Discover the power of smell in relation to happiness and well-being. Learn how certain scents can reduce stress, boost happiness, and enhance performance. Explore the physiological and emotional connections between smell and our brain. Uncover the ability of smells to evoke memories and create positive associations. Understand the importance of a healthy sense of smell for mental and physical health.

Discover how engaging in the fight against climate change can bring purpose, connection, and happiness. Explore the severity of the climate crisis and the importance of taking action. Learn how activism can provide satisfaction and contribute to personal well-being.

Researchers Jiaying Zhao and Liz Dunn explore the concept of 'happy climate' and how small changes in behavior can lead to both environmental sustainability and personal well-being. They discuss designing fridges to reduce food waste, emphasize the importance of carpooling and conscious choices in reducing carbon emissions, and offer suggestions for maximizing happiness while minimizing environmental impact. They also highlight the importance of accepting setbacks, celebrating achievements, and practicing compassion in climate actions.

Psychologist Dan Gilbert discusses why people are not taking action to address climate change. Exploring how human psychology impacts our response to climate change and biases that can motivate positive change. Harnessing cognitive biases to address environmental problems effectively. Recognizing the immediate effects of climate change and imagining positive futures for climate change.

The podcast discusses the importance of time off work for happiness, exploring the consequences of not having the same rest days as family and friends due to the Soviet Union's elimination of weekends. It delves into the benefits and challenges of collective versus individual time off, the difficulties faced by workers with non-standard schedules, and the correlation between vacations and social connection. The episode also touches on the transformational potential of 5G technology in the fan experience and features a segment on small business passion and success stories.

Exploring happiness and its components, the negative impact of social media, the misconception of material possessions, enhancing pleasure and disrupting cycles, accepting unhappiness and using regret for growth, separating reactions from emotions, and the importance of small businesses and a success story.

Dr. Laurie Santos and US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy discuss the Gen Z happiness crisis, examining the impact of academic pressure, technology, and the culture of achievement. They emphasize the importance of evidence-based strategies like social connection, sleep, exercise, and purpose for long-term happiness. They also explore behavior change and the need to shift from a hustle mentality, and discuss mindfulness and self-kindness in a culture of anger and division.

Explore the evolution of our relationship with food, the influence of advertisements and branding, the relationship between binge eating and addiction, the cost of Yale and assignments in a happiness course, and the complicated dynamics people have with food including breast milk versus formula, the influence of food science, and the manipulation of low fat foods.

Author and expert on psychedelics, Michael Pollan, joins Dr. Maya Shankar to explore the therapeutic benefits and profound insights gained from guided psychedelic trips. They discuss the science of psychedelics, brain activity during psychedelic experiences, and the potential of psychedelic therapy in relieving suffering and improving mental health.

Giving money to others makes you happier than spending it on yourself. Giving cash to people in need is an effective way to help them. Rory Stewart promotes 'giving directly' and was surprised how good it made him feel. Cash transfers have transformative effects on poverty and homelessness. Cash transfers improve education and health outcomes. GiveDirectly is transforming lives in Kubobo, Rwanda.