The Happiness Lab is serving up scientifically-backed takes this summer that are so hot, even your SPF 50 won’t protect you. With the help of behavioral scientists, historians, and cultural critics, Yale psychologist Dr. Laurie Santos challenges some of our biggest assumptions about what it takes to live a good life. Dr. Laurie explores topics like why we should forget about TMI and lean into oversharing, how dumping small talk makes for better conversations, why the kids these days are actually doing just fine, and how men can establish strong bromances. Each episode unpacks a bold, counterintuitive claim — using research, data, and expert insight to question the conventional wisdom around happiness and wellbeing.
In this episode of The Happiness Lab, we delve into the surprising drawbacks of our obsession with convenience and automation. While tools like ATMs certainly save us time, they also cut down on chances for social interaction, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and unhappiness. Research reveals that even short ch...
In this episode of the podcast, Professor Laurie Santos explores the science of happiness and its significant impact on the workplace. She discusses what happiness truly means, emphasizes the value of free time, and shares practical strategies to foster joy. Professor Santos highlights that creating a sense of belongin...
This podcast episode explores the complex link between workplace happiness, emotional well-being, and the challenges of toxic environments. It shares practical strategies rooted in concepts like radical acceptance and mindfulness meditation to help listeners reduce stress, increase motivation, and nurture self-compassi...
In this podcast episode, Dan Harris and Laurie Santos explore how failure can be a powerful catalyst for mental well-being, drawing from their own experiences with panic and career challenges. They advocate for viewing failure not as a source of embarrassment, but as an opportunity for growth and resilience. By nurturi...
In this episode, we celebrate World Mental Health Day with a remarkable group known as the "Titans of Happiness." They dive into the critical issue of mental health, specifically focusing on loneliness. The conversation explores the challenges posed by modern technology, highlights the value of genuine connection, and ...
This podcast episode delves into the transformative journey of ordinary citizens, like Katie Fahey, who transition from political apathy to active engagement in democracy. Through discussions on gerrymandering, the concept of the "exhausted majority," and the effectiveness of relational organizing, the episode highligh...
This podcast episode delves into the complexities of high conflict and false polarization, illustrating how rigid battle lines and misperceptions distort our political landscape. With insights from experts like Amanda Ripley, Britt Barron, and Luisa Santos, the discussion emphasizes the power of dialogue, storytelling,...
This podcast episode examines the profound impact of Peter Kropotkin's theory of mutual aid, illustrating that cooperation, rather than competition, is often the key to survival and success, both in the animal kingdom and among humans in times of crisis. Through various examples from history and nature, it showcases a ...
This podcast episode features Stanford psychologist Jamil Zaki discussing his book "Hope for Cynics," which argues against the common belief that humans are inherently selfish and mean, instead advocating for a mindset of hopeful skepticism that fosters trust and connection. Zaki delves into the detrimental impacts of ...
This podcast episode delves into the pervasive cynicism in today's society, as Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the psychological impacts and offers insights from Stanford psychologist Jamil Zaki, whose book "Hope for Cynics" presents an optimistic perspective on human nature. The episode sets the stage for a new season of ...
This podcast episode features Laurie Santos, a Yale professor, who shifts the perspective on happiness from being a mere emotion to a trainable skill, discussing the significance of social connections, the cultural influences on well-being, and the necessity of mindfulness and gratitude in navigating life’s ups and dow...
This podcast episode delves into the intersection of coaching, well-being, and the pursuit of happiness as it relates to Team USA coaches, featuring insights from Christine Bolger and Emilie Lazenby. They explore the critical need for coaching education, address the significant mental and emotional challenges faced by ...
This podcast episode celebrates the spirit of the Olympics by retracing the historical milestones of women's participation in the marathons, the innovative analysis of elite athletes' musculature using AI, and the remarkable story of Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, revealing how these narratives shape our unde...
This podcast episode features an inspiring interview with Georgia Bell, a former cybersecurity expert turned professional athlete. Georgia shares her journey of returning to elite racing at the age of 30 and pursuing her dream of competing in the Olympic Games. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance, seizi...
This podcast episode explores the concept of practical knowledge and the gap between knowing and doing. The speakers discuss the G.I. Joe fallacy and how theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient for achieving happiness and success. They delve into various topics such as perfectionism, managing stress, balancing pres...
This podcast episode explores the fear of death and the concept of embracing mortality. It discusses the importance of facing the shortness of life for happiness and living well. The episode features individuals who have embraced death and found new purpose and fulfillment. It also highlights the transformative impact ...
This podcast episode explores the modern phenomenon of busyness and the detrimental effects it has on our well-being. Despite Keynes' vision of increased leisure and shorter work weeks, the reality is that people are working harder than ever, constantly striving to complete never-ending to-do lists. This culture of bur...
This podcast episode explores the tendency to overlook our future selves and make decisions that solely benefit our current selves. It discusses the detrimental effects of procrastination and the importance of recognizing the significance of our future selves in avoiding procrastination and making sound choices. The ep...
This podcast episode explores the concept of awe as an emotion that can be experienced in spirituality and everyday life. The speakers discuss the physical manifestations of awe and how it can reduce stress and enhance self-compassion. They also highlight the benefits of feeling awe, such as stress reduction, letting g...
This podcast episode explores the concept of stress and its impact on our well-being. It highlights the experiences of caregivers and the challenges they face in managing stress. The episode discusses the role of chronic stress in affecting our biology, eating habits, and overall health. It also examines different stra...
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