The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

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.

In this engaging conversation, Solala Towler, a Daoism expert with over 30 years of experience, shares profound insights from Lao Tzu's ancient teachings. He emphasizes embracing life’s flow rather than fighting against it, discovering joy through childlike wonder, and finding balance amidst chaos. Towler discusses the importance of 'wu wei' and how Taoist practices like Qigong and meditation can enhance personal growth. By navigating life's challenges with grace and flexibility, listeners learn to cultivate happiness through ancient wisdom adapted to modern life.

Discover how the loss of rituals during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our happiness. Explore Confucius's insightful teachings on the power of rituals to foster community and joy. Learn about the concept of Ren, emphasizing human connection and mutual support, and how self-cultivation leads to societal well-being. Delve into the role of rituals in education and governance, promoting order and self-control. This fascinating discussion highlights the relevance of ancient wisdom in modern life and the importance of creating meaningful traditions.

Miroslav Volf, a Yale Divinity School professor, is celebrated for his insights on reconciliation and forgiveness, shaped by personal tragedy. He shares his family's journey from sorrow to a profound act of forgiveness after his brother's death. Volf discusses how forgiveness can unbind the deed from the doer, providing healing. He explores the Christian perspective on forgiveness, emphasizing its transformative power in relationships. Through poignant examples, he illustrates how embracing forgiveness leads to emotional growth and healthier connections.

Join Sarah Hurwitz, a former speechwriter for Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama, as she shares transformative insights on the importance of taking a day of rest. Exploring the Jewish tradition of Shabbat, she highlights how stepping back from constant busyness can enhance personal well-being and deepen connections with loved ones. Sarah reveals her journey from a frantic lifestyle to embracing rest, discussing the mental and emotional benefits of this practice in combating modern pressures and fostering genuine happiness.

Sarah Hurwitz, author of "Here All Along" and a former chief speechwriter for Michelle Obama, shares her enlightening journey from disconnection to appreciation of the Torah. She highlights the ethical teachings of Judaism, emphasizing kindness and solidarity, and how these principles align with modern happiness research. Topics include the transformative power of gratitude as a daily practice and the importance of presence in relationships. Hurwitz reveals how ancient wisdom can enhance our well-being by encouraging gratitude, mindfulness, and acts of compassion.

Jessamyn Stanley, a yoga instructor and author of "Every Body Yoga," shares her journey from being a self-identified "fat and awkward weirdo" to a beacon of body positivity. She reveals how societal pressures tainted her relationship with exercise, transforming it from a source of joy into self-loathing. Through personal anecdotes, she underscores the importance of moving for enjoyment rather than aesthetic goals. Jessamyn highlights yoga as a path to self-acceptance, encouraging listeners to embrace joy and self-compassion in their fitness journeys.

Andrea Wachter, a psychotherapist specializing in disordered eating, shares her personal journey of overcoming diet culture. She discusses the damaging effects of restrictive diets on both mind and body, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion in our relationship with food. Andrea advocates for a kinder approach, suggesting we feed ourselves as we would a loved one. Through mindful eating and emotional connection, she encourages listeners to embrace intuitive choices and body acceptance instead of succumbing to societal pressures.

Tara Brach, a renowned psychologist and meditation teacher, shares her transformative insights on mindfulness and self-compassion. She opens up about a pivotal moment that helped her prioritize quality time with her elderly mother. Discussing her RAIN technique—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture—Tara emphasizes the importance of being present and confronting our emotions. Through personal stories, she illustrates how mindfulness can foster deeper connections and emotional clarity, helping us shed protective layers that hinder true happiness.

Kristin Neff, an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, focuses on self-compassion and its crucial role in well-being. She discusses how self-criticism hampers progress and how treating ourselves with kindness fosters resilience and motivation. The conversation dives into overcoming challenges like divorce with a compassionate mindset, and how this approach can alleviate the fear of failure. Neff emphasizes the importance of a supportive inner dialogue, especially when setting New Year's resolutions, promoting a healthier path to personal growth.