Why You Should Snap Pictures of Nature
A NYT restaurant critic puts down her pen and grabs her camera to capture the beauty of the outdoors. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc66tdhb
Episodes
The Science of Happiness
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.
Episodes
When It's Time to Face Your Fears
What happens when we feel compassion for the things that scare us? Shabazz Larkin shares what it's like to face some of his deepest fears. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yp7r8fwu
The Case for Believing in Yourself
What does your best possible self look like? Our guest tries a practice in optimism by imagining her brightest future. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2s4hbkrt
How Gratitude Renews Us
Feeling burned out? Our guest, a nurse, explores how cultivating gratitude helps people in high stress jobs. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/th82bwp2
What Our Photos Say About Us
Can taking a few photos really make you happier? Afghan rocker Sulyman Qardash tries a practice to find meaning through snapping photos of daily life. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/a2x9vkve
Why We Give Thanks
Thank you. Gracias. Merci. Every language has a word for gratitude. But why do we feel it? How can we experience more of it? We revisit some of our favorite episodes about the science of gratitude. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3y7m2nmk
Do You Feel Pressed for Time?
What happens when we share our time? Our guest, chef and author Bryant Terry, pauses to be present with the ones who matter most. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3n3tftbw
Why You Should Make Small Goals
Comedian Paula Poundstone tries to take on a messy and daunting task, one small step at a time. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mv2hstcp
Do You Want to Slow Down?
Anna Sale, host of Death, Sex, and Money, practices awe as an antidote to her anxiety. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5n82n9w2
Can You Mend a Broken Bond?
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
100 Good Things
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
What Happens When We Play
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
How to Not Take People for Granted
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
How to Tune Out the Noise
Our guest uses her breath to find calm in some of Los Angeles' noisiest neighborhoods. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ccv7x
Don't be Afraid of Your Anger
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
How to Enjoy Life More with Michael Pollan
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
How to Craft Your Life
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
Noticing Nature in the City
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/kb6subnc
What Humans Can Learn From Trees
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
Finding Strength through Gratitude
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
Why Love Needs Laughter
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
How Music Can Bridge Cultures
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
How Music Soothes Us
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
David Byrne on How Music Connects Us
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
Scheduling Time to Feel Awe(some)
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
Why We're Drawn to Nature
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
Are You Setting the Right Goals?
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
Healing Through Gratitude
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
How to Talk with Strangers
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
Happy Again: How to Connect When You Must Stay Apart (Encore)
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/46d8p32s