The Science of Happiness

Mar 20 2025 270 ep. 16 mins 12.6k
The Science of Happiness Podcast artwork

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.

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Happiness Break: Find Calm When You Can’t Clear Your Mind, With Lama Rod Owens

Mar 20 2025 7 mins  
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

How Music Can Hold and Heal Us

Mar 13 2025 24 mins  
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, reduce

Making Music With Your Body, With Keith Terry | Happiness Break

Mar 06 2025 7 mins  
How to Do This Practice: Find a Comfortable Space: Choose a place where you feel comfortable moving and making noise. You can do this practice standing or seated, whatever feels best for you. Start with a Basic Clap: Clap your hands together lightly, palm to palm. Keep the pressure soft so it doesn’t hurt. Try a few claps, following a steady rhythm. Add Chest Percussion: After

Why Friendships Matter More Than We Think

Feb 27 2025 21 mins  
In a world that emphasizes romantic relationships, we explore the science of friendships in humans and our primate relatives—how we make them and how they not only influence health and happiness, but our survival. Episode Summary: Romantic love gets plenty of attention, but what about the friendships that sustain us through life’s ups and downs? In this episode, we explore th

A Guided Meditation on Embodied Love | Happiness Break

Feb 20 2025 7 mins  
Experience the physical sensations of love through this guided meditation that nurtures connection, relaxation, and emotional awareness. How To Do This Practice: Sit or lie down in a relaxed posture. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a deep breath in, then slowly exhale. Notice the weight of your body and release any tension in your shoulders, jaw, or hands. Recall a tim

36 Questions to Spark Love and Connection

Feb 13 2025 23 mins  
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Can a simple set of 36 questions build love and intimacy? We explore the science behind how the questions we ask and the way we listen shape our closest relationships. Episode summary: In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we break down the science behind a practice designed to deepen connection—whether in romantic relatio

A Meditation on Original Love and Interconnectedness, with Henry Shukman | Happiness Break

Feb 06 2025 8 mins  
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Cultivate a sense of original love — a universal connection that nurtures joy, safety, and belonging — with meditation teacher Henry Shukman. How to Do This Practice: Find a comfortable position, either seated with a balanced, unsupported spine or resting back into support. Sense the solidity of your body resting on the earth,

How 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship

Jan 30 2025 25 mins  
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode From daily check-ins to meaningful compliments and planned dates nights, we explore a 7-day love challenge to help couples strengthen their relationships. Developed by renowned psychologists Julie and John Gottman. Based on decades of research, this week-long practice offers simple, actionable steps to deepen connection and nurture

How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam | Happiness Break

Jan 23 2025 10 mins  
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode 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.

How Awe Helps You Navigate Life's Challenges

Jan 16 2025 23 mins  
We explore how embracing awe can uplift caregivers, providing tools to nurture themselves while nurturing others. Sign up for our Caring for Caregivers Newsletter! Join our newsletter community by providing your information below and we'll send you 4 research-backed podcast episodes and articles on how to nurture well-being and build stronger caregiver-child relationships over the