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.
…
continue reading
Greater Good Science Center Podcasts
Christine Eartheart, Founder of the Center for Thriving Relationships, interviews some of the most inspiring luminaries, thought leaders, and researchers of our time to gain their unique insights on every imaginable aspect of how to experience more love, healing, and understanding in all our relationships. Each episode will open your heart and give you incredible a-ha’s, concrete takeaways, revelatory ways of seeing yourself and others, and an opportunity to experience a more joyful, ease-fi ...
…
continue reading
Research shows that simple practices such as self-hugs, soothing touch, and hand-to-heart can calm the nervous system, supporting caregivers and the children in their care. Summary: From parents to teachers, caregiving can be overwhelming and exhausting. This episode of The Science of Happiness dives into simple touch-based strategies that promote …
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When You Feel Uneasy
8:11
8:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:11
In this guided meditation with poet and teacher Henry Shukman, learn how allowing discomfort, rather than resisting it, can open the door to greater calm and self-compassion. How To Do This Practice: Find a Comfortable Position: Sit comfortably, either upright with your head balanced or reclining, and relax your jaw, shoulders, and hands. Invite Wa…
…
continue reading
There’s a tapping practice shown to ease stress, balance emotions, and support healing. We explore the science behind Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT. Summary: Emerging research shows that a body-tapping technique called Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT, can help calm the nervous system, improve emotional awareness, and support healing from …
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Others Are Suffering
8:55
8:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:55
Witnessing the suffering of others can be deeply painful. In this guided meditation, Anushka Fernandopulle helps you cultivate both compassion and the ability to soothe yourself in the face of that pain. How to Do This Practice: Find somewhere peaceful, sit down and get comfortable. Once you’re ready, gently close or soften your eyes. Start taking …
…
continue reading
Music helped former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne come out of his shell and connect with others—and research shows he's not alone. We explore the science behind how music shapes our social lives. Summary: Musician and artist David Byrne reflects on how music opened his world as a shy kid, offering both an outlet and a sense of belonging. We de…
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam
10:07
10:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:07
Cultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam. How to Do This Practice: Reflect on an area of your life that brings you joy—whether it’s a small moment, an activity, or a connection. Imagine experiencing that joyful moment. Feel the smiles, peace, and lightness it brings. Let yourself fully co…
…
continue reading
1
Bonus: Zakiya Used to Be So Fun (Proxy podcast)
38:34
38:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:34
The case of the people person who fell out of love with people. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Summary: On this episode of The Science of Happiness, we’re featuring an episode from the Proxy podcast, hosted by Yowei Shaw. The episode follows Zakiya Gibbons, who also appeared on our show recently to explore science-based ways of co…
…
continue reading
What if burnout isn’t a breaking point, but an invitation to slow down, tune in, and hear the intuition you have been trying to say all along? Summary: When we’re deep in burnout, even the simplest decisions can feel overwhelming. This episode of The Science of Happiness explores the difference between urgency and intuition, and what it takes to re…
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: Smiling From The Inside Out
5:31
5:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:31
Just a soft smile and a few minutes of breath can shift your mood, lower stress, and deepen your sense of connection. How To Do This Practice: Settle In: Find a comfortable seat, rest your hands gently, and soften your gaze or close your eyes. Breathe and Soften: Take a few slow, deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth, relaxing yo…
…
continue reading
From childhood adventures to post-trauma recovery, explore how our parks support our well-being— and why access to them matters. Summary: Nature has long been a source of wonder, healing, and connection. But access to those green spaces—from neighborhood parks to national treasures—are increasingly at risk. In this episode of The Science of Happine…
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: Embodying Resilience, With Prentis Hemphill
9:19
9:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:19
What if you could tap into your inherent resilience at any time? Prentis Hemphill guides a meditation to turn good memories into a state of resilience. How To Do This Practice: Get Comfortable in Your Body: Find a position, seated, standing, or lying down, that feels right. Move, shake, or sound out anything that helps you arrive in your body. Conj…
…
continue reading
How can we build a sense of hope when the future feels uncertain? Poet Tomás Morín tries a writing practice to make him feel more hopeful and motivated to work toward his goals. Summary: Can writing about your hopes make you feel more optimistic? In this episode, poet Tomás Morin tries a hope-focused writing practice developed by psychologist Charl…
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: A Meditation For When You Have Too Much To Do
5:23
5:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:23
Does your to-do list feel endless? Try this short, guided practice to help you reflect, reconnect, and release the pressure to do it all perfectly. How To Do This Practice: Find a Comfortable Posture: Sit or stand tall with a sense of dignity, grounded, yet relaxed. Take Three Cleansing Breaths: Inhale twice through the nose, then exhale slowly thr…
…
continue reading
What happens when the world sees you as a hero, but you feel lost inside? Abby Wambach, a trailblazer in women’s soccer, shares how facing life’s challenges after retirement helped her discover truth, healing, and self-love. Summary: Abby Wambach spent years chasing excellence as a world-class athlete, only to find that winning gold didn’t bring th…
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: Make Uncertainty Part of the Process
3:51
3:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:51
Through poetic reflection, Yrsa Daley-Ward helps us embrace the in-between moments, reminding us that the unknown can be the very terrain where real change begins. Settle into Stillness: Find a quiet space, get comfortable, and take a few slow breaths to arrive in the moment. Acknowledge the Unknown: Gently notice and name any uncertainty, confusio…
…
continue reading
Learn how poetry can help your brain handle stress, process feelings, and spark insight. Summary: This episode of The Science of Happiness is part of our series Using Art As Medicine. We explore poetry, one of the oldest artforms, powers our brains, calms our nervous systems, and reduces anxiety by opening doors into our psyche. Whether you're read…
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: How to Awaken Your Creative Energy
8:29
8:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:29
Spring Washam guides us on a gentle visualization to help you tap into the joy, wonder, and possibility that creativity brings. How To Do This Practice: Settle In: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths to ground yourself in the present moment. Invite Creativity: Silently welcome the creative energy of the universe, setting t…
…
continue reading
We explore how making art can ground us in the present and be a space of healing, connection, and joy. Summary: We explore how creative expression can support emotional resilience and physical healing in the face of life’s hardest moments and how simple acts of art-making— whether painting, drawing, or doodling—can offer grounding, release, and joy…
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle
6:02
6:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:02
Consider what you want to make space for in your life in this 6-minute contemplation guided by Alex Elle. Find a quiet place, settle your body, and reflect on where you want more clarity or ease in your life. Breathe deeply, filling your belly on each inhale and softening your body on each exhale. Notice the fears, doubts, or stresses you’re carryi…
…
continue reading
1
What Humans Can Learn From Trees (Encore)
17:50
17:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:50
Trees aren’t just competing for sunlight and soil—they’re also looking out for one another. Scientist Suzanne Simard reveals the unexpected ways trees communicate, share resources, and support us. Summary: We dive into what we can learn from the neural networks of forests, evolution and cooperation, and how trees are a fundamental solution to the c…
…
continue reading
When we feel cared for, our cortisol levels drop, we feel safe, and we handle stress better. Dacher leads a meditation to help us focus on the people who make us feel supported. How To Do This Practice: Get Comfortable: Find a quiet spot. Sit or stand in a relaxed position. Take a few deep breaths to settle your body and mind. Think of a Friend: Pi…
…
continue reading
What happens when we replace sky-gazing with screen-scrolling? Discover how digital life impacts happiness and what Gen Z can teach us about reclaiming control over our well-being. Summary: Smartphones have become our constant companions, but at what cost? This episode of The Science of Happiness explores how our digital lives are reshaping how we …
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Voice
8:07
8:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:07
Embrace the beauty of your accent in this self-compassion meditation that guides you in a reflection of your history, heritage, and connection to your ancestors. How To Do This Practice: Find a Comfortable Position: Sit in a relaxed yet alert posture, either on a cushion or chair. Gently lower your gaze or close your eyes if that feels comfortable.…
…
continue reading
Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider tries a body scan meditation to sharpen her focus and calm her nerves as she prepares for the Tournament of Champions. Summary: Simple mindfulness practices, like a body scan, can help cultivate presence and reduce stress. By tuning into the body with curiosity and awareness, we can deepen our connection to ourselve…
…
continue reading
1
Happiness Break: Find Calm When You Can’t Clear Your Mind, With Lama Rod Owens
7:05
7:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:05
Take a break from ruminating with Lama Rod Owens as he leads you in a meditation to cultivate a sky-like mind. How to Do This Practice: Get Comfortable: Sit or lie down in a relaxed, balanced position. Settle into Your Body: Notice how your body feels and allow yourself to settle. Observe Your Thoughts: Watch thoughts and emotions rise and fall wit…
…
continue reading
