The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Pushkin Industries
You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re dead wrong. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale -- the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history -- Laurie will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 26, 2021 • 34min
Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Confucius
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.
4 snips
Apr 19, 2021 • 29min
Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Forgiveness
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.
4 snips
Apr 12, 2021 • 30min
Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Day of Rest
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.
47 snips
Apr 5, 2021 • 28min
Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Torah
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.
Jan 25, 2021 • 33min
Move More... But for the Right Reasons
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.
Jan 18, 2021 • 37min
Feed Yourself Like You'd Feed a Loved One
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.
20 snips
Jan 11, 2021 • 34min
Reconnect With The Moment
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.
58 snips
Jan 4, 2021 • 37min
Dump Your Inner Drill Sergeant
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.
9 snips
Dec 14, 2020 • 38min
Happier Holidays: How to Celebrate No Matter What
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.
19 snips
Dec 7, 2020 • 30min
Happier Holidays: How to Give and Receive the Perfect Gift
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.
