The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

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.

Join Jamil Zaki, a Stanford social psychologist, Liz Dunn, a happiness researcher from UBC, and Nick Epley, a behavioral science expert from Chicago Booth, as they tackle the challenges of holiday celebrations in uncertain times. They share strategies to unlock joy through mindfulness and meaningful connections. With tips on scheduling social interactions and navigating difficult conversations, they emphasize the power of empathy and presence. Discover how to celebrate the season by savoring experiences and adapting traditions, even when gatherings look different.

In this festive discussion, Liz Dunn, a happiness researcher from UBC, and Nick Epley, a behavioral science expert from the University of Chicago, join Dr. Santos to unravel the complexities of gift-giving. They explore how emotional dynamics and shared experiences can trump material gifts in creating happiness. Listeners learn that anticipation enhances joy and the importance of thoughtful gestures like heartfelt notes. The conversation also addresses the role of empathy and gratitude, especially during tough times, in fostering meaningful connections.

Liz Angowski, an assistant professor of religion, and Robert Wright, a science writer and author, dive into the timeless teachings of the Buddha. They discuss how Siddhartha Gautama's realization that wealth cannot shield us from suffering transformed his life. The conversation highlights mindfulness meditation as a powerful tool for embracing pain and cultivating happiness. Angowski and Wright also explore how ancient wisdom connects with modern psychology, revealing profound insights on perception, self-transformation, and the path to true fulfillment.

Join Bill Irvine, a philosophy professor and expert in Stoicism, as he explores the teachings of Epictetus, one of Ancient Rome's greatest thinkers. They discuss how to harness resilience by reframing challenges into learning opportunities. Irvine emphasizes the importance of controlling reactions to negativity, using examples like Admiral James Stockdale's experiences in Vietnam. Discover practical strategies that blend Stoic wisdom with modern neuroscience for emotional regulation and personal growth, proving that ancient philosophy remains relevant in today’s world.

In this engaging discussion, Yale Professor Tamar Gendler, a specialist in the philosophy of mind, joins Dr. Laurie Santos to delve into Plato's timeless insights on happiness. They explore the metaphor of a chariot, highlighting the struggle between our rational desires and primal instincts. Gendler reveals practical strategies for managing our conflicting desires, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments over sheer willpower. Ancient wisdom illuminates modern challenges as they discuss how self-control can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Tamar Gendler, a Yale professor specializing in philosophy and cognitive science, delves into Aristotle's timeless insights on happiness. She discusses the importance of living virtuously and how small, daily actions can lead to true fulfillment. Gendler emphasizes the power of cultivating lasting virtues over fleeting pleasures and the significance of meaningful friendships in our pursuit of happiness. Learn how the ancient belief in 'fake it, 'til you make it' can still apply today, guiding us toward our best selves.