Happier with Gretchen Rubin - podcast cover

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Projectwww.gretchenrubin.com
Gretchen Rubin is HAPPIER, and she wants you to be happier too. The #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before gets more personal than ever as she brings her practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this lively, thought-provoking podcast. Gretchen’s cohost and guinea pig is her younger sister, Elizabeth Craft, a TV writer and producer living in Los Angeles, who (lovingly) refers to Gretchen as her happiness bully.  Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Last refreshed:
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Ep. 267: Write a Letter of Congratulations to Your Future-Self, Solutions to School Spirit T-Shirt Overload, and Why I Should Check My Calendar

NOTE: These episodes were recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it’s jarring to hear us ignore it—and that’s why. We discuss why writing a letter of congratulations to your future-self can help you stick to your good habits, do a deep-dive into the problem of T-shirt overload, and ask, “Would you rather have one very nice item, or many less expensive versions of that item?” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com ...

Apr 01, 202033 minEp. 267

Little Happier: An Episode from the Life of Dr. Johnson Reminds Me to Do a Better Job of Staying Calm.

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it may be jarring to hear me ignore it—and that’s why. I was deeply moved by composure shown by Dr. Johnson in such a terrifying moment. I get tremendously rattled when I can’t find my phone right away! This example reminds me of how I can face life with more equanimity. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin &a...

Mar 30, 20204 min

Ep. 266: Beware the Myths of Spring Cleaning, Rusty O’Kelley Explains How to Ace a Job Interview, and a Reminder about REAL ID .

NOTE: These episodes were recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it’s jarring to hear us ignore it—and that’s why. How to do spring cleaning more effectively, a reminder about REAL ID, and a conversation with Rusty O’Kelly about dealing with the common happiness stumbling block of interviewing for a job. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcas...

Mar 25, 202040 minEp. 266

Little Happier: A Dog’s Pleasure Can Remind Us All of the Joy of the Snow.

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it may be jarring to hear me ignore it—and that’s why. What a wonderful phrase! The joy of the snow. It’s not always easy to feel the joy of the snow. Sometimes we’re able to see it better, when we can glimpse it through other people’s joyful eyes. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the p...

Mar 23, 20203 min

Ep. 265: Give a Sensorium Gift, a Deep Dive into Suggestions to #Walk20in20, and a Conversation Hack

NOTE: These episodes were recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it’s jarring to hear us ignore it—and that’s why. Why you should give a “Sensorium Gift” and how to create one, a deep dive into listeners’ suggestions for walking 20 minutes every day in 2020, and a conversation hack. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email ...

Mar 18, 202040 minEp. 265

Little Happier: The Joy of Listening to Music—Even for Someone Like Me.

I’m thrilled that the copyright laws mean that now I’m able to play this beautiful song—George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”—for listeners. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-...

Mar 16, 20206 min

Bonus: Coping During COVID-19: How to Stay Happier and Calmer in Difficult Times

In this time of COVID-19, we’re all feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and uncertainty. To stay calmer and happier, we discuss why you might keep some kind of journal during this period, and why you might create a three-tiered plan for projects – or, alternatively, write a “19 for COVID-19” list. We also explore two happiness stumbling blocks: uncertainty and exercise. Let’s keep our hands clean and our minds clear. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in to...

Mar 15, 202034 min

Ep. 264: Keep a Stress Diary, Stop Rinsing Dirty Dishes, and Jordan Harbinger Explains How to Network Better

Why you might keep a stress diary, why you can stop rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, and podcaster Jordan Harbinger explains how to network better. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Get the r...

Mar 11, 202038 minEp. 264

Little Happier: Why We Should Be Polite to the Person Sitting Next to Us on the Airplane.

A story about Dick Bass and Neil Armstrong was a great illustration of an aphorism I wrote recently: Modestly and good manners can save us from a lot of embarrassment. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a vo...

Mar 09, 20203 min

Ep. 263: What’s Your “Guiding Question,” a Twist on “20 for 20,” and Bestselling Author Dan Heath Talks about a Better Way to Solve Problems.

Ask yourself, “What’s my guiding question?” an interesting twist on a “20 for 20” list, and we talk to bestselling author about his new book “Upstream.” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Get the resources and all...

Mar 04, 202043 minEp. 263

Little Happier: “I Remember Feeling the Warm Relief of Knowing What My Future Was.”

This story from the life of the brilliant ad executive Mary Wells Lawrence is a great example of the fact that to discover the work that’s right for us, and to be able to pursue it, is one of the greatest sources of happiness that life can offer. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new b...

Mar 02, 20203 min

BONUS Episode: To Celebrate Our Fifth Anniversary, A Blast from the Past! Listen to Our Very First Episode.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the “Happier” podcast, we’re presenting our very first episode, along with some commentary from us about everything that’s happened and what we’ve learned since that episode aired. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM ...

Feb 28, 202029 min

Ep. 262: Fifth Anniversary Extravaganza! Our Favorite Moments from the Past Five Years

To celebrate Happier’s fifth anniversary, we look back on some of our favorite try-this-at-homes, big milestones, and funniest moments. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Get the resources and all links related to...

Feb 26, 202037 minEp. 262

Little Happier: How Did This Stockbroker Make So Many Accurate Predictions?

Learning about a clever and successful financial scam reminded me of how hard it is to know what I don’t know. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about ad...

Feb 24, 20203 min

Ep. 261: Improve Your Posture, a New Way to Celebrate Birthdays, and Tackling T-Shirt Troubles

I explain the back exercises we do to improve posture, a listener suggests a great way for an introvert to celebrate a milestone birthday, and we discuss the question, “Do you relax better at home or away?” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http:/...

Feb 19, 202032 minEp. 261

Little Happier: What’s Inconvenient for You Might Be Convenient for Me

A friend’s remark reminded me that even when we’re coming together, we’re all coming from different places. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to hap...

Feb 17, 20203 min

Ep. 260: In Honor of Valentine’s Day, Listeners Give Their Best Relationship Advice

For our Very Special Episode, we asked listeners for their best advice about strengthening relationships, and we talked to Lori Gottlieb, author of the bestseller “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outeror...

Feb 12, 202044 minEp. 260

Little Happier: Why Pickpockets Benefit from Signs that Warn “Beware of Pickpockets.”

Beware of unintended consequences! Pickpockets use “Beware of Pickpockets” signs to pickpocket more effectively. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go t...

Feb 10, 20202 min

Ep. 259: Happier Podcast Book Club: Adrienne Brodeur Talks About “Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me”

For the Happier Podcast Book Club, we talk to Adrienne Brodeur about her page-turning memoir, “Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me.” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Get the resources and all links related t...

Feb 05, 202044 minEp. 259

Little Happier: Teacher Anne Sullivan Writes About Hellen Keller’s Moment of Profound Realization

In her 1887 letter, teacher Anne Sullivan recounts the moment when Helen Keller understood the secret of language. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go...

Feb 03, 20204 min

Ep. 258: Try the “Pair & Share” Approach and a Conversation with “Yoga Girl” Rachel Brathen

Try the “Pair & Share” approach to have more fun while getting some exercise, a quick hack for making it easier to do unpleasant tasks, and an interview with “Yoga Girl” Rachel Brathen about happiness. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://...

Jan 29, 202042 minEp. 258

Little Happier: Helen Keller Tells the Story of the Moment Her Life Changed.

Hellen Keller recounts the story of the extraordinary moment when she learned the meaning of “w-a-t-e-r.” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to happi...

Jan 27, 20207 min

Ep. 257: Don’t Try to “Mind-Read,” and Talking about the Joy of Movement with Kelly McGonigal

Why we shouldn’t try to “mind-read,” a reading hack to strengthen habits, and a conversation about “The Joy of Movement” with Kelly McGonigal. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Interested in my video course, The Happiness Project Experience? Early bird discount pricing ends on December 19. Register here. Order a...

Jan 22, 202036 minEp. 257

Little Happier: The Fable “The Scorpion and the Frog” Warns Us to Stay Wary of the Dangerous Ones

The fable “The Scorpion and the Frog” reminds us not to trust a scorpion. No matter what argument it makes or what the situation is, in the end, it’s still a scorpion. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 ...

Jan 20, 20203 min

Ep. 256: Use Up What You Have, and a Conversation about Stillness with Ryan Holiday

Why we should use up what we have, how to find the most efficient route, and a conversation with bestselling author Ryan Holiday about “Stillness is the Key.” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Interested in my video course, The Happiness Project Experience? Registration ends on January 20. Register here Order a ...

Jan 15, 202032 minEp. 256

Little Happier: From Writer James Agee: Could He Learn to Be the Kind of Person He’d Always Detested?

When his doctor told him that needed to quit drinking and smoking, James Agee wondered whether he could become the kind of person he’d always detested. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information ...

Jan 13, 20204 min

Ep. 255: We Reveal Our “20 for 2020” Lists as well as a Color-Related Hack, and Give a Happiness-Bully Demerit

We reveal our “20 for 2020” lists and discuss some great ideas from listeners, discuss a color-related hack to make it easier to find lost objects, and talk about some advice from our mother--about not giving advice. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Interested in my video course, The Happiness Project Experienc...

Jan 08, 202042 minEp. 255

Little Happier: The Right Thing to Say When Someone Says, “Whom Do You Love More?”

One of my favorite parenting books, Faber and Mazlish’s “Siblings Without Rivalry,” explains the right thing to say to a child (or anyone) who asks, “Whom do you love more?” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277...

Jan 06, 20203 min

Ep. 254: Choose a One-Word Theme for the Year, and a Tough Question about Neighbors

Why you might pick a one-word theme for the year; an idea for fun (but easy) date nights; and a tough dilemma involving a daily walk and neighbors who want to come along. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Interested in my video course, The Happiness Project Experience? Early bird discount pricing ends on Decembe...

Jan 01, 202038 minEp. 254

Little Happier: A Mystery: In Order to Find Something Precious, We Must Possess It Already.

In different ways, many people have expressed the very powerful and mysterious idea: In order to find something, we must possess it. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers a...

Dec 30, 20193 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android