How to Use Your Body to Relax Your Mind (The Science of Happiness)
Want to destress your mind? Start with your body. Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a practice where you methodically tense and release your…
Happiness Break: A Meditation for Groundedness, With Diana Parra (English & Spanish)
Take a moment to ground yourself with this meditation that helps bring awareness to the relationship between ourselves and the earth beneath us.
Happiness Break: Una meditación para enraizar, con Diana Parra (español)
Tómate un momento para conectarte con esta meditación que ayuda a tomar conciencia de la relación entre nosotros y la tierra.
Making Difficult Interactions More Respectful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Dr. Omar Guzman reflects on how a practice to cultivate more respect shaped the way he interacts with his patients.
Happiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire a Sense of Purpose
Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them.
Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Rapper Rexx Life Raj shared his deepest pain in his latest album, and discovered it was one big compassion practice for his fans dealing with…
Episode 95: How to Enjoy Life More With Michael Pollan
Bestselling author Michael Pollan tries to get more out of life by temporarily giving up one of his pleasures.
Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam
Cultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam.
Happiness Break: Six Minutes to Connect with Your Body, with Dacher
Dedicating a little time to tune into your body fortifies you to better handle the stresses of daily life.
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Episode 94: How to Craft Your Life
When the world around you changes, so can your goals. This week's guest tries a practice to tap into a new sense of purpose.
Happiness Break: A 10-Minute Guided Practice, with Dacher
We guide you through a reflection of three things you're grateful for today. This practice is shown to boost happiness, connection, and…
Episode 85: Why We’re Drawn to Nature
What happens when we spend time outdoors? We explore how getting out in nature can restore peace of mind—and make us more creative.
How to Practice Gratitude When You’re Not Feeling Thankful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
One way to feel more thankful for things is to imagine life without them. Our guest tries a practice for seeing the bright side, even when…
Happiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle
Consider what you want to make space for in your life in this 6-minute contemplation guided by Alex Elle.
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Episode 90: Why Love Needs Laughter
Focusing on funny things can reduce stress, anxiety, and make us feel more connected to others. Our guests, who were high school sweethearts,…
Happiness Break: 36 Questions to Feel Connected, with Dacher
Reconnect with someone you love or create new, more meaningful bonds with these 36 questions.
How to Feel Better About Yourself (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Self-compassion reduces our feelings of shame and self-doubt. We explore a practice to help quiet our inner critic with kindness.
Why Humor Matters for Happiness (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Humor can help us with stress, anxiety, and feeling more connected to others. But is humor connected to mindfulness? And how can we find more of it?
_370_250_s_c1.jpg)
How to Make Life More Meaningful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Chris Sharma is one of the greatest rock climbers of all time, and he's taking on some of the biggest challenges in life: becoming a parent…
Feeling Overworked? Take a Fika Break (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
A short break does more than just fuel our bodies, it strengthens our minds. Our overworked guest tries the Swedish practice of…
Happiness Break: 5 Minutes of Gratitude, with Dacher
Not sure how to start practicing gratitude? Psychologist Dacher Keltner guides you through a practice that can help you see the good things…
Episode 121: 36 Questions to Spark Intimacy
What if you could fall in love, or forge deep connections, in just 45 minutes? Our guests, Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg of By The…
A 7-Day Stress Prescription (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Is there such a thing as good stress? Our guest learns to welcome her stress by understanding how it can actually help her, plus tips and…
Episode 122: Riding the Waves of Anxiety
Comedian Aparna Nancherla has always struggled with anxiety — can a new technique help her cope?
Happiness Break: How To Be Your Best Self, with Justin Michael Williams
Visualize your best possible self and tap into your inherent enough-ness with this guided meditation by Justin Michael Williams.
Happiness Break: What To Do When You’re Struggling, With Spring Washam
Treating yourself with kindness reduces anxiety and improves coping skills. Spring Washam encourages us to be more self-compassionate through…
Episode 113: How to Find Your Spark in Life
Comedian Marilyn Pittman takes stock of what she really wants in life – and makes a plan to get it.
How Improv Makes You More Confident and Less Anxious (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Just 20 minutes of improv theater can foster creativity and confidence, and help with anxiety, depression, and your ability to tolerate uncertainty.
Episode 88: How Music Soothes Us
What is it about certain melodies that can relax our nerves and rock us to sleep? We explore the science of calming music with pianist Rosey Chan.
Episode 96: Don’t Be Afraid of Your Anger
What happens when we suppress our anger? And what if we tried to work with it instead? Our guest, Soraya Chemaly, tries a practice to harness…
Episode 84: Are You Setting the Right Goals?
Setting goals can sometimes feel like setting ourselves up for failure. But journalist Monica Campbell finds there's something magical that…
Episode 83: Healing Through Gratitude
A stranger helped her through the hardest day of her life. When she expresses her gratitude, our guest encounters the power of true connection.
Episode 100: 100 Good Things
For our 100th episode, host Dacher Keltner sits in the guest chair and tries one of the most popular happiness practices.
Episode 98: How to Not Take People for Granted
What would life be like without the people you care most about? Our guest tries a practice to help appreciate loved ones.
Episode 104: Do You Feel Pressed for Time?
What happens when we share our time? Our guest, chef and author Bryant Terry, pauses to be present with the ones who matter most.
Episode 119: How to Say “Sorry” Like You Mean It
Apologies are key to successful relationships. But are you doing them right?
Episode 75: A Cure for Loneliness
Feeling lonely? Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy learns why focusing on the quality of our relationships, not the quantity, can be an…
Episode 112: Are Your Expectations Too High?
High expectations can lead to disappointment, but expecting the worst doesn't feel great, either. This week we explore how to find the balance.
Episode 114: Are You Tired of Being Afraid?
Fear is a normal part of our lives—but there are ways we can safely challenge and conquer it. Our guest tries a research-backed way to…
Happiness Break: Pause to Look at the Sky, With Dacher
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and vastness of the sky. Dacher Keltner guides us through a practice of pausing to turn your gaze to…
Episode 87: David Byrne on How Music Connects Us
Music helped former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne come out of his shell. Hear Byrne's story and learn how music creates social bonds in…
Episode 91: Finding Strength Through Gratitude
A doctor who serves communities in dire need shares how gratitude helps him find light in the darkness.
A Way to Make Work More Meaningful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
We all overestimate how much we know. Our guest tries a practice in slowing down to ask more questions, and finds it leads to higher quality…
Episode 108: The Case for Believing in Yourself
What does your best possible self look like? Our guest tries a practice in optimism by imagining her brightest future.
Why We Need Friends With Shared Interests (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
She's the world's leading animal behaviorist and an Autism advocacy leader. Guest Temple Grandin shares what kind of support systems led her…
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Episode 116: The Science of a Good Night’s Sleep
Do you struggle with sleep? This week Drew Ackerman of the Sleep with Me podcast tries tips for a good night's sleep, and we explore why it's…
Episode 82: How to Talk With Strangers
The way we interact with people who come in and out of our lives has changed since COVID-19. Our guest tries a practice to connect with…
Happiness Break: Visualizing Your Purpose, With Dacher
Finding a greater sense of purpose can help us achieve our goals and strengthen our relationships. Dacher leads a meditation to find purpose…
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Episode 92: What Humans Can Learn From Trees
Trees don't just compete with one another for resources, they also cooperate. Scientist and author Suzanne Simard explains the surprising…
Episode 107: How Gratitude Renews Us
Feeling burned out? Our guest, a nurse, explores how cultivating gratitude helps people in high-stress jobs.
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Episode 99: What Happens When We Play
When was the last time you went down a slide? Our guest tries a practice to bring more play into his life and explores what that means as a…
The Emerging Science of ASMR (Encore: The Science of Happiness Podcast)
There are millions of YouTube videos with people crinkling bubble wrap or whispering about folding laundry. Our guest talks about why…
Where to Look for Joy (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
How can we feel more moments of joy? We explore the science of joy and how we can cultivate it in our everyday lives, with poet Ross Gay and…
Episode 89: How Music Can Bridge Cultures
Have you ever been moved by music sung in a language you don't understand? We speak with Gambian musician Sona Jobarteh about how music can…
Happiness Break: A Mindful Breath Meditation, With Dacher Keltner
Mindful breathing exercises are a simple, effective, and fast way to shift our mindset and improve physical and mental well-being when…
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Episode 86: Scheduling Time to Feel Awe(some)
Feeling awe can boost your mood and make you feel more connected with others. Comedian Chris Duffy learns how to tap into it.
Why We Need Reminders of Connectedness (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
How can we feel more connected to our loved ones, even when they're not around? Our guest tries a practice shown to make us feel less lonely…
Episode 105: Why We Give Thanks
Thank you. Gracias. Merci. Every language has a word for gratitude. But why do we feel it? How can we experience more of it? We revisit some…
How Awe Brings Us Together (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Feeling awe changes your brain. In our first episode in a series about the science of awe, we explore how awe can make you a better friend,…
Episode 80: How to Make Better Decisions
Can practicing mindfulness make us wiser? Judge Jeremy Fogel explores how being present in the moment helps him keep a clear mind and stay…
Happiness Break: Awe in Impermanence
Take a few minutes to develop your sense of awe for the circle of life in this mediation with Dacher Keltner.
Happiness Break: Being Present From Head to Toe, With Spring Washam
Try this body-scan meditation to ground your mind in the present moment and in your body, guided by Spring Washam.
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Happiness Break: How to Ground Yourself, Yuria Celidwen
Connect to yourself and the land you stand on in under 10 minutes with this grounding practice led by Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen.
Episode 103: Why You Should Make Small Goals
Comedian Paula Poundstone tries to take on a messy and daunting task, one small step at a time.
Happiness Break: Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher
Just a few moments of tuning into nature can make you feel more inspired, connected, and less lonely. Let us guide you through a five-minute…
The Science of Synchronized Movement (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Moving in sync with someone else—even a total stranger—can change how you feel about them, and how you act, without you realizing it.
Happiness Break: Walk Your Way to Calm (Guided Meditation), with Dacher
A few slow, mindful paces can lower your cortisol and make you more at ease. Psychologist Dacher Keltner guides you through this Walking Meditation.
Episode 106: What Our Photos Say About Us
Can taking a few photos really make you happier? Afghan rocker Sulyman Qardash tries a practice to find meaning through snapping photos of daily life.
Why We Should Look Up at the Sky (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
When did you last take a moment to really look up at the sky? Shifting our gaze upward is linked to more creativity, capacity to focus—and…
Episode 115: Feel Better About Asking For Help
Does asking for help make you uncomfortable? Odds are, it'll go better than you think.
Happiness Break: Finding Presence Through Your Senses, With Dacher
Sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste: all of our five senses provide unique pathways to presence and happiness. We spend a few minutes…
Happiness Break: Sketching Serenity With Chris Murchison
A guided drawing meditation to help you break out of stale thought patterns and maybe even enter a state of flow. No talent required.
Episode 101: Can You Mend a Broken Bond?
They were childhood best friends until one came out as queer. Now, two college students reconnect and try to see the world through one another's eyes.
Happiness Break: How to Be in Harmony in Nature—Wherever You Are, With Yuria Celidwen
Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen guides us in a meditation to strengthen our sense of belonging and connection to the earth.
Happiness Break: Wishing Others Well, With Anushka Fernandopulle
Cultivate a sense of compassion for yourself and others by trying a meditation rooted in loving-kindness, called "Metta."
Happiness Break: Who Takes Care of You? With Dacher Keltner
When we feel cared for, our cortisol levels drop, we feel safe, and we handle stress better. Dacher leads a meditation to help us focus on…
Episode 79: How to Give Up a Grudge
What does it really take to forgive someone? And why should we do it? Our guest, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, tries a practice to let go…
Happiness Break: Restore Through Silence, with Tricia Hersey
When was the last time you spent a moment savoring silence? Tricia Hersey, aka The Nap Bishop, guides us through an appreciation of silence…
Episode 81: Are You Listening to Your Elders?
Connecting across generations is one of the oldest happiness practices there is. We explore why to honor your elders, along with other…
Finding Delight Through Your Five Senses (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
We enjoy the world through our five senses, so why don't we do more to heighten them? We explore the techniques and science of the senses…
Happiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year, With Chris Murchison
This New Year, affirm the wonderful qualities you already possess with this meditative writing practice with Chris Murchison called "I Am."
Episode 102: Do You Want to Slow Down?
Anna Sale, host of Death, Sex, and Money, practices awe as an antidote to her anxiety.
Happiness Break: Awe for Others, With Dacher
The communities we create are one of the most awe-inspiring parts of our lives. Host Dacher Keltner guides us in a meditation on awe and…
Episode 93: Noticing Nature in the City
When was the last time you stopped to admire a tree? Our guest finds that paying attention to the greenery near his home can bring peace of mind.
Happiness Break: A Note to Self on Forgiveness, with Alex Elle
Letting go of our regrets can motivate us to improve and help us grow. Alex Elle, a poet and breathwork and writing coach, guides us through…
Episode 74: 24 Hours of Kindness
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes.
Happiness Break: Embodying Resilience, With Prentis Hemphill
What if you could tap into your inherent resilience at any time? Prentis Hemphill guides a meditation to turn good memories into a state of…
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Happiness Break: How to Be Your Own Best Friend, with Kristin Neff
Show yourself real self-kindness in less than 10 minutes with this self-compassion break guided by psychologist Kristin Neff.
How Music Evokes Awe (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Why do some songs send chills down your spine or give you goosebumps? We explore the science of how music induces awe—and how that affects…
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Episode 118: The Questions to Ask Yourself in an Argument
Our guest explores how reminding yourself that you don't know everything can have a profound impact on your relationships, and our society.
Episode 111: How to Turn Grief Into Strength
Part of life is experiencing pain and loss. And sometimes, finding meaning in it. We explore a writing practice shown to help us come out…
Episode 97: How to Tune Out the Noise
Our guest uses her breath to find calm in some of Los Angeles' noisiest neighborhoods.
The Case for Hope, With Rebecca Solnit (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
In the first episode in our series Climate, Hope and Science, we explore how embracing uncertainty enables us to move beyond climate anxiety…
Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Rapper Rexx Life Raj shared his deepest pain in his latest album, and discovered it was one big compassion practice for his fans dealing with…
How to Feel More Hopeful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
How can we build a sense of hope when the future feels uncertain? Poet Tomás Morín tries a writing practice to make him feel more hopeful…
Episode 124: Nine Steps to Forgiveness
How do you forgive someone while still holding them accountable? What if that person is yourself? This week, our guest tries a practice in…
Happiness Break: Tune Into Your Body, with Radha Agrawal
Happiness isn't only in your head — your body is important, too. This week, we're led in a short Japanese calisthenics practice called Radio Taiso.
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Episode 126: How to Focus Under Pressure
Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider tries a body scan meditation to sharpen her focus and calm her nerves as she prepares for the Tournament of…
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Others Are Suffering, With Anushka Fernandopulle
Seeing others suffering is painful. Learn to practice both compassion and self-soothing in this guided meditation led by Anushka Fernandopulle.
Happiness Break: Feeling the Awe of Nature From Anywhere, With Dacher
Host Dacher Keltner leads us through an exercise in feeling the serenity and wonder that nature brings us, no matter where we are.
How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself) (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Walking can increase our sense of connectedness with the earth and motivation to take climate action, which might be an important aspect of…
Episode 120: How to Feel Less Lonely and More Connected
When we feel more connected, we're kinder and care more for others. After 21 years of being incarcerated, our guest Simon Liu, of Bay Area…
How to Let Go Without Giving Up (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
War veteran and country music singer Sal Gonzalez tries the Taoist practice of Wu Wei to improve his relationship with anger.
Episode 110: Why You Should Snap Pictures of Nature
A NYT restaurant critic puts down her pen and grabs her camera to capture the beauty of the outdoors.
Episode 109: When It’s Time to Face Your Fears
What happens when we feel compassion for the things that scare us? Shabazz Larkin shares what it's like to face some of his deepest fears.
How to Make Better Decisions (Encore)
Can practicing mindfulness make us wiser? Judge Jeremy Fogel explores how being present in the moment helps him keep a clear mind and stay…
How to Use Your Body to Relax Your Mind (The Science of Happiness)
Want to destress your mind? Start with your body. Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a practice where you methodically tense and release your…
Happiness Break: A Meditation for Groundedness, With Diana Parra (English & Spanish)
Take a moment to ground yourself with this meditation that helps bring awareness to the relationship between ourselves and the earth beneath us.
Happiness Break: Una meditación para enraizar, con Diana Parra (español)
Tómate un momento para conectarte con esta meditación que ayuda a tomar conciencia de la relación entre nosotros y la tierra.
Making Difficult Interactions More Respectful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Dr. Omar Guzman reflects on how a practice to cultivate more respect shaped the way he interacts with his patients.
Happiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire a Sense of Purpose
Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them.
Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Rapper Rexx Life Raj shared his deepest pain in his latest album, and discovered it was one big compassion practice for his fans dealing with…
Happiness Break: Awe in Impermanence
Take a few minutes to develop your sense of awe for the circle of life in this mediation with Dacher Keltner.
Why Humor Matters for Happiness (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Humor can help us with stress, anxiety, and feeling more connected to others. But is humor connected to mindfulness? And how can we find more of it?
Happiness Break: Making Music With Your Body, With Keith Terry
Relieve stress, boost self-esteem, and increase focus through a simple body music practice. And do it with a friend to feel more compassion…
How Improv Makes You More Confident and Less Anxious (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Just 20 minutes of improv theater can foster creativity and confidence, and help with anxiety, depression, and your ability to tolerate uncertainty.
Happiness Break: A Mindful Breath Meditation, With Dacher Keltner
Mindful breathing exercises are a simple, effective, and fast way to shift our mindset and improve physical and mental well-being when…
How to Let Go Without Giving Up (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
War veteran and country music singer Sal Gonzalez tries the Taoist practice of Wu Wei to improve his relationship with anger.
Happiness Break: Moving Through Space, With Dacher Keltner
Moving meditations can help reduce stress and boost self-awareness. Improve your ability to sense your body in space with this seven-minute…
Finding Delight Through Your Five Senses (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
We enjoy the world through our five senses, so why don't we do more to heighten them? We explore the techniques and science of the senses…
Happiness Break: What To Do When You’re Struggling, With Spring Washam
Treating yourself with kindness reduces anxiety and improves coping skills. Spring Washam encourages us to be more self-compassionate through…
How to Feel Better About Yourself (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Self-compassion reduces our feelings of shame and self-doubt. We explore a practice to help quiet our inner critic with kindness.
Happiness Break: Wishing Others Well, With Anushka Fernandopulle
Cultivate a sense of compassion for yourself and others by trying a meditation rooted in loving-kindness, called "Metta."
Where to Look for Joy (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
How can we feel more moments of joy? We explore the science of joy and how we can cultivate it in our everyday lives, with poet Ross Gay and…
Happiness Break: Who Takes Care of You? With Dacher Keltner
When we feel cared for, our cortisol levels drop, we feel safe, and we handle stress better. Dacher leads a meditation to help us focus on…
Feeling Overworked? Take a Fika Break (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
A short break does more than just fuel our bodies, it strengthens our minds. Our overworked guest tries the Swedish practice of…
Happiness Break: How to Be in Harmony in Nature—Wherever You Are, With Yuria Celidwen
Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen guides us in a meditation to strengthen our sense of belonging and connection to the earth.
How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself) (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Walking can increase our sense of connectedness with the earth and motivation to take climate action, which might be an important aspect of…
Happiness Break: Contemplating Our Interdependence With Nature, With Dekila Chungyalpa
Take 10 minutes to renew your connection to the earth through this guided meditation on our interdependence with the ecosystem.
How to Feel More Hopeful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
How can we build a sense of hope when the future feels uncertain? Poet Tomás Morín tries a writing practice to make him feel more hopeful…
The Case for Hope, With Rebecca Solnit (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
In the first episode in our series Climate, Hope and Science, we explore how embracing uncertainty enables us to move beyond climate anxiety…
Happiness Break: Sketching Serenity With Chris Murchison
A guided drawing meditation to help you break out of stale thought patterns and maybe even enter a state of flow. No talent required.
A 7-Day Stress Prescription (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Is there such a thing as good stress? Our guest learns to welcome her stress by understanding how it can actually help her, plus tips and…
Happiness Break: Visualizing Your Purpose, With Dacher
Finding a greater sense of purpose can help us achieve our goals and strengthen our relationships. Dacher leads a meditation to find purpose…
Encore: 24 Hours of Kindness (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes.
Happiness Break: Embodying Resilience, With Prentis Hemphill
What if you could tap into your inherent resilience at any time? Prentis Hemphill guides a meditation to turn good memories into a state of…
A Way to Make Work More Meaningful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
We all overestimate how much we know. Our guest tries a practice in slowing down to ask more questions, and finds it leads to higher quality…
Happiness Break: Pause to Look at the Sky, With Dacher
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and vastness of the sky. Dacher Keltner guides us through a practice of pausing to turn your gaze to…
Why We Need Friends With Shared Interests (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
She's the world's leading animal behaviorist and an Autism advocacy leader. Guest Temple Grandin shares what kind of support systems led her…
Happiness Break: Being Present From Head to Toe, With Spring Washam
Try this body-scan meditation to ground your mind in the present moment and in your body, guided by Spring Washam.
Why We Need Reminders of Connectedness (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
How can we feel more connected to our loved ones, even when they're not around? Our guest tries a practice shown to make us feel less lonely…
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Others Are Suffering, With Anushka Fernandopulle
Seeing others suffering is painful. Learn to practice both compassion and self-soothing in this guided meditation led by Anushka Fernandopulle.
How Music Evokes Awe (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Why do some songs send chills down your spine or give you goosebumps? We explore the science of how music induces awe—and how that affects…
Happiness Break: Feeling the Awe of Nature From Anywhere, With Dacher
Host Dacher Keltner leads us through an exercise in feeling the serenity and wonder that nature brings us, no matter where we are.
Why We Should Look Up at the Sky (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
When did you last take a moment to really look up at the sky? Shifting our gaze upward is linked to more creativity, capacity to focus—and…
Happiness Break: Awe for Others, With Dacher
The communities we create are one of the most awe-inspiring parts of our lives. Host Dacher Keltner guides us in a meditation on awe and…
How Awe Brings Us Together (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Feeling awe changes your brain. In our first episode in a series about the science of awe, we explore how awe can make you a better friend,…
Happiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year, With Chris Murchison
This New Year, affirm the wonderful qualities you already possess with this meditative writing practice with Chris Murchison called "I Am."
How to Make Life More Meaningful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Chris Sharma is one of the greatest rock climbers of all time, and he's taking on some of the biggest challenges in life: becoming a parent…
Happiness Break: Finding Presence Through Your Senses, With Dacher
Sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste: all of our five senses provide unique pathways to presence and happiness. We spend a few minutes…
The Science of Synchronized Movement (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
Moving in sync with someone else—even a total stranger—can change how you feel about them, and how you act, without you realizing it.
Happiness Break: Tune Into Your Body, with Radha Agrawal
Happiness isn't only in your head — your body is important, too. This week, we're led in a short Japanese calisthenics practice called Radio Taiso.
How to Practice Gratitude When You’re Not Feeling Thankful (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
One way to feel more thankful for things is to imagine life without them. Our guest tries a practice for seeing the bright side, even when…
Happiness Break: 5 Minutes of Gratitude, with Dacher
Not sure how to start practicing gratitude? Psychologist Dacher Keltner guides you through a practice that can help you see the good things…
The Emerging Science of ASMR (Encore: The Science of Happiness Podcast)
There are millions of YouTube videos with people crinkling bubble wrap or whispering about folding laundry. Our guest talks about why…
Happiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle
Consider what you want to make space for in your life in this 6-minute contemplation guided by Alex Elle.
Happiness Break: Restore Through Silence, with Tricia Hersey
When was the last time you spent a moment savoring silence? Tricia Hersey, aka The Nap Bishop, guides us through an appreciation of silence…
Episode 126: How to Focus Under Pressure
Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider tries a body scan meditation to sharpen her focus and calm her nerves as she prepares for the Tournament of…
Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam
Cultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam.
Episode 125: Why Listen to the Other Side?
These days, it's hard to imagine befriending people with different politics than your own. But these two men did it using a tried-and-true practice.
Happiness Break: Six Minutes to Connect with Your Body, with Dacher
Dedicating a little time to tune into your body fortifies you to better handle the stresses of daily life.
Episode 124: Nine Steps to Forgiveness
How do you forgive someone while still holding them accountable? What if that person is yourself? This week, our guest tries a practice in…
Happiness Break: A Note to Self on Forgiveness, with Alex Elle
Letting go of our regrets can motivate us to improve and help us grow. Alex Elle, a poet and breathwork and writing coach, guides us through…
_370_250_s_c1.jpg)
Episode 123: When Rumination Is a Good Thing
When's the last time you made a good memory—intentionally? Our guest tries a practice in cultivating positive experiences and taking time…
Happiness Break: A Meditation to Connect to Your Roots, with Yuria Celidwen
When was the last time you thought about your ancestors? This guided meditation by Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen will help you connect to…
Episode 122: Riding the Waves of Anxiety
Comedian Aparna Nancherla has always struggled with anxiety — can a new technique help her cope?
Happiness Break: Walk Your Way to Calm (Guided Meditation), with Dacher
A few slow, mindful paces can lower your cortisol and make you more at ease. Psychologist Dacher Keltner guides you through this Walking Meditation.
Episode 121: 36 Questions to Spark Intimacy
What if you could fall in love, or forge deep connections, in just 45 minutes? Our guests, Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg of By The…
Happiness Break: How to Ground Yourself, Yuria Celidwen
Connect to yourself and the land you stand on in under 10 minutes with this grounding practice led by Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen.
Episode 120: How to Feel Less Lonely and More Connected
When we feel more connected, we're kinder and care more for others. After 21 years of being incarcerated, our guest Simon Liu, of Bay Area…
Happiness Break: Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher
Just a few moments of tuning into nature can make you feel more inspired, connected, and less lonely. Let us guide you through a five-minute…
How to Make Better Decisions (Encore)
Can practicing mindfulness make us wiser? Judge Jeremy Fogel explores how being present in the moment helps him keep a clear mind and stay…
Happiness Break: 36 Questions to Feel Connected, with Dacher
Reconnect with someone you love or create new, more meaningful bonds with these 36 questions.
Episode 119: How to Say “Sorry” Like You Mean It
Apologies are key to successful relationships. But are you doing them right?
Happiness Break: How To Be Your Best Self, with Justin Michael Williams
Visualize your best possible self and tap into your inherent enough-ness with this guided meditation by Justin Michael Williams.
Episode 118: The Questions to Ask Yourself in an Argument
Our guest explores how reminding yourself that you don't know everything can have a profound impact on your relationships, and our society.
Happiness Break: How to Be Your Own Best Friend, with Kristin Neff
Show yourself real self-kindness in less than 10 minutes with this self-compassion break guided by psychologist Kristin Neff.
Episode 117: Catch Yourself in a Dream
Have you ever known you're dreaming while you're asleep? Our guests try practices to help induce lucid dreams, and we hear what they can…
Happiness Break: A 10-Minute Guided Practice, with Dacher
We guide you through a reflection of three things you're grateful for today. This practice is shown to boost happiness, connection, and…
Episode 116: The Science of a Good Night’s Sleep
Do you struggle with sleep? This week Drew Ackerman of the Sleep with Me podcast tries tips for a good night's sleep, and we explore why it's…
Episode 115: Feel Better About Asking For Help
Does asking for help make you uncomfortable? Odds are, it'll go better than you think.
Episode 114: Are You Tired of Being Afraid?
Fear is a normal part of our lives—but there are ways we can safely challenge and conquer it. Our guest tries a research-backed way to…
Episode 113: How to Find Your Spark in Life
Comedian Marilyn Pittman takes stock of what she really wants in life – and makes a plan to get it.
Episode 112: Are Your Expectations Too High?
High expectations can lead to disappointment, but expecting the worst doesn't feel great, either. This week we explore how to find the balance.
Episode 111: How to Turn Grief Into Strength
Part of life is experiencing pain and loss. And sometimes, finding meaning in it. We explore a writing practice shown to help us come out…
Episode 110: Why You Should Snap Pictures of Nature
A NYT restaurant critic puts down her pen and grabs her camera to capture the beauty of the outdoors.
Episode 109: When It’s Time to Face Your Fears
What happens when we feel compassion for the things that scare us? Shabazz Larkin shares what it's like to face some of his deepest fears.
Episode 108: The Case for Believing in Yourself
What does your best possible self look like? Our guest tries a practice in optimism by imagining her brightest future.
Episode 107: How Gratitude Renews Us
Feeling burned out? Our guest, a nurse, explores how cultivating gratitude helps people in high-stress jobs.
Episode 106: What Our Photos Say About Us
Can taking a few photos really make you happier? Afghan rocker Sulyman Qardash tries a practice to find meaning through snapping photos of daily life.
Episode 105: Why We Give Thanks
Thank you. Gracias. Merci. Every language has a word for gratitude. But why do we feel it? How can we experience more of it? We revisit some…
Episode 104: Do You Feel Pressed for Time?
What happens when we share our time? Our guest, chef and author Bryant Terry, pauses to be present with the ones who matter most.
Episode 103: Why You Should Make Small Goals
Comedian Paula Poundstone tries to take on a messy and daunting task, one small step at a time.
Episode 102: Do You Want to Slow Down?
Anna Sale, host of Death, Sex, and Money, practices awe as an antidote to her anxiety.
Episode 101: Can You Mend a Broken Bond?
They were childhood best friends until one came out as queer. Now, two college students reconnect and try to see the world through one another's eyes.
Episode 100: 100 Good Things
For our 100th episode, host Dacher Keltner sits in the guest chair and tries one of the most popular happiness practices.
Episode 99: What Happens When We Play
When was the last time you went down a slide? Our guest tries a practice to bring more play into his life and explores what that means as a…
Episode 98: How to Not Take People for Granted
What would life be like without the people you care most about? Our guest tries a practice to help appreciate loved ones.
Episode 97: How to Tune Out the Noise
Our guest uses her breath to find calm in some of Los Angeles' noisiest neighborhoods.
Episode 96: Don’t Be Afraid of Your Anger
What happens when we suppress our anger? And what if we tried to work with it instead? Our guest, Soraya Chemaly, tries a practice to harness…
Episode 95: How to Enjoy Life More With Michael Pollan
Bestselling author Michael Pollan tries to get more out of life by temporarily giving up one of his pleasures.
Episode 94: How to Craft Your Life
When the world around you changes, so can your goals. This week's guest tries a practice to tap into a new sense of purpose.
Episode 93: Noticing Nature in the City
When was the last time you stopped to admire a tree? Our guest finds that paying attention to the greenery near his home can bring peace of mind.
Episode 92: What Humans Can Learn From Trees
Trees don't just compete with one another for resources, they also cooperate. Scientist and author Suzanne Simard explains the surprising…
Episode 91: Finding Strength Through Gratitude
A doctor who serves communities in dire need shares how gratitude helps him find light in the darkness.
Episode 90: Why Love Needs Laughter
Focusing on funny things can reduce stress, anxiety, and make us feel more connected to others. Our guests, who were high school sweethearts,…
Episode 89: How Music Can Bridge Cultures
Have you ever been moved by music sung in a language you don't understand? We speak with Gambian musician Sona Jobarteh about how music can…
Episode 88: How Music Soothes Us
What is it about certain melodies that can relax our nerves and rock us to sleep? We explore the science of calming music with pianist Rosey Chan.
Episode 87: David Byrne on How Music Connects Us
Music helped former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne come out of his shell. Hear Byrne's story and learn how music creates social bonds in…
Episode 86: Scheduling Time to Feel Awe(some)
Feeling awe can boost your mood and make you feel more connected with others. Comedian Chris Duffy learns how to tap into it.
Episode 85: Why We’re Drawn to Nature
What happens when we spend time outdoors? We explore how getting out in nature can restore peace of mind—and make us more creative.
Episode 84: Are You Setting the Right Goals?
Setting goals can sometimes feel like setting ourselves up for failure. But journalist Monica Campbell finds there's something magical that…
Episode 83: Healing Through Gratitude
A stranger helped her through the hardest day of her life. When she expresses her gratitude, our guest encounters the power of true connection.
Episode 82: How to Talk With Strangers
The way we interact with people who come in and out of our lives has changed since COVID-19. Our guest tries a practice to connect with…
Episode 81: Are You Listening to Your Elders?
Connecting across generations is one of the oldest happiness practices there is. We explore why to honor your elders, along with other…
Episode 80: How to Make Better Decisions
Can practicing mindfulness make us wiser? Judge Jeremy Fogel explores how being present in the moment helps him keep a clear mind and stay…
Episode 79: How to Give Up a Grudge
What does it really take to forgive someone? And why should we do it? Our guest, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, tries a practice to let go…
Episode 78: Why Voting Connects Us
Why do we vote? We explore the science behind what drives us to the polls, and the benefits we reap for ourselves and communities when we…
Episode 77: How to Ride With the Pain
It's easy to be anxious and uncertain about the future—especially if you're eight months pregnant. Our guest tries practices to help her…
Episode 76: If You Want to Be More Productive, Cut Yourself Some Slack
Feeling hard on yourself? Pinterest cofounder Evan Sharp learns to quiet his inner critic and tap into his highest potential.
Episode 75: A Cure for Loneliness
Feeling lonely? Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy learns why focusing on the quality of our relationships, not the quantity, can be an…
Episode 74: 24 Hours of Kindness
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes.
Episode 73: How to Switch Off Your Critics
Do you obsess over negative feedback? Shereen Marisol Meraji, of NPR’s Code Switch, tries a better way to cope.
Episode 72: How to Reconnect with Your Partner
A couple try a practice to bring more excitement and passion into their relationship, even while sheltering-in-place.
Episode 71: Do You Want to Be More Patient?
We can be at our worst with the people we love best. Our guests try to be more calm and present with those closest to them.
Episode 70: How to Love People You Don’t Like
Our guest tries a practice to help her feel compassion toward others—even those she disagrees with.
Episode 69: What’s Your “Why” in Life?
Adrian Michael Green asks big questions designed to help teens—and adults—find more meaning and purpose in their lives.
Episode 68: From Othering to Belonging
We speak with john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, about racial justice, well-being, and widening our circles of…
Episode 67: Taking Small Steps Toward Big Goals
When our world is turned upside down, how do we keep moving forward? Our guest, award-winning author Christine Day, sets a new path for herself.
Episode 66: How to Connect When You Must Stay Apart
Do you want to be famous? What's a favorite memory? These 36 questions can bring you closer to loved ones, even if you're separated.
Episode 65: Give Yourself a Break
Want to calm your inner critic? Our guest tries a practice to find more self-compassion during uncertain times.
Episode 64: Helping Kids Think About the Good
Sheltering-at-home with kids? These questions can help them, and us, focus on the good things in life.
Episode 63: Remembering to Breathe
How a doctor stays calm and centered during times of uncertainty, one breath at a time.
Episode 62: Staying Close While Physical Distancing
Our guest tries a practice to feel more connected to loved ones, and herself, while sheltering at home.
Episode 61: Who Would You Be Without Them?
Think of an important person in your life. Now imagine you never met. Our guest practices counting his blessings by picturing his life…
Episode 60: Step Away from Anxiety
Do you have a hard time calming your nerves? Author Raina Telgemeier tries a practice to get out of her head, one step at a time.
Episode 59: Who Is Your Rock?
He survived the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, two years ago and has been a student mental health advocate ever since. Now Kai Koerber…
Episode 58: What Does It Take to Really Listen to Someone?
Are you actually listening when someone is talking to you, or just waiting for your turn to talk? Our guest, a veteran of the Iraq War,…
Episode 57: Why Shared Goals Can Bridge Divides
How can people from different groups get on the same page? Our guest, an educator and football coach, tries a strategy for building stronger,…
Episode 56: How to Make Time for Happiness
Her New Year's resolution was to have more joyful and fulfilling experiences in her daily life. Our guest tried a practice to help make that happen.
Episode 55: How to Get Your Senses Tingling
There are millions of YouTube channels with people crinkling bubble wrap or whispering about folding laundry. Our guest talks about why…
Episode 54: How to Be Less Hard on Yourself
Do you beat yourself up over every mistake? A high school senior tries to be kinder to himself during an especially stressful time.
Happy Again: How to Notice What You’re Thankful For (Encore)
Comedian Maz Jobrani tries to be more thankful for the good things in his life by writing them down — and encourages his kids to do the same.
Episode 53: Can You Find Wonder in the Ordinary?
When was the last time you felt connected to something bigger than yourself? Award-winning cellist Yumi Kendall looks, and listens, for…
Episode 52: How To Get Your Priorities Straight
It's easy to lose sight of what matters most. Our guest finds a way to reconnect with her values during stressful times.
Episode 51: Does Your Doctor Listen to You?
Doctors are often trained to be emotionally detached. But our guest finds greater meaning in his work as a physician when he tries to connect…
Episode 50: Finding Beauty in the Everyday
A tree next to a bus stop, a flower poking through the sidewalk. Our guest, a veteran of the Iraq War, discovers how awe and wonder can be…
Episode 49: How to Find Your Silver Linings
Do you fixate on what's going wrong in your life? Poet and "recovering pessimist" Maggie Smith practices looking on the bright side.
Episode 48: Can Margaret Cho Get Any Better?
She's one of the most accomplished comedians of her generation. But Margaret Cho wants to find a different kind of happiness.
Episode 47: Can You Humanize a Zombie?
Should we try to find common ground with the villains in our lives? Comedian Zahra Noorbakhsh tries to understand a "zombie" from her past.
Episode 46: Making Kindness Contagious
We gave our Happiness Guinea Pig a mission: Do five random acts of kindness in one day.
Episode 45: Facing Your Fears
Heights. Public speaking. Death. Our Happiness Guinea Pig explains how she overcomes her fears, one small step at a time.
Episode 44: How Michael Lewis Finds the Funny
How can you unearth humor in everyday life? Best-selling author Michael Lewis goes looking for laughs.
Episode 43: How to Keep Love Alive
After more than a decade together, our Happiness Guinea Pig tries to bring the spark back into her marriage.
Episode 42: Who Makes You Feel Connected?
Our Happiness Guinea Pig, the creator of Cartoon Network's We Bare Bears, finds a way to feel close to a loved one he recently lost.
Episode 41: A Better Way to Talk to Yourself
Her husband has been in prison for 23 years. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new approach to stay strong while working to get him released.
Episode 40: What to Do When You Feel Like a Failure
The loss of a job, the pain of a breakup -- it's easy to get down on ourselves when things aren't going well. Find out how our Happiness…
Episode 39: Delight in the Unexpected
A high-five from a stranger, a hummingbird on a busy city street. Poet Ross Gay shares his own happiness practice: savoring the everyday…
Episode 38: How To Let Go of Anger
Are you still mad at someone who hurt you in the past? That can eat away at your health and well-being. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new…
Episode 37: What Are Your Strongest Reminders of Connection?
What kinds of objects, images, and words surround your home or office? Our Happiness Guinea Pig surveys her apartment for items that spark…
Episode 36: Do You Know How to Eat a Raisin?
Do you have trouble slowing down enough to actually enjoy your life? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, comedian and radio host Luke Burbank, finds a…
Episode 35: Finding Awe in Every Step
How can we feel connected to the world around us? Singer Diana Gameros tries to cultivate a sense of awe in the most unlikely of places.
Episode 34: Finding Your Strengths
Do you fixate on your flaws and shortcomings? Our happiness guinea pig tries the opposite: focusing on her personal strengths.
Episode 33: Trying Compassion on Capitol Hill
Can you extend compassion toward a difficult person in your life? Congressman Tim Ryan tries a practice to help him reach across the aisle.
Episode 32: A Lesson in Thanks and Vulnerability
A junior high school teacher spent his life defying stereotypes about how men should express their emotions. Here he takes on a new…
Episode 31: Notice the Good in Your Life
Comedian Maz Jobrani tries to pay more attention to the good things in his life by writing them down -- and encourages his kids to do the same.
Episode 30: The Power of Expressing Your Deepest Emotions
He started Afghanistan's first post-Taliban rock band when he was 18 years old. A decade later, our Happiness Guinea Pig takes on another…
Episode 29: Who’s Got Your Back?
How do you build feelings of trust and security? Our Happiness Guinea Pig learns some truths about what it takes to feel supported.
Episode 28: Being Kinder to Yourself
When you’re helping others cope with stress and anxiety, how do you deal with your own? Psychiatrist Elizabeth Guinto tries a practice to…
Episode 27: W. Kamau Bell’s Thoughts on Awkward Relationships and Bridging Divides
Comedian W. Kamau Bell discusses the challenges of finding common ground, even with people in your own family.
Find that Inner Calm
International megastar Daniel Wu tries a practice that brings him calm amidst the chaos.
Episode 25: These Words Cause Happiness
Did you know that you have the power to spark happiness in someone else's brain with just a few simple words? College student Eva Dickerson…
Episode 24: Try This Recipe for Happiness
Our Happiness Guinea Pig, children's author Joanne Rocklin, shares her happiness practice: bringing people together to share a meal. It took…
Episode 23: Can’t Relax? This Will Help
Why does a bath or swim feel so relaxing? Our guest shares her own happiness practice—spending time in water—which science is finding can…
Episode 22: A Better Way to Say Sorry
“I'm sorry you feel that way.”
Some apologies can actually make things worse. Our Happiness Guinea Pigs, Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen…
Episode 21: How to Deal with Uncertainty
How do you respond when you feel threatened or defensive? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, writer Wajahat Ali, discovers a way to keep himself…
The Science of Happiness at Work
What would make you happier at work? Featuring several of our Happiness Guinea Pigs, we share the latest insights and research on well-being…
Episode 20: What If You Had Never Met?
Do you take your partner for granted? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, cartoonist Gene Luen Yang, imagines a life in which he never met his wife.
Episode 19: How to Stop Dwelling
Are you stuck ruminating about the past? Legendary skater Tommy Guerrero tries looking at negative events from a different perspective.
Episode 18: Listen Like It’s Your First Date
Do you find yourself looking at your phone when you're supposed to be paying attention to a friend? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, The Takeaway's…
Episode 17: Why You Shouldn’t Hate Small Talk
Many of us avoid chatting with strangers – isn't small talk tedious and dull? Listen as our happiness guinea pig discovers its surprising benefits.
Episode 16: How to Change Your Mind
Author Michael Pollan, shares his experiences on being a guinea pig for his new book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of…
Episode 14: What Are You Afraid Of?
Would you rather swim with sharks or give a speech before thousands of people? Discover how this week's happiness guinea pig tackled one of…
Episode 13: How to Forgive Your Father
Holding on to a grudge? Hear how our happiness guinea pig tried to let go of deep-seated anger and resentment.
Episode 12: Feeling Angry? Try This
For years, Dan Harris of ABC News was plagued by anxiety, depression, and streaks of anger. Here's how he learned to tame the voices in his…
Episode 11: How to Let Someone Love You
In hard times, do you seek comfort from others or turn inwards? Find out how our Happiness Guinea Pig emerged from trauma by accepting…
Episode 10: Is There Someone You Need to Thank?
Is there someone important you've never properly thanked? Hear how award-winning children's book author, Yuyi Morales, discovers the power of…
Episode 9: Can you Predict What Will Make You Happy?
Do memories of your past affect your happiness today? Susannah Cahalan was young and healthy when she was stricken with a mysterious…
Episode 8: How to Find Your Best Possible Self
Does imagining your future make you more happy—or more anxious? Our Happiness Guinea Pig looks ahead for inspiration to improve her life now.
Episode 7: How Gratitude Benefits Your Brain
Can you train your brain to be more grateful? Todd Zwillich, host of The Takeaway takes on the challenge.
Episode 6: Krista Tippett on Being Grounded in Your Body
Are you so stressed that it wears you down physically as well as mentally? Discover how award-winning radio host Krista Tippett brought…
Episode 5: Walk Outside with Inside Out’s Pete Docter
Do you dwell on the negative and let moments of joy just pass you by? Discover how the Academy Award-winning director of Inside Out got out…
Episode 4: Why Laughing Is Good for You
What should you do when you thought you had it all—but find out you've had it all wrong? Discover how this episode's Happiness Guinea Pig…
Episode 3: How to Fall in Love with Anyone
Can 36 questions help you fall in love—and stay in love? Best-selling author Kelly Corrigan tries a research-proven technique to feel…
Episode 2: Quieting Your Inner Critic
Are you too hard on yourself? Our Happiness Guinea Pig spent most of his life behind bars. Discover the research-tested practice that helped…
Episode 1: Three Good Things
Do you take the good things in life for granted? You’re not alone, and studies show it's very human. But here’s a way to find more joy…
The Science of Happiness Trailer
What does it take to live a happier life? Learn research-tested strategies from award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner, co-produced by…
Fostering Creativity in Kids
We often think of creativity as being a personality trait rather than a skill that we can foster in our children. Which is it, really? Rona…
Looking for a Preschool?
It's that time of year, when many parents are looking at preschools and try to make what is for some a very difficult decision. Rona and I…
Fighting a lot?
Most spouses fight, but many do not know how to make-up in a way that repairs the relationship. Rona gives us a crash course in regaining…
Sonja Lyubomirsky on the Myths of Happiness
A leading researcher in positive psychology explains how understanding our misconceptions about happiness can ultimately lead us to a rich…
Gratitude for Lovers
Whether or not you are a romantic person, and whether or not you like Valentine's Day, here's my favorite romantic thing to do.
How Hectic Are Your Mornings?
Rona and I are frequently asked how parents and caregivers can make morning routines go more smoothly. It's pretty common to have a lot of…
How Hectic Are Your Mornings? (Tips)
Tips for a peaceful and easy morning routine
Is Yelling the New Spanking?
Most parents yell at their kids at one time or another, but as stress and exhaustion increase over the holidays, some parents yell more. Rona…
Managing routines, sleep, and sugar intake so kids can thrive
The holidays are so fun, but many kids get really out of whack. How to manage moodiness and exhaustion at this time of year.
Raising Forgiving Kids
Is your child having a hard time forgiving a classmate for hurting his or her feelings? If you've got a grudge-holding or revenge-seeking…
Giving Thanks
A new slew of tips from Rona and I for fostering gratitude--and combating entitlement--in our children.
Working on the Weekend?
Are your weekends relaxing? Do you find time to rest and rejuvenate? If your answer was no, no, and no: you aren't alone. Many parents…
Do You Have Enough Friends?
Feel like you no longer have any time for your friends? While you certainly aren't alone--especially among parents--friendships can…
Bullies, Bystanders, and Really Kind Kids
Is your kid a bully? Even if you've taught your children right from wrong, sometimes the kids of kind and compassionate parents can still…
Dealing with “Sass Mouth”
Rona and I take another listener questions, this time from Nina, who writes: "Do you have any tips for handling 'back talk' from kids? We are…
Keeping Kids Safe—and Happy!—on Facebook
Rona and I will talk about online safety and ways to create happiness for our children in these social networks sites.
Getting Kids to Play by Themselves
This week, Rona and I take this listener question, from Anna: "I just watched your video about kids needing unstructured playtime. I have a…
Getting in Good Habits, part 2
Rona and I continue last week's discussion -- and specific instruction -- for getting into a new habit. Note: I reference (and recommend!) BJ…
Getting in Good Habits, part 1
It's one thing to know what you want to do to make your life better...and quite another to actually be able to do it. Last week Rona and I…
A Free Tool for Calmer Parenting
Mindfulness is an amazing tool for parents that both Rona and I use all the time. In this podcast, we review what mindful parenting actually…
The Art of Saying No
Do you say "yes" every time someone asks you to do something? Rona and I discuss reasons to say "no" instead, and reveal our favorite tips…
Best Back-to-School Tips
Rona and my best tips for smooth-sailing in the morning as we go back-to-school: no yelling, no nagging, and no missed buses.
How to Encourage Kids
Continuing our discussion from last week about coaching, Rona and I parse out the difference between encouragement and praise for truly…
Inspiration for Parents from Famous Coaches
This is one of my favorite podcasts! I find the wisdom of celebrity athletic coaches that we quote here to be incredibly inspiring. Thinking…
Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say
We've all done it: threatened a consequence in the face of our children's misbehavior that we don't intend to follow through on. In this…
7 Ways to Foster Creativity
Creativity is an important lifeskill that we can teach kids.
Raising Lucky Kids
Turns out that certain skills make us--and our kids--luckier.
Fostering Optimism and Confidence (Rebroadcast)
Optimists are happier, healthier, and more successful.
Happy Parent, Happy Child
Want to know what happens to our nervous systems when all we do is check things off our task lists? Rona and I talk about a major happiness…
An Ancient Practice for Modern Ailments
Research shows that mindfulness and meditation counter depression and anxiety—and the stress of our crazy busy lives. Listen to this…
How to be a More Patient Parent (2012)
Tired of kids fighting? Wishing you weren’t feeling so edgy? Wanting a little peace in a world that is CrazyBusy? Especially if you are…
How Good Are Your Habits, and How Strong is Your Willpower?
You may know what you need to do to be happy, but do you know how to do it? Rona and I discuss (and sometimes disagree) about the difference…
Are We Too Critical?
We all sometimes want others to change--especially our children. But does it work to criticize ourselves and others? Rona and I discuss the…
Does Ambition Make us Happy?
Our children are increasingly pushed to achieve, achieve, achieve. Will this make their lives successful, happy, and meaningful? Rona and I…
Does Your Child Have “Problems”?
Teachers often come to parents when their children have problems, but sometimes their framing can lead kids to believe that they can't do…
Is Happiness Selfish?
Do happy people focus on being more selfless than selfish? Rona and I discuss how self-love and self-compassion differ from selfishness, and…
Gratitude v. Entitlement
Want to know what my #1 strategy for raising happy children is? It is the conscious practice of gratitude. Learn how and why to raise kids…
Forgive and Forget?
Is the old adage "forgive and forget" still good advice? Rona and I talk about the relationship between forgiveness and happiness, and we…
Is Divorce Always Bad for Kids?
Rona and I are both divorced; we've both considered the issue deeply both personally and professionally. When is divorce better for kids than…
Parenting in a Media Age
It seems like kids many kids know much more than us adults about the technology around us--a friend of mine just discovered that her 11 year…
Are You Addicted to Your Email?
Rona and I talk about the ways that email and social media (like Facebook and Twitter) can make us feel connected as well as disconnected…
Are You Your Partner’s Equal?
What do you need out of your relationship? What are your priorities? This podcast is about creating harmony in our relationships--without…
Do You Have Family Meetings?
If you've never had a family meeting, listen to this podcast! Rona and I talk about the ins and outs of having successful family meetings:…
Is Happiness the Right Goal?
I was recently challenged on the Laura Ingraham Show with the question of whether or not it is good for our society, or even for our children…
Can A Single Parent Raise Happy Kids?
Rona and I talk about our experiences being single parents: the difficulty, the guilt, and yes, the silver lining.
How Clean Is Your House?
Ways to think about housekeeping when you have kids in the house--so that it doesn't drive you nuts, make you feel guilty, or consume too much time.
Kristin Neff on the Power of Self-Compassion
The pioneering researcher and author of Self-Compassion explains why it's OK to accept your faults and be kind to yourself.
Does Your Teen Like Her Body?
Although there are lots of powerful, and often pernicious, forces at work in influencing our how our kids feel about food and their bodies,…
Is Your Spouse Right for You?
Rona and I discuss the hard work of BEING the right partner, rather than always trying to FIND the right partner.
Feeling Unhappy in Your Marriage?
Our expectations color our perceptions of everything, as well as how we feel. Is your spouse crumbling under the pressure of your high expectations?
How to Respond to Kids’ Tantrums
What to do, say, and expect when you have a tantruming child. More info about tantrums can be found here or here. Dr. Tina Payne Bryson has…
HOW to Be Involved in Occupy
Parents today are busier than ever--which makes it hard to get involved in national movements like Occupy. Here are three ways to make a difference.
WHY to Be Involved in the Occupy Wall St. Movement
Why your involvement matters for your children's happiness--even if you feel the problems are overwhelming. In this podcast, I reference…
Dieting and Shame
We want the best for our children, and sometimes we want them to lose weight. Helping kids get healthy--without creating feelings of shame…
Why Not to Diet
Rona and I discuss the reasons diets often don't work -- and how they can make us unhappy.
Tips for Keeping New Year’s Resolutions
The science of change can help us be more successful in keeping our resolutions. Rona and I give tips for starting new habits over the…
Making New Year’s Resolutions?
What would you like to change in the New Year? What would your kids like to change? Making New Year's resolutions can be a fun--and…
5 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Relatives Over the Holidays
Think you have to put up with your mean mother or drunk uncle again at your big holiday meal this year? Think again. Rona and I discuss five…
Wishing it Was Over Already?
Rona and I talk about ways to manage the stress that sometimes comes during the holiday season--and that affects both our parenting and our happiness.
Holiday Traditions that Foster Happiness
Rona and I discuss why some holiday traditions can fuel our children's happiness, and give several suggestions for fun, joy-inducing holiday rituals.
Kids Got the Gimmies?
As the holiday marketing machine ramps up and the lists for Santa start to lengthen, Rona and I pause to reflect on what research shows…
Our Favorite Gratitude Practices
Happy Thanksgiving! While you peel potatoes or drive to grandma's house, listen to this podcast about our favorite gratitude practices--for…
Why Gratitude Works
Rona and I talk about the science of gratitude, and why consciously practicing gratitude can boost our happiness so much.
Occupy: Should the Kids be Involved?
This week Rona and I discuss how and why to talk to kids about the Occupy Wall Street movement, and why giving them a broader understanding…
Happiness is Contagious
Want to contribute to the greater good of society? Rona and I talk about why starting with yourself is a solid strategy for increasing other…
One Tip for Kids’ School Success
Are economists right: Is genetics the most powerful influence on kids' academic success? Rona and I talk about a frequently overlooked alternative.
Was That Me Yelling?!?
I've decided 10,000 times never ever to yell at my children again. Rona gives me tips for getting my kids' attention without yelling.
Don’t Freak Out!
Why it is so important for us parents to have healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety, as well as Rona and my tips for…
Kids Under Pressure
Mindfulness and stress management tips for helping stressed out kids from Rona and my own experience and also from Michelle Baily's book…
To sign up—or not to sign up?
Rona and I discuss the "decision tree" I use for deciding whether or not to sign my kids up for another activity. Here are a few questions…
Why We Overschedule our Children
Rona and I discuss the reasons that we parents are often tempted to let our kids do more after-school activities than we ever dreamed…
The Importance of Building Social Connections
Although we live in a social world that is increasingly sparse--families tend to feel more isolated than they have in previous…
Nervous? How We Can Help Kids Transition Back to School
Kids aren't always as excited about going back to school as we parents can be. Rona and Christine discuss ways to help ease kids' nerves.…
School Success Prep: Growth Mindset Praise
As we make our "Back to School" preparations, sometimes the thing we most need to refresh ourselves on is how to talk to kids about…
Getting Back into School Routines
Rona and Christine talk about ways to start easing kids back into their school routines to make for a happier week of school. Part 1 of a 3…
Paul Bloom on Sex, George Clooney, and Other Pleasures
The author of How Pleasure Works explains why we do good and how to find true happiness.
Talking About Summercamp
Rona and Christine chat about the ups and downs of sending kids away to camp over the summer.
Dealing with Kids’ Misbehavior
All children do things that make us angry and embarrassed sometimes! This podcast address WHY they might be misbehaving. Rona guides us…
Grandparents: How and Why They Can Help
Grandparents can be a mixed-blessing: are your children's doting but far away? Loving but judgemental? Rona and I discuss ways for…
Finding Happiness in Intimacy
How do you bring up problems in your relationship with your partner? Rona and I give our tips for keeping your romantic relationship healthy…
Strategies for Feeling Good After You’ve Felt Bad
Rona and I continue the conversation from last week about difficult emotions, but this week is focused on recovery. Part 2 of a 2 part series.
Helping Kids Cope with Uncomfortable Emotions
As the popular post "Comfortable with Discomfort" makes clear, difficult circumstances and emotions are part of living a happy life. Here's…
Do Your Kids Have “Nature Deficit Disorder?”
This week my children are off at a very outdoorsy sleepaway camp -- I'm excited for them to be outside nearly constantly for two weeks! One…
What I Wish I’d Known About How to be Happy
Christine and Rona talk about Christine's commencement speech at UC Berkeley, which was about the three things she wished she'd known about…
Talking About Kids’ Stress
Many kids are anxious, depressed, and stressed. They are self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, and they are cutting themselves. Let's…
Choosing Childcare: What to consider
Finding good daycare can be stressful and confusing. Find out what the research says.
Teaching Kids to Fight Nice, Part 2
Do your kids fight? Learn how to help them resolve their conflicts positively. Part 2.
Teaching Kids to Fight Nice, Part 1
Do your kids fight? Learn how to help them resolve their conflicts positively. Part 1 of a 2 part series.
When Parents Care a Little Too Much
Helicopter parents beware: being too involved in your children's lives can do more harm than good
Fostering Optimism and Confidence
Optimists are happier, healthier, and more successful.
The Joy—and Science!—of Making Music
How music can help your children become more happy.
Getting Homework Done
Avoiding powerstruggles and tears during homework time.
Helping Kids Understand International Crisis
How to help your kids feel compassion rather than panic
Srikumar Rao on Happiness at Work
The "happiness guru" of the business world discusses his ideas for finding joy and meaning in your job.
Friend or Foe? Helping Siblings Get Along
Tips for introducing a new baby to a sibling and for fostering strong sibling relationships.
Talking to Strangers, and Other things that Bring Good Luck
More tips for ways to make your children luckier
Raising Lucky Kids
Turns out that certain skills make us--and our kids--luckier.
Unrealistic Expectations: Not a Happiness Habit
Do we expect too much from ourselves and our kids?
7 Ways to Foster Creativity
Creativity is an important lifeskill that we can teach kids.
The Art of the Fight
All couples disagree -- here's how to do it well.
Why Fighting Hurts Kids
When parents fight--which we all do--we can damage our children
The Power of Romance
Tips for improving your relationship--and your parenting!
The Art of Setting Limits
How to be a warm and loving parent while still raising disciplined children
Pushover vs. Dictator—Which is Better?
Did you know that one parenting style is better than the rest?
Physical Activity Makes Kids Smart—and Happy
Why exercise makes kids good at math.
Making Sleep a Priority
Did you know how much children sleep affects how smart, creative, attentive, and happy they are -- as well as how much they weigh?
Keeping Those New Year’s Resolutions
It is one thing to know what you want to change in the New Year, but quite another to know HOW to do it
Making Changes in the New Year
Are there big things about your kids that you'd like to change? Start by changing your kids' environment and their behavior will follow.
Why Parents are Unhappy
What makes us unhappy as parents, and tips for greater happiness.
Holiday Traditions that Raise Happiness
Stressors increase during the holidays, but some holiday traditions make us happier than others.
How to Yell Less During the Holidays
The holiday season can be stressful--and that means many of us yell at our kids more often. Tips for yelling less.
Fostering Gratitude 365 Days a Year
How to make gratitude--rather than entitlement--a HABIT
Parenting a Spirited Child
Rona Renner, temperament specialist, talks some more about understanding our children's dispositions.
Does Your Parenting Match Your Child?
How our children's different temperaments influence our parenting
Jane Brody on What Makes a Good Death
The award-winning New York Times columnist offers lessons for navigating the practical and emotional challenges of end-of-life, based on…
Happy Parent, Happy Child (2010)
Why it isn't selfish to take care of yourself FIRST
An Ancient Practice for Modern Ailments (2010)
Do you feel stressed out and overly busy? Learn a simple "loving-kindness" meditation to do with your kids.
Pressured to Succeed (repost)
We can teach our kids to be engaged learners -- or we can make them hungry for achievement at all costs.
Finding “Flow”
Learn 2 key factors for fostering this particular form of happiness
Jonathan Haidt on Politics and Emotion
As the political season heats up, Professor Haidt explains how our emotions influence our moral and political views, why liberals and…
How to be a More Patient Parent (2010)
Losing your mind? Stop judging yourself and come back to your breath and your body.
Rick Hanson on the Neuroscience of Happiness
The best-selling author and psychologist discusses how we can literally re-wire our brains to cultivate positive emotions, inner peace, and…
Why Play is Important for Self-Discipline
Play is an important skill that kids need for both happiness and, surprisingly, self-discipline.
Welcome to the Happiness Matters Podcast!
Why happiness--in ourselves and our children--is a worthy and attainable goal.
Stephen Batchelor on Buddhism and Science
The best-selling Buddhist author discusses the interplay between Buddhism and science, and the need to “re-think Buddhism from the ground up."
Dacher Keltner on the Science of a Meaningful Life
The Greater Good Science Center's faculty director discusses "the science of a meaningful life": how to raise compassionate kids, reduce…
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Climate, Hope & Science: The Science of Happiness podcast
Ice caps are melting, forests are burning, and people are suffering. How could we possibly feel hopeful?
In a new series by The Science of…
Happiness Break
On our new series, Happiness Break, psychologist Dacher Keltner and guests guide you through research-based practices to develop more…
The Science of Happiness
What does it take to live a happier life? Learn research-tested strategies that you can put into practice today. Hosted by award-winning…
Happiness Matters Podcast
Dr. Christine Carter and Nurse Rona Renner give parents tips for raising happy children and leading more joyful lives.
The Greater Good Podcast
Leading researchers and thinkers explore the roots of compassion, happiness, morality, and more. Provocative, enlightening, and inspiring.