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.
They were childhood best friends until one came out as queer. Now, two college students reconnect and try to see the world through one another's eyes. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/44pbbj48
For our 100th episode, host Dacher Keltner sits in the guest chair and tries one of the most popular happiness practices. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mv46juba
When was the last time you went down a slide? Our guest tries a practice to bring more play into his life and explores what that means as a Black man in the U.S. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/ysc3h82b
What would life be like without the people you care most about? Our guest tries a practice to help appreciate loved ones. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2p877x8x
Our guest uses her breath to find calm in some of Los Angeles' noisiest neighborhoods. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ccv7x
What happens when we suppress our anger? And what if we tried to work with it instead? Our guest tries a practice to harness her inner fierceness to care for herself. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3ekjzcwn
Michael Pollan tries to get more out of life by temporarily giving up one of his pleasure. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/28hxc2ah
When the world around you changes, so can your goals. This week's guest tries a practice to tap into a new sense of purpose. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2yxntxs9
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/kb6subnc
Trees don't just compete with one another for resources, they also cooperate. Scientist and author Suzanne Simard explains the surprising science of trees. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/35rj8wzf
A doctor who serves communities in dire need shares how gratitude helps him find light in the darkness. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3u6hmr6t
Focusing on funny things can reduce stress, anxiety, and make us feel more connected to others. Our guests, who were high school sweethearts, learn how humor can also strengthen relationships. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2zbfdrye
Have you ever been moved by music sung in a language you don't understand? We speak with Gambian musician Sona Jobarteh about how music can connect us across cultures. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc68h4zk
What is it about certain melodies that can relax our nerves and rock us to sleep? We explore the science of calming music with pianist Rosey Chan. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2ys7mf5d
Music helped former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne come out of his shell. Hear Byrne's story and learn how music creates social bonds in part one of our series, The Science of Music and Happiness. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5dtxmsun
Feeling awe can boost your mood and make you feel more connected with others. Comedian Chris Duffy learns how to tap into that sense. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3ywvxfrb
What happens when we spend time outdoors? We explore how getting out in nature can restore peace of mind—and make us more creative. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/56cp6d52
Setting goals can sometimes feel like setting ourselves up for failure. But journalist Monica Campbell finds there's something magical that happens with certain kinds of goals. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/d842bub2
A stranger helped her through the hardest day of her life. When she expresses her gratitude, our guest encounters the power of true connection. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mv3h9nx5
The way we interact with people who come in and out of our lives has changed since COVID-19. Our guest tries a practice to connect with strangers while keeping a social distance. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3ddvnmpn
Are you unable to be with your friends and family during the holiday season this year? These 36 questions can bring you closer to loved ones, even if you're separated. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mvn9vz6s
Connecting across generations is one of the oldest happiness practices there is. We explore why to honor your elders, along with other practices from indigenous cultures often overlooked by Western science. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2wjbjj3e
Can practicing mindfulness make us wiser? Judge Jeremy Fogel explores how being present in the moment helps him keep a clear mind and stay connected to his true values. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4vaxruje
What does it really take to forgive someone? And why should we do it? Our guest, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, tries a practice to let go of anger. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/24txsbxz
Why do we vote? We explore the science behind what drives us to the polls, and the benefits we reap for ourselves and communities when we cast our ballots. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/56rmwec7
It's easy to be anxious and uncertain about the future—especially if you're eight months pregnant. Our guest tries practices to help her deal with whatever life throws her way. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/vrvn5p6a
Feeling hard on yourself? Pinterest co-founder Evan Sharp learns to quiet his inner critic and tap into his highest potential. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4pbt5efs
Feeling lonely? Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy learns why focusing on the quality of our relationships, not the quantity, can be an antidote. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2s4m6emb
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5chaxu75
Do you obsess over negative feedback? Shereen Marisol Meraji, of NPR’s Code Switch, tries a better way to cope. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/epuw68ft
