The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Discover how one woman's journey to find joy includes surfing lessons and a fun-tervention at the beach. The discussion celebrates being a beginner and the laughter that comes with it. Dive into anecdotes about embracing new experiences and the importance of playfulness in adulthood. The hosts explore personal growth through fun and share insights on reconnecting with joy, including a lighthearted sing-along to punctuate their adventure. Tune in for an uplifting take on rekindling happiness!

Discover how adulting can drain the fun out of life, as Dr. Santos reflects on her childhood hero, Peter Pan. She teams up with Catherine Price for a 'fun-tervention' to reignite joy and playfulness. They discuss the critical role of fun in boosting mental and physical well-being, while personal anecdotes reveal the magic of rediscovering simple pleasures. From finding delight in everyday moments to fostering genuine connections, this conversation inspires listeners to make room for joy in their busy lives.

Maya Shankar, a behavior change expert and host of 'A Slight Change of Plans', joins the discussion on navigating life's inevitable changes. They dive into strategies for reframing our fears around change and uncovering the personal growth that can emerge from it. Through inspiring stories and psychological insights, they emphasize the importance of resilience, emotional reflection, and embracing a growth mindset. Listeners also learn how character strengths can enhance happiness during transitions. It's a refreshing take on handling life's uncertainties!

Delve into the tragic case of Kitty Genovese and the myth of bystander apathy. Discover how personal stories, from a soldier's bravery in Vietnam to a high schooler's journey of kindness after loss, challenge traditional theories. Uncover the surprising truth: people often want to help more than we think. Explore how fostering a culture of kindness can enhance community well-being and individual happiness, emphasizing the power of small acts of compassion.

Explore the quirky disconnect between what we desire and what genuinely satisfies us. Discover the intriguing 'fun scale' that differentiates between effortless enjoyment and challenging experiences that foster personal growth. Delve into the neuroscience behind cravings, revealing why we often chase immediate pleasures over deeper rewards. Learn mindfulness techniques like 'urge surfing' to navigate cravings and cultivate a healthier, more rewarding life. It's a fascinating journey into how embracing discomfort can lead to lasting happiness.

In this engaging discussion, Laurette Nicoll, owner of Georgia the motorcycling dog, shares her heartfelt story of how her canine companion helped her cope with cancer and enhanced her well-being. The conversation delves into the scientific evidence supporting the positive impacts of dog ownership on happiness and health, particularly in relation to stress relief. Laurette also highlights the profound emotional benefits of their bond, making a case for the transformative power of companionship during life's toughest moments.

Tim Colceri, an actor, Marine, and golfer, shares his captivating journey of rejection in Hollywood, highlighting an unforgettable experience with Stanley Kubrick. The discussion delves into the emotional and neurological scars left by social exclusion and how the brain processes these feelings similarly to physical pain. Listeners explore practical strategies for coping with heartbreak and the importance of emotional first aid, self-compassion, and supportive relationships for healing from rejection.

Rob Lowe, the iconic actor known for his unforgettable roles in 80s films, shares his love for the decade while highlighting the importance of not getting lost in nostalgia. He discusses how our memories can mislead us, portraying the past in a selective, rosy light. This tendency can negatively impact our present happiness and decision-making. Lowe emphasizes balancing cherished memories with a focus on the present, capturing both the joy and potential pitfalls of nostalgia.

Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and host of the No Stupid Questions podcast, joins Dr. Laurie Santos to explore the intricacies of happiness. They discuss the importance of social connections and the curious idea of taking separate date nights for dinner and movies. They dive into the unexpected idea that imagining potential misfortunes can enhance our appreciation for what we have. The conversation reveals how even negative life changes might serve as unexpected gifts, challenging our perceptions of happiness and fulfillment.

Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology and cognitive science professor, dives into the fascinating world of monkey behavior and its parallels to human financial decisions. She illustrates how monkeys exhibit surprising economic rationality in experiments, mirroring our cognitive biases like loss aversion. The conversation also explores the monkeys' sense of fairness, revealing essential insights about human inequality. With humor and scientific depth, Santos challenges perceptions of human uniqueness in cognition, shedding light on our evolutionary roots.