The Science of Happiness

Explore the power of ancestral connection through a soothing meditation designed to deepen your sense of belonging. Learn how grounding in your roots can foster healing and meaning in your life. Feel the rhythm of your heartbeat as a shared connection with generations past, and visualize compassion radiating from your chest to your ancestors. Send forth wishes for healing, acknowledging our shared human experience. This practice invites reflection on our lineage and nurtures a deeper appreciation for the lives we inherit.

René Brooks, the creator of Black Girl, Lost Keys, shares her journey with ADHD and the shame that shaped her inner critic. Serena Chen, chair of UC Berkeley's Psychology department, discusses how self-compassion can foster authenticity and reduce negative self-talk. The duo dives into a transformative writing practice that encourages individuals to confront and reframe their inner dialogues with kindness. They reveal that practicing self-compassion not only alleviates shame but also boosts one's sense of true self.

Explore the complexities of gratitude when it feels out of reach. Learn to embrace and acknowledge hard emotions, like grief and anger, as part of the journey. Settle your body with breath and simply notice your current feelings without judgment. Shift your focus to neutral sensations to anchor yourself in the present. Lastly, discover one small thing to appreciate, whether it's a warm cup of coffee or the ability to just be. Remember, gratitude isn't about forcing positivity; it's about recognizing the now.

David Cregg, a clinical psychologist specializing in kindness, shares fascinating insights on the health benefits of prosocial behavior. He reveals how acts of kindness can reduce anxiety and even outperform cognitive therapy in improving social connection. Cregg discusses the physical health benefits linked to kindness, including lower blood pressure and improved life satisfaction. He emphasizes the importance of spontaneous gestures and providing genuine support, especially in clinical settings with veterans seeking purpose and connection.

Discover the transformative power of forgiveness and its impact on well-being. Learn a step-by-step approach to release resentment and promote healing. Begin with gentle breathing to ground yourself before identifying those to forgive. Reflect on the hurt while acknowledging the humanity behind the actions. Decide to let go of past burdens, and practice self-compassion along the journey. This mindful exploration aims to lighten emotional loads and foster connection.

Dr. Everett Worthington, a leading researcher on forgiveness, and Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, a neuroscientist from UC Berkeley, delve into the transformative power of forgiveness. They discuss the REACH model for emotional forgiveness and its mental health benefits. Listeners learn how forgiveness reshapes the brain, engages empathy, and enhances emotional regulation. Emiliana highlights the physical toll of holding grudges, while both guests stress that forgiveness liberates us, allowing for personal growth and meaningful connections.

Michelle Telléz, an Associate Professor specializing in Mexican-American studies, shares her personal journey with Día de los Muertos following her father's death, emphasizing the balance of grief and joy. Matthew Sandoval, a scholar known as Dr. Muerte, discusses the evolving nature of this ancient ritual and its significance in honoring ancestors. Together, they explore how communal remembrance fosters connection, the impact of commercialization on tradition, and the role of rituals in shaping cultural identity and easing children's understanding of death.

Join Kristin Neff, an associate professor and leading expert on self-compassion, as she shares powerful insights to be your own best friend. She emphasizes the importance of self-kindness and dispels myths surrounding softness in personal growth. Explore how self-compassion can reduce stress, improve performance, and even benefit your health. Kristin guides listeners through a simple self-compassion break, encouraging mindfulness, recognizing shared struggles, and offering gentle words to soothe your inner critic. Perfect for anyone looking to cultivate warmth within!

Malik Mays, an Oakland-based musician known as Mahawam, shares his playful experiences with pareidolia, seeing faces in everyday objects and using it to rekindle creativity. Neuroscientist Antoine Belmar-Pépin discusses the link between pareidolia and how our brains perceive patterns, revealing that those who see more forms in ambiguity tend to score higher on creativity tasks. They explore how this phenomenon can enhance emotional expression and transform our connection with the world around us.

Discover the art of connecting with your body through a mindful body scan. The practice begins with calming breaths, inviting you to become aware of sensations in your feet and steadily moving up. This journey encourages gratitude, releasing tensions in shoulders, throat, and face. Experience a profound sense of relaxation as you notice tingling sensations and embrace the pulse in your hands. Close with deep breaths, carrying a newfound awareness into your day, fostering resilience against daily stress.