Kelli Harding, MD, MPH, aims to make the world a kinder and healthier place for all. An expert in psychiatry, mind-body medicine, and public health, she teaches at Columbia University in New York City. She’s also the author of The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness. Dr. Harding has appeared on media and news outlets such as Today, Good Morning America, BBC, The New York Times, and many more. In 2023, she co-founded Our Kind of Club, a global community that promotes positive social connections with the science of kindness.

This week, I talk with Kelli about the groundbreaking science linking kindness and connection to our overall wellbeing. We unpack how our relationships, work environments, and even simple acts of compassion have tangible health benefits. From childhood lessons in resilience to practical ways to bring more connection into our daily lives, Dr. Harding offers a powerful reminder: investing in people is investing in health. Whether you’re managing stress, rethinking success, or simply seeking more joy, this conversation is a warm and wise guide forward.

In this episode:

(00:00) - Intro
(01:14) - Meet Kelli Harding
(03:00) - Lessons from childhood and learning to adapt
(04:40) - Choosing experiences over things
(07:00) - The impact of social connections on health
(08:07) - The rabbit study and kindness in science
(11:49) - How social connection affects health
(17:16) - The power of purpose and meaning
(18:57) - The ripple effect of kindness
(21:47) - Happiness as a predictor of success
(24:10) - Kindness in the workplace
(27:15) - Loneliness, meals, and social health
(34:43) - Our Kind of Club
(37:28) - Final thoughts and reflections

Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.

Kelli Harding — The Science of Kindness: The Overlooked Ingredient in Health and Wellbeing with Kelli Harding