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

Little Happier: The Things That Go Wrong Often Make the Best Memories—Like My Daughter’s Tough Train Trip

A visit to the train station reminded me of a morning, years ago, when my daughter Eliza had a tough time boarding the train. It wasn’t much fun at the time, but looking back, it’s a happy memory. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and p...

Dec 05, 20224 min

Happier - Ep. 406: Why We Might Upgrade the Makeshift, Gift Ideas for Teachers, and a Great Way to Use Photographs

We talk about why we might upgrade the makeshift—that is, address with any temporary situations that have become permanent. We also share listeners’suggestions for gifts for teachers and school staff, as well as a great photo-related gift that deepens relationships. 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 Get the reso...

Nov 30, 202229 minEp. 406

Little Happier: How Do We Stay Open to Constructive Criticism, Yet Also Committed to Our Creative Vision?

A passage from poet Stephen Spender’s autobiography is an example of a familiar tension: How do we stay open to constructive criticism and direction, yet also hold fast to our own creative vision? 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and p...

Nov 28, 20223 min

More Happier - Hosting a Holiday, Reducing Food Waste, Embracing Audiobooks, and Tech That Actually Helps

We talk about technology; it can help a person who lacks a sense of direction and also help to reduce food waste. We also discuss how we can elevate an event by giving it an official name. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo cod...

Nov 26, 202228 minEp. 24

Happier - Ep. 405: Kevin Hart! Plus Ways to Enhance Holiday Decorating and How to Save Someone’s Life (or Your Own)

Hollywood legend Kevin Hart shares his insights and stories about how to deal with the “monsters” that lurk inside each of us. We also share listeners’ imaginative ideas for better holiday decorating, and we review the steps for helping to save someone—or ourselves—from choking. 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...

Nov 23, 202239 minEp. 405

Little Happier: Sometimes, When We’re the Most Thankful, We Find It Hardest to Express Gratitude.

In Elizabeth Strout’s novel “Oh, William!” a character recalls the loving help she was given, and how she never forgot it. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to happiercast.com/sponsors Want to be happier in 2022? Ord...

Nov 21, 20224 min

Happier - Ep. 404: Holiday Gift Guide, Save Time in a Long Line, and Temple Grandin Talks About “Visual Thinking”

We offer many suggestions for holiday gifts, of all kinds: substantial gifts, stock- stuffers, experiences-as-gifts, and handmade. We also share a hack for helping a long line to move more quickly, and we talk to scientist and writer Temple Grandin about her new book, “Visual Thinking.” 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/#ne...

Nov 16, 202245 minEp. 404

Little Happier: A Strategy That Works with Children Often Works with Adults, and Vice Versa

Reflecting back on the ritual of dismissal from my daughter’s day camp, I’m reminded of the importance of moments of transitions—for children and for adults. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to happiercast.com/spons...

Nov 14, 20223 min

More Happier - The Secret of a Successful “Summer of Health,” Hacks for Easier Holiday Prep, and How to Read More

We talk about why Elizabeth managed to make so much progress on her “Summer of Health” and a new hack for getting more reading done—plus we discuss a way to make the holidays easier and more fun. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and pr...

Nov 12, 202223 minEp. 23

Happier - Ep. 403: Save Someone’s Life, Preserve Friendships, Try Packing Cubes, and Does It Matter If You’re Late?

We talk about the question, “Have you ever saved someone’s life?” and ways that we might save a life. We also discuss readers’ suggestions about ways to use packing cubes, time capsules, and how to encourage a student to show up to school on time. 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 Get the resources and all links...

Nov 09, 202235 minEp. 403

Little Happier: It’s Okay that My Husband Doesn’t Read My Writing

When a friend told me that she felt hurt that her husband didn’t want to read the draft of her memoir, I was reminded of a line from ancient philosophy. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to happiercast.com/sponsors W...

Nov 07, 20224 min

Happier - Ep. 402: Why We Might Buy Ourselves Flowers, How to Find an Extra Hour, and Writing a Personal Manifesto

Inspired by listeners, we discuss the suggestion to buy ourselves flowers. We also discuss an easy way to carve out an extra hour each day and talk about why writing a manifesto is a great creative tool for making our lives happier. 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 Get the resources and all links related to thi...

Nov 02, 202235 minEp. 402

Little Happier: Why I Don’t Have to Outrun the Bear

The old story about “The Bear and the Two Hikers” is funny, and it also conveys a helpful truth: Sometimes, to succeed, we don’t have to be perfect, we just need to do a little better than someone else. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers...

Oct 31, 20223 min

More Happier: Family Tradition, Using a Shared Enthusiasm to Make Friends, and the Fun of Helping

We talk about the satisfaction of creating an easy and fun family tradition, and why it’s so satisfying to use your strengths to help someone else. We also talk about why sharing an enthusiasm is a great way to cultivate a friendship. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 F...

Oct 29, 202227 minEp. 22

Happier - Ep. 401: Create a Time Capsule, Give Crackers to Your Guests, and How to Help a Rebel Arrive on Time

We talk about why you might create a time capsule as a way to hold on to memories. We also discuss an easy way to make a party more fun, and consider a listener’s question about how to help a Rebel student arrive on time. 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 Get the resources and all links related to this episode h...

Oct 26, 202234 minEp. 401

Little Happier: From Two Centuries Ago, 19 Tips for Happiness

In 1820, English writer and cleric Sydney Smith wrote a letter to an unhappy friend with suggestions for how to cheer up. Most of the 19 items on his list would still work today. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to ...

Oct 24, 20224 min

Happier - Ep. 400: 400 Episodes! Listeners Share the Podcast Ideas That Have Done the Most to Make Them Happier

To celebrate our 400 th episode, we share listeners’ answers to the question, “From the previous 400 episodes, what favorite ideas or hacks have helped you to become happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative?” 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 Get the resources and all links related to this episode ...

Oct 19, 202229 minEp. 400

Little Happier: One Strategy to Take the Sting Out of Painful Words

Laughing about the fact that something I wrote was “boring and confusing” helped me stay open to criticism. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to happiercast.com/sponsors Want to be happier in 2022? Order Gretchen Rub...

Oct 17, 20224 min

More Happier - Dealing with Doctors’ Appointments, Easy Travel Hacks, and Why We Might Put Someone on Mute

We talk about the satisfaction of dealing with doctors’ appointment, share some great travel hacks, and explore how the terminology of devices has seeped into everyday conversation. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go ...

Oct 15, 202224 minEp. 21

Happier - Ep. 399: Give a Holiday Gift to Your Future-Self, an Easy Photo Hack, and How to Keep Healthy Boundaries

We talk about how we can give a gift to our future-selves by starting to prepare for the holidays early. We also share a listener’s hack about getting great photos, and we talk to Whole30’s Melissa Urban about practical strategies for establishing healthy boundaries. 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 Get the res...

Oct 12, 202235 minEp. 399

Little Happier: “If You’re Going to Say That, You’d Better Be Holding My Hand.”

The touch of another person can be powerful. In Kate Bowler’s thought-provoking memoir, “Everything Happens for a Reason,” she tells a doctor that if he’s going to deliver bad news, he needs to be holding her hand. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about...

Oct 10, 20224 min

Happier - Ep. 398: Rest Your Senses, Give People Time to Themselves, and Find Tranquility by Tuesday

We talk about how and why we might rest our senses, discuss an easy hack for making family vacation time more pleasant, and talk to author Laura Vanderkam about concrete strategies for getting more done—including getting more fun. 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 Get the resources and all links related to this ...

Oct 05, 202236 minEp. 398

Little Happier: Paul McCartney Is Now a Fan of the Beatles

Paul McCartney describes himself as a “Beatles fan.” Perhaps, after so many years, he’s experiencing the band from the outside as well as from the inside. It’s interesting to consider that perhaps we, as devoted fans, experience some piece of art as deeply, in our own way, as the artist who created it. 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://gretc...

Oct 03, 20225 min

More Happier - Happier in Hometown Kansas City, Friday Flowers, and Do You Want to Wear Shoes?

We talk about the happiness of spending the weekend with our parents in our hometown of Kansas City, reminisce about “Flower Fridays,” and discuss the question whether we want to wear shoes. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo c...

Oct 01, 202226 minEp. 20

Happier - Ep. 397: Stop “Phubbing” People, Plus Hacks to Get Organized, Clear Clutter, and Take Medications

We talk about why we should stop “phubbing” (phone snubbing) people during conversations. We also share suggestions from listeners about simple ways to get more organized, clear clutter, and take medication consistently. 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 Get the resources and all links related to this episode he...

Sep 28, 202230 minEp. 397

Little Happier: Does Love Make You Think, “I Must Be at My Very Best?”

Fashion icon Diana Vreeland said of her husband, “I can remember always pulling myself up, thinking, ‘I must be at my very best.’” Her observation points to a tension within love: love is unconditional, and love is demanding. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For inform...

Sep 26, 20224 min

Happier - Ep. 396: Observe the Birthday of a Spiritual Teacher, Plus the “Arrival Fallacy” and Happiness Bullies

We talk about why we observe the birthday of our spiritual teachers, discuss the challenge of the “arrival fallacy,” share a hack about creating more kitchen counter space, and tackle a listener question about being a happiness bully. 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 Get the resources and all links related to t...

Sep 21, 202236 minEp. 396

Little Happier: A Story from the Ancient World Reminds Me to Be Grateful for Literature

A story from ancient Greece reminded me how much we humans value literature in all its forms. 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to happiercast.com/sponsors Want to be happier in 2022? Order Gretchen Rubin’s book The ...

Sep 19, 20224 min

More Happier - The Value of Childhood Friends and Road Trips, and the Joy of Being Back in a Routine

We talk about the special quality of childhood friendships, why it’s nice to be back in a routine after the summer, and ask the question, “Do we have a mall in our life?” 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 Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to happierc...

Sep 17, 202227 minEp. 19

Happier - Ep. 395: Stay Aware of STUFF, How to Make Time to Rest, & What to Say If You’re at a Loss for Words

We talk about why we should stay aware of STUFF, and also how to nudge ourselves to rest even when it’s hard to stop away from the to-do list. We also discuss a terrific conversational hack discussed on a comedy show, about the four words that often work when we don’t know what to say. 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/#new...

Sep 14, 202233 minEp. 395
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android