The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Hedy Kober, a Yale mindfulness expert and neuroscientist, dives into the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation. She explains how focusing on emotions and physical sensations can elevate happiness. Listeners learn about the toll of stress on mental health and the brain, as well as practical mindfulness strategies to navigate daily challenges. Kober shares compelling scientific research on mindfulness's benefits, with guided meditation techniques to enhance emotional awareness and reclaim joy in a distraction-filled world.

David DeSteno, a psychology professor at Northeastern University and author of Emotional Success, dives into the transformative power of gratitude. He explains how reflecting on kindness can improve decision-making and foster healthier habits. The discussion reveals how gratitude enhances self-control, allowing for better long-term choices. DeSteno also shares practical strategies like gratitude diaries that can boost emotional well-being and deepen our connections with others—ultimately making us better friends to our future selves.

Katy Milkman, a Professor at the Wharton School and host of the Choiceology podcast, dives into the science of making fresh starts in the new year. She discusses how specific time markers can ignite motivation and lead to personal transformation. The conversation touches on the 'fresh start' effect and its influence on setting achievable goals. Additionally, Katy shares innovative ideas like 'temptation bundling' to help build healthy habits and highlights the powerful link between exercise and mental well-being.

Discover how the holiday season can be a time for joy rather than stress. Learn the science behind the joy of giving and how it beats spending on oneself. Explore the powerful impact of gratitude and family rituals in enhancing connections and fostering resilience. Find tips for maintaining well-being through social ties and relaxation, as well as strategies for navigating family tensions with grace. Embrace these insights for a merrier, more meaningful Christmas!

Alfie Kohn, an acclaimed writer and critic of grading systems in education, discusses how constant ranking and rating affect our happiness. He argues that traditional grades can undermine students' intrinsic motivation and enjoyment of learning. Kohn highlights the psychological impact of academic pressure and suggests that eliminating grades could enhance well-being. He advocates for educational reforms that prioritize internal rewards, aiming to create a more enriching and equitable experience for students.

Jeff Hancock, a professor specializing in online emotional contagion, teams up with Dr. Laurie Santos to explore the power of laughter. They discuss how laugh tracks in TV shape our emotional responses and enhance joy. The conversation shifts to the dynamics of digital communication, revealing how emotions can spread through online interactions. They also highlight the impact of social media on our well-being and advocate for mindful engagement to foster positivity, both online and in everyday life.

Courtney Carver, a renowned writer and minimalist fashion advocate, chats about the stress of daily choices and the freedom found in simplicity. She shares insights from her Project 333 challenge, where limiting wardrobe options leads to greater clarity and happiness. Dr. Laurie Santos dives into the paradox of choice, discussing how too many options can diminish satisfaction and increase anxiety. Together, they highlight practical strategies to ease decision fatigue and prioritize well-being in a choice-saturated world.

Bob Bowman, the innovative coach behind Michael Phelps's monumental success, shares insights on how visualizing obstacles rather than just positive outcomes set athletes up for victory. Kristen Beck, a decorated veteran and transgender activist, opens up about her courageous journey, advocating for inclusivity in a polarized society. They discuss how mental resilience and embracing challenges can lead to extraordinary achievements, along with the unexpected power of acknowledging negative scenarios as part of personal growth.

Jamie Pennebaker, a psychology professor at UT Austin renowned for his research on emotional expression, joins the conversation about the challenges of suppressing unwanted thoughts. They delve into the ironic nature of thought suppression, sharing real-life experiences of overcoming disruptive memories. Pennebaker highlights the therapeutic benefits of expressing trauma, illustrating how vulnerability can lead to personal growth and emotional healing. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions for healthier relationships and overall well-being.

Exploring the art of sharing experiences, this discussion reveals how connecting with others can enhance our joy during simple moments like enjoying ice cream or watching a sunset. Delve into the transformative journey of a young entrepreneur who builds community through her love for ice cream. The conversation highlights the challenges of smartphones overshadowing real-life connections and the delicate balance between capturing memories and fully engaging in them, ultimately emphasizing that true happiness often stems from genuine, shared experiences.