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 10-Minute Guided Practice, with Dacher Keltner
We guide you through a reflection of three things you're grateful for today. This practice is shown to boost happiness, connection, and motivation while…
The Science of HappinessThe Science of a Good Night's Sleep
Do you struggle with sleep? This week Drew Ackerman of Sleep with Me podcast tries tips for a good night's sleep, and we explore why it's so important to our…
The Science of HappinessFeel Better About Asking For Help
Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2p8wnyx6 Episode summary: Emanuel Hahn has never been great at asking for help. He didn’t live with his parents…
The Science of HappinessAre You Tired of Being Afraid?
Fear is a normal part of our lives — but there are ways we can safely challenge and conquer it. Our guest tries a research-backed way to tackle a fear she's…
The Science of HappinessHow to Find Your Spark in Life
Comedian Marilyn Pittman takes stock of what she really wants in life – and makes a plan to get it. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5n7dya5t
The Science of HappinessAre Your Expectations Too High?
High expectations can lead to disappointment, but expecting the worst doesn't feel great, either. This week we explore how to find the balance. Link to episode…
The Science of HappinessHow to Turn Grief into Strength
Part of life is experiencing pain and loss. And sometimes, finding meaning in it. We explore a writing practice shown to help us come out stronger after…
The Science of HappinessWhy 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
The Science of HappinessWhen 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…
The Science of HappinessThe 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…
The Science of HappinessHow Gratitude Renews Us
Feeling burned out? Our guest, a nurse, explores how cultivating gratitude helps people in high stress jobs. Link to Episode Transcript…
The Science of HappinessWhat 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…
The Science of HappinessWhy 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…
The Science of HappinessDo 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…
The Science of HappinessWhy 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
The Science of HappinessDo 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
The Science of HappinessCan 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…
The Science of Happiness100 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…
The Science of HappinessWhat 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…
The Science of HappinessHow 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…
The Science of HappinessHow 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
The Science of HappinessDon'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…
The Science of HappinessHow 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
The Science of HappinessHow 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…
The Science of HappinessNoticing Nature in the City
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/kb6subnc
The Science of HappinessWhat 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…
The Science of HappinessFinding 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
The Science of HappinessWhy 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…
The Science of HappinessHow 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…
The Science of HappinessHow 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…
The Science of HappinessDavid 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…
The Science of HappinessScheduling 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…
The Science of HappinessWhy 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…
The Science of HappinessAre 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…
The Science of HappinessHealing 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…
The Science of HappinessHow 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…
The Science of HappinessHappy 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…
The Science of HappinessAre You Listening to Your Elders?
Connecting across generations is one of the oldest happiness practices there is. We explore why to honor your elders, along with other practices from…
The Science of HappinessHow to Make Better Decisions
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 HappinessHow to Give Up a Grudge
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…
The Science of HappinessWhy Voting Connects Us
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…
The Science of HappinessHow to Ride With the Pain
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…
The Science of HappinessIf You Want to Be More Productive, Cut Yourself Some Slack
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…
The Science of HappinessA Cure for Loneliness
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…
The Science of Happiness24 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 HappinessHow to Switch Off Your Critics
Do you obsess over negative feedback? Shereen Marisol Meraji, of NPR’s Code Switch, tries a better way to cope. Link to Episode Transcript…
The Science of HappinessHow to Reconnect with Your Partner
A couple try a practice to bring more excitement and passion into their relationship, even while sheltering-in-place. Link to Episode Transcript…
The Science of HappinessDo You Want to Be More Patient?
We can be at our worst with the people we love best. Our guests try ways to be more calm and present with those closest to them. Link to Episode Transcript…
The Science of HappinessHow to Love People You Don't Like
Our guest tries a practice to help her feel compassion toward others — even those she disagrees with. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/32zrzn5t
The Science of HappinessWhat's Your "Why" in Life?
Adrian Michael Green asks big questions designed to help teens — and adults — find more meaning and purpose in their lives. Link to Episode Transcript…
The Science of HappinessFrom Othering to Belonging
We speak with john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, about racial justice, well-being, and widening our circles of human connection…
The Science of HappinessTaking Small Steps Toward Big Goals
When our world is turned upside down, how do we keep moving forward? Our guest, award-winning author Christine Day, sets a new path for herself. Link to…
The Science of HappinessHow to Connect When You Must Stay Apart
Do you want to be famous? What's a favorite memory? These 36 questions can bring you closer to loved ones, even if you're separated. Link to Episode…
The Science of HappinessGive Yourself a Break
Want to calm your inner critic? Our guest tries a practice to find more self-compassion during uncertain times. Link to Episode Transcript…
The Science of HappinessHelping Kids Think About the Good
Sheltering-at-home with kids? These questions can help them, and us, focus on the good things in life. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yvbp9zf7
The Science of HappinessRemembering to Breathe
How a doctor stays calm and centered during times of uncertainty, one breath at a time. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3fjn655n
The Science of HappinessStaying Close While Physical Distancing
Our guest tries a practice to feel more connected to loved ones, and herself, while sheltering at home. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/53d7c5jx
The Science of HappinessWho Would You Be Without Them?
Think of an important person in your life. Now imagine you never met. Our guest practices counting his blessings by picturing his life without a special person…
The Science of HappinessStep 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. Link to Episode Transcript…
The Science of HappinessWho Is Your Rock?
He survived the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, two years ago and has been a student mental health advocate ever since. Now Kai Koerber finds a way to…