Shows / The Science of Happiness
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
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation to Help You Sit with Grief
This guided meditation with end-of-life doula Andrea Sexton-Dumas offers a gentle way to make space for grief by imagining sharing your heartache with a plant…
The Science of HappinessWhat If Thinking About Death Could Make Us Feel More Alive?
Explore how thinking about death can teach us to live more fully, find meaning, and appreciate the people we love. Summary: We often avoid thinking about…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Breathing Technique to Help You Relax
Dr. David Spiegel leads us in a practice of cyclic sighing, a simple breathing technique that uses slow, extended exhales to calm your nervous system, ease…
The Science of HappinessHow to Breathe Away Anxiety
Explore how cyclic sighing, a simple controlled breathing technique, can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and bring greater calm to everyday stressful…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Practice In Appreciating Your Friends
Take a moment to appreciate the friends who know you, support you, and make your life richer with their presence, with author Alex Elle. How To Do This…
The Science of HappinessHow Smell Shapes Memory
Discover how our sense of smell can transport us back to meaningful memories, shape our emotions, and influence the brain systems involved in memory and mood…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Voice
In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, embrace the beauty of your accent in this self-compassion meditation. Mindfulness and meditation teacher Criss Cuervo…
The Science of HappinessHow to Protect Your Brain as You Age
What if getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your memory? Learn how neuroplasticity, healthy habits, and simple memory exercises can help keep your brain…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You
Buddhist meditation teacher, Anushka Fernandopulle, guides us through a practice of Mudita, or appreciative joy, to help us share in the happiness of others…
The Science of HappinessSidedoor: Writing on the Wall
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.From the time we are old enough to hold a crayon, it feels instinctive to draw on the wall. But for MISS…
The Science of HappinessTalk To A Stranger—It’s Good For You
We often underestimate how much small talk can impact our wellbeing. Research shows that even brief conversations with strangers can boost our happiness and…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Practice In Moving Through Stress
Join yoga and meditation teacher Jonathan Relucio for a trauma-informed practice combining mindful movement and breathing to reduce tension and build…
The Science of HappinessWhere To Look For Joy
How can we feel more moments of joy? Explore how joy is rooted in connection, gratitude, and paying attention to the people and moments that bring meaning to…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Body Scan for Calm and Ease
Meditation teacher Spring Washam guides us in a practice of embodied awareness, helping us use the body as an anchor during stressful or overwhelming moments…
The Science of HappinessEar Hustle Podcast: Corny-Ass Episode
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Nigel says no matter where you are, everyone has a story to tell about a hug: good, bad, or awkward. Earlonne…
The Science of HappinessWhy You Can’t Do It Alone
Can anyone truly succeed alone? We explore how role models, mentors, and strong social support make upward mobility far more possible than grit alone. Summary…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Holding Truth With Compassion
Take a moment to connect with your body and make space for difficult emotions with compassion and care. This embodiment practice is guided by Lyla June…
The Science of HappinessWhy Revenge Feels So Good—and Why It Hurts Us
Neuroscience reveals revenge can become a powerful habit—and that forgiveness may be one of the most effective ways to break the cycle. Summary: After years of…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation to Move Through Anger
Try a practice in accepting difficult feelings like anger or irritation to help keep your cool, feel better overall, and find calm with contemplative social…
The Science of HappinessHow Joy Helps Save the Planet
Choosing joy over guilt and shame can make climate-friendly habits easier to sustain while improving your own well-being along the way. Summary: Fear may grab…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Where Did You Come From? A Guided Reflection Practice
Indigenous artist Dr. Lyla June Johnston leads a 5-minute freewriting exercise about our personal journeys. Autobiographical writing has been shown to help do…
The Science of HappinessHow To Find the Wow In Life
What can a singing bird, a neighborhood walk, and a pair of puppet adventurers teach us about awe? Sit down with Wowsabout! creators Dorien Davies and Halle…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Compassionate Letter to Yourself
Take less than 10 minutes to write yourself a letter of care, compassion, and encouragement with psychologist Kristin Neff in this research-backed practice…
The Science of HappinessIntroducing - Intention to Treat: Money and Misdiagnosis
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Intention to Treat: The Race Equation is a new series from the New England Journal of Medicine, investigates…
The Science of HappinessFinding Common Ground in Uncomfortable Times
Across school campuses and communities, students and educators are discovering how listening, curiosity, and everyday conversations can open pathways across…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Walking Meditation With Dan Harris of 10% Happier
Trouble sitting still? Learn to practice meditating by simply walking in this practice guided by 10% Happier host Dan Harris. How To Do This Practice: Start…
The Science of HappinessHow To Step Away from Anxiety
Do you have a hard time calming your nerves? Author Raina Telgemeier tries a practice to get out of her head, one step at a time. Summary: In this episode of…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: The Unexpected Joy of Slow Looking
What happens when you linger and look closely at a piece of art? Nathalie Ryan, an educator from the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., guides us…
The Science of HappinessThe Art of Slowing Down
What happens when we slow down enough to really experience art? We visit a museum to discover how slow looking at art can cultivate awe, empathy, and a greater…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire a Sense of Purpose
Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them. How To Do This Practice: Arrive and Settle…
The Science of HappinessAn Awe Walk Through History and Possibility
Noticing the history and beauty around us can shift how we see ourselves—and our communities. An awe walk through Harlem reveals how the stories embedded in…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Loving-Kindness Practice for Yourself
In this gentle practice, psychologist Kristin Neff helps us extend loving kindness inward, offering ourselves the same care and goodwill we naturally give to…
The Science of HappinessHow Cities Can Make Space for Awe
A simple experiment turning a parking space into a parklet reveals how small changes to public spaces can spark connection, belonging, and awe. Summary: What…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Make Uncertainty Part of the Process
Through poetic reflection, Yrsa Daley-Ward helps us embrace the in-between moments, reminding us that the unknown can be the very terrain where real change…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How Poetry Helps Us Feel and Heal
What happens in your brain when you read or write a poem? We listen to powerful poetry from you, our listeners, and uncover the neuroscience of why it helps us…
The Science of HappinessWhy Work Feels Better Together
From a worker-owned restaurant in Oakland to a nonprofit built on shared leadership, we explore how collective work models can help people feel heard, valued…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation For When You Have Too Much To Do
Does your to-do list feel endless? Try this short, guided practice to help you reflect, reconnect, and release the pressure to do it all perfectly. How To Do…
The Science of HappinessWhat Happens in the Brain When We Improvise
Explore the neuroscience behind musical improvisation—and what it reveals about our natural capacity for creativity. Summary: Creativity may be more natural…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation For Connecting In Polarized Times
Having a curious approach to life can improve our mood, creativity and relationships. Scott Shigeoka leads a visualization exercise to help you approach…
The Science of HappinessHow to Make Work More Satisfying
Finding ways to bend tasks toward your strengths and passions can make you happier, more productive and find more meaning in your life—no matter your job…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How to Feel More Connected to Others
Research shows that reflecting on our shared humanity can increase self-compassion and life satisfaction while reducing feelings of isolation. In this…
The Science of HappinessThe Science of Love (Episode 3)
Guest host Geena Davis guides us through the research on love that stretches beyond romance and friendship, showing up in our bonds with objects, nature…
The Science of HappinessThe Science of Love (Episode 2)
Guest host Geena Davis helps us explore how the love we feel —for our partners, friends, family, even our four legged companions—shapes our brains, bodies, and…
The Science of HappinessThe Science of Love (Episode 1)
In a culture that often reduces love to romance, Geena Davis helps us explore the science of love across the lifespan—revealing how our bonds with parents…
The Science of HappinessHow to Keep Your Humanity
Discover what happens to our well-being when we respond to suffering with compassion, collective action, and why choosing to care can help us hold on to our…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Finding Calm in Uncertainty
Psychologist and stress expert Elissa Epel leads us in a gentle, science-backed practice to calm our nervous systems and meet uncertainty with greater ease and…
The Science of HappinessHow Qigong Can Calm Your Mind and Body
Studies show qigong can strengthen your body and mind, and reduce cortisol levels. We explore this Chinese meditative movement practice that dates back over…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year
This New Year, affirm the wonderful qualities you already possess with this meditative writing practice with Chris Murchison called "I Am." How To Do This…
The Science of HappinessHow Stories Shape Belonging
Learn how the stories we tell and hear shape our relationships, values, and sense of belonging. Summary: Storytelling is more than entertainment. It shapes how…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Una meditación para enraizar, con Diana Parra (español)
También tenemos esta meditación en Español. Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4rjmambm
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire a Sense of Purpose
Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them. You can also listen to this episode in Spanish…
The Science of HappinessThe Power of a Collective Pause
Explore how students are using simple mindful breathing practices to navigate stress, stay grounded, and support their classmates. Summary: Classrooms often…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How Connecting With Ancestors Deepens Belonging
Through a gentle ancestral meditation, discover how grounding in your roots can open the door to healing, meaning, and a deeper sense of belonging. How To Do…
The Science of HappinessHow to Feel Better About Yourself
Self-compassion reduces our feelings of shame and self-doubt. We explore a practice to help quiet our inner critic with kindness. Summary: What does your inner…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation for When Gratitude Feels Hard
When gratitude feels distant, gently notice what’s here now— creating space for both heaviness and small moments of appreciation. How To Do This Practice: Get…
The Science of HappinessBeing Kind Is Good for Your Health
Doing good for others benefits our own minds and bodies, as well. We explore the science of kindness. Summary: On this episode of The Science of Happiness we…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Finding Peace Through Forgiveness
Explore a gentle practice for releasing resentment and finding freedom through forgiveness. How To Do This Practice: Prepare Your Space and Body: Find a quiet…
The Science of HappinessThe Science of Letting Go
Discover how forgiveness reshapes the brain, eases the body, and helps us move forward with greater compassion and freedom. Summary: Forgiveness isn’t about…
The Science of HappinessHow Rituals Keep Us Connected
We explore Día de los Muertos as a ritual that nurtures community, imbues loss with meaning, and helps us process grief while also connecting through shared…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How to Be Your Own Best Friend
Show yourself real self-kindness in less than 10 minutes with this self-compassion break guided by psychologist Kristin Neff. How To Do This Practice: Identify…