#251 Laurie Santos, PhD | The Science of Well-Being

In this episode of SuperPsyched, hosted by Dr. Adam Dorsay, listeners are introduced to Dr. Laurie Santos, a professor of psychology at Yale and a leading voice in positive psychology. The discussion covers the mental health crises among college students, the impact of social media, and the pressures of modern life. Dr. Santos shares insights from her popular course, 'The Science of Wellbeing,' and her podcast, 'The Happiness Lab.' They explore topics such as the importance of social connections, the benefits of focusing on happiness, and practical strategies for improving mental health. Dr. Santos also talks about her experiences with comparative psychology and shares anecdotes from interactions with celebrities like Rob Lowe and Sesame Street characters. The episode concludes with reflections on fun, time management, and the power of changing our mindsets and behaviors to enhance happiness. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 The Evolution of Positive Psychology 01:07 Introducing Dr. Laurie Santos 02:21 The Mental Health Crisis in College Students 05:15 Factors Contributing to Mental Health Issues 07:49 The Power of Social Connection 10:53 Laurie's Celebrity Encounters 15:02 Lessons from Mammals on Happiness 19:44 The Importance of Protecting Your Time 24:24 Simulating Future Commitments 24:57 The Science of Fun 27:10 Fun Audit: Discovering Your Joy 35:35 The Importance of Time Affluence 41:54 Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science 44:40 Final Thoughts and Insights

Helpful Links:

https://www.drlauriesantos.com/