The Happiness Lab: Getting Unstuck

Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and author known for her insights on navigating life changes, shares powerful wisdom on managing life's curveballs. She discusses the terrifying nature of unexpected shifts like breakups and job losses, emphasizing how they challenge our sense of control. Maya introduces concepts like self-affirmation and moral elevation to help expand our possible identities after change. She also highlights techniques for managing emotions, tolerating uncertainty, and breaking free from rumination, encouraging a transformative approach to adversity.

Dr. Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist and author of Wise Effort, shares insights on how to channel our energy more effectively. She discusses the importance of psychological flexibility over relentless effort, encouraging listeners to re-evaluate commitments through the lens of the sunk cost fallacy. Dr. Hill emphasizes curiosity as a tool for discovering new possibilities and promotes journaling to gain perspective. She highlights the role of values in guiding energy allocation and introduces practical strategies for embracing discomfort while pursuing what truly matters.

Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and advocate for happiness, joins Dr. Elizabeth Poynor to delve into the nuances of midlife. They discuss how midlife can be a transformative period filled with both challenges and opportunities for happiness. Laurie highlights common misconceptions about what truly fosters joy and shares practical strategies for boosting well-being. From nurturing community connections to understanding and managing negative emotions, they provide insightful advice for thriving during this critical life stage.

Join Rainn Wilson, actor from The Office and host of the Soul Boom podcast, as he shares his insights on holiday stress and the significance of meaningful traditions. He emphasizes the importance of thoughtful gifts—favoring experiences and connection over consumerism. Rainn tackles workaholism and suggests setting boundaries by limiting phone usage to enhance presence. With a focus on gratitude and creating rituals, he invites listeners to cultivate awe through nature, ensuring a more fulfilling and joyful holiday season.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.