Podcasts as a Form of Social Support with Dr. Melanie Finney and Kate Pederson

In this podcast episode, Dr. Melanie Finney and Kate Pederson discuss their research investigating whether podcasts can serve as a form of social support for individuals with chronic illnesses, such as POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Through a survey, they found that podcasts help listeners feel less isolated by providing informational and emotional support. Many respondents reported feeling a strong connection, akin to a friendship, with podcast hosts, which they termed a "parasocial relationship." The study suggests that podcasts are an important and accessible way to receive support, especially when social isolation is exacerbated by chronic illness. The researchers emphasize the responsibility of podcast hosts to provide trustworthy and supportive content. While this research is foundational, it opens the door for future studies on this topic.