The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

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 author of bestselling books on grief, shares her profound insights on coping with loss. She discusses the paradox of grief, emphasizing the need to feel emotions fully for effective healing. Samuel explains how confronting rather than avoiding these feelings can lead to personal growth and resilience. She challenges societal taboos around death and advocates for open communication about mortality, encouraging listeners to develop real relationships with their lost loved ones.

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.

In this captivating discussion, Harvard Medical School psychologist Susan David shares her insights on emotional agility. She explains how uncomfortable emotions like anger and guilt act as vital signals, guiding us toward greater happiness. Ignoring these feelings can hinder our growth. David emphasizes the power of engaging with negative emotions to better understand our needs and values. By embracing discomfort, we empower ourselves to navigate life's challenges more effectively and authentically.

Brené Brown, a social worker and bestselling author renowned for her insights on vulnerability and empathy, joins Dr. Laurie Santos. They delve into the importance of recognizing and understanding negative emotions like jealousy and envy. Brown emphasizes the need for a richer emotional vocabulary to navigate feelings that can be painful. Through anecdotes and a structured approach, they explore how acknowledging these emotions can improve relationships and overall well-being, helping listeners transform their emotional landscapes for a happier life.

Explore the transformative power of negative emotions like sadness and anger. Discover the importance of acknowledging these feelings instead of ignoring or wallowing in them. Learn practical coping strategies from experts like Brene Brown and Adam Grant. Get inspired to reset your emotional wellbeing for the new year, emphasizing mindfulness in life choices. It's a fresh approach to handling grief, guilt, and burnout to boost your overall happiness.

Joshua Green, a Harvard psychology professor, dives deep into the art of effective altruism and moral decision-making. He reveals why our emotions often lead us astray in charitable giving, encouraging a more strategic approach. Exploring concepts like the trolley problem, he contrasts emotional versus rational philanthropy. Green also discusses common cognitive biases that hinder effective giving and shares tips on blending heart and head for maximum impact. Discover how mindful donations could enhance both societal good and personal happiness.