What actually helps us feel happier? In this episode, Dr. Laurie Santos shares practical, science-backed strategies that really work.

Dr. Laurie Santos is a cognitive scientist and tenured professor of psychology at Yale University. Her class, “Psychology and the Good Life,” became Yale’s most popular course in its 300-year history— and has now helped millions of people rethink what truly leads to a better life.

In this conversation, Dr. Laurie Santos unpacks why so many of our instincts about happiness lead us in the wrong direction and what the science says to do instead. Drawing on decades of research, she explains how our brains are wired to chase things that don’t actually make us feel better— and how small, intentional shifts in our habits and mindset can lead to real, lasting change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🧠 Why our brains are wired to chase success, status, and more—yet still leave us feeling unsatisfied

📉 How “hedonic adaptation” makes even our happiest moments fade faster than expected

💡 How to rethink ambition so it supports—not sabotages—your well-being

⏳ Why buying back your time is often more valuable than buying more stuff

📌 What your negative emotions are trying to tell you—and how to respond in a healthier way

🛠 Simple, proven tools to build real happiness without overhauling your life

If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or just want to live with more intention—this episode is for you.

Get 30 Days Free on Aura at: https://www.aurahealth.io/podcast30

Join 8 million+ using Aura to find peace & transform their lives today. Code auto-applied at checkout.

Connect with Dr. Laurie Santos:

Website: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriesantosofficial

🎧 Listen & Subscribe here!

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightwithinpodcast
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/light-within-by-aura/id1817230276
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bagyehVCa2oVxFJwOo16b

💌 Want new episode drops, expert mental health tips, and wellness wisdom straight to your inbox? Subscribe to the Light Within newsletter here: https://www.aurahealth.io/lightwithin#subscribe

📲 Follow us here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightwithinpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightwithinpodcast?_t=ZP-8v1c5YXw2il&_r=1

Connect with Steve & Daniel:

Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewithlight/
Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwithaura/

The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters #1264

The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters

Final Audience Q&A and Reactions

The AI-powered Podcast Player