Leading psychology professor and happiness expert Laurie Santos talks about the factors that contribute to happiness, misconceptions about what makes us happy, the role of rituals in happiness, challenges of measuring happiness, changing perspectives and appreciating life, influence of genetics and environment on happiness, unintended consequences of overprotective parenting, the role of boundaries in happiness, and recognizing and preventing burnout.

Laurie Santos, Yale professor and host of 'The Happiness Lab' podcast, joins the show to discuss surprising evidence on happiness, the mental health crisis among college students, understanding behaviors and well-being, the relationship between money and happiness, and practical tips to increase happiness.

Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and expert on happiness, dives into the science behind true fulfillment. She discusses the surprising role of money, revealing its limited impact on happiness beyond a certain point. The conversation highlights the importance of social connections and the pitfalls of digital interactions that foster loneliness. Santos introduces concepts like negative visualization and reframing success, urging listeners to embrace emotional contrasts to appreciate life's joys. Expect science-backed strategies for enhancing well-being and finding deeper meaning.

Dr. Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist and Yale professor, shares enlightening insights on achieving happiness based on her popular course, "The Science of Well-Being." She discusses surprising aspects of happiness, emphasizing that it's a skill that requires effort. Listeners will discover the importance of 'time affluence' over money, the benefits of social connections, and practical strategies for rewiring the brain for joy. Santos also highlights self-compassion and small acts of kindness as vital components in cultivating a fulfilling life.

Dr Laurie Santos, a workplace wellbeing psychologist, shares five tips at SXSW for improving happiness at work, leading to potential salary increases. Topics include the impact of AI on work, embracing negative emotions, self-compassion, leveraging strengths, and fostering workplace connections for enhanced performance and happiness.

Chuck Yeager's harrowing experience in a plummeting aircraft teaches a valuable lesson of doing less. The episode highlights the benefits of inaction in critical moments, the power of subtraction in problem-solving, and how simplicity can lead to innovation and happiness.

Laurie Santos, a Yale psychologist known for her work on happiness, and Elie Hassenfeld, co-founder of GiveWell, delve into the joy and science behind charitable giving. They reveal how spending money on others boosts personal happiness. The conversation uncovers misconceptions about donations and discusses effective charities that maximize impact. Listeners learn about the challenges of giving, the importance of trust in charitable organizations, and how a data-driven approach can transform philanthropy for global health and poverty alleviation.

Jamil Zaki, a Stanford professor renowned for his research on human kindness, joins Dr. Laurie Santos, an expert in trust and optimism. They dive deep into the struggle against cynicism and how it affects relationships and societal trust. The conversation reveals that cynicism can hinder connection and mental health, while 'hopeful skepticism' promotes resilience. Zaki discusses practical ways to embrace hope, highlighting the importance of community and supportive relationships in enhancing well-being amidst modern challenges.

Laurie Santos, a Yale cognitive scientist and host of the ‘Happiness Lab’ podcast, shares her insights on happiness research. Discover how our perceptions of time shape our well-being, from grappling with regrets to harnessing nostalgia. She explains the concept of psychological distancing to reduce anxiety and illustrates how writing to our future selves can enhance happiness. Dive into the importance of genuine connections, the effects of technology on social interactions, and the intricate balance between fleeting joy and lasting life satisfaction.

Laurie Santos, Professor of psychology and cognitive science at Yale, discusses the phenomenon of behavioral contagion, the paradox of achievement and happiness, adapting to circumstances and the hedonic treadmill. The podcast also includes fact-checking, upcoming episodes, and sponsor ads.