Best Greater Good Science Center Podcasts (2025)

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Happiness Break: Smiling From The Inside Out 5:31

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3d ago5:31

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…

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Beyond The Couch: Eddie Reece's Awakening - Finding His Path After Detours (Part 2) 46:59

3d ago46:59

46:59

Picking up right where they left off, Eddie Reece and Bill Courtright dive deeper into Eddie’s story in part two of this revealing episode. Join them as they traverse the winding path from the mid-90s to the present, exploring the experiences that molded Eddie’s unique approach to therapy. Expect candid reflections on Air Force days, bartending nig…

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Why is Government Slow? Understanding the Pace and What You Can Do 19:01

4d ago19:01

19:01

Frustrated by the slow pace of government? Learn why local and state governments are designed for deliberation, the pros and cons of this intentional process, and how your civic engagement can influence the speed of change. Links: Who Represents Me? Find and contact your elected officials. Episode with Mayor GP McLeer Episode with Erin Rigot Episod…

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How Parks Keep Us Connected 17:06

9d ago17:06

17:06

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…

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Beyond The Couch: Eddie Reece's Heartfelt Journey Of Overcoming And Understanding (Part 1) 51:46

10d ago51:46

51:46

What story lies behind the therapist sharing insights from the couch? In this episode, Bill Courtright takes a step back from the usual advice and sits down with his co-host, Eddie Reece, for an intimate conversation about Eddie’s life story and the experiences that shaped him. This isn't just small talk; we're tracing Eddie's path from growing up …

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Simple Civics: 200 Episodes of Equipping Civic Engagement in Greenville County 1:04:18

11d ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Celebrate Simple Civics: Greenville County's 200th episode! Dive into key discussions with leaders, experts, and community champions on local policy, vibrant neighborhoods, and civic engagement. Discover how involved residents are shaping Greenville's future and learn how you can make a real impact. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Gr…

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Happiness Break: Embodying Resilience, With Prentis Hemphill 9:19

16d ago9:19

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…

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Good Grief: Unpacking Everyday Farewell for Authentic Living 55:04

17d ago55:04

55:04

Most of us think of grief as a heavy cloak we wear after a profound loss, but what if it's actually the thread that weaves through every day, every interaction, every passing moment? Join Eddie Reece and Bill Courtright as they unravel the surprising truth: grief, in its purest form, is a daily practice—an essential tool for living authentically an…

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GSP Airport: North America's Best Small Airport & Its Exciting Future 18:18

18d ago18:18

18:18

Discover why Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) is North America's #1 small airport! CEO Dave Edwards shares GSP's remarkable growth, unique amenities, and exciting future plans. Links: Learn more about David Edwards _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Get in touch. Support Simple Civi…

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How to Feel More Hopeful 20:06

24d ago20:06

20:06

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…

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Marriage Myths Unveiled: Finding Lasting Love In Reality 59:09

25d ago59:09

59:09

Sometimes, the romanticized ideals of marriage collide head-on with the nitty-gritty of real life, and that’s exactly what Eddie Reece and Bill Courtright unpack in this insightful episode. We’re bringing our relationship series to a close (for now!) by tackling the often-misunderstood world of marriage—exploring its true nature, dismantling common…

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Keeping Housing Affordable for Greenville County Residents: The Role of Greenville County Redevelopment Authority 24:41

25d ago24:41

24:41

Is Greenville County's housing crisis leaving families, seniors, and workers behind? Discover how the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) tackles this vital community challenge, leveraging federal and local funds to build and rehabilitate homes. Links: Greenville County Redevelopment Authority Connect with Joe Smith Connect with Franci…

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City Elections 2025: What’s on the ballot in Greenville County and Why it Matters 22:07

29d ago22:07

22:07

Greenville County: explore the important 2025 municipal elections impacting your daily life. Discover what's on the ballot in every city, why it truly matters, and how you can get involved - including as a candidate - to shape your community. Links: Episode with Leigh McGill from Campaign Ethics Reporting Services (campaign finance rules) Episode w…

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Happiness Break: A Meditation For When You Have Too Much To Do 5:23

1M ago5:23

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…

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Understanding The Duality Of Life 33:08

1M ago33:08

33:08

The duality of life is the entirety of human experience. Good and bad, joy and sorrow, bitter and sweet, light and dark – there are always two sides to living. But instead of setting rigid goals and going too hard on one side only, you must learn how to find the right balance between them instead. Eddie Reece and Bill Courtright discuss how you set…

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How To Do Hard Things 18:49

1M ago18:49

18:49

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…

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Understanding Your Inner Parts: Discovering The Multiple Selves Within 48:01

1M ago48:01

48:01

Ever feel like you're having an argument inside your own head? You're not alone! In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of "parts" within ourselves, revealing how these distinct inner voices influence our actions and emotions. Join Bill Courtright and Eddie Reece as they unpack the idea that we’re all made up of multiple selves, drawing ins…

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Greenville Together: Tackling Homelessness with a Bold Community Plan 24:11

1M ago24:11

24:11

Discover how Greenville Together is urgently tackling homelessness head-on with a bold, collaborative, and data-driven plan. Learn about their innovative housing surge, the vital role of people with lived experience, and the critical need for permanent supportive housing in the community. Join the conversation to understand the strategies aiming to…

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Happiness Break: Make Uncertainty Part of the Process 3:51

2M ago3:51

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…

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Inside the 7th Largest Children's Museum in America: Where Play at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate Shapes Future Careers 16:19

2M ago16:19

16:19

The Children's Museum of the Upstate isn't just a place for kids - it's a $339 million economic engine for Greenville County. CEO Lauren Luneckas explains how this Smithsonian affiliate became the 7th largest children's museum in America and reveals multiple ways adults can volunteer, support, and engage with this community treasure. Discover why c…

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Our Brains on Poetry 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

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…

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40 Years of Wonder: How Roper Mountain Science Center Transforms Curiosity into a Career 18:12

2M ago18:12

18:12

"I went into engineering because of Roper Mountain." In this heartwarming episode, Director Michael Weeks shares stories of how Roper Mountain Science Center has shaped careers and ignited curiosity across generations for 40 years. Get an insider's tour of this Greenville treasure which serves every elementary and middle school in Greenville County…

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Happiness Break: How to Awaken Your Creative Energy 8:29

2M ago8:29

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…

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‘The West End’s’ Hidden Gem’: Kids Find Their Voice at South Carolina Children’s Theatre 22:38

2M ago22:38

22:38

Step inside Greenville's magical theater wonderland where disco balls spin, Hogwarts comes alive, and Finding Nemo swims across the stage! This conversation with South Carolina Children's Theatre's leadership team unveils the joyful world waiting for your family this summer. Visualize your child crafting potions at Hogwarts camp, playing Quidditch,…

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How Art Heals Us 23:31

2M ago23:31

23:31

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…

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Ability in Action: Thrive Upstate 18:31

2M ago18:31

18:31

Sixty years ago, a mother's grassroots effort sparked what would become Thrive Upstate, now redefining ability for 600 individuals with intellectual disabilities across Greenville County. Executive Director Tyler Rex shares how this innovative quasi-governmental organization transforms tax dollars into life-changing opportunities - from residents p…

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Happiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle 6:02

2M ago6:02

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…

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When Invisible Lines Rule: State, County, and City Borders 9:20

2M ago9:20

9:20

Some South Carolinians have gone to bed in one state and woken up in another - without ever moving. When surveyors corrected centuries-old border errors, residents discovered their property had legally "teleported" overnight. Katy and Nathaniel reveal how colonial mapmakers with faulty compasses, river disputes, and political maneuvering created th…

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What Humans Can Learn From Trees (Encore) 17:50

3M ago17:50

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…

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Keeping the Green in Greenville: The Civics Lessons of Trees 17:23

3M ago17:23

17:23

When Hurricane Helene toppled centuries-old white oaks while sparing seemingly fragile maples, it revealed hidden truths about resilience beneath our feet. As Greenville recovers from two historic environmental disasters, TreesUpstate's Aaron Davis shares a surprising statistic: despite our "green" reputation, Greenville's 36% tree canopy lags behi…

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Happiness Break: Who Takes Care of You? 9:07

3M ago9:07

9:07

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…

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Cities, Towns, Places, and ZIP Codes: Decoding Greenville County's Hidden Boundaries 10:24

3M ago10:24

10:24

Your mailbox says "Taylors," your neighbors call it "Greenville," and your GPS has its own opinion entirely. Behind this geographical identity crisis lies a system that determines your tax bill, your services, and whether you can vote in this year's municipal elections. Join Katy and Nathaniel as they decode the invisible boundaries that shape dail…

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Why Going Offline Might Save Us 22:22

3M ago22:22

22:22

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 …

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Canvas to Career: The Fine Arts Center Turns 50 21:27

3M ago21:27

21:27

Celebrating 50 years of excellence, Greenville County Schools Fine Arts Center has generated millions in scholarship offers for its students - yet Director Vee Popat measures success by how each young artist develops as a whole person, whether they become Broadway performers or scientists with creative thinking skills. Step inside this nationally-r…

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Happiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Voice 8:07

3M ago8:07

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.…