We talk about a specific, easy way to reduce the unworn clothes in your closet, and we also share a listener’s clothes-related hack for keeping track of lost items. We explore an interesting distinction: are you a nostalgic person or an expectant person? Resources & links related to this episode: Take the "Four Tendencies" quiz Check out my book Outer Order, Inner Calm Check out the I Want You To Know journal for a Mother's Day Gift Elizabeth: Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg ( Ama...
Apr 22, 2026•34 min•Ep. 583
An ancient teaching story from the Sufi tradition is a good illustration of the fact that sometimes, it’s a good idea to examine a situation closely—and sometimes it’s a good idea to look away. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Ap...
Apr 20, 2026•3 min
I talk with professional organizer Cassandra Aarssen, creator of the viral Clutterbug “Organizing Styles” (Bee, Butterfly, Ladybug, Cricket). In her work, she sees the same problem over and over: people can get organized, but they can’t keep it that way. We explore why—and how the Four Tendencies can help. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find th...
Apr 19, 2026•46 min
At the World Happiness Summit meeting at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, we talk to author Jennifer Wallace about her new book, “Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.” Resources & links related to this episode: Mattering by Jennifer Wallace World Happiness Summit Take the Four Tendencies Quiz here Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, a...
Apr 18, 2026•29 min
We discuss the seven deadly sins of disconnection—the habits that push others away. We also share an easy hack for making an environment more appealing, and answer a listener's question about reality TV. Resources & links related to this episode: Try my new "Happiness Helpline" on gretchenrubin.com by clicking the icon in the bottom right-hand corner, or find it in the Happier app. Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections by Anna Goldfarb ( Amazon , Bookshop ) Dimmer swi...
Apr 15, 2026•35 min•Ep. 582
By reading a novel, I learned to appreciate a celebrated piece of music. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Apr 13, 2026•11 min
The One-Minute Rule is one of the most popular organization hacks ideas we've ever shared—and if you've used it, you know why. But over the years it's inspired a few other additional rules that are just as useful, including one that kept Elizabeth's closet floor clean for the first time in years. In this episode we bring them all together. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling bo...
Apr 11, 2026•27 min
We talk about why it’s a good idea to avoid self-diagnosis. We also suggest an easy hack for people prone to worry, and share our progress on “Design Your Year” aims now that we’ve reached Day 100 of the year. Resources & links related to this episode: Visit the Design Your Year hub 26 for 2026 list Choose your One Word Theme Join the Move 26 Challenge Take the Four Tendencies Quiz Check out my book Forty Ways to Look at JFK here Elizabeth: The Client by John Grisham ( Amazon , Bookshop ) Gr...
Apr 08, 2026•34 min•Ep. 581
I am the laboratory, I am the notebook, and I am the museum. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Apr 06, 2026•6 min
We discuss the Real Housewives and their lessons in time, hope, and perseverance. Plus we explore a new trend sweeping the world of Hollywood, and a hack for spring cleaning. Resources & links related to this episode: Join My Color Pilgrimage on Substack Check out the Declutter Scavenger Hunt I created with Clutterbug Mating by Norman Rush ( Amazon , Bookshop ) Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from Th...
Apr 04, 2026•31 min
In this Ask Us Anything episode, we tackle everything from sibling competition to book clubs to our family custom of not saying “I love you.” Resources & links related to this episode: How a book club can make you happier Want to break that good habit, just this once? How to avoid backsliding Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcri...
Apr 01, 2026•36 min•Ep. 580
As an eight-year-old, my daughter Eleanor made a remark that is a reassuring reminder for many challenges we face. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn mo...
Mar 30, 2026•4 min
Conflict with a sweetheart or a child can be hard to resolve. In this Revisited episode, we share some of our most useful conversations for using the Four Tendencies to stop the same fights from happening again. Resources & links related to this episode: Take the Four Tendencies Quiz here Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript f...
Mar 28, 2026•36 min
We talk about why proposing an anchor date makes it easier to set plans with friends. We also include answers from Questioners about why they don’t like to answer questions—and how to get them to answer questions. Plus helpful ideas for grappling with grief. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the March 7th episode of More Happier Take the Four Tendencies quiz Check out these organization tools in The Happiness Project Shop Elizabeth is reading: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel ( ...
Mar 25, 2026•34 min•Ep. 579
Listening to Lady Gaga sing the theme song of iconic children’s TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” made me pay attention to the song’s familiar words. I get choked up every time I hear them. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Ap...
Mar 23, 2026•4 min
We discuss whether we might be expecting too much these days from the workplace, from marriage, from schools, from family. We also talk about the challenge of tackling a big project—and actually getting it done. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the Since You Asked podcast here Listen to my new Audible original, Get It Done: How to Complete Your Dream Project Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books,...
Mar 21, 2026•31 min
We talk about why proposing a toast can boost our happiness and discuss many do’s and don’ts for making a good toast. We also discuss some funny research about the “diversification bias” that might help you choose better snacks, and the common challenge of plugging in necessary accountability. Resources & links related to this episode: Funny TikTok related to the "Four Tendencies" Download my free Getting Specific How-To Guide Check out the new Bingo Book and Don't Break the Chain Habit Trac...
Mar 18, 2026•35 min•Ep. 578
When Queen Elizabeth II encountered some friendly but clueless American tourists, she revealed her prankish sense of humor. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 16, 2026•4 min
Why is it so hard to keep an exercise habit, even when we want to? We discuss what the Four Tendencies reveals about finding the approach that works for you—and the single strategy that almost anyone can use to make exercise stick. Spoiler: it's not motivation. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find t...
Mar 14, 2026•32 min
We talk about the value of self-knowledge and explore some of our favorite online personality quizzes and assessments. We also share listeners’ suggestions for staying warm, and tackle an Upholder’s question about why her Tendency isn’t helping her stop doomscrolling. Resources & links related to this episode: Read about the Four Tendencies personality framework and take the quiz Check out the Know Yourself Better journal collection Join me on My Color Pilgrimage on Substack Elizabeth is rea...
Mar 11, 2026•34 min•Ep. 577
Is there anything special about human beings? A long list of characteristics—some obvious, some surprising—sets humans apart from other creatures. (Who knew that having a chin was so unusual?) Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the App...
Mar 09, 2026•4 min
As part of the Move 26 in ’26 Challenge, we’re sharing a bonus episode designed to pair with your 26 minutes of daily movement. In this episode, I talk with writer Ben Markovits about his acclaimed new novel, “The Rest of Our Lives” (available at bit.ly/4lbfDTq ). The novel follows the journey and reflections of a father who is driving his daughter to college—and then keeps going. Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Act...
Mar 08, 2026•43 min
We discuss the fact that when we extend ourselves—when we put ourselves out into the world—we can expect sometimes to feel awkward, remorseful, or frustrated. We also talk about some funny mix-ups that passed unnoticed for years. Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Activations app at activations.com/happier . These guided audios are designed to help you feel motivated, confident, and in charge of your life. Resources &a...
Mar 07, 2026•32 min
We reflect on No-Spend February—what we didn’t buy, what we did buy, and what we learned. We also share a hack for successfully mixing friendship and business, and talk about how to spot a sneaky social-media practice that can distort our perception of the world. Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Activations app at activations.com/happier . These guided audios are designed to help you feel motivated, confident, and in...
Mar 04, 2026•31 min•Ep. 576
Seeing my beloved father as a patient in the hospital reminded me of looking at class photos of young children. Among a sea of faces, it’s my love that makes one face stand out from the anonymous crowd. Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Activations app at activations.com/happier . These guided audios are designed to help you feel motivated, confident, and in charge of your life. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com...
Mar 02, 2026•3 min
Some people have no trouble meeting expectations for others but struggle to follow through on what they want for themselves. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. We revisit the Four Tendencies to explore the three biggest challenges Obligers face—shame, exploitation, and rebellion—and what actually helps. Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Activations app at activations.com/happier . These guided audios ar...
Feb 28, 2026•42 min
Struggling to make progress on a habit? This episode offers a different approach—get a 14-day free trial of Activations (plus a big discount) at activations.com/happier . Determination Day, February 28, is a useful time to take stock of your progress (or lack of it) on any change you’re trying to make. In this bonus episode, we talk with Mimi Bouchard, creator of the Activations app, about a practical, science-backed way to adjust your approach when progress feels harder than expected. Get in to...
Feb 27, 2026•38 min
In honor of our “Steel” anniversary, we share some of our favorite suggestions, insights, hacks, and highlights from the previous year. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to my Audible Original Get It Done Very Special Episode 540 on Whimsy Design Your Summer Simon Haisell's Footnotes and Tangents newsletter Understanding Obliger-Rebellion How to Question a Questioner Solving Rebel Resistance to Something Desirable Electric throw blanket Accountability Hacks Parenting Hacks Ou...
Feb 25, 2026•36 min•Ep. 575
I learned something surprising in law school: To a great extent, we can’t be forced to follow the law; we must decide to follow the law. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...
Feb 23, 2026•7 min
For many people, money is a source of anxiety and guilt. In this Roundtable conversation, we explore why the subject of money is so challenging, and also the small, realistic changes that can make money management feel easier. Resources & links related to this episode: Mrs. Dow Jones Reema Khrais Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the tran...
Feb 21, 2026•35 min
