The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Pushkin Industries
You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re dead wrong. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale -- the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history -- Laurie will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 8, 2025 • 48min
Holiday Survival Guide I: Ending Family Arguments (with Rainn Wilson)
Rainn Wilson, the beloved actor from The Office and host of the Soul Boom podcast, joins Dr. Laurie Santos to tackle holiday stress. They share science-backed strategies to defuse family arguments and manage holiday loneliness. Rainn emphasizes the importance of direct communication over passive aggression during gatherings. The duo also explores overcoming festive FOMO and the value of meaningful conversations instead of small talk. They remind listeners to honor their grief while encouraging connection and service as paths to joy.
51 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 48min
How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right Now
In this uplifting discussion, Tim Harford, a journalist and economist, shares a touching story of unexpected kindness experienced while traveling in Cameroon. J.R. Martinez, an Army veteran and actor, reveals how a gifted puppy played a crucial role in his healing journey. Psychologist Maya Shankar reflects on her personal growth through acts of kindness, highlighting the concept of moral elevation. The conversation illuminates how simple acts of giving can not only change lives but also enhance our own happiness.
141 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 27min
Why Being Grateful Makes Us Feel Great (A Thanksgiving Re-run)
David DeSteno, a psychology professor at Northeastern University, explores the profound impacts of gratitude on our well-being. He discusses how gratitude can boost self-control and alter our future-oriented thinking, making us more patient and thoughtful. The conversation dives into practical ways to cultivate gratitude, including daily reflections and teamwork exercises like the reciprocity ring. DeSteno highlights how gratitude not only fosters personal success but also enhances our relationships with others, creating a pay-it-forward cycle of kindness.
255 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 43min
Reset Your Relationship with Stress (for National Stress Awareness Day)
Dr. Jenny Taitz, a clinical psychologist and author of Stress Resets, shares her expertise on managing stress more effectively. She discusses how reappraising stress can transform it from an enemy to a valuable ally. Taitz emphasizes the negative impact of rumination and perfectionism and introduces practical techniques like expressive writing and behavioral activation. Listeners learn about coping strategies such as sensory approaches and humor to ease stress. She encourages proactive actions to build resilience and find purpose amidst challenges.
64 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 45min
How Horror Movies and True Crime Can Make You Happier
In this discussion, Colton Scrivner, a psychologist and author of "Morbidly Curious," explores why horror movies and true crime content fascinate us. He explains that this morbid curiosity has roots in evolutionary adaptations, helping to increase emotional resilience. Colton reveals how engaging with scary content can teach important lessons about fear and coping. He also discusses the psychological benefits of horror fandom and how it can foster resilience, especially noted during the pandemic when horror fans coped better than others.
54 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 37min
Make Vulnerability Your Superpower (with NBA star Kevin Love)
Kevin Love, a five-time NBA All-Star and mental health advocate, shares his transformative journey through anxiety and depression. He opens up about the intense pressures of performance and toxic masculinity that contributed to his struggles. After experiencing a panic attack, Kevin embraced vulnerability as a strength, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and promoting emotional education. He discusses founding the Kevin Love Fund to combat stigma and support youth mental health, aiming to change the culture around vulnerability in sports.
302 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 41min
How to Make Better Choices (with Barry Schwartz)
In this engaging discussion, psychologist Barry Schwartz, known for his insights into decision-making, unpacks the art of making better choices. He argues that life's big decisions shouldn't be reduced to mere calculations; instead, understanding your values and purpose is vital. Barry critiques the pitfalls of 'choice overload' and why applying strict rationality can mislead us. He emphasizes the importance of thoughtful reflection over mechanical calculations, especially for significant life choices like career and relationships.
140 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 56min
Take a Three-Day Weekend Without Losing Any Pay (with Juliet Schor)
Join economist Juliet Schor, an expert on work-time reduction and author of 'Four Days a Week', as she reveals the life-changing potential of a four-day workweek. She discusses how embracing shorter work hours can boost employee well-being, enhance productivity, and ultimately lead to greater profits for businesses. Through compelling research findings, Schor explains the positive effects on mental health and employee satisfaction, and how organizations can thrive with this innovative approach—all while enjoying more leisure time.
267 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 49min
How to Spend Your Time and Money Better (with Nobel Prize Winner Richard Thaler)
Join Nobel Prize-winning behavioral economist Richard Thaler and fellow economist Alex Imas as they explore the quirks of human decision-making around money and time. They discuss the phenomenon of the endowment effect and why we cling to our possessions. Discover why people often procrastinate important tasks and how mental accounting influences our spending habits. Thaler shares practical strategies like the Save More Tomorrow program to improve financial decisions, while shedding light on our irrational tendencies in everyday life.
81 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 39min
Eat Like the People Who Live Happily to 100 (with Dan Buettner)
Dan Buettner, a New York Times bestselling writer and National Geographic explorer, shares captivating insights into the secrets of longevity from the Blue Zones. He discusses how diet and community shape long, happy lives. Discover how typical American eating habits compare unfavorably to those in these remarkable regions. Buettner also introduces his cookbook, One Pot Meals, which offers simple, nutritious recipes for health. Most importantly, he emphasizes the joy of cooking together and the vital role of social connections in fostering well-being.
