The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

In this enlightening discussion, Marisa Franco, a friendship expert and psychologist, explores the essence of adult friendships. She reveals that loneliness affects one in five Americans and underscores the dire health implications of isolation. Franco discusses three types of social connections essential for well-being—intimate friendships, relational ties, and collective bonds. She also offers practical strategies for overcoming the challenges of making friends as adults, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and intentionality in building meaningful connections.

Discover happiness in unexpected places as the fun begins with conversations about Star Trek's Wesley Crusher and the inspiration behind The Grateful Dead. Travel to the world's happiest country even in winter's chill. Feel the rush of pleasure from chugging the hottest hot sauce known to man! Expect a blend of humor and insight as modern parenting challenges and the benefits of fear and sadness are explored in this vibrant season.

Join Dr. Amy Comander, Director of Lifestyle Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, as she unpacks the lessons learned from the pandemic. She discusses how Covid reshaped our priorities and what happiness means in this new context. From the evolution of friendships amidst isolation to the critical support needed for healthcare workers facing burnout, Amy emphasizes self-compassion and growth. Plus, she shares practical strategies for enhancing well-being as we navigate our post-pandemic lives.

In this enlightening discussion, Ethan Kross, a professor and expert on negative self-talk, explains the detrimental effects of our critical inner voice. He shares practical strategies to quiet this chatter, like 'distanced self-talk' and linguistic distancing to reshape our self-dialogue. Kross emphasizes self-compassion and how reframing negative thoughts can lead to improved mental health and well-being. The conversation offers valuable insights for anyone struggling with self-doubt and seeking a more positive mindset.

Join Stanford psychology professor Jamil Zaki, author of 'The War for Kindness,' as he tackles the question of happiness in solitude. He explores the challenges of rebuilding social connections post-pandemic, emphasizing empathy and active listening. Jamil shares insights on supporting friends with mental health struggles while maintaining balance in our own lives. Discover how compassion transforms relationships and the power of bravery in navigating disagreements. This conversation illuminates the path to meaningful connections and personal well-being.

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.