Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Little: When We Give Ourselves Limits We Give Ourselves Creativity

20 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s true: Imagination is often sparked more by constraint than by freedom.  To learn more about listener data ...

Ep. 182: Take a Scent Snapshot of Your Life

15 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Take a scent snapshot of your life to boost your happiness, and Eliza describes facing the happiness stumbling block of leaving home for the first tim...

Little: A Beautiful Moment of Elevation from Winston Churchill’s Tears

13 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When visiting a poor neighborhood during the London Blitz, Winston Churchill cried—“tears not of sorrow but of wonder and admiration.” To learn...

Ep. 181: Practice Reverse Gossip

08 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Practice reverse gossip, an email-related hack, and what to do when someone raises the bar. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gr...

Little: You Don’t Have to Be Good at Something to Be Good at Something.

06 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dolly Parton and Paul McCartney are yet more examples of my Secret of Adulthood: You don’t have to be good at something to be good at something. To...

Ep. 180: Very Special Episode: Travel Hacks!

01 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We got terrific hacks from listeners about how to make travel more convenient, comfortable, and fun—so many great suggestions about happier travels....

Little: A Lesson from Harry Potter About Knowing Who You Are

30 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One of my favorite moments in the Harry Potter books is when Harry accepts his own nature, and his own strengths, to face his dragon. To learn more a...

Ep. 179: Make Each Day of the Week Distinctive

25 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Make each day of the week distinctive, use videos to solve common problems like inserting contact lenses, and why is “18 for 2018” so fun?Get in t...

Little: Artist Anne Truitt Describes Her Moment of Transformation

23 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Artist Anne Truitt gives a remarkable description of her moment of transformation and recognition—she knew exactly when and why it began. To learn ...

Ep. 178: Schedule a Weekly Playdate with Yourself

18 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Schedule a weekly playdate with yourself, a hack for dealing with a child’s curfew,and what are some ways to deal with the distractions of an open-p...

Little: “There Are Many Things that We Would Throw Away If We Were Not Afraid that Others Might Pick Them Up.”

16 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

I’m haunted by a thought-provoking observation from Oscar Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. To learn more about listener data and our pr...

Ep. 177: What is Luxury for You?

11 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do the “ten minute closer” to help yourself make orderly transitions, what’sluxury for you, and how to deal with demanding neighbors—plus the ...

Little: It’s Not as Glamorous as It Sounds.

09 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One of the nicest features of human nature is the fact that people are interested in such different subjects. To learn more about listener data and o...

Ep. 176: An Interview with Hollywood Powerhouse Mark Duplass

04 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Note the start date of any notable pain or symptom; suggest a window of time instead of a specific time; and interview with Hollywood powerhouse Mark ...

Little: Dolly Parton Describes the Difference Between a Wish and a Dream

02 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Action, work, that’s the different between a wish and a dream. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audac...

Ep. 175: Do You Struggle with Procrasticlearing?

27 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Beware of procrasticlearing, plan a nice little surprise, and tips on how to take notes while listening to podcasts.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @eli...

Little: Schoolhouse Rock Gives Me the “America Feeling” and Taught Me the Preamble to the Constitution

25 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gold star and RIP to Bob Dorough, who made such a contribution to the world with his “Schoolhouse Rock” series. To learn more about listener data...

Ep. 174: Make Something by Hand

20 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Make something by hand that you’d ordinarily buy, have a “Take My Stuff” party, and are you more interested in the event or in the company?Get i...

Little: There May Be a Very Good Explanation for That.

18 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, when people do things that seem inexplicable, there’s actually a very good explanation, if we take the time to find out what it is. To l...

Ep. 173: Is It a Good Idea to Work with Your Best Friend?

13 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why it’s useful to know your purpose, the challenge of taking notes while listening to a podcast, and Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings of “The Nod”...

Little: I Love to See Virtue Rewarded

11 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It’s wonderful to see people do a job well, and to extend themselves to help others—and then it’s even more wonderful to see that action recogni...

Ep. 172: Toss Unnecessary Papers

06 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Toss unnecessary papers, invent your own holidays, remember that people don’t necessarily perceive the world the way that you do, and the fun of scr...

Little: Yes, I Made a Dumb Mistake—But People Have Made Dumber Mistakes.

04 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Even rocket scientists can make a simple math error. Mistakes happen. Nobody’s perfect. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices...

Ep. 171: Question Your Limiting Beliefs

30 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why we should question our limiting beliefs, how to create outer accountability for saying “no," and a hack using measuring cups.Get in touch: @gret...

Little: A Happy Story from the Life of Dolly Parton

28 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It makes me very happy to think of these three great artists taking such delight in their own powers, and persisting in their vision for years, until ...

Ep. 170: Very Special Episode with an “18 for 2018” Update

23 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We give an update on our progress (and lack of progress) in our “18 for 2018” lists. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretch...

Little: Always Orient Yourself to North.

21 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

My New York City roommate gave me good advice for any city, and for many situations: “Always take a moment to orient yourself toward north.” To l...

Ep. 169: Use the Strategy of “Stop Talking”

16 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Use the strategy to “Stop talking,” an interview about modern romance with Joanna Coles, and dealing with the end of a Season of Stress.Get in tou...

Little: “Even a Dog Distinguishes Between Being Stumbled Over and Being Kicked.”

14 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Oliver Wendell Holmes’s observation about dogs helps to clarify a very important distinction in human relationships. To learn more about listener d...

Ep. 168: ”Remember, This Is Supposed to Be Fun”

09 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why you might remind yourself, “Remember, this is supposed to be fun,” two podcast-related hacks to help you fall asleep, and why it’s useful to...

Little: A Lesson I Have to Learn Over and Over.

07 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

I keep learning this lesson, again and again. The days are long, but the years are short. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices...

Ep. 167: Be a Tourist in Your Own Home

02 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Be a tourist in your own home, how to deal with a Season of Stress, and how you can create an “empty shelf” in your smart-phone. Get in touch: @gr...

Little: The Statue of Liberty and My “America Feeling”

30 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

I never take for granted the sight of the majestic Statue of Liberty, and it gives me my “America feeling” every time. To learn more about listen...

Ep. 166: Watch Old Video Clips

25 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Watch old video clips of celebrities, put-downers vs. put-awayers, and would you rather take one long vacation or several short ones?Get in touch: @gr...

Little: Working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination

23 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It’s easy to be fooled! But working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination, because working makes it easier to justify avoiding the t...

Ep. 165: Have a Power Down Weekend

18 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Have a Power Down Weekend, Sit on the Floor, and an Interview with Liz Dolan about Workplace Happiness.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; ...

Little: Lead Us by the Hand to Those We Are Looking For

16 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

For years, Flannery O’Connor’s prayed to Saint Raphael, and her prayer led me to realize how much we want to be led “toward those we are waiting...

Ep. 164: Don’t Assign or Accept Homework

11 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t assign or accept homework, write an “unhappy list,” and a fun way to deal with a big milestone birthday.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @eli...

Little: Alas, There Are No Wizards.

09 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

My father gave me some very valuable advice: There are no wizards. There are no magical fixers. If I care about something, I have to stay involved. T...

Ep. 163: Set a Weekly Phone Date

04 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Set a weekly phone date, why dogs make great accountability partners, how stickers can solve an annoying problem, and the challenge of staying happier...

Little: Now Is Now, and Now Is Already a Long Time Ago.

02 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The last paragraphs of my book Happier at Home reflection something I learned from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House in the Big Woods. To learn m...

Ep. 162: Write It Down. Really.

28 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why you really should write something down, a system to allow two Obligers to create accountability as a couple, and a solution for unwanted prescript...

Little: The Investor Is Wise Who Diversifies. Also True for Non-Investors.

26 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In law school, my Business Administration professor told us, “The investor is wise who diversifies,” and it’s a point that’s true in many situ...

Ep. 161: Embrace the Cheese

21 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why you might “embrace the cheese,” a low-stress variety of book group, and the question of what to do with a Magic Hour.Get in touch: @gretchenru...

Little: No Hard Feelings. These Things Happen.

19 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When a person screws up, it’s very helpful to say, “No hard feelings. These things happen.” To learn more about listener data and our privacy p...

Ep. 160: Very Special Episode! Live from Elizabeth’s Cluttered Home Office.

14 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gretchen and Elizabeth meet in Elizabeth’s home office to clear some clutter.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin; h...

Little: From Rob Lowe: Sometimes You Have to Get Fired to Get Hired

12 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We never know what’s good luck and what’s bad luck. Actor Rob Lowe illustrates this truth with a story about Amy Adams’s career. To learn more ...

Ep. 159: Do Something Badly

07 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Decide to do something badly, an interview with Adam Grant about his WorkLife podcast, and tips for dealing with the upheaval of a renovation.Get in t...

Little: It’s Fun to Have Fun, But You Have to Know How

05 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Throughout the ages, wise observers from Samuel Butler to Dr. Seuss have noted that it’s not as easy to have fun as you might expect. To learn more...

Ep. 158: Create a Standardized Vacation

28 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why you might create a standardized vacation, a deep dive into the challenge of wearing “clothes,” and how to use unpairing to control a bad habit...

Little: Ever Thought, “It Doesn’t Make Any Difference If I Go to the Gym Today”?

26 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

To form habits, we need to focus on the “growing heap,” rather than the “one-coin” – terms that take their meaning from the “Argument of t...

Ep. 157: Third Anniversary! Our Most Popular Try-This-at-Home Tips, Happiness Hacks & Favorite Moments.

21 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate our third anniversary, we highlight our most popular Try-This-at-Home tips, Happiness Hacks, and favorite moments.Get in touch: @gretchen...

Little: “I Sell Beer to Them as Wants It. I Ain’t Making Nobody Drink It.”

19 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One of my favorite passages from one of my favorite novels is a beautiful example of virtue rewarded. To learn more about listener data and our priva...

Ep. 156: Kiss in the Morning, Kiss at Night

14 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why you might try having a kissing schedule, an easy way to make it easier to put down your phone, and discussion of Obliger accountability and confli...

Little: What I Do Every Day Matters More Than What I Do Once in a While

12 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

I remind myself that what I do every day matters more than what I do once in a while—which means that an occasional slip-up is fine, and also that r...

Ep. 155: Choose a Signature Scent

07 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Choose a signature scent, a before-and-after story about losing weight, and a great way to remember your theme for the year.Get in touch: @gretchenrub...

Little: That’s Okay, Buddy

05 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, when I’m pushing myself too hard, I remember a funny moment from the Mary Poppins show on Broadway. When the set broke down, the boy play...

Ep. 154: Wear “Clothes” Every Day

31 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Wear clothes every day (!) and an interview about parenthood with Tanya Coke. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin; ha...

Little: Whatever You Do, You Will Still Be You

29 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When I was feeling uncertain about the future, a respected boss reassured me with an obvious yet profound observation: “Remember, whatever you do, y...

Ep. 153: This Is Actually Good for Me.

24 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Try saying, “This is actually good for me,” a great hack for quitting an addictive app, how Rebels (and others) can keep resolutions, and a terrif...

Little: A Cure for Feeling Annoyed About Clutter? Remember Love

22 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When your parents are driving you crazy because they’ve kept every piece of your schoolwork, all the way back to kindergarten, or when you’re driv...

Ep. 152: Deep Dive into “18 for 2018”

17 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Create a consistent body of work, use the Flic app to manage your photos, and a deep dive into the “18 for 2018” lists.Get in touch: @gretchenrubi...

Little: Don’t Know What Will Happen in the Future? Try to Understand Now

15 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A professional futurist pointed out, “We know we can’t predict the future, so we try to understand what’s happening NOW. If you understand now, ...

Ep. 151: Keep a Running List of Your Favorite Things

10 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Keep a running list of your favorite things, identify your one-word theme for 2018, and how Obligers can create accountability even if they want to ke...

Little: You Will Say Good-Bye to Your Child Many Times

08 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve never forgotten the words of the pre-school director who told me, “This is the first of many times that you will say good-by to your children...

Ep. 150: Gretchen and Elizabeth Unplugged

03 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Little: We’ve Had Our Dog Barnaby Always

01 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s the thing about love: it’s easy to see how it stretches into the future, but the funny thing is, it also changes the past. We’ve had Barn...

Ep. 149: "18 for 2018" and Roz Chast Interview

27 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Plan your "18 for 2018" and an interview with legendary cartoonist and writer Roz Chast.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretche...

Little: Everyday Life in Utopia

25 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

After watching the movie Lost Horizon, my daughter Eleanor gave a brilliant title to her “sequel”: Everyday Life in Utopia. That’s my life motto...

Ep. 148: Use the Checklist for Habit Change for 2018

20 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Use the "Checklist for Habit Change" to help you change your habits in 2018, plus many holiday hacks from listeners. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @el...

Little: Three Words for Success: “No Matter What”

18 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Niecy Nash explained that she made a career in Hollywood by promising herself that she’d do whatever was necessary to succeed, “No matter wh...

Ep. 147: 18 for 2018

13 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Make a list of "18 for 2018," the challenge of in-laws who want to fill your empty closets with their clutter, and an instagram-related project. Get i...

Little: Am I Wasting My Youth?

11 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not always possible to decide whether one course of action is a waste of time or not—nevertheless, it’s an important question to consider. ...

Ep. 146: Introduce a Note of Whimsy

06 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Introduce a note of whimsy, use color to connect to the moment, and a four Tendencies talk with By The Book's Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg. G...

Little: Do Good, Feel Good

04 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A friend told me that during a tough time, “she’d been practically addicted to doing good deeds.” One of the best ways to make ourselves happy i...

Ep. 145: Try These Happier Holiday Hacks

29 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We suggest a long list of hacks to make the holidays a happier time. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; [email protected]; happier...

Little: Reframing Helped Me Feel Lucky Instead of Resentful

27 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

My mother helped me to reframe a situation so I felt lucky, rather than resentful, at my husband’s lack of interest in our renovation. To learn mor...

Ep. 144: Be Willing to Delegate

22 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Be willing to delegate, how a Rebel child started to cry less in class, and is it possible to make yourself happier?Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @eli...

Panoply Fall 2017 Trailer

20 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We’re thrilled to present Panoply’s Fall 2017 lineup of shows. They include the satirical self-improvement show “Dexter Guff is Smarter Than You...

Little: Tell Me What You Want for Dinner

20 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, when we’re very specific about what we want, we help others to enjoy the pleasure of giving. To learn more about listener data and our p...

Ep. 143: Down with Boredom

15 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Why you should say "down with boredom," try asking this extremely useful question, and an interview with Jancee Dunn about marriage. Get in touch: @gr...

Little: A Happiness Reminder from E. B. White’s Masterpiece “Charlotte’s Web”

13 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

I love the opening passage from “Charlotte’s Web,” E. B. White’s masterpiece of children’s literature. It’s a great reminder that an ordin...

Side Hustle School: 13-Year-Old Australian Creates Schoolyard Lollipop Fortune

10 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to Chris Guillebeau for sharing this episode of Side Hustle School with the Happier feed. If you like it, please  subscribe to Side Hustle...

Ep. 142: Schedule Some Daily Transcendence

08 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Schedule some daily transcendence, skip the bad parts, and a conversation with Lewis Howes. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gre...

Little: “I Always Loved a Snow Day”

06 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

When I told my friend Kim Scott that I was sorry that it looked like heavy snow was going to interfere with her book party for her book “Radical Can...

Ep. 141: Find Your Oasis

01 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Why you should find an oasis, whether talking to a rebel child in in his or her own language is actually coddling, and how wisely to plan an exception...

Little: A Good Example is More Compelling than Good Advice

30 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A teaching story about Torah study from Wendy Mogel’s book “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee” is a terrific reminder that a good example is more c...

Ep. 140: It's More Important to Say Something Than the Right Thing

25 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this Very Special Episode, we hear from listeners on what they consider the best and worst things to say in different situations. Get in touch: @gr...

Little: Don’t Wait Until You’re Moving Out to Clean Your Apartment

23 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

During our senior year of college, a friend made a remark that I’ve always remembered: don’t wait until you’re moving out to clean your apartmen...

Ep. 139: Be Full of Desire But Easy To Please

18 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

How to be a good guest, what to do if you don't want to act as an accountability partner - and Elizabeth grills for the first time. Get in touch: @gre...

Little: Frequency Is More Important than Duration

16 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

When I was talking to my father about whether my family should make a very short trip to Kansas City, he made a very wise observation: frequency is mo...

Ep. 138: Always Leave Some Room in the Suitcase

11 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Always leave some room in the suitcase, the stress of giving a toast, and what to bring to the office if you don't want to be the evil donut-bringer. ...

Little: Too Early, Too Early, Too Early—Too Late, Too Late, Too Late

09 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It’s often easy to assume that now isn’t the right time—but the best time to do something is now. To learn more about listener data and our pri...

Ep. 137: Gretchen Visits Elizabeth on the Disney Lot

04 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It’s “Take Your Sister to Work Day!” Gretchen visits Elizabeth at her office in Burbank. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@...

Little: People Succeed in Groups

02 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

My sister the sage Elizabeth told me that “People succeed in groups.” I think that’s objectively true, and in any event, it’s a helpful though...

Ep. 136: Don't Fall into "Empty"

27 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Why it's helpful not to let yourself fall into "empty," how a smartphone can be a memory aid, and dealing with the common challenge of photo anxiety. ...

Little: Reading Memoirs Reminds Me to Cut People Slack

25 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve read many memoirs written by people I know in real life. And it always reminds me of a very important truth: we should always cut people slack....

Ep. 135: Plan a Virtual Move, 2.0

20 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Plan a virtual move 2.0, the satisfaction of finding the perfect solution to even a small problem, and abrief conversation with writer Ann Brashares, ...

Little: “An Investor Is Wise Who Diversifies”—True in Many Situations

18 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Some rhyming advice I learned in law school turns out to apply in many situations in life. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practice...

Ep. 134: Write a "Ta-Da" List

13 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Write a ta-da list, use the app Podsearch to discover great new podcasts, and ask yourself "What is my level of ambition?" Get in touch: @gretchenrubi...