
The Science of Happiness
Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Follow us on Instagram @HappinessPod.
Latest episodes

Jan 6, 2022 • 17min
The Case for Believing in Yourself
What does your best possible self look like? Our guest tries a practice in optimism by imagining her brightest future.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2s4hbkrt

Dec 23, 2021 • 19min
How Gratitude Renews Us
Feeling burned out? Our guest, a nurse, explores how cultivating gratitude helps people in high stress jobs.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/th82bwp2

Dec 9, 2021 • 19min
What Our Photos Say About Us
Can taking a few photos really make you happier? Afghan rocker Sulyman Qardash tries a practice to find meaning through snapping photos of daily life.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/a2x9vkve

Nov 25, 2021 • 19min
Why We Give Thanks
Thank you. Gracias. Merci. Every language has a word for gratitude. But why do we feel it? How can we experience more of it? We revisit some of our favorite episodes about the science of gratitude.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3y7m2nmk

5 snips
Nov 11, 2021 • 16min
Do You Feel Pressed for Time?
What happens when we share our time? Our guest, chef and author Bryant Terry, pauses to be present with the ones who matter most.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3n3tftbw

Oct 28, 2021 • 20min
Why You Should Make Small Goals
Comedian Paula Poundstone tries to take on a messy and daunting task, one small step at a time.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mv2hstcp

Oct 14, 2021 • 20min
Do You Want to Slow Down?
Anna Sale, host of Death, Sex, and Money, practices awe as an antidote to her anxiety.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5n82n9w2

Sep 30, 2021 • 21min
Can You Mend a Broken Bond?
They were childhood best friends until one came out as queer. Now, two college students reconnect and try to see the world through one another's eyes.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/44pbbj48

Sep 16, 2021 • 18min
100 Good Things
For our 100th episode, host Dacher Keltner sits in the guest chair and tries one of the most popular happiness practices.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mv46juba

9 snips
Sep 2, 2021 • 21min
What Happens When We Play
When was the last time you went down a slide? Our guest tries a practice to bring more play into his life and explores what that means as a Black man in the U.S.
Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/ysc3h82b