Happiness, it turns out, comes down to a science — even though what makes each of us happy can vary widely. Host Cristina Quinn talks to happiness scientist Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at UC-Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, about exactly what makes us happy and how much our sense of joy is within our control.

Drawing from the science of happiness, Emiliana explains that happiness isn’t about chasing fleeting positive emotions, but rather about fostering an overarching sense of contentment, belonging and resilience. She also lays out how much of happiness is influenced by genetics, external circumstances and the choices we make.

This course reminds us that happiness isn’t out of reach — it’s something we can cultivate every day.

Emiliana and her colleagues at the Greater Good Science Center have been collecting data on happiness through the Big Joy Project, a seven-day online study where participants are assigned a micro-act of joy every day. Learn more about the project here.

For some extra happiness tips, read about trying new things for joy and embracing “joy snacks.”

Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.

To hear more, check out “Try This” wherever you listen to podcasts.

Ask Us Anything 244: What is Christian Zionism? American Revolution Books? O Canada?

The Charlie Kirk Show

Ad break

The AI-powered Podcast Player