The Dan Buettner Podcast Goldie Hawn's Science-Backed Secrets to Living a Happier Life
Jan 22, 2026
Goldie Hawn, the Oscar-winning actress and mental wellness advocate, shares her journey from battling severe anxiety to becoming a 'happiness expert.' She reveals how Freudian analysis and mindfulness retrained her brain, leading to the creation of her MindUp program for children. Goldie discusses the science of gratitude journaling, which can rewire the brain, and shares parenting lessons emphasizing responsibility and communication. With insights on maintaining relationships and small acts of kindness, she shows that joy is rooted in connection and purpose.
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Early Panic Attacks And Recovery
- Goldie Hawn described severe panic attacks that began at age 22 and disrupted her early career.
- She spent 1.5 years working with a Freudian analyst and regained stability over time.
Early New York Struggle At Needle Park
- Goldie recounted arriving in New York for the World's Fair, being stranded, and finding a risky room in Needle Park.
- She endured cockroaches and danger but found comfort hearing children laugh during the day.
Joy Is A Retrievable Childhood 'Tickle'
- Joy is a retrievable 'tickle' seeded in childhood that you can consciously call up later.
- Remembering or visualizing a smiling child-self helps reconnect to that innate joy.
