The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Bestselling author and happiness expert Gretchen Rubin joins Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, to explore the evolution of friendships in adulthood. They discuss the importance of maintaining deep connections during life's transitions and tackle the complexities of navigating conflicts. The duo shares insights on personality types and their influence on friendships, emphasizing the need for intentionality in fostering relationships. They highlight the significant role of adult friendships in modeling positivity for children, even amid modern isolation.

Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author and host of the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, joins to explore memorable sayings that can transform our lives. They discuss the paradox of happiness, revealing that joy doesn’t always equate to deep satisfaction. Topics include navigating love’s complexities and the balance between self-acceptance and ambitions. Listeners will learn how practical aphorisms can guide personal growth and productivity, emphasizing the importance of actionable steps and the role of habit formation in achieving happiness.

Rachel Botsman, a trust expert and author, dives into the declining trust in our institutions and each other. She reveals how this erosion impacts our happiness and the fabric of society. Botsman discusses the rise of peer influences among younger generations and the role of social media in shaping trust perceptions. She emphasizes the importance of navigating distrust and suggests a 'trust pause' to better assess relationships. Ultimately, she advocates for small 'trust leaps' to rebuild connections in a world filled with uncertainty.

Join Anne Fishel, a Harvard Medical School associate professor and founder of The Family Dinner Project, as she uncovers the importance of shared meals for happiness. She discusses alarming trends from the World Happiness Report showing more people dining alone, which negatively affects well-being. Discover how family dinners can improve emotional health, cognitive development, and connections. Fishel also offers practical tips for overcoming mealtime challenges, embracing 'scruffy hospitality,' and fostering joyful conversations for a happier life.

In this engaging conversation, Dan Gilbert, a Harvard psychology professor and happiness expert, discusses our human tendency to prioritize immediate threats over distant crises like climate change. He delves into societal biases that hinder proactive reactions, explaining how we react more strongly to threats we can see. The talk highlights strategies to harness psychological insights for environmental action, emphasizing the importance of framing and individual contributions. Gilbert encourages imagining positive futures to motivate change and emphasizes the urgency of tackling climate issues.

In this engaging conversation, Ethan Kross, a professor of psychology and business at the University of Michigan, explores how our social interactions can affect happiness. He reveals social hacks for enhancing emotional wellness and discusses the impact of emotional contagion—how feelings can spread among people. Kross emphasizes the importance of mirroring in relationships and how an individual’s emotional advisory board can bolster well-being. Listeners learn actionable strategies to create more positive environments in their everyday lives.

Jordan Grumet, a hospice physician and author of The Purpose Code, shares his journey from doctor burnout to discovering authentic joy. He discusses the importance of 'little p purpose,' emphasizing that fulfillment often comes from everyday activities rather than grand aspirations. Jordan highlights the concept of 'purpose mirages' and encourages listeners to find joy in the process. He offers practical tips for self-reflection and life reviews, advocating for actionable steps toward a more meaningful life filled with personal passions.

Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School and author of "Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others," shares insights on everyday leadership. He emphasizes that anyone can inspire, whether at home or work. Key topics include the transformative power of praise, the importance of vulnerability, and how emotional contagion can motivate teams. Galinsky also introduces practical strategies, like the MYREAP method, to enhance leadership qualities and create a culture of collaboration and empathy.

Shige Oishi, a psychology professor at the University of Chicago specializing in happiness, shares insights on living a fulfilled life. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new experiences for true happiness. Oishi discusses the concept of 'psychological richness', suggesting that curiosity and diverse encounters lead to more meaningful lives. He also contrasts stability with adventure, urging a redefinition of success that values experiences over mere financial gain. Playfulness, exploration, and openness are key to preventing burnout and enhancing life satisfaction.

Laurie Santos, a Yale professor renowned for her popular happiness course, joins hosts Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick to dissect the classic film 'Say Anything.' They dive into the film's insights on stalking versus romance and the shift of emotional support from parents to partners. The conversation touches on the value of female friendships for men, the unrealistic portrayals of romance in cinema, and the intricate dynamics of dating today. With a playful critique, they emphasize the importance of consent and managing expectations in love.