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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

18:05

The Science of Letting Go

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/11/06

Discover how forgiveness reshapes the brain, eases the body, and helps us move forward with greater compassion and freedom.Summary: Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing—it’s about releasing the grip of resentment so we can make room for peace. Research shows it also engages empathy, strengthens emotional regulation, and helps us reconnect with what truly matters. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we look at how forgiveness transforms not just relationships, but our

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26:48

How Rituals Keep Us Connected

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/10/31

We explore Día de los Muertos as a ritual that nurtures community, imbues loss with meaning, and helps us process grief while also connecting through shared joy.Summary: We investigate how Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, rituals strengthen family ties and cultural identity, and learn about its evolution from a 3,000 year old practice to a global celebration. We look at key elements like the ofrenda and explore how commercialization—like Mattel’s Day of the Dead Barbie—raises

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08:17

Happiness Break: How to Be Your Own Best Friend

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/10/30

Show yourself real self-kindness in less than 10 minutes with this self-compassion break guided by psychologist Kristin Neff.How To Do This Practice:Identify what’s hard right now: Bring to mind a real situation that’s causing you stress, sadness, or self-criticism, something that’s currently difficult. It could be a mistake, a relationship challenge, or a feeling of not being enough. Acknowledge your pain: Notice what’s happening inside you without judgment. Gently name it: “This is

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20:57

Why Our Brains Find Meaning in Random Patterns

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/10/23

What happens when imagination meets perception, and ordinary objects come alive? We explore the science of pareidolia.Summary: Our minds are wired to find meaning, even in randomness— which is why sometimes we can see faces and patterns in everyday objects. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we explore how this phenomenon, called pareidolia, can shift how we experience our surroundings and open ourselves to more creativity, connection, and calm.How To Do This Practice:Pause and

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06:50

Happiness Break: Six Minutes to Connect with Your...

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/10/16

Dedicating a little time to tune into your body fortifies you to better handle the stresses of daily life.How To Do This Practice: Find your space: Choose a quiet place where you feel safe and comfortable. You can sit, stand, or lie down, whatever helps you relax. If sitting, rest your hands on your thighs; if standing, let them hang by your sides. Begin with your breath: Close your eyes. Inhale slowly to a count of four, feeling your belly and chest expand. Exhale to a count of four,

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21:45

The Case for Hope, With Rebecca Solnit

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/10/09

We explore how embracing uncertainty enables us to move beyond climate anxiety and despair to hope and action, with author and activist Rebecca Solnit.Summary: When you think about climate change, do you feel hope? In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we examine what it means to feel hopeful for the future of our planet. Renowned writer and activist Rebecca Solnit shares why she loves uncertainty, what gives her hope, and how hope empowers her. Later, we hear from climate scientist

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06:26

Happiness Break: Finding Yourself in Silence

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/10/02

Zen and mindfulness teacher Henry Shukman guides us in a meditation that invites us to listen deeply and find clarity in quiet.How To Do This Practice:Find Stillness: Sit comfortably in a quiet space. Close your eyes if you’d like, and allow your body to settle. Bring Your Attention to the Present: Take a few deep breaths. Let go of to-do lists or distractions, gently arriving in this moment. Tune In to the Sounds Around You: Begin to notice the soundscape of your environment. Near or

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23:07

What to Do When Stress Takes Over

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/09/25

Learn why uncertainty fuels anxiety and how noticing our body’s stress signals can help us find calm.Summary: One in five adults in the U.S. report living with anxiety, and many of us struggle to control or avoid the feelings that come with it. Science shows that tuning into the body, rather than resisting discomfort, can actually reduce anxiety and strengthen resilience. Join us on The Science of Happiness as we explore what anxiety teaches us about control, uncertainty, and how to care

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10:07

Happiness Break: A Meditation to Connect to Your...

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/09/18

When was the last time you thought about your ancestors? This guided meditation by Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen will help you connect to your heritage and reap the potent benefits of remembering your roots.How To Do This Practice:Arrive and Center: Find a comfortable position. Close your eyes if you’d like. Place your attention at the center of your chest. Notice how your chest expands as you inhale, pauses, and gently releases as you exhale. Rest in that pause between breaths. Open

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22:05

What Happens When Caregivers Dance

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/09/11

Even just a few minutes of dancing can shift energy, release emotions, and remind us to care for ourselves while we care for others.Summary: Dance isn’t just fun—it’s scientifically shown to make us happier, ease stress, and strengthen social bonds. From swaying in the kitchen to joining a community class, movement helps us regulate our nervous systems and reconnect with joy. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we explore what the science says about how dancing supports well-being

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04:17

Happiness Break: A Science-Backed Path to...

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/09/04

Through breath, compassion, and kind words to yourself, this guided meditation helps you forgive yourself, let go, and move forward with love.How To Do This Practice:Get Comfortable: Sit upright but relaxed. Close your eyes or soften your gaze, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Inhale gently through your nose and slowly, twice as long, through your mouth. Bring Something to Mind: Think of a mistake, harsh word, or regret you’re holding against yourself. Notice how it feels in your body,

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19:45

How Gentle Touch Builds Connection

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/08/28

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 calm, reduce stress, and foster stronger connections. Researchers share how even brief moments of self-soothing or supportive touch can improve

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08:11

Happiness Break: A Meditation for When You Feel Uneasy

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/08/21

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 Warmth and Softness into the Body: Gently bring awareness to different parts of your body—chest, belly, seat, legs, and feet. Imagine a gentle

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18:54

How To Tap Your Way to Calm and Clarity

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/08/14

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 trauma. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we follow illustrator Minnie Phan's journey of using this evidence-based practice to connect

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08:55

Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Others Are...

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/08/07

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 deep breaths and relax your body. Part by part, release tension in different areas of your body. Think of someone or a group of people you know

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24:38

David Byrne on How Music Connects Us

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/07/31

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 delve into the science behind music's social power and how it can offer both personal transformation and collective healing.How To Do This

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10:07

Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/07/24

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 connect with the positive emotions. As you reflect, silently say to yourself, “May my joy and my happiness increase.” Allow this intention to

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38:34

Bonus: Zakiya Used to Be So Fun (Proxy podcast)

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/07/18

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 connecting with her intuition. In this Proxy episode, Zakiya shares a personal reflection on how the pandemic altered her social life and sense of

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17:51

The Science of Trusting Your Intuition

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/07/17

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 rebuild trust in your inner knowing. It’s a conversation about slowing down, listening inward, and finding clarity on the other side of

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05:31

Happiness Break: Smiling From The Inside Out

The Science of Happiness ·

2025/07/10

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 your face, jaw, and neck. Form a Gentle Smile: Let a soft, effortless smile form at the corners of your mouth. Think of something or someone

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221 results

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