Richard Layard, a prominent British economist and member of the House of Lords, champions the integration of happiness into government policies. He discusses the surprising factors influencing well-being, emphasizing that money alone doesn’t equate to happiness. Mental health initiatives, childhood emotional well-being, and community connections play pivotal roles. Layard also explores utilitarianism’s ethical dilemmas and reflects on the societal importance of interpersonal relationships and contributing to a meaningful life.

On the podcast, they discuss the importance of measuring happiness for societal progress, the impact of a national mental health program, government intervention in societal values, addressing the training divide, and exploring well-being through social science perspectives.