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: Moving Through Space, With Dacher Keltner
Moving meditations can help reduce stress and boost self-awareness. Improve your ability to sense your body in space with this 7-minute proprioception…
The Science of HappinessFinding Delight Through Your 5 Senses
We enjoy the world through our five senses, so why don't we do more to heighten them? We explore the techniques and science of the senses with Gretchen Rubin…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: What To Do When You're Struggling, With Spring Washam
Treating yourself with kindness reduces anxiety and improves coping skills. Spring Washam encourages us to be more self-compassionate through a short guided…
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. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Wishing Others Well, With Anushka Fernandopulle
Cultivate a sense of compassion for yourself and others by trying a meditation rooted in loving kindness, called "Metta." Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessWhere To Look For Joy
How can we feel more moments of joy? We explore the science of joy and how we can cultivate it in our everyday lives, with poet Ross Gay and psychologist…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Who Takes Care of You? With Dacher Keltner
When we feel cared for, our cortisol levels drop, we feel safe, and we handle stress better. Dacher leads a meditation to help us focus on the people who make…
The Science of HappinessFeeling Overworked? Take a "Fika" Break
A short break does more than just fuel our bodies, it strengthens our minds. Our overworked guest tries the Swedish practice of 'Fika' – taking short coffee…
The Science of HappinessHow To Be in Harmony in Nature — Wherever You Are, With Yuria Celidwen
Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen guides us in a meditation to strengthen our sense of belonging and connection to the earth. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessHow To Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself)
Walking can increase our sense of connectedness with the earth and motivation to take climate action, which might be an important aspect of your well-being…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Contemplating our Interdependence with Nature, with Dekila Chungyalpa
Take ten minutes to renew your connection to the earth through this guided meditation on our interdependence with the ecosystem. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessHow to Feel More Hopeful
How can we build a sense of hope when the future feels uncertain? Poet Tomás Morín tries a writing practice to make him feel more hopeful and motivated to work…
The Science of HappinessThe Case for Climate Hope
In the first episode in our series Climate, Hope and Science, we explore how embracing uncertainty enables us to move beyond climate anxiety and despair to…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Sketching Serenity with Chris Murchison
Happiness Break: Sketching Serenity with Chris Murchison A guided drawing meditation to help you break out of stale thought patterns and maybe even enter a…
The Science of HappinessA New Relationship with Stress
Is there such a thing as good stress? Our guest learns to welcome her stress by understanding how it can actually help her, plus tips and tricks to not feel…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Visualizing Your Purpose, with Dacher Keltner
Finding a greater sense of purpose can help us achieve our goals and strengthen our relationships. Dacher leads a meditation to find purpose by imagining a…
The Science of HappinessEncore: 24 Hours of Kindness
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Embodying Resilience, with Prentis Hemphill
What if you could tap into your inherent resilience at any time? Prentis Hemphill guides a meditation to turn good memories into a state of resilience. Link to…
The Science of HappinessOne Way to Make Work More Meaningful
We all overestimate how much we know. Our guest tries a practice in slowing down to ask more questions, and finds it leads to higher quality connections. Link…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Pause to Look at the Sky, with Dacher Keltner
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and vastness of the sky. Dacher Keltner guides us through a practice of pausing to turn your gaze to the sky as a…
The Science of HappinessWhy We Need Friends with Shared Interests
She's the world's leading animal behaviorist and an Autism advocacy leader. Guest Temple Grandin shares what kind of support systems led her to success, and we…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Being Present from Head to Toe, with Spring Washam
Try this body-scan meditation to ground your mind in the present moment and in your body, guided by Spring Washam. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessWhy We Need Reminders of Connectedness
How can we feel more connected to our loved ones, even when they're not around? Our guest tries a practice shown to make us feel less lonely and more socially…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation for When Others are Suffering, with Anushka Fernandopulle
Seeing others suffering is painful. Learn to practice both compassion and self-soothing in this guided meditation led by Anushka Fernandopulle. Link to episode…
The Science of HappinessHow Music Evokes Awe
Why do some songs send chills down your spine or give you goosebumps? We explore the science of how music induces awe — and how that affects our well-being…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Feeling the Awe of Nature from Anywhere, with Dacher Keltner
Host Dacher Keltner leads us through an exercise in feeling the serenity and wonder that nature brings us, no matter where we are. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessWhy We Should Look Up at the Sky
When did you last take a moment to really look up at the sky? Shifting our gaze upward is linked to more creativity, capacity to focus—and it's a gateway to…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Awe for Others, with Dacher Keltner
The communities we create are one of the most awe-inspiring parts of our lives. Host Dacher Keltner guides us in a meditation on awe and togetherness in this…
The Science of HappinessHow Awe Brings Us Together
Feeling awe changes your brain. In our first episode in a series about the science awe, we explore how awe can make you a better friend, partner, and community…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year, with Chris Murchison
This New Year, affirm the wonderful qualities you already possess with this meditative writing practice called "I Am." Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessHow to Make Life More Meaningful
Chris Sharma is one of the greatest rock climbers of all time, and he's taking on some of the biggest challenges in life: becoming a parent and starting his…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Finding Presence Through Your Senses, with Dacher Keltner
Sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste: all of our five senses provide unique pathways to presence and happiness. We spend a few minutes being mindful of each…
The Science of HappinessThe Science of Synchronized Movement
Moving in sync with someone else — even a total stranger — can change how you feel about them, and how you act, without you realizing it. Link to episode…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Tune Into Your Body, with Radha Agrawal
Happiness isn't only in your head — your body is important, too. This week, Radha Agrawal leads us in a short Japanese calisthenics practice called Radio…
The Science of HappinessHow to Practice Gratitude When You're Not Feeling Thankful
One way to feel more thankful for things is to imagine life without them. Our guest tries a practice for seeing the bright side, even when you feel down. Link…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: 5 Minutes of Gratitude, with Dacher Keltner
Not sure how to start practicing gratitude? Psychologist Dacher Keltner guides you through a practice that can help you see the good things in your life that…
The Science of HappinessThe Emerging Science of ASMR (Encore)
There are millions of YouTube videos with people crinkling bubble wrap or whispering about folding laundry. Our guest talks about why autonomous sensory…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle
Consider what you want to make space for in your life in this 6-minute contemplation guided by Alex Elle. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Restore Through Silence, with Tricia Hersey
When was the last time you spent a moment savoring silence? Tricia Hersey, aka The Nap Bishop, guides us through an appreciation of silence and its restorative…
The Science of HappinessHow to Focus Under Pressure
Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider tries a body scan meditation to sharpen her focus and calm her nerves as she prepares for the Tournament of Champions. Link to…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam
Cultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yckujpr3…
The Science of HappinessWhy Listen to the Other Side?
These days, it's hard to imagine befriending people with different politics than your own. But these two men did it using a tried and true practice. Link to…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Six Minutes to Connect with Your Body, with Dacher Keltner
Dedicating a little time to tune into your body fortifies you to better handle the stresses of daily life. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessNine Steps to Forgiveness
How do you forgive someone while still holding them accountable? What if that person is yourself? This week, our guest tries a practice in forgiving herself…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Note to Self on Forgiveness, with Alex Elle
Letting go of our regrets can motivate us to improve and help us grow. Alex Elle, a certified breathwork and writing coach, guides us through a meditation to…
The Science of HappinessWhen Rumination Is a Good Thing
When's the last time you made a good memory — intentionally? Our guest tries a practice in cultivating positive experiences and taking time to savor them. Link…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation to Connect to Your Roots, with Yuria Celidwen
When was the last time you thought about your ancestors? This guided meditation by indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen will help you connect to your heritage and…
The Science of HappinessRiding The Waves of Anxiety
Comedian Aparna Nancherla has always struggled with anxiety — can a new technique help her cope? Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/33y2hta5…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Walk Your Way to Calm, with Dacher Keltner
A few slow, mindful paces can lower your cortisol and make you more at ease. Psychologist Dacher Keltner guides you through this Walking Meditation. Link to…
The Science of Happiness36 Questions to Spark Intimacy
What if you could fall in love, or forge deep connections in just 45 minutes? Our guests try out 36 questions with their partners to see if they can strengthen…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How to Ground Yourself, with Yuria Celidwen
Connect to yourself and the land you stand on in under 10 minutes with this grounding practice led by Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen. Link to episode…
The Science of HappinessHow to Feel Less Lonely and More Connected
When we feel more connected, we're kinder and care more for others. After 21 years of being incarcerated, our guest Simon Liu, of Bay Area Freedom House…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher Keltner
Just a few moments of tuning into nature can make you feel more inspired, connected, and less lonely. Let us guide you through a five-minute noticing nature…
The Science of HappinessHow to Make Better Decisions (Encore)
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…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: 36 Questions to Feel Connected, with Dacher Keltner
Having close bonds with others is one of the most important things to our happiness. Host Dacher Keltner walks you through a practice you can do with someone…
The Science of HappinessHow to Say "Sorry" Like You Mean It
Apologies are key to successful relationships. But are you doing them right? Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/38dfpe8p Episode summary: We all…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How To Be Your Best Self, with Justin Michael Williams
Visualize your best possible self and tap into your inherent enough-ness with this guided meditation by Justin Michael Williams. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessThe Questions to Ask Yourself in an Argument
Our guest explores how reminding yourself that you don't know everything can have a profound impact on your relationships, and our society. Link to episode…
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How to Be Your Own Best Friend, with Kristin Neff
Take 10 minutes to be guided through a practice of meaningful self-kindness: A self-compassion break with Kristin Neff. Link to episode transcript…
The Science of HappinessCatch Yourself in a Dream
Have you ever known you're dreaming while you're asleep? Our guests try practices to help induce lucid dreams, and we hear what they can teach us about…