The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

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.

Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick, relationship experts from Northwestern and UC Davis respectively, discuss how rom coms shape our views on love. They dive into the myths and truths behind classic films, revealing the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in relationships. By analyzing beloved movies like 'Notting Hill' and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', they highlight unrealistic portrayals and offer practical advice for modern romance. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to seek genuine connections beyond cinematic fantasies.

Logan Ury, Director of Relationship Science at Hinge and author of 'How to Not Die Alone,' dives into the science of dating. She discusses the importance of viewing dating as a journey of discovery rather than a checklist. Listeners learn about the 'Monet effect,' the danger of romanticizing partners, and how perceived flaws can enhance attractiveness. Ury also emphasizes the need for deeper compatibility over immediate attraction, and the significance of vulnerability in forming meaningful connections.