During the memorial service for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the lyrics of “America the Beautiful” invoked the principle aim of her life, and one of the great dreams of the United States. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to...
Apr 08, 2024•5 min
We talk about how we can boost happiness by paying attention to the textures in our everyday lives. We also share an easy hack for improving video meetings and share listeners’ creative ideas for #Write24in24. We also discuss a question from a listener who faces a tough challenge: for understandable reasons, she doesn’t want to lie, and she also doesn’t want to share the truth.Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @Gret...
Apr 03, 2024•37 min•Ep. 476
When we’re unsuccessfully trying to get rid of our children’s old toys, or a sweetheart’s ragged t-shirts from college, and can’t figure out why it’s so hard to make progress, remember: all this junk is an expression of love. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest boo...
Apr 01, 2024•4 min
We explore the difference between discouraging “treadmill days” and energizing “finish-line days.” We also discuss the creative challenge of planning a good family April Fool’s Day joke and coming up with clever t-shirt mottos. Plus, the satisfaction of attending a dance party. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the ...
Mar 30, 2024•22 min•Ep. 59
In honor of National Card and Letter Writing Month, we suggest writing cards or letters to boost happiness—perhaps as part of #Write24in24. We also share listeners’ useful insights and resources from observing “No-Spend February,” and we share a quick, easy, whimsical suggestion for staying in touch. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCr...
Mar 27, 2024•28 min•Ep. 475
What seems important when events are unfolding isn’t always what turns out to be most significant, when we look back. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads 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...
Mar 25, 2024•3 min
We talk about why it’s helpful to pay attention to how much time we spend venting, versus not venting, to our family and friends. We also answer a listener’s question about why SMART goals don’t work for Rebels, and share listeners’ creative responses to the “Habits for Happiness” quiz. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads...
Mar 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 474
When an activity feels ordinary—such as texting while walking—it doesn’t feel dangerous, and that familiarity can mislead us. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads 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...
Mar 18, 2024•3 min
We talk about two shows that we’re enjoying: the YouTube Channel “Financial Audit” and the Netflix documentary “The Greatest Night in Pop.” Plus we talk about how to get lots of tips for using outer order to find more inner calm. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happierca...
Mar 16, 2024•24 min•Ep. 58
We talk about why it can be helpful to schedule a “loose-ends day,” and we share a hack about an imaginative way to celebrate a milestone birthday with adventure and connection. We also talk to Aliza Pressman about ways to become a happier, more effective parent. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin on Threa...
Mar 13, 2024•33 min•Ep. 473
An imaginative teacher devised a simple task that was deeply satisfying to the children in her classroom. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads 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: ...
Mar 11, 2024•3 min
We report on our experiences with doing “No-Spend February.” We also discuss the suggestion to go for a walk while having a difficult conversation and tackle a listener’s question about #Write24in24. Also, a listener offers a hack about using our non-dominant hands to improve our habits. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Thread...
Mar 06, 2024•35 min•Ep. 472
What is the lesson of an incident I remember from law school, when a friend and his girlfriend got engaged, and then immediately broke up? Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads 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 ene...
Mar 04, 2024•4 min
We talk about a happiness-boosting observation from the New York City subway. We also talk about the fun of becoming a “minor expert” and watching movies, and also the satisfaction that comes from clearing clutter (especially if it’s other people’s clutter). Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes b...
Mar 02, 2024•29 min•Ep. 57
We explore why and how to allow an important tradition to evolve. We also share listeners’ suggestions about how to block the bothersome light emitted by devices, and we talk to author Bradley Tusk about his new workplace novel about the intersection of tech and politics. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin...
Feb 28, 2024•35 min•Ep. 471
In ancient Greece, early in his career, the statesman Demosthenes came up with an ingenious yet simple form of accountability to make sure he kept practicing his oratory. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads 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 surpr...
Feb 26, 2024•5 min
To celebrate the ninth anniversary of the podcast, we discuss the Try-This-at-Home ideas that have resonated most with listeners over the past year. We also review our favorite Happiness Hacks and some of our favorite moments and biggest milestones. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the pod...
Feb 21, 2024•31 min•Ep. 470
Parents today, and parents in the Bronze Age, gave their children sippy cups—and they even use the same designs to delight their children. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads 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 ene...
Feb 19, 2024•4 min
We talk about the final season of the excellent television show “Succession.” We also discuss a simple, wonderful approach of a fourth-grade teacher, and the length of Barbra Streisand’s memoir. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin...
Feb 17, 2024•27 min•Ep. 56
We talk about why we’re reengaging with our habits on “Determination Day” on February 28. We also discuss Andy Warhol’s observation about airports and how we can have a better experience while waiting for a flight. We also share many excellent—and also surprising--suggestions from Rebels about how they manage to stick to their good habits. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin ...
Feb 14, 2024•34 min•Ep. 469
When I was nervous before interviewing for a clerkship with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, a friend found the right thing to say to help me calm down. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads 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 pa...
Feb 12, 2024•4 min
As a bonus for “Happier” listeners, we’re posting the episode of the podcast “Kelly Corrigan Wonders” that features a conversation with Gretchen Rubin. 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 New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a ...
Feb 10, 2024•56 min
We talk about why it’s valuable, not frivolous, to be polite in our everyday interactions. We explore the different types of rewards and recognition that people find most satisfying, such as praise-seekers and trophy-hunters, and we also tackle the distinction between “aims” and “goals.” Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Thread...
Feb 07, 2024•33 min•Ep. 468
My friend’s choice of a childhood bedroom reminds me of an important truth: It’s easy to want what others want, instead of asking, “What do I want?” Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads 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 o...
Feb 05, 2024•3 min
We discuss the surprisingly controversial subject: Do you prefer to wear shoes or walk around barefoot? Plus we talk about how to use Determination Day to reflect and re-engage with resolutions, and in honor of Valentine’s Day, we talk about some of our favorite romance- and friendship-related books and movies. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Insta...
Feb 03, 2024•24 min•Ep. 55
We talk about why you might treat yourself like a professor, and why you might subscribe to newsletters (as well as unsubscribe to them). We also share many hacks, resources, and suggestions from listeners about how they’re doing their daily writing for the #Write24in24 challenge. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @Gret...
Jan 31, 2024•35 min•Ep. 467
When I tell myself that I’m doing a task for someone else’s benefit, I can become resentful or annoyed if they don’t respond with appreciation. When I acknowledge that I’m doing that task for myself, I don’t expect other people to behave in a certain way. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes G...
Jan 29, 2024•6 min
We talk about our plans to have a No-Spend February, and share a suggestion from a listener about a way to make keeping a “24 for ’24 list” even more fun. We discuss a common happiness stumbling block: What to do with packaging that’s too nice to toss, but hard to use. Plus we talk about the new self-knowledge quiz: What’s the next new habit that will make you happier? Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubi...
Jan 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 466
I love Secrets of Adulthood, and some of my favorites fall into the “No THIS, no THAT” structure. It’s a thought-provoking way to illuminate a surprising relationship between two ideas. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads 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 dis...
Jan 22, 2024•5 min
We discuss the most popular results for the new “Habits for Happiness” quiz, and we also reveal our own results. Plus I explain what I’ll be doing for my Happiness Project: Revisited from July through December. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Ge...
Jan 20, 2024•32 min•Ep. 54
