The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

In this engaging discussion, Professor Cassie Holmes from UCLA's Anderson School of Management shares insights on time management and well-being. She challenges the traditional work-focused mindset, urging listeners to balance ambition with joy. Topics include the significance of prioritizing meaningful activities, strategies for enhancing happiness, and how social connections enrich our lives. Cassie also delves into job crafting, helping individuals find personal meaning in their work, all while reclaiming joy amidst daily challenges.

Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and fierce advocate for girls' education, opens up about the reality of burnout in high-stakes activism. She discusses the guilt that often comes with needing personal time off and shares practical tips for maintaining work/life balance. The conversation also highlights the importance of empathy in bridging divides, especially when confronting opposing views on women's rights. Malala's poignant insights on self-care and resilience during challenging times are sure to inspire and empower.

Listeners pose their most pressing happiness questions, leading to insightful discussions on self-love, work-life balance, and societal pressures. Experts and everyday stories uncover strategies to boost well-being in a post-pandemic world. The importance of financial empowerment and mental health support is spotlighted, revealing how managing finances can enhance overall happiness. Tune in for a blend of practical tips and expert advice aimed at fostering a more balanced and fulfilled life.

Jonathan Malesic, an author and former academic, dives deep into the phenomenon of burnout, sharing his own experiences and insights from his book, The End of Burnout. He highlights the emotional tolls that come with high-status jobs, questioning the disconnect between success and personal well-being. Malesic explores burnout's historical origins and its cultural implications, especially in academia. Through personal anecdotes, he advocates for recognizing self-worth beyond work and suggests practical strategies for fostering healthier work environments.

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist at Wharton and bestselling author, shares his journey through the 'meh' feelings of languishing. He describes how this emotional state crept in during the pandemic, affecting his productivity and motivation. Grant emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing languishing for mental health. He reveals how rediscovering joy through playful activities like Mario Kart helped him overcome this stagnation. The conversation also highlights the need to foster connections and engage in fulfilling pursuits to combat feelings of emptiness.

Valorie Burton, a life coach and author of "Let Go of the Guilt," shares her profound insights on guilt. She discusses how guilt can be both a motivator for positive change and a crippling burden fueled by unrealistic expectations. Valorie examines the impact of guilt on mothers balancing careers and family life, introducing the 'peel method' for reframing emotions and managing guilt effectively. This enlightening conversation encourages listeners to differentiate between authentic and false guilt, and to embrace self-compassion.

Helen Russell, a journalist and author of "How to Be Sad," joins to share insights on the often misunderstood emotion of sadness. She discusses the importance of embracing sadness as a crucial part of life, advocating for open conversations about grief. Russell highlights how societal pressures lead us to suppress negative emotions, emphasizing that acknowledging sadness can foster resilience and deeper connections. Drawing from personal stories, she encourages listeners to sit with their feelings, challenging the stigma around sadness and promoting emotional acceptance for greater happiness.

Therapist Faith Harper, an expert in neuroscience and anger management, joins to share insights from her book, 'Unfuck Your Anger.' She delves into the complexities of anger, explaining why it's a natural response and how to calm the initial surge. Harper emphasizes anger's potential as a catalyst for social change and offers practical strategies for constructive channeling. Listeners will learn about the mind-body connection of anger, the importance of curiosity in managing it, and techniques like mindful movement for healthier emotional interactions.

Andrea Wachter, a psychotherapist and meditation teacher, shares her journey battling anxiety and offers powerful coping strategies. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and mindfulness in recognizing and managing anxious thoughts. Listeners learn practical tools like focused breathing and reframing negative thoughts. Wachter also explores embracing emotions, including anger, as a pathway to emotional well-being, all while guiding toward a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Julia Samuel, a renowned psychotherapist and bereavement expert, joins to delve into the chaotic nature of grief. She emphasizes there’s no 'normal' way to mourn and shares practical strategies to navigate emotions effectively. Key topics include the importance of mindfulness, establishing support systems, and allowing oneself the necessary time to grieve. Julia introduces her eight pillars of strength for coping, highlighting how vulnerability and acceptance can lead to personal growth and resilience during this challenging emotional journey.