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PODCAST

The Science of Happiness

PRX and Greater Good Science Center

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.

science social sciences

All Episodes

08:29

Happiness Break: How to Awaken Your Creative Energy

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/05/15

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 the intention to open to inspiration and joy. Visualize the Light Channel: Imagine a tube of light running from the base of your spine through

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23:31

How Art Heals Us

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/05/08

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.This episode is made possible through the generous support of the John Templeton Foundation.Scroll down for a transcription of this

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06:02

Happiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/05/01

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 carrying and gently commit to letting them go. Pick one phrase from the meditation that speaks to you most deeply (e.g., In the presence of chaos,

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17:50

What Humans Can Learn From Trees (Encore)

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/04/24

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 climate crises we are facing today with ecologist Suzanne Simard. She also shares her forest gratitude practice and invites us to reflect on what

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09:07

Happiness Break: Who Takes Care of You?

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/04/17

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: Picture a friend who has supported you. Notice how it feels to remember their care. What have they given you? Kindness, courage, laughter? Think

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01:00:16

Issa Rae on Friendships That Need to Go, from IMO

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/04/15

Sharing a new show from my friends at Higher Ground, hosted by Michelle Obama, called IMO. You know on Science of Happiness, we have conversations filled with compassion and empathy, and share research-backed strategies for a more fulfilled life. Similarly on IMO, Michelle and her big brother Craig Robinson bring candid perspectives to the everyday questions shaping our lives, relationships and the world around us. Each week, they’re joined by a guest to tackle real questions from real

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22:22

Why Going Offline Might Save Us

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/04/10

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 think, feel, and connect. From social media’s pull to the decline of face-to-face connection, we look at what we lose—and what we can regain—by

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08:07

Happiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of...

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/04/03

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. Focus on Your Breath: Take a deep breath in and slowly exhale. Allow yourself to transition from your daily activities into this moment of

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18:46

How to Focus Under Pressure (Encore)

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/03/27

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 ourselves and those we care for. The practice encourages a gentle shift from overthinking to embodied presence, fostering calm and resilience. Whether

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07:05

Happiness Break: Find Calm When You Can’t Clear Your...

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/03/20

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 without judgment. Visualize the Sky: Imagine your mind as a vast sky and your thoughts as passing clouds. Detach from Thoughts: Say to

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24:53

How Music Can Hold and Heal Us

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/03/13

An art-form powerful enough to prescribe — from ancient traditions to modern neuroscience, we uncover how music, including lullabies, function as a form of medicine.Summary: Music has a unique ability to calm, heal, and bring people together, and lullabies are one of the earliest ways we experience this connection. In this episode, we explore how music affects the brain, reduces stress, and strengthens bonds between caregivers and children. Through science and personal stories, we reflect

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07:29

Making Music With Your Body, With Keith Terry |...

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/03/06

How to Do This Practice:Find a Comfortable Space: Choose a place where you feel comfortable moving and making noise. You can do this practice standing or seated, whatever feels best for you. Start with a Basic Clap: Clap your hands together lightly, palm to palm. Keep the pressure soft so it doesn’t hurt. Try a few claps, following a steady rhythm. Add Chest Percussion: After each clap, tap your sternum lightly with your right hand, then with your left hand. Repeat this rhythm several

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21:28

Why Friendships Matter More Than We Think

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/02/27

In a world that emphasizes romantic relationships, we explore the science of friendships in humans and our primate relatives—how we make them and how they not only influence health and happiness, but our survival. Episode Summary: Romantic love gets plenty of attention, but what about the friendships that sustain us through life’s ups and downs? In this episode, we explore the science and significance of deep friendships, how they contribute to our mental and emotional health, and why they

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07:00

Happiness Break: A Guided Meditation on Embodied Love

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/02/20

Experience the physical sensations of love through this guided meditation that nurtures connection, relaxation, and emotional awareness.How To Do This Practice: Sit or lie down in a relaxed posture. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a deep breath in, then slowly exhale. Notice the weight of your body and release any tension in your shoulders, jaw, or hands. Recall a time when you felt deeply loved and cared for—whether from a person, pet, or a meaningful experience. Instead of

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23:19

36 Questions to Spark Love and Connection

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/02/13

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Can a simple set of 36 questions build love and intimacy? We explore the science behind how the questions we ask and the way we listen shape our closest relationships.Episode summary: In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we break down the science behind a practice designed to deepen connection—whether in romantic relationships or friendships. We’re joined by Amber and Ben Wallin, the hilarious and heartfelt couple who’ve shared their

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08:44

Happiness Break: A Meditation on Original Love and...

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/02/06

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Cultivate a sense of original love — a universal connection that nurtures joy, safety, and belonging — with meditation teacher Henry Shukman.How to Do This Practice:Find a comfortable position, either seated with a balanced, unsupported spine or resting back into support. Sense the solidity of your body resting on the earth, recognizing your deep connection with it. Observe the sounds around you, the sensations in your body, and any passing

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25:47

How 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/01/30

Scroll down for a transcription of this episodeFrom daily check-ins to meaningful compliments and planned dates nights, we explore a 7-day love challenge to help couples strengthen their relationships. Summary: Developed by renowned psychologists Julie and John Gottman. Based on decades of research, this week-long practice offers simple, actionable steps to deepen connection and nurture relationships. From meaningful check-ins and heartfelt compliments to the importance of touch, we uncover

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10:07

Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/01/23

Scroll down for a transcription of this episodeCultivate 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 connect with the positive emotions. As you reflect, silently say to yourself, “May my joy and my

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23:26

How Awe Helps You Navigate Life's Challenges

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/01/16

We explore how embracing awe can uplift caregivers, providing tools to nurture themselves while nurturing others.Sign up for our Caring for Caregivers Newsletter!Join our newsletter community by providing your information below and we'll send you 4 research-backed podcast episodes and articles on how to nurture well-being and build stronger caregiver-child relationships over the next year… For free! Summary: This week on The Science of Happiness, we explore how moments of awe can transform

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06:50

Happiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire Awe in the...

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/01/09

A meditation to cultivate a sense of awe by focusing on new beginnings -- whether it’s a budding plant, a new friendship, or a recent moment of wonder.How to Do This Practice:Find a quiet, comfortable space. Sit or lie down, close your eyes if you wish, and take deep breaths to center yourself. Bring your awareness to the present moment—notice your breath, body sensations, and surroundings without judgment. Reflect on new beginnings in your life. Picture meeting someone new and feeling

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214 results

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