The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist and author of 'Practical Optimism', discusses her innovative approach to optimism developed while treating trauma survivors after 9/11. She distinguishes practical optimism from mere positive thinking, emphasizing emotional processing for resilience and personal growth. Varma shares strategies for transforming negative thoughts, the significance of social support, and the beauty of imperfection through concepts like kintsugi. Listeners will discover how to cultivate an optimistic mindset and navigate life's challenges.

Join author and vlogger John Green, known for his young adult novels and advocacy against global issues like tuberculosis, as he dives into confronting the world's challenges. He shares a hopeful message about tackling problems head-on, emphasizing the potential for collective action to combat diseases like TB. John discusses the importance of empathy, connection, and community resilience in overcoming adversity. With humor and inspiring narratives, he encourages listeners to embrace hope and get involved in making a difference.

Join best-selling author John Green, known for "The Fault in Our Stars" and educational content on YouTube, as he dives into the urgent battle against tuberculosis (TB). He emphasizes TB's link to poverty and the crucial role of financial support in combating the disease. Green shares how even a small donation can lead to significant change, reinforcing that altruism boosts personal happiness. Also featured is Dr. Laurie Santos, who highlights a matching donation initiative aimed at enhancing global health and reducing inequality.

Join Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and happiness expert, and Michelle Obama as they tackle the profound question of maintaining hope in tough times. They share personal anecdotes on resilience, shaping their understanding through family experiences. The dialogue explores the rising mental health challenges in students and offers actionable strategies for fostering positivity amidst societal pressures. With a focus on community support and mindful social media engagement, they inspire listeners to embrace hope and cultivate emotional well-being.

Join DJ DiDonna, a Senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and founder of The Sabbatical Project, as he shares his passion for the life-changing benefits of taking extended breaks from work. He reflects on his eye-opening sabbatical that reignited his joy and creativity. The conversation tackles the misconceptions surrounding sabbaticals, emphasizing their positive impact on well-being and organizational health. DiDonna encourages listeners to embrace personal growth, urging a shift in workplace culture to support life-enhancing career breaks.

Bestselling author and happiness expert Gretchen Rubin joins Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, to explore the evolution of friendships in adulthood. They discuss the importance of maintaining deep connections during life's transitions and tackle the complexities of navigating conflicts. The duo shares insights on personality types and their influence on friendships, emphasizing the need for intentionality in fostering relationships. They highlight the significant role of adult friendships in modeling positivity for children, even amid modern isolation.

Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author and host of the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, joins to explore memorable sayings that can transform our lives. They discuss the paradox of happiness, revealing that joy doesn’t always equate to deep satisfaction. Topics include navigating love’s complexities and the balance between self-acceptance and ambitions. Listeners will learn how practical aphorisms can guide personal growth and productivity, emphasizing the importance of actionable steps and the role of habit formation in achieving happiness.

Rachel Botsman, a trust expert and author, dives into the declining trust in our institutions and each other. She reveals how this erosion impacts our happiness and the fabric of society. Botsman discusses the rise of peer influences among younger generations and the role of social media in shaping trust perceptions. She emphasizes the importance of navigating distrust and suggests a 'trust pause' to better assess relationships. Ultimately, she advocates for small 'trust leaps' to rebuild connections in a world filled with uncertainty.

Join Anne Fishel, a Harvard Medical School associate professor and founder of The Family Dinner Project, as she uncovers the importance of shared meals for happiness. She discusses alarming trends from the World Happiness Report showing more people dining alone, which negatively affects well-being. Discover how family dinners can improve emotional health, cognitive development, and connections. Fishel also offers practical tips for overcoming mealtime challenges, embracing 'scruffy hospitality,' and fostering joyful conversations for a happier life.

In this engaging conversation, Dan Gilbert, a Harvard psychology professor and happiness expert, discusses our human tendency to prioritize immediate threats over distant crises like climate change. He delves into societal biases that hinder proactive reactions, explaining how we react more strongly to threats we can see. The talk highlights strategies to harness psychological insights for environmental action, emphasizing the importance of framing and individual contributions. Gilbert encourages imagining positive futures to motivate change and emphasizes the urgency of tackling climate issues.