time, featuring the greatest and upcoming wellness advocates. Welcome to the Matcha Guardians podcast, brought to you by Matcha.com.

Join "The Matcha Guardians" - certified nutritionist Diana Weil and medical journalist Elara Hadjipateras -as they protect you on your wellness journey by providing vulnerable and genuine takes on the latest wellness trends.

From interviews with leading experts in health, fitness, and spirituality to their own personal relationships, they cover different lifestyle topics and formats that impact health.

No hard subject is off limits for the Matcha Guardians. Get ready to sip, savor, and live well with new episodes every Wednesday.

More: https://matcha.com/

Connect with the Matcha Guardians!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

In our first full podcast, we dive into the science of friendships. Psychologist Robin Dunbar's 2022 book brought to light the Dunbar number - 150, which represents the maximum number of meaningful relationships a person can effectively manage. This concept really resonated with us and formed the core of our conversation.

We break down the layers of the Dunbar number. The closest circle, 1.5 people, includes an individual and their significant other. Then there's a circle of five close friends, who are those you can always count on for emotional support. The next layer comprises 15 good friends, with whom one might socialize regularly or plan vacations. A broader circle of 50 friends includes acquaintances like party guests or wedding attendees. Finally, the widest circle encompasses 150 people, those whom one would invite for significant life events.

Reflecting on our own friendship, we discussed how we've managed to stay connected despite periods of minimal contact. It's fascinating how shared experiences, values, and similar life stages play such a crucial role in sustaining friendships. We also touched upon the challenges adults face in making and maintaining friendships, especially when dealing with geographical distances or significant life changes like marriage or career shifts.

We also spend on the impact of social media on friendships. How do online interactions fit into Dunbar’s model, considering the often superficial nature of these relationships? We highlight the importance of genuine connection and active engagement beyond just digital interactions.

We also discuss "friendship pruning," where individuals might end or drift away from certain friendships that no longer contribute positively to their lives. Ending friendships can be difficult. We should normalize open conversations about the health of friendships.

Towards the end of our episode, we extended a challenge to you, our listeners. Reach out to someone in your life in a meaningful way, beyond just a quick text or a social media interaction. This challenge underlines the importance of genuine connections and active participation in maintaining friendships.

More:

The Atlantic article on Robin Dunbar's Science of Friendhip (note paywall): https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/05/robin-dunbar-explains-circles-friendship-dunbars-number/618931/

Robin Dunbar's Book on friendship: https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Robin-Dunbar/dp/1408711737

Connect with the Matcha Guardians!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

In our latest episode of The Matcha Guardians Podcast, we delve into the profound connection between humans and dogs. We're thrilled to have Jodi Andersen, a renowned dog behavior expert, joining us. Jodi's journey into dog training began with a childhood love for animals and a pivotal experience with her own dog, which led her to rethink traditional training methods. She emphasizes understanding a dog's signals and the unintended training we often do. Jodi's approach is about creating harmony between a dog's needs and the family's lifestyle.

Jodi's work extends beyond individual training. She co-founded How I Met My Dog, a platform that matches rescue dogs with adopters based on lifestyle and behavior, not just breed. This approach ensures a deeper, more sustainable bond between the dog and its new family. She also co-founded Competibility, focusing on enhancing the relationship between existing dog owners and their pets.

A significant part of our discussion revolves around the right time and way to introduce a dog into a family. Jodi advises against getting a dog solely for children, emphasizing that the responsibility ultimately falls on the parents. She highlights the importance of matching a dog's temperament with the family's lifestyle and the individual personalities within the household. Jodi also touches on the challenges and rewards of introducing a second dog into the home, stressing the importance of energy compatibility over breed or gender. Gender, however, can play a significant role.

We also explore the sensitive topic of a dog's end of life. Jodi offers heartfelt advice on recognizing when it's time to say goodbye, advocating for a compassionate approach that prioritizes the dog's quality of life. She encourages openness to the love of another pet, seeing it as a tribute to the one lost.

Resources:

How I Met My Dog Website: https://howimetmydog.com/

ComPETibility Website: https://competibility.com/

Jodi's Book The Latchkey Dog: https://www.amazon.com/Latchkey-Dog-Live-Shapes-Behavior/dp/B0009WUII8

Connect with the Matcha Guardians!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematchaguardians

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!