The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Rachel Turow, a psychology professor at Seattle University and author of 'The Self-Talk Workout,' discusses the importance of mental fitness alongside physical exercise. She introduces the concept of a daily 'self-talk workout' to combat self-criticism. Listeners learn about practical self-compassion exercises, mindful breathing techniques, and the transformative power of positive self-talk. Turow encourages shifting focus from shortcomings to achievements, advocating for a kinder inner voice that supports emotional well-being.

In this enlightening conversation, Andrea Wachter, a psychotherapist and expert in intuitive eating, shares her journey from disordered eating to embracing what her body truly craves. She discusses the importance of tuning into our hunger signals amidst the chaos of diet culture. Andrea emphasizes that intuitive eating can liberate us from the cycle of diets and emotional eating while promoting self-acceptance and a healthier relationship with food. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate self-awareness and challenge negative body image beliefs.

Actor and author Tony Hale, known for his roles in 'Veep' and 'Arrested Development,' shares insights on the often elusive nature of happiness. He discusses the pressure to chase future accomplishments, revealing how he learned to find joy in everyday moments. Drawing from his own experiences and his children's book 'Archibald's Next Big Thing,' he illustrates the importance of mindfulness and emotional presence. The conversation also touches on overcoming anxiety and embracing emotions, emphasizing that true fulfillment lies in appreciating the now.

As the new year unfolds, the pressure to conform to societal expectations can be overwhelming. This discussion emphasizes the importance of tuning into your inner voice rather than succumbing to external noise. It critiques the fleeting nature of typical resolutions and highlights the value of staying present. Experts share strategies to reconnect with your intuition, guiding your journey toward fulfillment in work, nutrition, and happiness. This approach promises a more authentic and satisfying way to navigate the year ahead.

Lara Aknin, a social psychology professor at Simon Fraser University, explores how giving money to others boosts happiness significantly more than spending on ourselves. She discusses the power of prosocial spending, sharing how choosing the right charity amplifies the joy of giving. The conversation highlights the transformative effects of generosity and its ability to foster a positive feedback loop of kindness. Additionally, listeners learn about the impressive fundraising efforts that helped raise nearly $470,000 for meaningful causes, demonstrating the fulfilling impact of altruism.

Join former Stanford dean Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of *How to Raise an Adult*, as she discusses the pitfalls of overparenting. She emphasizes the importance of letting kids face challenges and learn from failure, which cultivates resilience and independence. Julie shares insights on how excessive parental involvement can stifle children's growth, and she highlights the need for a balance between guidance and autonomy. Tune in for strategies on supporting children's unique identities while fostering their ability to navigate life's hurdles.

Michaeleen Doucleff, a science journalist and author of "Hunt, Gather, Parent," joins to discuss the pitfalls of over-parenting. She shares her transformative journey away from micromanaging her daughter Rosy towards a more relaxed parenting style. Insights include the negative effects of treating kids like VIPs and the importance of unstructured play. Doucleff also contrasts modern parenting methods with cultural practices that promote autonomy. The conversation emphasizes fostering independence for happier families and healthier children.

Discover how intense emotions like anger can transform us into strangers to ourselves, much like the Incredible Hulk. Explore the emotional complexities of childbirth and the struggle between expectations and reality. Learn about compassion fatigue in the workplace amid cultural shifts towards empathy and equity. Delve into the empathy gaps that challenge our self-prediction during intense moments. Gain practical techniques for managing emotions and improving decision-making during high-stress situations.

Mickey Hart, the legendary drummer for the Grateful Dead and coiner of the term YOLO, is joined by author Pete Davis, who champions the power of commitment in a world of endless options. They delve into why embracing long-term commitments leads to deeper fulfillment, contrasting it with the anxiety of constantly keeping options open. Hart shares personal anecdotes on the joy of dedication while Davis argues that true happiness comes from meaningful choices, challenging the spontaneous YOLO mindset. Together, they illuminate how commitment can enrich our lives.

Delve into the fiery world of the Carolina Reaper as a daring author challenges the limits of pleasure and pain. Ever wondered why we derive happiness from discomfort? Explore the science behind benign masochism and emotional growth through safe, imaginative outlets. Learn how to face fears without real harm and discover the thrill of pain responsibly. Plus, uncover how artificial soundscapes influenced athlete performances during the Tokyo Olympics, and how we can playfully engage with our discomforting emotions to find joy.