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
25 snips
Apr 20, 2020 • 23min
Good Screens and Bad Screens
Catherine Price, a science journalist and author of How To Break Up With Your Phone, provides insights into finding a balance with our screen time, especially highlighted during the pandemic. She discusses categorizing screen interactions as 'nutritious' or 'junk food' to improve mental health. Price introduces the 'three C's'—consumption, creation, and connection—as a framework for mindful media usage. She also offers practical tips for reducing screen time, enhancing sleep quality, and fostering real-life connections.
Apr 16, 2020 • 39min
Helping the Helpers
Michael Rocha, a cardiologist and wellbeing expert, shares his expertise on supporting the mental health of healthcare professionals burdened by the pandemic. He discusses practical strategies to cope with anxiety, emphasizing self-care and emotional regulation. The conversation explores gratitude and mindfulness as vital tools against burnout, highlighting the importance of self-compassion in the face of adversity. Rocha also inspires listeners to be a source of support for healthcare heroes, promoting community involvement and resilience.
10 snips
Apr 9, 2020 • 36min
Laurie's Personal Tips
In a lively discussion, Katy Milkman, a behavioral scientist at Wharton and host of Choiceology, interviews Laurie Santos, known for her insights on happiness. They share personal strategies for maintaining joy during the pandemic, focusing on the power of social connections and community support. Laurie dives into the vital role of mindfulness and meditation in easing anxiety, especially in a world filled with constant noise. Plus, they offer practical tips for building healthy habits and achieving better well-being while navigating a busy lifestyle.
13 snips
Apr 2, 2020 • 26min
Keep Your Relationship Healthy
Eli Finkel, a psychology professor at Northwestern University and author of 'The All-or-Nothing Marriage,' discusses the strains on romantic relationships during the pandemic. He highlights how couples can leverage this crisis to address lingering issues and emphasize the importance of shared experiences. Finkel introduces practical strategies—dubbed 'love hacks'—for enhancing communication and connection while navigating financial and emotional stress. He stresses prioritizing quality time and empathy to nurture relationships in tough times.
5 snips
Mar 30, 2020 • 29min
Help Others to Help Yourself
Liam Elkind, a college student and founder of Invisible Hands, shares his journey in bringing neighbors together amidst the pandemic's challenges. David DeSteno, a psychology professor and compassion expert, explains how helping others not only aids the community but also boosts our own happiness and prevents burnout. The discussion includes inspiring stories of kindness during crises and highlights the power of compassion, reinforced by a guided Loving Kindness meditation to cultivate empathy and support.
17 snips
Mar 26, 2020 • 39min
Calm Can Be Contagious
Dan Harris, an ABC News correspondent and author of "10% Happier," shares his journey from panic attacks to inner peace through meditation. He discusses the profound impact of anxiety on mental health during crises and offers practical meditation strategies for families. Dan explains how short practices can help us navigate stressful times and emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and loving-kindness meditation. Listeners are encouraged to incorporate mindfulness into daily life, illustrating how one calm individual can influence their environment.
13 snips
Mar 23, 2020 • 26min
Rising to a Challenge
Bill Irvine, a philosophical heavyweight and author of "The Stoic Challenge," shares insights on navigating adversity with resilience. He discusses the power of Stoicism in transforming our emotional responses to setbacks, stressing the importance of viewing challenges as growth opportunities. Irvine highlights practices like negative visualization, which helps cultivate gratitude and mindfulness, turning anxiety into appreciation. His anecdotes effectively illustrate how embracing a Stoic mindset can foster a balanced, proactive approach to life's difficulties.
24 snips
Mar 19, 2020 • 26min
Coach Yourself Through a Crisis
Ethan Kross, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, shares expert insights on managing emotions during crises. He discusses how to coach yourself through anxiety by cultivating psychological distance, allowing for clearer decision-making in stressful situations, like grocery shopping. Kross emphasizes techniques like third-person self-talk to ease public speaking fears and introduces the 'Batman effect' as a strategy for emotional regulation. His practical approaches aim to enhance resilience and inner calm when facing life’s challenges.
9 snips
Mar 16, 2020 • 22min
Beat Your Isolation Loneliness
In this discussion, Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and author of 'The War for Kindness,' dives into the pressing issue of loneliness amid the pandemic. He explores the profound emotional effects of isolation and emphasizes the necessity of maintaining social bonds. Zaki offers practical strategies for nurturing connections, even through technology. He highlights how crises can evoke empathy and stress the importance of community support for mental well-being, inspiring listeners to seek meaningful interactions despite physical distancing.
13 snips
Jan 27, 2020 • 28min
Sleep When You're Dead Tired (LIVE with Arianna Huffington)
Arianna Huffington, bestselling author and founding CEO of Thrive Global, shares her life-changing experience with sleep deprivation. She discusses the vital connection between sleep and overall happiness, stressing how her wake-up call transformed her perspective on rest. Listeners learn effective sleep rituals and the importance of prioritizing sleep for mental health and productivity. Arianna highlights societal misconceptions around sleeplessness and encourages a cultural shift towards valuing rest for a healthier, more joyful life.
