In this episode of the Renaissance Brothers Podcast, Russ and Mike sit down with Happy Brain Science founder Scott Crabtree to tackle loneliness, happiness, and why your brain literally works better when you’re connected to other people. They dive into psychological safety at work, the loneliness “epidemic,” and how tech, social media, and even air conditioning changed how we relate. Scott strips away the clichés and shows how happiness is less about “good vibes” and more about specific choices you repeat on purpose.

Choose happiness on purpose: Treat it like daily choices, not a random mood.

• Subdue stress: Turn stress into fuel with exercise, mindfulness, and connection.

• Practice real positivity: Picture your best future, notice what’s good, skip fake “good vibes only.”

• Get into flow: Do something hard-but-doable for 20+ minutes with clear goals, no multitasking.

• Prioritize people: Relationships are your top asset—reach out, listen, forgive, volunteer.

• Set tech guardrails: Use limits and “reach out before scroll” so screens don’t replace real people.