The Science of Happiness
Kanaal Besonderhede
The Science of Happiness
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.
Onlangse Episodes
317 episodes
Happiness Break: Finding Calm in Uncertainty
Psychologist and stress expert Elissa Epel leads us in a gentle, science-backed practice to calm our nervous systems and meet uncertainty with greater...
How Qigong Can Calm Your Mind and Body
Studies show qigong can strengthen your body and mind, and reduce cortisol levels. We explore this Chinese meditative movement practice that dates bac...
Happiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year
This New Year, affirm the wonderful qualities you already possess with this meditative writing practice with Chris Murchison called "I Am."
How...
How Stories Shape Belonging
Learn how the stories we tell and hear shape our relationships, values, and sense of belonging.
Summary: Storytelling is more than entertainment...
Happiness Break: Una meditación para enraizar, con Diana Parra (español)
También tenemos esta meditación en Español.
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4rjmambm
Happiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire a Sense of Purpose
Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them.
You can also listen to this epi...
The Power of a Collective Pause
Explore how students are using simple mindful breathing practices to navigate stress, stay grounded, and support their classmates.
Summary: Clas...
Happiness Break: How Connecting With Ancestors Deepens Belonging
Through a gentle ancestral meditation, discover how grounding in your roots can open the door to healing, meaning, and a deeper sense of belonging.
How to Feel Better About Yourself
Self-compassion reduces our feelings of shame and self-doubt. We explore a practice to help quiet our inner critic with kindness.
Summary: What...
A Meditation for When Gratitude Feels Hard
When gratitude feels distant, gently notice what’s here now— creating space for both heaviness and small moments of appreciation.
How To Do This...
Being Kind Is Good for Your Health
Doing good for others benefits our own minds and bodies, as well. We explore the science of kindness.
Summary: On this episode of The Science of...
Happiness Break: Finding Peace Through Forgiveness
Explore a gentle practice for releasing resentment and finding freedom through forgiveness.
How To Do This Practice:
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The Science of Letting Go
Discover how forgiveness reshapes the brain, eases the body, and helps us move forward with greater compassion and freedom.
Summary: Forgiveness...
How Rituals Keep Us Connected
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...
Happiness Break: How to Be Your Own Best Friend
Show yourself real self-kindness in less than 10 minutes with this self-compassion break guided by psychologist Kristin Neff.
How To Do This Pra...
Why Our Brains Find Meaning in Random Patterns
What happens when imagination meets perception, and ordinary objects come alive? We explore the science of pareidolia.
Summary: Our minds are wi...
Happiness Break: Six Minutes to Connect with Your Body, with Dacher
Dedicating a little time to tune into your body fortifies you to better handle the stresses of daily life.
How To Do This Practice:
Scrol...
The Case for Hope, With Rebecca Solnit
We explore how embracing uncertainty enables us to move beyond climate anxiety and despair to hope and action, with author and activist Rebecca Solnit...
Happiness Break: Finding Yourself in Silence
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 P...
What to Do When Stress Takes Over
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. re...
Happiness Break: A Meditation to Connect to Your Roots, with Yuria Celidwen
When was the last time you thought about your ancestors? This guided meditation by Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen will help you connect to your her...
What Happens When Caregivers Dance
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: Da...
Happiness Break: A Science-Backed Path to Self-Forgiveness
Through breath, compassion, and kind words to yourself, this guided meditation helps you forgive yourself, let go, and move forward with love.
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How Gentle Touch Builds Connection
Research shows that simple practices such as self-hugs, soothing touch, and hand-to-heart can calm the nervous system, supporting caregivers and the c...
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When You Feel Uneasy
In this guided meditation with poet and teacher Henry Shukman, learn how allowing discomfort, rather than resisting it, can open the door to greater c...
How To Tap Your Way to Calm and Clarity
There’s a tapping practice shown to ease stress, balance emotions, and support healing. We explore the science behind Emotional Freedom Technique, or...
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Others Are Suffering
Witnessing the suffering of others can be deeply painful. In this guided meditation, Anushka Fernandopulle helps you cultivate both compassion and the...
David Byrne on How Music Connects Us
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...
Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam
Cultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam.
How to Do This Practice:
Scroll dow...
Bonus: Zakiya Used to Be So Fun (Proxy podcast)
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...
The Science of Trusting Your Intuition
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?
S...
Happiness Break: Smiling From The Inside Out
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: <...
How Parks Keep Us Connected
From childhood adventures to post-trauma recovery, explore how our parks support our well-being— and why access to them matters.
Summary: Nature...
Happiness Break: Embodying Resilience, With Prentis Hemphill
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 Feel More Hopeful
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 motivate...
Happiness Break: A Meditation For When You Have Too Much To Do
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 Hard Things
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 chal...
Happiness Break: Make Uncertainty Part of the Process
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 c...
Our Brains on Poetry
Learn how poetry can help your brain handle stress, process feelings, and spark insight.
Summary: This episode of The Science of Happiness is pa...
Happiness Break: How to Awaken Your Creative Energy
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 P...