The Mingle Project CNN Special

America has never been more connected—and yet many argue we've never been more isolated. Are you prepared to re-engage America? Vote: www.smerconish.com In this special edition of The Mingle Project, Michael Smerconish brings together some of the leading voices in social science, politics, medicine, and culture to examine one of the most important challenges facing modern America: the collapse of human connection. Featuring insights from Charles Murray, Robert Putnam, David Wasserman, Scott Galloway ‪@TheProfGPod‬ , Debra Soh, Dr. Tami Benton, and Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, this conversation explores how technology, political sorting, social media, remote work, declining civic engagement, and loneliness are reshaping American life. Why are cross-class friendships disappearing? How did social media profit from division? Why are young men increasingly isolated? What role does mental health play in our growing disconnect? And most importantly—how do we reverse course? From Bowling Alone to the rise of AI companions, from Cracker Barrel vs. Whole Foods America to the science of human connection, this is a deep dive into what we've lost—and how we might get it back. The solution may be simpler than we think: show up, reach out, and reconnect.