Podcasts by The Science of Happiness
Further podcasts by PRX and Greater Good Science Center
Podcast on the topic Sozialwissenschaften
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When It's Hard To Connect, Try Being Curious from 2023-12-07T11:00
Join our limited newsletter The Science of Habits to get curated, science-backed tips to help make your New Years resolution stick in 2024.
Happiness Break: A Visualization to Connect With Your Heritage, With Bryant Terry from 2023-11-30T11:00
Chef and author Bryant Terry leads us through a visualization to connect with our ancestors by appreciating our families' traditional foods.
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Being Kind is Good for Your Health from 2023-11-23T11:00
Join our limited newsletter The Science of Habits to get curated, science-backed tips to help make your New Year’s resolution stick in 2024.
Happiness Break: Feel more Gratitude, With Eve Ekman from 2023-11-16T11:00
Renew your sense of gratitude by remembering acts of kindness, with social scientist and meditation teacher Eve Ekman.
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Encore: The Science of a Good Night's Sleep from 2023-11-09T11:00
This week we revisit our science-backed tips for a good night's sleep with sleep scientist Eti Ben Simon and host of the Sleep with Me podcast Drew Ackerman.
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Happiness Break: Find Calm When You Can't Clear Your Mind, With Lama Rod Owens from 2023-11-02T10:00
Take a break from ruminating with Lama Rod Owens as he leads you in a meditation to cultivate a sky-like mind.
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The Science of Singing Along from 2023-10-26T10:00
For time immemorial, humans have connected deeply through singing with one another. We explore the science behind this, plus how group singing benefits other aspects of our health. Listen
A Meditation For Connecting In Polarized Times, With Scott Shigeoka from 2023-10-19T13:50:04
Having a curious approach to life can improve our mood, creativity and relationships. Scott Shigeoka leads a visualization exercise to help you approach someone you might disagree with with an o...
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How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress from 2023-10-12T10:00
Simple actions like consciously placing a hand on your heart or hugging yourself can lower your cortisol levels, heart rate, and help you feel less stressed. Our guest tries a practice i...
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5 Minutes of Progressive Muscle Relaxation, With Jo Qina'au from 2023-10-05T14:46:51
When we mindfully tense and then release our muscles, our bodies are telling our brains to relax. Try this practice that's proven to help with depression, anxiety, and stress. <...
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How To Use Your Body to Relax your Mind from 2023-09-28T10:00
Want to destress your mind? Start with your body. Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a practice where you methodically tense and release your muscles to help unwind. Studies show it can r...
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Happiness Break: A Meditation for Groundedness, With Diana Parra (English&Spanish) from 2023-09-21T10:00
Take a moment to ground yourself with this meditation that helps bring awareness to the relationship between ourselves and the earth beneath us.
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Happiness Break: Una meditación para enraizar, con Diana Parra (inglés y español) from 2023-09-21T09:50
Tómate un momento para conectarte con esta meditación que ayuda a tomar conciencia de la relación entre nosotros y la tierra.
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Making Difficult Interactions More Respectful from 2023-09-14T10:00
Dr. Omar Guzman reflects on how a practice to cultivate more respect shaped the way he interacts with his patients.
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Happiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire a Sense of Purpose from 2023-09-07T10:00
Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them.
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Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability from 2023-08-31T10:00
Rapper Rexx Life Raj shared his deepest pain in his latest album, and discovered it was one big compassion practice for his fans dealing with their own grief.
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Happiness Break: Awe in Impermanence from 2023-08-24T10:00
Take a few minutes to develop your sense of awe for the circle of life in this meditation with Dacher Keltner.
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Why Humor Matters for Happiness from 2023-08-17T10:00
Humor can help us with stress, anxiety and feeling more connected to others. But is humor connected to mindfulness? And how can we find more of it?
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Happiness Break: Making Music With Your Body, With Keith Terry from 2023-08-10T10:00
Relieve stress, boost self-esteem, and increase focus through a simple body music practice. And do it with a friend to feel more compassion and a hit of oxytocin.
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How Improv Makes You More Confident and Less Anxious from 2023-08-03T10:00
Just 20 minutes of improv theater can foster creativity and confidence, and help with anxiety, depression, and your ability to tolerate uncertainty.
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Happiness Break: A Mindful Breath Meditation, with Dacher Keltner from 2023-07-27T14:23:41
Mindful breathing exercises are a simple, effective, and fast way to shift our mindset and improve physical and mental well-being when practiced regularly.
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How To Let Go Without Giving Up from 2023-07-20T10:00
War veteran and country music singer Sal Gonzalez tries the Taoist practice of Wu Wei to improve his relationship with anger.
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Happiness Break: Moving Through Space, With Dacher Keltner from 2023-07-13T10:00
Moving meditations can help reduce stress and boost self-awareness. Improve your ability to sense your body in space with this 7-minute proprioception meditation.
Finding Delight Through Your 5 Senses from 2023-07-06T13:34:40
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.
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Happiness Break: What To Do When You're Struggling, With Spring Washam from 2023-06-29T10:00
Treating yourself with kindness reduces anxiety and improves coping skills. Spring Washam encourages us to be more self-compassionate through a short guided meditation.
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How To Feel Better About Yourself from 2023-06-22T10:00
Self-compassion reduces our feelings of shame and self-doubt. We explore a practice to help quiet our inner critic with kindness.
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Happiness Break: Wishing Others Well, With Anushka Fernandopulle from 2023-06-15T14:23:58
Cultivate a sense of compassion for yourself and others by trying a meditation rooted in loving kindness, called "Metta."
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Where To Look For Joy from 2023-06-08T10:00
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 Philip Watkins.
Happiness Break: Who Takes Care of You? With Dacher Keltner from 2023-06-01T07:00
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 us feel supported....
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Feeling Overworked? Take a "Fika" Break from 2023-05-25T10:00
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 breaks throughout the work da...
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How To Be in Harmony in Nature — Wherever You Are, With Yuria Celidwen from 2023-05-18T10:00
Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen guides us in a meditation to strengthen our sense of belonging and connection to the earth.
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How To Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself) from 2023-05-11T10:00
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.
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Happiness Break: Contemplating our Interdependence with Nature, with Dekila Chungyalpa from 2023-05-04T10:00
Take ten minutes to renew your connection to the earth through this guided meditation on our interdependence with the ecosystem.
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How to Feel More Hopeful from 2023-04-27T10:00
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 toward his goals....
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The Case for Climate Hope from 2023-04-22T10:00
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 hope and action, with...
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Happiness Break: Sketching Serenity with Chris Murchison from 2023-04-20T10:00
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 state of flow. No talent requi...
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A New Relationship with Stress from 2023-04-13T10:00
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 too much of it.
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Happiness Break: Visualizing Your Purpose, with Dacher Keltner from 2023-04-06T10:00
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 better world.
Encore: 24 Hours of Kindness from 2023-03-30T10:00
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes.
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Happiness Break: Embodying Resilience, with Prentis Hemphill from 2023-03-23T10:00
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.
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One Way to Make Work More Meaningful from 2023-03-16T10:00
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.
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Happiness Break: Pause to Look at the Sky, with Dacher Keltner from 2023-03-09T11:00
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 pathway to awe, creativity and wonder. Listen
Why We Need Friends with Shared Interests from 2023-03-02T11:00
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 hear about how community, ...
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Happiness Break: Being Present from Head to Toe, with Spring Washam from 2023-02-23T12:30:31
Try this body-scan meditation to ground your mind in the present moment and in your body, guided by Spring Washam.
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Why We Need Reminders of Connectedness from 2023-02-16T11:00
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 connected.
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Others are Suffering, with Anushka Fernandopulle from 2023-02-09T11:00
Seeing others suffering is painful. Learn to practice both compassion and self-soothing in this guided meditation led by Anushka Fernandopulle.
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How Music Evokes Awe from 2023-02-02T11:00
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.
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Happiness Break: Feeling the Awe of Nature from Anywhere, with Dacher Keltner from 2023-01-26T11:00
Host Dacher Keltner leads us through an exercise in feeling the serenity and wonder that nature brings us, no matter where we are.
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Why We Should Look Up at the Sky from 2023-01-19T11:00
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 awe.
Happiness Break: Awe for Others, with Dacher Keltner from 2023-01-12T11:00
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 week’s Happiness Break.
How Awe Brings Us Together from 2023-01-05T11:00
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 member.
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Happiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year, with Chris Murchison from 2022-12-29T18:25:10
This New Year, affirm the wonderful qualities you already possess with this meditative writing practice called "I Am."
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How to Make Life More Meaningful from 2022-12-22T11:00
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 own business. Chris tries a p...
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Happiness Break: Finding Presence Through Your Senses, with Dacher Keltner from 2022-12-15T11:00
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 one.
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The Science of Synchronized Movement from 2022-12-08T11:00
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.
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Happiness Break: Tune Into Your Body, with Radha Agrawal from 2022-12-01T11:00
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 Taiso.
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How to Practice Gratitude When You're Not Feeling Thankful from 2022-11-24T11:00
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.
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Happiness Break: 5 Minutes of Gratitude, with Dacher Keltner from 2022-11-17T11:00
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 you might otherwise overlook...
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The Emerging Science of ASMR (Encore) from 2022-11-10T11:00
There are millions of YouTube videos with people crinkling bubble wrap or whispering about folding laundry. Our guest talks about why autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) makes he...
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Happiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle from 2022-11-03T10:00
Consider what you want to make space for in your life in this 6-minute contemplation guided by Alex Elle.
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Happiness Break: Restore Through Silence, with Tricia Hersey from 2022-10-20T10:00
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 powers.
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How to Focus Under Pressure from 2022-10-13T10:00
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.
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Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam from 2022-10-06T10:00
Cultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam.
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Why Listen to the Other Side? from 2022-09-29T10:00
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.
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Happiness Break: Six Minutes to Connect with Your Body, with Dacher Keltner from 2022-09-22T10:00
Dedicating a little time to tune into your body fortifies you to better handle the stresses of daily life.
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Nine Steps to Forgiveness from 2022-09-15T10:00
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 and someone else.
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Happiness Break: A Note to Self on Forgiveness, with Alex Elle from 2022-09-08T10:00
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 forgive and accept ourselves...
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When Rumination Is a Good Thing from 2022-09-01T10:00
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.
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Happiness Break: A Meditation to Connect to Your Roots, with Yuria Celidwen from 2022-08-25T10:00
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 reap the potent benefits o...
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Riding The Waves of Anxiety from 2022-08-18T10:00
Comedian Aparna Nancherla has always struggled with anxiety — can a new technique help her cope?
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Happiness Break: Walk Your Way to Calm, with Dacher Keltner from 2022-08-11T10:00
A few slow, mindful paces can lower your cortisol and make you more at ease. Psychologist Dacher Keltner guides you through this Walking Meditation.
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36 Questions to Spark Intimacy from 2022-08-04T10:00
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 their connection....
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Happiness Break: How to Ground Yourself, with Yuria Celidwen from 2022-07-28T10:00
Connect to yourself and the land you stand on in under 10 minutes with this grounding practice led by Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen.
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How to Feel Less Lonely and More Connected from 2022-07-21T10:00
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 Collective, tries a practice that...
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Happiness Break: Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher Keltner from 2022-07-14T10:00
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 practice — you don't even hav...
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How to Make Better Decisions (Encore) from 2022-07-07T10:00
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.
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Happiness Break: 36 Questions to Feel Connected, with Dacher Keltner from 2022-06-30T10:00
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 else to create new bonds or ...
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How to Say "Sorry" Like You Mean It from 2022-06-23T10:00
Apologies are key to successful relationships. But are you doing them right?
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Happiness Break: How To Be Your Best Self, with Justin Michael Williams from 2022-06-16T10:00
Visualize your best possible self and tap into your inherent enough-ness with this guided meditation by Justin Michael Williams.
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The Questions to Ask Yourself in an Argument from 2022-06-09T10:00
Our guest explores how reminding yourself that you don't know everything can have a profound impact on your relationships, and our society.
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Happiness Break: How to Be Your Own Best Friend, with Kristin Neff from 2022-06-02T10:00
Take 10 minutes to be guided through a practice of meaningful self-kindness: A self-compassion break with Kristin Neff.
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Catch Yourself in a Dream from 2022-05-26T10:00
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 consciousness.
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Happiness Break: A 10-Minute Guided Practice, with Dacher Keltner from 2022-05-19T10:00
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 reducing stress. Happiness B...
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The Science of a Good Night's Sleep from 2022-05-12T10:00
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 well-being.
Feel Better About Asking For Help from 2022-04-28T10:00
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Are You Tired of Being Afraid? from 2022-04-14T10:00
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 had since elementary school.
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How to Find Your Spark in Life from 2022-03-31T10:00
Comedian Marilyn Pittman takes stock of what she really wants in life – and makes a plan to get it.
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Are Your Expectations Too High? from 2022-03-17T10:00
High expectations can lead to disappointment, but expecting the worst doesn't feel great, either. This week we explore how to find the balance.
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How to Turn Grief into Strength from 2022-03-03T11:00
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 difficult times.
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Why You Should Snap Pictures of Nature from 2022-02-17T11:00
A NYT restaurant critic puts down her pen and grabs her camera to capture the beauty of the outdoors.
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When It's Time to Face Your Fears from 2022-02-03T11:00
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.
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How Music Soothes Us (Encore) from 2022-01-20T11:00
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.
The Case for Believing in Yourself from 2022-01-06T11:00
What does your best possible self look like? Our guest tries a practice in optimism by imagining her brightest future.
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How Gratitude Renews Us from 2021-12-23T11:00
Feeling burned out? Our guest, a nurse, explores how cultivating gratitude helps people in high stress jobs.
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What Our Photos Say About Us from 2021-12-09T11:00
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.
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What Our Photos Say About Us from 2021-12-09T11:00
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.
Why We Give Thanks from 2021-11-25T11:00
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 gratitu...
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Do You Feel Pressed for Time? from 2021-11-11T11:00
What happens when we share our time? Our guest, chef and author Bryant Terry, pauses to be present with the ones who matter most.
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Why You Should Make Small Goals from 2021-10-28T10:00
Comedian Paula Poundstone tries to take on a messy and daunting task, one small step at a time.
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Do You Want to Slow Down? from 2021-10-14T10:00
Anna Sale, host of Death, Sex, and Money, practices awe as an antidote to her anxiety.
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Can You Mend a Broken Bond? from 2021-09-30T10:00
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.
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100 Good Things from 2021-09-16T10:00
For our 100th episode, host Dacher Keltner sits in the guest chair and tries one of the most popular happiness practices.
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What Happens When We Play from 2021-09-02T10:00
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.
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How to Not Take People for Granted from 2021-08-19T14:13:18
What would life be like without the people you care most about? Our guest tries a practice to help appreciate loved ones.
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How to Tune Out the Noise from 2021-08-05T10:00
Our guest uses her breath to find calm in some of Los Angeles' noisiest neighborhoods.
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Don't be Afraid of Your Anger from 2021-07-22T10:00
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.
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How to Enjoy Life More with Michael Pollan from 2021-07-08T16:05:42
Michael Pollan tries to get more out of life by temporarily giving up one of his pleasure.
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How to Craft Your Life from 2021-06-24T15:03:51
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.
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Noticing Nature in the City from 2021-06-10T10:00
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What Humans Can Learn From Trees from 2021-05-27T10:00
Trees don't just compete with one another for resources, they also cooperate. Scientist and author Suzanne Simard explains the surprising science of trees.
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Finding Strength through Gratitude from 2021-05-13T15:44:08
A doctor who serves communities in dire need shares how gratitude helps him find light in the darkness.
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Why Love Needs Laughter from 2021-04-29T10:00
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.
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How Music Can Bridge Cultures from 2021-04-15T10:00
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.
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How Music Soothes Us from 2021-04-01T10:00
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.
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David Byrne on How Music Connects Us from 2021-03-18T10:00
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 Happ...
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Scheduling Time to Feel Awe(some) from 2021-03-04T11:00
Feeling awe can boost your mood and make you feel more connected with others. Comedian Chris Duffy learns how to tap into that sense.
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Why We're Drawn to Nature from 2021-02-18T11:00
What happens when we spend time outdoors? We explore how getting out in nature can restore peace of mind—and make us more creative.
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Are You Setting the Right Goals? from 2021-02-04T11:42:11
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.
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Healing Through Gratitude from 2021-01-21T11:00
A stranger helped her through the hardest day of her life. When she expresses her gratitude, our guest encounters the power of true connection.
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How to Talk with Strangers from 2021-01-07T11:00
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.
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Happy Again: How to Connect When You Must Stay Apart (Encore) from 2020-12-24T11:00
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.
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Are You Listening to Your Elders? from 2020-12-10T11:00
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 West...
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How to Make Better Decisions from 2020-11-26T11:00
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.
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How to Give Up a Grudge from 2020-11-12T11:00
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.
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Why Voting Connects Us from 2020-10-29T10:00
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.
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How to Ride With the Pain from 2020-10-22T10:00
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.
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If You Want to Be More Productive, Cut Yourself Some Slack from 2020-10-08T10:00
Feeling hard on yourself? Pinterest co-founder Evan Sharp learns to quiet his inner critic and tap into his highest potential.
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A Cure for Loneliness from 2020-09-24T10:00
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.
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24 Hours of Kindness from 2020-08-27T10:00
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes.
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How to Switch Off Your Critics from 2020-08-13T10:00
Do you obsess over negative feedback? Shereen Marisol Meraji, of NPR’s Code Switch, tries a better way to cope.
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How to Reconnect with Your Partner from 2020-07-30T10:00
A couple try a practice to bring more excitement and passion into their relationship, even while sheltering-in-place.
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Do You Want to Be More Patient? from 2020-07-16T10:00
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.
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How to Love People You Don't Like from 2020-07-02T10:00
Our guest tries a practice to help her feel compassion toward others — even those she disagrees with.
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What's Your "Why" in Life? from 2020-06-18T10:00
Adrian Michael Green asks big questions designed to help teens — and adults — find more meaning and purpose in their lives.
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From Othering to Belonging from 2020-06-11T10:00
We speak with john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, about racial justice, well-being, and widening our circles of human connection and concern.
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Taking Small Steps Toward Big Goals from 2020-06-04T10:00
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.
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How to Connect When You Must Stay Apart from 2020-05-21T10:00
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.
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Give Yourself a Break from 2020-05-07T10:00
Want to calm your inner critic? Our guest tries a practice to find more self-compassion during uncertain times.
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Helping Kids Think About the Good from 2020-04-23T10:00
Sheltering-at-home with kids? These questions can help them, and us, focus on the good things in life.
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Remembering to Breathe from 2020-04-09T10:00
How a doctor stays calm and centered during times of uncertainty, one breath at a time.
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Staying Close While Physical Distancing from 2020-03-26T10:00
Our guest tries a practice to feel more connected to loved ones, and herself, while sheltering at home.
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Who Would You Be Without Them? from 2020-03-12T10:00
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 from his past.
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Step Away from Anxiety from 2020-02-27T11:00
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.
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Who Is Your Rock? from 2020-02-13T11:00
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 thank the person who helped him find hi...
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What Does It Take To Really Listen To Someone? from 2020-01-30T11:00
Are you actually listening when someone is talking to you, or just waiting for your turn to talk? Our guest, a veteran of the Iraq War, practices how to truly listen to others.
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Why Shared Goals Can Bridge Divides from 2020-01-16T11:00
How can people from different groups get on the same page? Our guest, an educator and football coach, tries a strategy for building stronger, more inclusive teams.
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How To Make Time for Happiness from 2020-01-02T11:00
Her New Year's resolution was to have more joyful and fulfilling experiences in her daily life. Our guest tried a practice to help make that happen.
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How To Get Your Senses Tingling from 2019-12-19T11:00
There are millions of YouTube channels with people crinkling bubble wrap or whispering about folding laundry. Our guests talks about why autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) makes her, an...
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How To Be Less Hard on Yourself from 2019-12-05T11:00
Do you beat yourself up over every mistake? A high school senior tries to be kinder to himself during an especially stressful time.
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Happy Again: How to Notice What You're Thankful For (Encore) from 2019-11-28T11:00
Comedian Maz Jobrani tries to be more thankful for the good things in his life by writing them down — and encourages his kids to do the same.
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Can You Find Wonder in the Ordinary? from 2019-11-21T11:00
When was the last time you felt connected to something bigger than yourself? Award-winning cellist Yumi Kendall looks, and listens, for moments of awe.
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How To Get Your Priorities Straight from 2019-11-07T11:00
It's easy to lose sight of what matters most. Our guest finds a way to reconnect with her values during stressful times.
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Does Your Doctor Listen to You? from 2019-10-24T10:00
Doctors are often trained to be emotionally detached. But our guest finds greater meaning in his work as a physician when he tries to connect more deeply with his patients, co-workers, and famil...
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Finding Beauty in the Everyday from 2019-10-10T10:00
A tree next to a bus stop, a flower poking through the sidewalk. Our guest, a veteran of the Iraq War, discovers how awe and wonder can be found anywhere — if you just pay attention.
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How to Find Your Silver Linings from 2019-09-26T15:47:33
Do you fixate on what's going wrong in your life? Poet and "recovering pessimist" Maggie Smith practices looking on the bright side.
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Can Margaret Cho Get Any Better? from 2019-09-12T10:00
She's one of the most accomplished comedians of her generation. But Margaret Cho wants to find a different kind of happiness.
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Can You Humanize a Zombie? from 2019-08-29T10:00
Should we try to find common ground with the villains in our lives? Comedian Zahra Noorbahksh tries to understand a "zombie" from her past.
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Making Kindness Contagious from 2019-08-15T10:00
We gave our Happiness Guinea Pig a mission: Do five random acts of kindness in one day.
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Facing Your Fears from 2019-08-01T10:00
Heights. Public speaking. Death. Our Happiness Guinea Pig explains how she overcomes her fears, one small step at a time.
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How Michael Lewis Finds the Funny from 2019-07-18T10:00
How can you unearth humor in everyday life? Best-selling author Michael Lewis goes looking for laughs.
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How to Keep Love Alive from 2019-07-04T10:00
After more than a decade together, our Happiness Guinea Pig tries to bring the spark back into her marriage.
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Who Makes You Feel Connected? from 2019-06-20T10:00
Our Happiness Guinea Pig, the creator of Cartoon Network's We Bare Bears, finds a way to feel close to a loved one he recently lost.
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A Better Way to Talk to Yourself from 2019-06-06T10:00
Her husband has been in prison for 23 years. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new approach to stay strong while working to get him released.
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What to Do When You Feel Like a Failure from 2019-04-11T10:00
The loss of a job, the pain of a breakup -- it's easy to get down on ourselves when things aren't going well. Find out how our Happiness Guinea Pig tuned down the self-critic in her head.
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Delight in the Unexpected from 2019-04-04T10:00
A high-five from a stranger, a hummingbird on a busy city street. Poet Ross Gay shares his own happiness practice: savoring the everyday delights in life.
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How To Let Go of Anger from 2019-03-28T10:00
Are you still mad at someone who hurt you in the past? That can eat away at your health and well-being. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new approach to giving up a grudge.
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What Are Your Strongest Reminders of Connection? from 2019-03-21T10:00
What kinds of objects, images, and words surround your home or office? Our Happiness Guinea Pig surveys her apartment for items that spark connection and kindness.
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Do You Know How to Eat a Raisin? from 2019-03-14T10:00
Do you have trouble slowing down enough to actually enjoy your life? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, comedian and radio host Luke Burbank, finds a way to break free from his over-scheduled lifestyle. ...
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Finding Awe in Every Step from 2019-03-07T11:00
How can we feel connected to the world around us? Singer Diana Gameros tries to cultivate a sense of awe in the most unlikely of places.
Try this episode’s happiness practice: Listen
Finding Your Strengths from 2019-02-28T11:00
Do you fixate on your flaws and shortcomings? Our happiness guinea pig tries the opposite: focusing on her personal strengths.
~ Try this episode’s happiness practice: Listen
Trying Compassion on Capitol Hill from 2019-02-21T11:00
Can you extend compassion toward a difficult person in your life? Congressman Tim Ryan tries a practice to help him reach across the aisle.
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A Lesson in Thanks and Vulnerability from 2019-02-14T11:00
A junior high school teacher spent his life defying stereotypes about how men should express their emotions. Here he takes on a new challenge: getting his students to express gratitude.
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Notice the Good in Your Life from 2019-02-07T11:00
Comedian Maz Jobrani tries to pay more attention to the good things in his life by writing them down -- and encourages his kids to do the same.
Try this episodes happine...
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The Power of Expressing Your Deepest Emotions from 2018-12-20T09:00
He started Afghanistan's first post-Taliban rock band when he was 18 years old. A decade later, our Happiness Guinea Pig takes on another challenge: writing about his emotions.
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Who's Got Your Back? from 2018-12-13T09:00
How do you build feelings of trust and security? Our Happiness Guinea Pig learns some truths about what it takes to feel supported.
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Being Kinder to Yourself from 2018-12-06T09:00
When you’re helping others cope with stress and anxiety, how do you deal with your own? Psychiatrist Elizabeth Guinto tries a practice to be kinder to herself.
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W. Kamau Bell’s Thoughts on Awkward Relationships and Bridging Divides from 2018-11-29T09:00
Comedian W. Kamau Bell discusses the challenges of finding common ground, even with people in your own family.
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Find That Inner Calm from 2018-11-22T09:00
International megastar Daniel Wu tries a practice that brings him calm amidst the chaos.
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These Words Cause Happiness from 2018-11-15T07:00
Did you know that you have the power to spark happiness in someone else's brain with just a few simple words? College student Eva Dickerson shares how she spread happiness across her campus, equ...
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A Simple Recipe for Happiness from 2018-11-08T07:00
Our Happiness Guinea Pig, children's author Joanne Rocklin, shares her happiness practice: bringing people together to share a meal. It took on a deeper meaning for her after a recent tragedy.
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Can’t Relax? This Will Help from 2018-11-01T08:00
Why does a bath or swim feel so relaxing? Our guest shares her own happiness practice--spending time in water--which science is finding can make us happier and healthier.
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How to Make a Real Apology from 2018-10-25T13:41:42
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
Some apologies can actually make things worse. Our Happiness Guinea Pigs, Jolenta Greenburg and Kristin Meinzer of the By the Book podcast, try a ...
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How to Deal with Uncertainty from 2018-10-18T07:00
How do you respond when you feel threatened or defensive? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, writer Wajahat Ali, discovers a way to keep himself centered amidst the challenges and chaos of life.
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BONUS: The Science of Happiness at Work from 2018-10-11T07:00
What would make you happier at work? Featuring some of our happiness guinea pigs, we share the latest insights and research on well-being and happiness in the workplace.
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What if You Had Never Met? from 2018-08-09T08:00
Do you take your partner for granted? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, cartoonist Gene Luen Yang, imagines a life in which he never met his wife.
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Give Yourself Some Distance from 2018-08-02T08:00
Are you stuck ruminating about the past? Legendary skater Tommy Guerrero tries looking at negative events from a different perspective.
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Listen Like It's Your First Date from 2018-07-26T08:00
Do you find yourself looking at your phone when you're supposed to be paying attention to a friend? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, The Takeaway's Tanzina Vega trades in her technology for some old sc...
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Why You Shouldn't Hate Small Talk from 2018-07-19T08:00
Many of us avoid chatting with strangers – isn't small talk tedious and dull? Listen as our happiness guinea pig discovers its surprising benefits.
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How to Change Your Mind from 2018-07-12T08:00
Author Michael Pollan, shares his experiences on being a guinea pig for his new book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Add...
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How to Find Your Purpose in Life from 2018-07-05T08:00
Did you know what you wanted when you were in high school? Our teen guinea pig takes on the challenge of figuring out her purpose in life.
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What Are You Afraid Of? from 2018-06-28T08:00
Would you rather swim with sharks or give a speech before thousands of people? Discover how our happiness guinea pig tackled one of his many fears--and lived to talk about it.
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How to Forgive Your Father from 2018-06-21T08:00
Holding on to a grudge? Hear how our happiness guinea pig tried to let go of deep-seated anger and resentment.
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Feeling Angry? Try This from 2018-06-14T08:00
For years, Dan Harris of ABC News was plagued by anxiety, depression, and streaks of anger. Here's how he learned to tame the voices in his head and get 10 percent happier.
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Let People Help You from 2018-06-07T05:00
In hard times, do you seek comfort from others or turn inwards? Find out how our Happiness Guinea Pig emerged from trauma by accepting others' support.
Thank you for your emails, calls,...
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Is There Someone You Need to Thank? from 2018-04-02T08:00
Is there someone important you've never properly thanked? Award-winning children's book author, Yuyi Morales, discovers the power of writing a "gratitude letter" to the librarian who changed her...
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Can You Predict What Will Make You Happy? from 2018-03-26T08:00
Do memories of your past affect your happiness today? Susannah Cahalan was young and healthy when she was stricken with a mysterious illness. Learn how writing about her “month of madness” in th...
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Find Your Best Possible Self from 2018-03-19T08:00
Does imagining your future make you more happy--or more anxious? Our happiness guinea pig looks ahead for inspiration to improve her life now.
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How Gratitude Benefits Your Brain from 2018-03-12T08:00
Can you train your brain to be more grateful? Todd Zwillich of The Takeaway takes on the challenge.
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Krista Tippett on Being Grounded in Your Body from 2018-03-05T09:00
Are you so stressed that it wears you down physically as well as mentally? Discover how award-winning radio host Krista Tippett brought relief to her mind and body.
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Why a Walk Works Wonders from 2018-02-26T09:00
Do you dwell on the negative and let moments of joy just pass you by? Discover how the Academy Award-winning director of Inside Out got out of his head and savored the good in his life....
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3 Funny Things from 2018-02-19T09:00
What should you do when you thought you had it all -- but learn you've had it all wrong? Discover what our happiness guinea pig did to bring more joy and humor into his life.
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How to Fall in Love with Anyone from 2018-02-12T08:00
Can 36 questions help you fall in love--and stay in love? Best-selling author Kelly Corrigan tries a research-proven technique to feel closer to her husband. Plus, we learn how the same techniqu...
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Quieting Your Inner Critic from 2018-02-05T08:00
Are you too hard on yourself? Our Happiness Guinea Pig spent most of his life behind bars. Discover the research-tested practice that helped him quiet his inner critic.
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3 Good Things from 2018-02-05T07:00
Do you take the good things in life for granted? You’re not alone, and studies show it's very human. But here’s a way to find more joy in the everyday.
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The Science of Happiness Trailer from 2018-01-23T19:39:12
What does it take to live a happier life? Learn research-tested strategies that you can put into practice today. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Be...
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