The Science of Happiness

By 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-

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FAQs about The Science of Happiness:

How many episodes does The Science of Happiness have?

The podcast currently has 278 episodes available.

The Science of Happiness episodes:

May 08, 2025 How Art Heals Us
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 episode.
Guests:
SHABNAM PIRYAEI is an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and teacher.Learn more about Shabnam here: https://shabnampiryaei.com/
Follow Shabnam on Instagram here: @shabnampiryaei
DR. GIRIJA KAIMAL is a leading researcher in art therapy who has studied how creative expression supports people.
Learn more about Dr. Kaimal here: https://girijakaimal.com/
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
Why Grownups Should Be Playful Too: https://tinyurl.com/4r85dc7m
Why Going Offline Might Save Us: https://tinyurl.com/e7rhsakj
How Awe Helps You Navigate Life’s Challenges: https://tinyurl.com/2466rnm4
Related Happiness Breaks:
Sketching Serenity: https://tinyurl.com/mpv3d7ey
Making Space For You: https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfv
A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4y
Tell us about your experience creating art. Email us at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yc77fkzu
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24min
May 01, 2025Happiness Break: Making Space for You, with Alex Elle
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, I will make space for inner peace). Write it down on a sticky note and place it somewhere visible to keep the intention alive throughout your day.
Close your practice by offering yourself grace, trusting that making space takes time and patience.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Today’s Happiness Break host:
ALEX ELLE is a breathwork coach, author and restorative writing teacher.
Learn more about Alex here: https://www.alexelle.com/about
Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_elle/
Follow Alex on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@easewithalex
Related Happiness Break episodes:
Who Takes Care of You: https://tinyurl.com/5xmfkf73
Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5
A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4
Related Science of Happiness episodes:
How to Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc
How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6
How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc
We love hearing from you! Tell us about your experience of holding silence. Email us at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Help us share Happiness Break! Leave us a 5-star review and copy and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfv
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7min
April 24, 2025What Humans Can Learn From Trees (Encore)
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 it means to feel a sense of belonging in the forest.
How To Do This Practice:
Go to a forest or natural space, ideally near yew trees or other trees you feel connected to.
Sit quietly, even if you're tired or unwell, and allow yourself to simply be there.
Acknowledge the presence and life of the trees around you.
Offer your gratitude to the trees—for their medicine, their strength, or simply their being.
If you're with loved ones, invite them to join in the gratitude.
Feel the connection between yourself, the trees, and your companions.
Return to this practice as often as you can, letting the forest remind you that you're not alone.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Today’s Guests:
DR. SUZANNE SIMARD is a professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia and the author of Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest.
Read her book here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfy463z
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
How Water Heals: https://tinyurl.com/utuhrnh3
Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher (Encore): https://tinyurl.com/aj34s585
The Healing Effects of Experiencing Wildlife: https://tinyurl.com/49pkk6eu
Related Happiness Breaks:
How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm
Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3
A Walking Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/mwbsen7a
Tell us about your experience connecting with nature. Email us at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yvrd9jje
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18min
April 17, 2025Happiness Break: Who Takes Care of You?
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 of a Family Member: Now think of someone in your family (or chosen family) who’s helped you. What moment comes to mind? How did they support you? Name what they gave you.
Think of a Mentor: Bring to mind a mentor or guide—someone who’s taught or encouraged you. How did they help you grow? What gift did they offer? Wisdom, strength, direction?
Feel the Support: Picture all three people around you. Let yourself feel supported and held. Breathe in that sense of connection.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Related Happiness Break episodes:
Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5
A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4
Wishing Others’ Well, With Anushka Fernandopulle: https://tinyurl.com/jrkewjs8
Related Science of Happiness episodes:
Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h
Why Friendships Matter More Than We Think: https://tinyurl.com/y99tc9nm
Why We Should Seek Beauty: https://tinyurl.com/yn7ry59j
Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription:
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10min
April 15, 2025 Issa Rae on Friendships That Need to Go, from IMO
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 folks just like you offering practical advice, personal storytelling, and plenty of laughs. Topics range from dating and relationships, to family and faith. Michelle and Craig share stories about being there for each other throughout their lives, from first crushes and fraught college years, to landing at the White House, to losing their mom. For six decades they’ve been each others’ most trusted counsel—and now, they want to be that counsel for you. In this episode, they’re joined by actress Issa Rae for a conversation about navigating the challenges of mismatched expectations in female friendships.
You can find more episodes of IMO at https://lnk.to/imomichellecrai...
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/bddahkjb
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1h 1min
April 10, 2025Why Going Offline Might Save Us
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 stepping away from screens and into nature, quiet, and deeper connections.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Ways To Do A Digital Detox:
Turn off your phone before bed to improve sleep and create space from screens.
Wait to turn it on in the morning, noticing how you feel and stretching that screen-free time.
Do meaningful work before going online to protect your focus and creativity.
Keep notifications silenced unless you're expecting something urgent.
Turn off WiFi and browsers when you need to concentrate deeply.
Take regular breaks from screens to let ideas simmer and rest your mind.
Practice reading books again and notice your attention span strengthen over time.
Pause when you crave scrolling, and consider reaching out to a friend instead.
Create your own digital detox plan or adapt one that works for you. Be sure to clearly write out your specific intentions, including how and when you'll follow through.
Today’s Guests:
ADAM BECKER is an astrophysicist and author of the book, More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley’s Crusade To Control The Fate Of Humanity.
Learn more about Adam Becker here: http://freelanceastrophysicist.com/

JEAN TWENGE is a psychologist and best-selling author. She’s spent years studying how the digital world shapes our minds and bodies, and the way different generations experience life.
Learn more about Jean Twenge here: https://www.jeantwenge.com/
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher (Encore): https://tinyurl.com/aj34s585
How Exploring New Places Can Make You Feel Happier: https://tinyurl.com/4ufn2tpn
Why We Should Look up at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/mpn9vj2t
Related Happiness Breaks:
How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm
Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You: https://tinyurl.com/2pb8ye9x
Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3
Tell us about your experience with taking a break from technology. Email us at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/e7rhsakj
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23min
April 03, 2025Happiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Voice
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 reflection.
Acknowledge Your Accent: Bring awareness to the way you speak, recognizing that your voice carries your history, culture, and personal journey.
Repeat Self-Compassion Phrases: Silently or aloud, repeat affirmations such as, “my accent makes me unique,” “my accent carries my story,” “my accent connects me to my ancestors.”
Place a Hand on Your Heart: If it feels right, gently place a hand on your heart, offering yourself warmth and kindness as you continue to breathe deeply.
Close with Gratitude: Take a final deep breath, sending appreciation to yourself, your ancestors, and the uniqueness of your voice before gently opening your eyes.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Today’s Happiness Break host:
CRISS CUERVO is a mindfulness and meditation teacher, Bridging Differences Coordinator at the Greater Good Science Center, and author of PERTENÆCER: Eight-Week Mindfulness and Meditation Training and Practices for Latinx Immigrants in the United.
Learn more about Criss Cuervo here: https://tinyurl.com/4npjwn6m
Read her book here: https://tinyurl.com/3byby84b
Related Happiness Break episodes:
A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4
Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5
Where Did You Come From: https://tinyurl.com/2y9uyjj6
Related Science of Happiness episodes:
How to Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc
How to Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh
How to Feel Better About Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/42fn62a2
Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/kv5ycj3v
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9min
March 27, 2025How to Focus Under Pressure (Encore)
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 you're a parent, caregiver, or simply seeking more ease in daily life, this episode offers a practical tool for grounding and self-care.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
How to do this practice:
Get comfortable, sit or lie down in a quiet space, closing your eyes if you’d like.
Focus on your breath, take slow, deep breaths, noticing the sensation without changing it.
Scan your body, move your awareness from head to toe, observing sensations without judgment. Spend a few moments on each area before moving to the next.
Refocus as needed, gently return to the scan if your mind wanders.
Close with stillness, once you reach your toes, take a few deep breaths and notice how your body feels as a whole. Take a final deep breath and ease back into your day.
Today’s Guests:
AMY SCHNEIDER is the most successful woman to compete on the quiz show Jeopardy! and won 40 consecutive games.
Follow Amy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jeopardamy
JONATHAN GREENBERG is a psychology professor in Harvard University’s Clinical and Translational Science Center. His research focuses on the role of mindfulness and relaxation.
Learn more about Jonathan here: https://tinyurl.com/mrd6r8tb
Follow Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/2j2b7muy
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
How To Breathe Away Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/3v9vts5a
How To Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh
How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc
Related Happiness Breaks:
How To Relax Your Body Through A Standing Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2fv4c9h8
5-Minutes of Progressive Muscle Relaxation: https://tinyurl.com/yc3cvhsz
A Breathing Technique to Help You Relax: https://tinyurl.com/mryh6c72
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/p23n2kn7
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19min
March 20, 2025Happiness Break: Find Calm When You Can’t Clear Your Mind, With Lama Rod Owens
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 yourself, “This is just an experience, passing through.”
Return to the Present: Shift your attention back to your body and the support beneath you.
Today’s Happiness Break host:
LAMA ROD OWENS is a Buddhist teacher, author and activist passionate about creating engaging and inclusive healing spaces.
Learn more about Lama Rod Owens: https://www.lamarod.com/
Follow Lama Rod Owens on Instagram: @lamarodofficial
Follow Lama Rod Owens on Facebook: @lamarod
Follow Lama Rod Owens on Twitter: @LamaRod1
Related Happiness Break episodes:
How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm
Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3
A Mindful Breath Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/mr9d22kr
Related Science of Happiness episodes:
How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6
How To Find Calm Through Walking: https://tinyurl.com/ycervtah
Breathe Away Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/3u7vsrr5
Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/3u8k2j8h
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8min
March 13, 2025How Music Can Hold and Heal Us
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 on the deep emotional power of lullabies and their role in both everyday life and moments of challenge. From ancient traditions to modern research, we uncover why lullabies remain a universal source of comfort.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Today’s Guests:
ALEXIS CARIELLO is a social worker who was prescribed music to help manage her perinatal anxiety.
DR. DANIEL LEVITIN is a neuroscientist, musician, and bestselling author of the books, Music as Medicine: How We Can Harness Its Therapeutic Power and I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music As Medicine.
Follow Dr. Levitin on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daniellevitinofficial
Bringing Lullabies into Everyday Life
You don’t need to be a professional musician to bring the healing power of music into your caregiving routine. Here are some simple ways to incorporate lullabies into your daily life:
Sing, Even If It’s Just for You: Whether you hum a tune while rocking a child to sleep or sing in the shower, music can help regulate emotions and ease stress.
Create a Caregiving Playlist: Curate a selection of calming songs that bring comfort and connection.
Write Your Own Lullaby: Personalizing a song can be a deeply meaningful way to express love and support.
Share the Experience: Singing together can strengthen bonds, whether with a child, a partner, or a classroom of students.
Our Caring for Caregivers series is supported by the Van Leer Foundation, an independent Dutch organization working globally to foster inclusive societies where all children and communities can flourish.
To discover more insights from Van Leer Foundation and others on this topic, visit Early Childhood Matters, the leading platform for advancing topics on early childhood development and connecting diverse voices and ideas across disciplines that support the wellbeing of babies, toddlers and caregivers around the globe.
Music has the power to uplift, soothe, and connect. What lullabies, songs, or musical rituals bring you comfort? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] or message us on Instagram @ScienceOfHappinessPod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/49svzn4v
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25min

FAQs about The Science of Happiness:

How many episodes does The Science of Happiness have?

The podcast currently has 278 episodes available.