The Real Science Behind Happiness (And Why We Get It Wrong)

Jun 26, 2025

Dr. Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist and professor at Yale, uncovers the real science behind happiness. She reveals how chasing success and status can leave us feeling empty, urging listeners to rethink what truly matters. Santos discusses the phenomenon of 'hedonic adaptation' and the importance of self-compassion in cultivating joy. Additionally, she emphasizes the value of meaningful connections, investing in experiences, and the need to buy back our time to enhance well-being. Tune in for practical, research-backed strategies to shift your perspective on happiness!

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INSIGHT

We're Not Built To Be Happy

Humans are not evolutionarily wired for constant happiness; survival favored anxiety and striving instead.
Modern cultures and tech amplify these mismatches, making happiness harder to achieve.

INSIGHT

Money And Stuff Rarely Buy Lasting Joy

Money and material goods rarely deliver lasting happiness once basic needs are met.
Materialism correlates with worse mental health and chasing wealth often costs time better spent on social connection.

INSIGHT

Achievement Loses Its Shine Quickly

Arrival fallacy and hedonic adaptation make achievements and perks fade fast.
Even your biggest wins feel normal once you adapt, so they don't sustain happiness.

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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.

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Connect with Dr. Laurie Santos:

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

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