Show Notes
Humans are starting to realize THIS: we're more connected than ever—and many of us have never felt more alone.
What if we've confused communication with connection? What if one of the most important questions of our time isn't technological, political, or economic—but relational?
In this episode, I explore the word “social” and what it actually means for a human mammal. Through my stories of recent loss, grief, friendship, motherhood, care, and community, we examine something many of us feel but struggle to name: the profound difference between being connected through screens and being held in relationship by real people.
Drawing from neuroscience, basic common sense and lived experience, I speak to how our bodies are shaped by proximity, touch, co-regulation, and mutual care. This conversation asks what becomes possible when we ACT ON the truth that humans were never meant to live in silos or do life alone. This episode is an invitation to take back the word social—not as something that happens on a platform, but as something that happens (and needs to happen) between living bodies.
You'll Learn: Why human connection is a biological need, not a luxury What co-regulation actually is and how it affects your nervous system How touch helps the body process difficult experiences The less obvious difference between social media and being truly social Why meaningful relationships often require inconvenience, negotiation, and presence How mirror neurons shape our emotions, behaviors, and sense of belonging What happens in the body when trusted people care for us Robin Dunbar's theory of 150 meaningful human relationships and what it means Practical questions to help you build deeper local relationships and support networks
In an era of increasing isolation, digital connection, and hyper-independence, this conversation is a firm shake of the shoulders. Our wellbeing depends on REAL relationships where you can't simply close the screen if you're tapped out.
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Welcome to The Modern Mammal! Molly Caro May bridges neuroscience, story-weaving, and the relational field to support people to inhabit their full body mammal intelligence despite (and because of) the Modern Digital Era. Known for her warmth, straight-talk and emphatic expression, she is here to shine a light on what is possible for humans as we stand at this shared crossroads. She is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, author of two acclaimed literary memoirs, devotee of attention, creator of The Modern Mammal Framework and had led thousands of people through her transformational workshops and retreats for two decades. No, she isn't anti-tech, but she is pro-responsibility and believes in the importance of developing sacred discernment.
The Modern Mammal Podcast is a combination of WEEKLY raw Solo episodes that offer real-time practicing and clear ways to reclaim yourself in this era plus unscripted, lively interviews with thinkers, makers, and practitioners who are asking the same question: how do we stay human in a world moving too fast?
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