The Science of Happiness - podcast cover

The Science of Happiness

PRX and Greater Good Science Centergreatergood.berkeley.edu

Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Follow us on Instagram @HappinessPod.

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Episodes

How to Keep Love Alive

After more than a decade together, our Happiness Guinea Pig tries to bring the spark back into her marriage. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/27vwc6bb

Jul 04, 201920 minSeason 5Ep. 3

Who Makes You Feel Connected?

Our Happiness Guinea Pig, the creator of Cartoon Network's We Bare Bears , finds a way to feel close to a loved one he recently lost. Try this week’s happiness practice: Feeling Connected Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4pjw3k5a

Jun 20, 201916 minSeason 5Ep. 2

A Better Way to Talk to Yourself

Her husband has been in prison for 23 years. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new approach to stay strong while working to get him released. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2ayervbh

Jun 06, 201919 minSeason 5Ep. 1

What to Do When You Feel Like a Failure

The loss of a job, the pain of a breakup -- it's easy to get down on ourselves when things aren't going well. Find out how our Happiness Guinea Pig tuned down the self-critic in her head. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4vz97my7

Apr 11, 201918 minSeason 4Ep. 10

Delight in the Unexpected

A high-five from a stranger, a hummingbird on a busy city street. Poet Ross Gay shares his own happiness practice: savoring the everyday delights in life. ~ Try one of UC Berkeley's Greater Good in Action happiness practices . Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3jzdxybs

Apr 04, 201920 minSeason 4Ep. 9

How To Let Go of Anger

Are you still mad at someone who hurt you in the past? That can eat away at your health and well-being. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new approach to giving up a grudge. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc47kjvc

Mar 28, 201915 minSeason 4Ep. 8

What Are Your Strongest Reminders of Connection?

What kinds of objects, images, and words surround your home or office? Our Happiness Guinea Pig surveys her apartment for items that spark connection and kindness. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yewvyzrk

Mar 21, 201912 minSeason 4Ep. 7

Do You Know How to Eat a Raisin?

Do you have trouble slowing down enough to actually enjoy your life? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, comedian and radio host Luke Burbank, finds a way to break free from his over-scheduled lifestyle. Try this week’s happiness practice: Raisin Meditation Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/m2nceh36

Mar 14, 201917 minSeason 4Ep. 6

Finding Awe in Every Step

How can we feel connected to the world around us? Singer Diana Gameros tries to cultivate a sense of awe in the most unlikely of places. Try this episode’s happiness practice: Awe Walk Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yt2t2wr6

Mar 07, 201922 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Finding Your Strengths

Do you fixate on your flaws and shortcomings? Our happiness guinea pig tries the opposite: focusing on her personal strengths. ~ Try this episode’s happiness practice: Use Your Strengths Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mj38w54k

Feb 28, 201915 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Trying Compassion on Capitol Hill

Can you extend compassion toward a difficult person in your life? Congressman Tim Ryan tries a practice to help him reach across the aisle. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yp2tec4c

Feb 21, 201915 minSeason 4Ep. 3

A Lesson in Thanks and Vulnerability

A junior high school teacher spent his life defying stereotypes about how men should express their emotions. Here he takes on a new challenge: getting his students to express gratitude. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/46w7cd2v

Feb 14, 201920 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Notice the Good in Your Life

Comedian Maz Jobrani tries to pay more attention to the good things in his life by writing them down -- and encourages his kids to do the same. Try this episodes happiness practice: Three Good Things Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/9kzjcvf3

Feb 07, 201919 minSeason 4Ep. 1

The Power of Expressing Your Deepest Emotions

He started Afghanistan's first post-Taliban rock band when he was 18 years old. A decade later, our Happiness Guinea Pig takes on another challenge: writing about his emotions. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2uzh3r67

Dec 20, 201814 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Who's Got Your Back?

How do you build feelings of trust and security? Our Happiness Guinea Pig learns some truths about what it takes to feel supported. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mr4defr6

Dec 13, 201817 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Being Kinder to Yourself

When you’re helping others cope with stress and anxiety, how do you deal with your own? Psychiatrist Elizabeth Guinto tries a practice to be kinder to herself. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yer2c25p

Dec 06, 201820 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Find That Inner Calm

International megastar Daniel Wu tries a practice that brings him calm amidst the chaos. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/bdfcws4a

Nov 22, 201818 minSeason 3Ep. 6

These Words Cause Happiness

Did you know that you have the power to spark happiness in someone else's brain with just a few simple words? College student Eva Dickerson shares how she spread happiness across her campus, equipped with just her iPhone and some compliments. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc5vp9es

Nov 15, 201817 minSeason 3Ep. 5

A Simple Recipe for Happiness

Our Happiness Guinea Pig, children's author Joanne Rocklin, shares her happiness practice: bringing people together to share a meal. It took on a deeper meaning for her after a recent tragedy. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3m5b4sw8

Nov 08, 201822 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Can’t Relax? This Will Help

Why does a bath or swim feel so relaxing? Our guest shares her own happiness practice--spending time in water--which science is finding can make us happier and healthier. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5n8uyznd

Nov 01, 201817 minSeason 3Ep. 3

How to Make a Real Apology

"I'm sorry you feel that way." Some apologies can actually make things worse. Our Happiness Guinea Pigs, Jolenta Greenburg and Kristin Meinzer of the By the Book podcast, try a more effective way of saying sorry. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/br9c86s7

Oct 25, 201823 minSeason 3Ep. 2

How to Deal with Uncertainty

How do you respond when you feel threatened or defensive? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, writer Wajahat Ali, discovers a way to keep himself centered amidst the challenges and chaos of life. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc5msv7x

Oct 18, 201820 minSeason 3Ep. 1

BONUS: The Science of Happiness at Work

What would make you happier at work? Featuring some of our happiness guinea pigs, we share the latest insights and research on well-being and happiness in the workplace. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3uhb58b8

Oct 11, 201857 min

What if You Had Never Met?

Do you take your partner for granted? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, cartoonist Gene Luen Yang, imagines a life in which he never met his wife. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3rp4nycn

Aug 09, 201815 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Give Yourself Some Distance

Are you stuck ruminating about the past? Legendary skater Tommy Guerrero tries looking at negative events from a different perspective. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/bddb9eaj

Aug 02, 201817 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Listen Like It's Your First Date

Do you find yourself looking at your phone when you're supposed to be paying attention to a friend? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, The Takeaway's Tanzina Vega trades in her technology for some old school listening. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4a98pmzc

Jul 26, 201813 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Why You Shouldn't Hate Small Talk

Many of us avoid chatting with strangers – isn't small talk tedious and dull? Listen as our happiness guinea pig discovers its surprising benefits. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mr29zv9u

Jul 19, 201813 minSeason 2Ep. 7

How to Change Your Mind

Author Michael Pollan, shares his experiences on being a guinea pig for his new book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/bddxewwm

Jul 12, 201821 minSeason 2Ep. 6

How to Find Your Purpose in Life

Did you know what you wanted when you were in high school? Our guest takes on the challenge of figuring out her purpose in life. Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/3be748x8

Jul 05, 201817 minSeason 2Ep. 5
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