Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right Now: A Giving Tuesday Special from The Happiness Lab
Dec 2, 2025
In this special discussion, economist Tim Harford shares a heartwarming travel tale about strangers returning his lost passport, highlighting human kindness. Dr. Maya Shunker reflects on how a simple act of defense during her childhood bullying shaped her view on kindness and its ripple effects. The conversation explores how giving can boost happiness and the lasting impact of small gestures. Listeners are invited to participate in a generous campaign to help those in need, showcasing the profound joy that giving can bring.
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Give Cash Directly To Maximize Impact
- GiveDirectly sends cash transfers directly and lets recipients decide how to use funds.
- Donate at givedirectly.org/happinesslab to join the Pods Fight Poverty campaign now.
Passport Returned By Strangers
- Tim Harford recounted losing his passport in Cameroon and strangers returning it by motorcycle.
- The act surprised him and challenged his distrust of strangers.
Economics Can Model Altruism
- Tim Harford argues economic models can include altruism and concern for others' welfare.
- Economists sometimes ignore altruistic preferences, but those models are possible and meaningful.
