Hi, I’m Allison Gilbert, an author
who loves to write and talk about human connection.
I’ve written six books, won three Emmy Awards, and host two conversation series on reducing loneliness and strengthening relationships. My husband and I met at sleepaway camp and have been married nearly 30 years. We have two wonderful children who are now young adults.How I Got Here
I’ve been a journalist my entire career. I wrote and produced stories for CNN and was part of the launch team for MSNBC. At WNBC-TV, I covered 9/11 and was nearly killed by falling debris. At about the same time, my parents both died of cancer. These experiences completely reshaped the kinds of stories I like to investigate and share.
What I Know Now
Loss, grief, motherhood, career pivots—life has humbled and expanded me. I’ve learned that connection isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. And that when we stop pretending to be fine, reciprocal and fulfilling relationships have the chance to flourish.
What I’m Doing About It
Whether I’m on stage, behind a microphone, or deep in a manuscript, I’m working to help people feel less alone. I write and speak about loneliness, connection, and the ways we can show up more fully for each other—and ourselves.
Best-Selling Author
I’m co-author, with Dr. Ruth Westheimer, of the best-selling book, The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life. The book grew out of my New York Times article, “Dr. Ruth Saved People’s Sex Lives. Now She Wants to Cure Loneliness,” which explored Dr. Ruth’s historic appointment as New York State’s Ambassador to Loneliness, the first such role in the United States. The book has been praised by Judy Blume, Gretchen Rubin, and Dan Harris, and features conversations with thought leaders such as Adam Grant and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. The book was named one of the best books on aging by the Wall Street Journal and a top-10 well-being book of the year by Audible.
My earlier books, including Passed and Present, Always Too Soon, and Parentless Parents, were inspired by the early deaths of my mother and father. Listen, World!, my biography of trailblazing columnist Elsie Robinson, won the Northern California Book Award, and my accompanying CNN essay earned the New York Press Club Award for Best Opinion Writing.
AS SEEN IN
Emmy Award-Winning Journalist
I’m a contributor to the New York Times and write for numerous additional publications. I am host of “Women Journalists of 9/11: Their Stories,” a 20-part documentary series produced in collaboration with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and co-executive producer of the companion 2-hour film featuring Savannah Guthrie, Maggie Haberman, Scott Pelley, Tom Brokaw, and many others. I’m the official narrator of the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s historical exhibition audio tour, the only female journalist to be so honored.
Read ArticlesConnections Series Host
Today, I speak around the world on social connection and host two ongoing programs:
- Connected Lives: an in-person and online series at 92NY spotlighting practical ways to strengthen relationships in today’s world.
- Making Connections: a Zoom series with Reimagine on overcoming loneliness and building meaningful bonds.
Trusted Voice on National Media
I love doing interviews! The ease I feel talking with reporters, anchors, and podcasters comes from spending three decades working in newsrooms. I am known for distilling complicated research into takeaways audiences can use immediately.
See Interviews
Keynote Speaker
Allison Gilbert offers insights on loneliness, social health, and workplace wellness. Bring Allison to your event to foster meaningful conversation or organize a book talk to raise awareness and engage your community. You can browse a full list of her recent speaking engagements here.
