During my daily visits to the Metropolitan Museum, I noticed something about staircases that underscored a truth I already knew: the same experience can be drastically changed by design, and even a subtle difference can have a dramatic consequence. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book L...
May 15, 2023•5 min
Elizabeth talks about the experience of being on strike as a Hollywood TV writer (and, relatedly, working on her new novel), and she also reveals her new insight about how she wants to live her life. Plus we discuss people’s enthusiastic responses to the “What’s Your Neglected Sense?” quiz. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: h...
May 13, 2023•26 min•Ep. 36
We talk about why and how we should try the Strategy of Unpairing when trying to change a habit. We also discuss an easy way to get more exercise while traveling, and how to know when to accept ourselves—and when to expect more from ourselves. Plus a listener asks for suggestions for dealing more effectively with a Rebel father who resists help. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Ins...
May 10, 2023•32 min•Ep. 429
A conversation with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor made me realize: it must be very odd to be a historic figure. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tunin...
May 08, 2023•3 min
As a thank-you to “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” listeners, this bonus episode features an excerpt from the audiobook of Gretchen Rubin’s new book, “Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World.” Narrated by Gretchen Rubin. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Ge...
May 06, 2023•14 min
We talk about how and why we should try to be a source of opportunity for others. We also discuss listeners’ suggestions for how to deal with family members who won’t control their dogs, as well how we get recommendations for books to read. Plus we suggest new dates for the Calendar of Catalysts which are based on the five senses. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the ...
May 03, 2023•29 min•Ep. 428
An old joke illustrates an important truth: When we’re searching for a solution, it’s often tempting to look where we can see more clearly, rather than to look to look into obscurity—even if it’s more likely that we’ll find our answer there. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in ...
May 01, 2023•4 min
During our recent time together in Los Angeles, we did many things that made us happy: hike, clear Elizabeth’s office, and drink lots of coffee. We also talk about a little-discussed explanation for why “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” and “Mad Men” are such enjoyable TV shows, and about the ripple effect of a personal upgrade. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the ...
Apr 29, 2023•24 min•Ep. 35
We talk about why, when we’re encouraging someone else to do something, we should consider doing it ourselves. We also discuss a hack to make networking easier, as well as the helpful know-yourself-better question: “Are you a finisher or an opener?” Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get the resources...
Apr 26, 2023•28 min•Ep. 427
A story about Queen Elizabeth II and her offer to feed her corgis illustrates how the same situation can be interpreted in different ways. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and...
Apr 24, 2023•4 min
We talk about why it’s useful to consider the five senses as we’re tackling a project or challenge—it’s a way to boost creativity and unlock ideas. We also discuss how we can heighten our appreciation for our five senses by using our non-dominant hand and by asking the know-yourself-better question, “What is luxury?” Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the podcast show n...
Apr 19, 2023•33 min•Ep. 426
In his terrific book On Writing , Stephen King recounts how a certain place from his childhood recurs repeatedly in his fiction, under different names. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativi...
Apr 17, 2023•4 min
Because the book “Life in Five Senses” is just a few days away from being published, we talk about ways to deal with the anxiety of putting a big piece of work out into the world—personal mantras, hacks, and strategies. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five S...
Apr 15, 2023•32 min•Ep. 34
We discuss why it’s helpful to touch someone during a tough conversation (if appropriate, of course). We mention why closing your eyes in a store dressing room can make it easier to make good buying decisions, and we take a deep dive into listeners’ answers to two common questions from Questioners. We also raise a listener question: “My relatives won’t restrain their dogs, who, while friendly, are scaring my young daughter.” Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @Gretch...
Apr 12, 2023•29 min•Ep. 425
For actor Steve Carrell (Michael from “The Office) and playwright Adrienne Kennedy, the influence of a childhood teacher shaped their lives. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, cre...
Apr 10, 2023•4 min
We talk about why it’s a good idea to taste a new food, or listen to a new kind of music, before the age of 25. We also discuss why the date of April 10 makes a good catalyst to think about harnessing the Four Tendencies, and executive coach Michael Melcher describes many practical ways to make networking easier—and why it matters. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the...
Apr 05, 2023•33 min•Ep. 424
A neighbor asked, “Why would you paint your door such an ugly color?” as if everyone would agree that a particular color was objectively ugly. It can be helpful to remember that our preferences don’t reflect an objective truth. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life i...
Apr 03, 2023•3 min
We talk about why Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback from our hometown football team, is making us happier with his initiative to encourage children to read every day. We also discuss whether spring actually makes us feel like doing spring cleaning, and how fun tools can making clutter-clearing more enjoyable. Plus, we talk about audience enthusiasm for the new “What’s Your Neglected Sense?” quiz. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @Gretc...
Apr 01, 2023•23 min•Ep. 33
We talk about why you might indulge in a “nostalgia smell,” share listeners’ suggestions for simple, fun April Fool’s Day pranks, and discuss an easy way to resist the temptation of snacking. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happie...
Mar 29, 2023•32 min•Ep. 423
My weight-training instructor observed, “The same people are always late, and others are always on time.” Even though they’re experiencing the same traffic, the same weather, and the same usual challenges of everyday life. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Fiv...
Mar 27, 2023•3 min
We talk about why and how we might create our own “Audio Apothecary” to help us evoke certain moods. We also discuss a handy pronunciation hack, and two Questioners ask how a Questioner can handle the annoyance of being peppered with questions or being told to follow arbitrary rules. Plus a big announcement! The launch of a great new know-yourself-better quiz to identify your “neglected sense.” Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Inst...
Mar 22, 2023•28 min•Ep. 422
TV writer and producer Elizabeth Craft, “my sister the sage,” has given me more than a dozen brilliant observations about the workplace and creativity—all with a Hollywood flavor. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram @GretchenRubin on TikTok and YouTube Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a...
Mar 20, 2023•4 min
With author and friend Dani Shapiro as our guest host, we talk about her experience of uncovering an old family secret, as well as the value of writing as a way to gain self-knowledge. Plus the fun of mah-jongg, anniversary parties, and more. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram @GretchenRubin on TikTok and YouTube Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life ...
Mar 18, 2023•33 min•Ep. 32
We talk about why it’s useful to find our own way to look around a museum—and we offer some unusual suggestions. We also discuss a useful health hack, and discuss listeners’ thoughtful responses to question from the OBLIGER/Rebel who resists accountability—even though she needs it. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft on Instagram @GretchenRubin on TikTok and YouTube Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownote...
Mar 15, 2023•36 min•Ep. 421
Each of us inhabits our own individual, idiosyncratic sensory worlds. One example: I love the fragrance of paperwhite narcissus flowers; my daughter Eleanor disliked the smell intensely. 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...
Mar 13, 2023•4 min
In the Very Special Episode, we discuss hacks for tapping in to the five sense to help make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. So many fun, easy, creative hacks! Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Get the resources and all links related to this episode: http://happiercast.com/420 Get Gre...
Mar 08, 2023•30 min•Ep. 420
Authors Alix Kates Schulman and Joan Didion make the same observation from their very different experiences: during their long marriages, they and their husbands didn’t age. 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 happi...
Mar 06, 2023•5 min
We discuss the fun of “March Fourth” (March 4th) and the anticipation of going Isaac Mizrahi’s cabaret show. We also talk about getting a creative spark from a brilliant, unconventional book--Adrienne Kennedy’s “People Who Led to My Plays”—and we wade into the hot debate over thank-you notes. 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.c...
Mar 04, 2023•24 min•Ep. 31
We discuss several ways we can tap in to our five senses to boost productivity and focus, and we share a listener’s idea for a new way to celebrate a birthday. Author Will Schwalbe (“The End of Your Life Book Club”) talks about his new memoir, “We Should Not Be Friends,” and what he learned about how to make and sustain friendships Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email...
Mar 01, 2023•37 min•Ep. 419
A writer friend told me her strategy for evoking memories, by making a “memory visit.” 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 Happine...
Feb 27, 2023•4 min
