Are you happy? How would you answer that question if a stranger with a camera asked?

Five years ago, filmmaker Atdhe Trepca quit his job and drove across the country with a camera, asking hundreds of people that question.

His videos reach millions on TikTok and Instagram, and now he’s made a documentary.

Today, Optimist reporter Maggie Penman shares what Trepca has learned – and the research that backs up his observations.

If you want to hear more stories like this, please let us know. You can reach the whole team at [email protected] or email Maggie at [email protected].

Today’s episode was reported and produced by Maggie Penman, with help from Ted Muldoon, Emma Talkoff, Reena Flores, and Sean Carter, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Allison Klein. 

The Optimist has a newsletter! Subscribe here.

And, subscribe to The Washington Post here.