The Science of Happiness

Jan 16 2025 261 ep. 16 mins 12.4k
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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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

Happiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire Awe in the New Year

Jan 09 2025 6 mins  
A meditation to cultivate a sense of awe by focusing on new beginnings -- whether it’s a budding plant, a new friendship, or a recent moment of wonder. How to Do This Practice: Find a quiet, comfortable space. Sit or lie down, close your eyes if you wish, and take deep breaths to center yourself. Bring your awareness to the present moment—notice your breath, body sensations,

Why Dancing Is The Best Medicine

Jan 02 2025 20 mins  
Dance, one of humanity's oldest art forms, traces its roots back over 10,000 years. Its rhythmic movements are known to release endorphins, strengthen connections, and even increase our pain tolerance. Summary: This week on The Science of Happiness, we explore how dancing connects us, enhances well-being, and fosters community. Lori Arnett, a NASA engineer, shares how a month-long

Happiness Break: A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout

Dec 26 2024 10 mins  
Feeling burned out? Join Dr. Kristen Neff as she guides us through a calming practice to bring kindness and support to ourselves during tough times. How to Do This Practice: Sit in a quiet, comfortable space, close your eyes if you wish, and take deep breaths to center yourself. Observe how you’re feeling—physically and emotionally—without judgment. Acknowledge your struggl

The Contagious Power of Compassion

Dec 19 2024 19 mins  
Compassionate dialogue isn’t just about talking and listening—it's a meaningful way to bridge divides, cultivate belonging, and reimagine education as a space for connection. Summary: In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we explore the role of compassion in education and connecting across differences. We explore the bravery it takes to have tough conversations, how to

Happiness Break: A Walking Meditation with Dan Harris of 10% Happier (Encore)

Dec 12 2024 8 mins  
Trouble sitting still? Learn to practice meditating by simply walking in this practice guided by 10% Happier host Dan Harris. Scroll down for a transcript of this episode. How to Do This Practice: Begin walking. Bring your awareness to the present moment, noticing sights and sounds around you. When your mind wanders to worries or other thoughts, gently bring yourself back to wh

How To Find Calm Through Walking

Dec 05 2024 16 mins  
Mindful walking isn’t just a stroll—it’s a science-backed way to reduce, improve concentration, and soak in the beauty of your surroundings at the same time. *** The Science of Happiness is committed to sharing stories and research that inspire resilience, compassion, and connection. As we reflect on the past few years, these values feel more essential than ever. Help us con

Happiness Break: 5 Minutes of Gratitude

Nov 28 2024 9 mins  
Psychologist Dacher Keltner guides you through a practice to help you see the good things in your life that you might otherwise overlook. How to Do This Practice: 1. Sit or lay down somewhere comfortable. You may close your eyes if you wish, and take a slow, deep breath in to ground into the present moment. Then, scan your body from head to toe, noticing how you’re feeling in t

How To Practice Gratitude When You're Not Feeling Grateful (Encore)

Nov 21 2024 16 mins  
One way to feel more thankful for things is to imagine life without them. We explore a practice shown to help you see the bright side, even when you feel down. We know gratitude is good for us, but what if we’re struggling to feel it? This week’s guest, author and podcast producer Stephanie Foo, finds herself missing her close-knit “chosen family” in California since movin

Happiness Break: How To Tune Into Water’s Restorative Power

Nov 14 2024 7 mins  
Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen guides us in a reflection on our interconnection with water, encouraging us to see it as more than just a vital resource, but as kin. How to Do This Practice: Last week we explored the scientifically backed healing qualities of water, focusing on how connecting with water through sound, sight, and touch can support our well being. This week,