Higher ed may be going through stormy weather, but in this soul-nourishing episode, we’re choosing joy. Psychologist, author, and happiness researcher Sarah Rose Cavanagh joins us to explore the science (and the magic) of cultivating happiness—even when times are tough.

From the chorus of spring peepers in New England wetlands to building resilience, Sarah shows us why collective effervescence isn’t just a beautiful phrase—it’s a survival strategy. We talk about why emotion is the secret sauce of learning, how to bring more curiosity and play into your classroom, and what “compassionate challenge” really looks like in practice.

Oh—and keep an ear out for our very first feline guest: Sarah’s cat, Rogue, who drops in with impeccable timing.

Whether you’re feeling discouraged or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is your permission slip to lean into what makes you—and your students—feel alive.

Guest Bio

Sarah Rose Cavanagh is a psychologist, professor, and Senior Associate Director for Teaching and Learning at Simmons University, where she teaches classes on affective science and mental health, researches the intersections of emotion, motivation, and learning, and provides educational development for faculty. She’s the author of several books, including The Spark of Learning: Energizing the College Classroom with the Science of Emotion and Mind Over Monsters: Supporting Youth Mental Health with Compassionate Challenge. Her essays are featured regularly in Psychology Today and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

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