The Art of Happiness with Arthur Brooks

As we enter a new season, we’re facing the reality that the pandemic is not a temporary affliction, but an involuntary transition from one way of life to another. In this episode, Arthur and Ceci discuss the psychology behind why transitions—whether voluntary or involuntary—can be so uncomfortable and why our natural reaction is to resist them. Most importantly, Arthur shares how instead of working against them, we can embrace these periods of “falling tides” in our lives and reap the benefits.

Imagine you had the ability to predict how people’s actions in their 20s or 30s would affect their lives in their 70s and 80s. You’d have a pretty good idea of how to crack the happiness code, right? Turns out, for 80 years, Harvard researchers have been doing just that in one of history’s longest studies of happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development. In this episode, Arthur is joined by psychiatrist Bob Waldinger, the current director of the study, to learn about the origins of the project and the enduring lessons on happiness, aging, and relationships that it

Would you rather be special, than happy? If so, you might be a success addict. In this episode, Arthur and Ceci discuss why success can be so addictive and explain some of the key attributes of those who Arthur deems “success addicts.” No matter your stage in life, Arthur shares three tips for overcoming your success addiction and living a happier, more balanced, and fulfilling life.

In this episode, Arthur is joined by New York Times bestselling author Bruce Feiler to discuss managing life transitions. They explore the concept of transitions in life, the impact of life quakes, and the challenges faced by different generations. They also delve into successful transitions leading to happiness, embracing the 'messy middle' stage, and the emotional impact of simultaneous transitions. Overall, they highlight the importance of embracing life transitions for growth and service.

What are you afraid of? We’re facing a fear epidemic in America, and it’s not just due to the coronavirus. In this episode, Arthur and Ceci take a deep dive into fear—including how to understand, manage, and even neutralize it. Most importantly, Arthur shares some actionable tips for building your defenses against fear and learning to love and live courageously.

We all have the tendency to want to avoid bad feelings—pain, anger, sadness, and disgust. But is it right to simply push them away? In this episode, Arthur and Ceci discuss the biological importance of bad feelings, as well as how to manage your unhappiness and even benefit from the inevitable pain and suffering that are a normal part of life.

To be effective in your life and work, you must be willing to expand your happiness horizons beyond your own culture. In Arthur’s own life, he’s often looked to India as a source of inspiration on how best to combine material knowledge with metaphysical insight. In this episode, he is joined by Professor of Practice at Columbia Business School and Mentora Institute founder, Hitendra Wadhwa, for a discussion on how blending Eastern and Western philosophies can help you discover your full potential and build a life on the foundations of moral living, spiritual practice, and wisdom.

What do you do when the world is on fire? Drawing on lessons from his national bestseller, Love Your Enemies, in this episode, Arthur shares some recommendations for curing the culture of contempt that’s left our country bitterly divided. He and Ceci discuss the type of leaders our country needs and how the secret to more healing love—within families, among friends, and even towards our enemies—lies in overcoming our fears.

In this intriguing conversation, Jennifer Aaker, a Stanford marketing professor and behavioral scientist, explores the vital distinction between meaning and happiness in life and work. She discusses the challenges faced by recent graduates in finding purpose during turbulent times, the importance of balancing passion, and how humor can enhance well-being. Aaker also contemplates the role of AI in improving our lives and the complex relationship between discomfort, personal growth, and the evolving nature of happiness across the lifespan.

Explore how happiness changes throughout life, the hero's journey, the impact of milestones on happiness, and the importance of finding meaning. Learn about ordinary people being called to greatness, the connection between success and fulfillment, King David's moral failure, making strategic plans for a fulfilling life, and the importance of intentional decision-making for lifelong happiness.