Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Little: You Don’t Have to be Good at Something to be Good at Something

03 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

If we really want to pursue some course, the fact that we’re not “good” at it shouldn’t stop us.Panoply SurveyWe want you to tell us about the...

Ep. 84: Try Doing Something EVERY Day

28 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Why it can be helpful to do something every day, instead of some days; why it's helpful to keep a trash bag in the car; and how to handle the annoyanc...

Little: Keep the Paint as Good as it is in the Can

26 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The artist Frank Stella’s remark is a happiness koan; it has great meaning, though it’s not exactly clear what that meaning is. To learn more abo...

Ep. 83: Are You a Hedgehog or a Fox?

21 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Why reading three off-beat magazines can boost your happiness, the challenge of going freelance, and the question: Are you a hedgehog or a fox? Get in...

Little: Justice O’Connor’s Three-Word Secret to Happiness

19 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor manages to sum up her secret of happiness in just three words. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practi...

Ep. 82: Make a List (If You Want)

14 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Make a to-do list (if that works for you), buy that essential item every chance you get, and enlist the strategy of identity to form and break habits....

Little: Your Question May Suggest Its Own Answer

12 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In Piers Anthony’s fantasy novel “A Spell for Chameleon,” a character knows just what to say. To learn more about listener data and our privacy...

Ep. 81: Lets Give Them Something to Talk About

07 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Why it's satisfying to introduce a specific topic into a conversation, why you might want to park at the far end of the parking lot - and is it accept...

Little: Having More Doesn't Always Make Us Happier

05 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Why a boy didn’t play with the toys his grandmother gave him. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacy...

Ep. 80: A Discussion of the Five Love Languages

31 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This Very Special Episode is devoted to a discussion of "The Five Love Languages," a fascinating framework about how people best experience love. Get ...

Little: Ray Bradbury Says, "Love What YOU Love!"

29 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In a few words on a postcard to a fan, Ray Bradbury makes a key point about happiness. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices vi...

Ep. 79: Revive a Dormant Friendship

24 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 79: Why it's helpful to revive a dormant friendship, a deep dive into listeners' favorite "yearbook quotes," and the burning question of whether a...

Little: Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote, “Pa Was No Businessman.”

22 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

We don’t have to pretend that the people we love are perfect. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacy...

Ep. 78: Seek Out Silence

17 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 78: We talk about why you might want to seek out silence, why a happiness hack used by our parents worked so well, and why it's helpful to conside...

Little: The Intimacy of "I'll Open Your Fridge and Take What I Want"

15 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Sisters Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron--and the reminder that there are many kinds of love. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices...

Ep. 77: Plan an Errand Date

10 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 77: We talk about why it's fun to plan an "errand date," a happiness hack for dealing with other people's clutter, abd the value of improving the ...

Little: As Promised: The Reading from Gretchen's Wedding

08 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In Ep. 76 of Happier, Gretchen promised to share her favorite reading from her wedding. Here it is: "I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone," by Ric...

Ep. 76: Write Your Manifesto (& Bring Your Own Condiments)

03 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 76: Why it's stimulating to write your manifesto; the joy of bringing your own condiments; and a listener requests suggestions for great wedding r...

Little: A Happiness Lesson From the Cat in the Hat

01 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

"Look at me! Look at me! Look at me NOW! It is fun to have but you have to know how." It can be surprisingly hard to know how to have fun.  To learn...

Ep. 75: Become a Minor Expert

27 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Why it’s fun to become a minor expert (like color or Real Housewives)—and also fun to use the app TimeHop, to spark happy memories. We do a deep d...

Little: Sometimes, a Lot of Words Can Only Diminish What We Want to Convey

25 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Why General Eisenhower’s 15-word telegram in 1945 was more powerful than any longer, more elaborate message would have been.This episode is brought ...

Ep. 74: Choose A Quote for Your Yearbook Page

20 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 74: Choose your "senior quote," use the powerful Strategy of Pairing to change your habits, and we also talk quite a bit about the Four Tendencies...

Little: We Can't Spare Our Children Normal Social Pain

18 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

As Gretchen drops off her daughter Eleanor at summer camp, she reflects on some of her favorite advice from parenting expert Michael Thompson. This e...

Ep. 73: Get Rid of It As Soon As It's Worthless

13 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Why we should get rid of something (like a shoe without a mate) as soon as it's useless; what to do when everything "turns to ashes," as recently happ...

Little: If Others Think I Can Do a Job, I Can Probably Do It

11 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A friend found the right words to say to Gretchen, when she was nervous before an interview with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. This episode is brought...

Ep. 72: Beware The Incomplete Upgrade

06 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 72: Why we’re happier when we have room of our own, the challenge of the “incomplete upgrade,” and Gretchen gives herself a demerit for a pa...

Little: I May Not Be the Best, But I’m Probably Not the Worst

04 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

When she's feeling insecure, Gretchen reminds herself of this Secret of Adulthood.  This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Start building you...

Ep. 71: Are You A Leopard Or An Alchemist?

29 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 71: Choose a signature color, ask yourself, "Am I an alchemist or a leopard?" -- and fighting FOMO. Want to get in touch? @gretchenrubin; @elizabe...

Little: Sometimes We Can Be Generous By Taking

27 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In his memoir, actor Rob Lowe recounts a conversation between his young son and President Clinton that shows that sometimes, we can be generous by tak...

Ep. 70: Advice

22 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 70: Very Special Episode: Advice! Gretchen, Elizabeth, and listeners  reveal the best advice they’ve received for work, relationships, and life...

Little: Give Yourself a Lucky Charm

20 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Back in episode 59, Elizabeth and Gretchen discussed lucky charms. That conversation reminded Gretchen of a charming (and possibly apocryphal) story a...

Ep. 69: An Interview with the Musician Moby

15 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 69: Gretchen and Elizabeth discuss why we should give someone a surprise treat, and address, yet again, the thought-provoking subject of thank-you...

Little: No Magic One-Size-Fits-All Solution for Happiness

13 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

We've all heard the expert advice: do it for 30 days; do it first thing in the morning; start small. Problem? That advice works for some people, but i...

Ep. 68: How To Be On Time

08 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 68: How to be on time, why we should treat ourselves, how an Obliger can stick to a budget, and Elizabeth is thrilled with an app that lets her sc...

Little: Am I Painting My Own Fakes?

06 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel as though you’re just repeating yourself, instead of doing the best work you can do? Picasso did. This episode is brought to you b...

Ep. 67: Design Your Summer

01 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 67: Design your summer, a deep-dive into the emotionally charged subject of thank-you notes, mother-in-law woes, and the problem of the partial mo...

Little: Accept Yourself & Also Expect More From Yourself

30 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In their own way W. H. Auden and Flannery O’Connor each articulate an idea that I think about often: I want to accept myself, and also expect more f...

Ep. 66: The Pain of Email Etiquette

25 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 66: Give advice only when asked, and the challenges of email etiquette and vacation hangovers. Want to get in touch? @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcra...

Little: There's Great Value In Knowing When To Say Nothing

23 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

As my grandfather looked out the window into our backyard, I could hear the disapproving thoughts swimming around in his head. This episode is brough...

Ep. 65: Arianna Huffington Says Go To Bed

18 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 65: Enjoy your home's special features, Arianna= Huffington talks about why we should get enough sleep, and I give a gold star to my children's li...

Little: People Do Best What Comes Naturally

16 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

When JFK was first elected president, his advisors had some serious reservations about his wife Jackie...This episode is brought to you by Squarespace...

Ep. 64: What Do You Lie About?

11 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 64: Go slow to go fast; what do you lie about (Elizabeth and I confess our lies), and we introduce a new segment, the "Happiness Hack." My hack ...

Little: The Days are Long, But the Years are Short

09 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

I was riding the bus with my daughter, when something outside the window caught her eye...This episode is brought to you by Audible.com. Go to Audible...

Ep. 63: A Debate About Thank You Notes

04 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 63: Why it's important to have a strategy for online passwords, the trickiness of using rewards to strengthen habits, and Elizabeth and I debate a...

Little: Don't Let The Perfect Be The Enemy Of The Good

02 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

My mom simply asked if she could come to New York for a visit... This episode is brought to you by Audible.com. Go to Audible.com/Happier for an audi...

Ep. 62: Do You Have 100 Packets of Soy Sauce?

27 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 62: Don't accumulate excessive amounts of anything; it's tough when worlds collide; a Questioner wants to be a better spouse to an Obliger, and I ...

Little: Go Outside

25 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Get some fresh air and sunlight. It's an easy way to stimulate your brain and boost your memory, alertness, and wellbeing. Brought to you by Audible,...

Ep. 61: Stop Apologizing

20 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 61: Stop apologizing, do you prefer variety or familiarity, and the problem of passwords.  Want to get in touch? @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft;...

Little: Outer Order Contributes To Inner Calm

18 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This is one of my all time favorite secrets of adulthood, because it's true for so many people, and it's so accessible. Outer order contributes to inn...

Ep. 60: On Set With Elizabeth

13 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 60: A Very Special Episode. Henry and I visit Elizabeth on the set, and discuss you should let people do their jobs, interview Helen Childress, an...

Little: Flawed Is More Perfect Than Perfection

11 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to Glenn Gould hum along as he plays Bach and maybe you'll agree with me: sometimes flawed is more perfect than perfection. Brought to you by ...

Ep. 59: Do You Have A Lucky Charm?

06 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 59: Find your lucky charm, distract yourself for 15 minutes, some great mantras from listeners -- and Elizabeth feels godparent guilt. Want to get...

Little: Tell Me What You Want For Dinner

04 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Often we're afraid to tell people exactly what we want for fear of sounding demanding. But by holding back, we may be denying our friends and family t...

Ep. 58: The Pressure of Birthdays

30 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 58: Find your area of refuge, the pressure of birthdays, and how to get up earlier.  Want to get in touch? @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podca...

Little: When You're Stressed, Try This

28 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Last week was full of deadlines and travel arrangements and all around stress. Fortunately, when this happens, Gretchen Rubin knows the perfect trick ...

Ep. 57: The Awful Habit of Awfulizing

23 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 57: Pick a mantra for the day, avoid the awful habit of "awfulizing," and dealing with "The Chair" where clothes collect. Want to get in touch? @g...

Little: The Best Teacher

21 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Gretchen Rubin remembers few specific facts from college. But she can recall a couple lessons vividly, and they both have this one thing in common. B...

Ep. 56: Schedule Time To Worry

16 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 56: Schedule time to worry, learn to avoid loopholes, and how to deal with a writers' accountability group that is starting to shirk writing. Want...

Ep. 55: The Dilemma of Switching Bags

09 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 55: The dilemma of switching bags, do you prefer long or short discussions, the story of the Monkey and the Banana--and scratch-n-sniffs! Want to ...

Ep. 54: Celebrating A Year of Happier

02 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 54: Our one-year anniversary! We talk about the most popular try-this-at-home tips, listeners give their before-and-after stories, and we highligh...

Ep. 53: Meditation...Sort Of

24 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 53: Put the word "meditation" before any dull task, consider the stumbling block of competitive parenting, and listener ideas for storing recipes....

Ep. 52: Habits and Whole30 With Melissa Hartwig

17 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 52: Ask yourself, "What happens if I ignore this?" an interview with Whole30's Melissa Hartwig, I struggle with an unwanted errand, and Elizabeth ...

Ep. 51: Help! I Always Forget Names

10 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 51: How to disguise the fact that you don't remember someone's name; why if-then planning helps us to keep good habits, the challenge of returning...

Ep. 50: Ask For A Favor

03 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 50: Why you should ask for a favor, cooperation vs. competition, information overload, and I don't do a good job handling my daughter's request fo...

Ep. 49: LIVE In San Francisco!

27 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 49: Live from San Francisco! With special guests Nir Eyal and Jake Knapp. Plus how to travel with tears, deal with public speaking -- and Elizabet...

Ep. 48: Got The Sunday Blues?

20 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 48: Create a temporary photo gallery, the happiness challenge of the Sunday blues, and the joy of listening to the Harry Potter audio-books.  Wan...

Ep. 47: Liz Misses Out On A Romantic Moment

13 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 47: Control your exit, harness the power of convenience, and Elizabeth misses out on the opportunity to have a romantic moment with Adam.  Want t...

Ep. 46: Don't Get Organized

06 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 46: Don't get organized, dealing with storing sentimental items, coping with rewards and treats -- and we hit five million downloads!  Want to ge...

Ep. 45: Home for the Holidays – Kansas City Edition

30 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 45: Elizabeth and I are both home for the holidays, back in Kansas City. We start the episode in our favorite KC diner, Winstead's, then talk to s...

Ep. 44: Drew Barrymore Gets Personal. And Happier

23 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 44: Drew Barrymore interview! So fascinating. Plus we talk about having an end-of-the-year ritual, procrastinating about Christmas decorations, an...

Ep. 43: You Can't Make Me, And Neither Can I

16 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 43: Listener Roundup of the Four Tendencies. Want to get in touch? @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; [email protected]; happiercast.com/43;...

Ep. 42: Act How You Want To Feel

09 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 42: Act the way you want to feel; try resisting temptation by abstaining altogether; and I use the Strategy of Convenience to get back to the gym....

Ep. 41: Put An End To Impulse Shopping

02 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 41: Take one thing with you to fight clutter, tackle the challenge of impulse buying -- and I haven't been going to the gym. Want to get in touch?...

Ep. 40: Holiday Special -- Try These At Home

25 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 40: Very Special Episode, holiday theme! Listeners answer: "What's your Try This at Home tip for the holidays?" and "What's the essential element ...

Ep. 39: Elizabeth Talks About Getting Fired

18 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 39: Elizabeth talks about getting fired; do you want more time for friends or for solitude; and Elizabeth gets a surprise dinner. Want to get in t...

Ep. 38: Rebels - Do You Hate Being Told What To Do?

11 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 38: A close look at the Rebel Tendency. Do you hate being told what to do--even telling yourself what to do? Want to get in touch? @gretchenrubin;...

Ep. 37: Obligers - Are You an Elizabeth?

04 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 37: A close look at the Obliger Tendency. Are you like Elizabeth, and find it easy to meet outer expectations (a work deadline) but struggle to me...

Ep. 36: Questioners - Do You Always Ask Why?

28 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 36: We're talking about the Four Tendencies Framework, and this week, we focus on the Questioner Tendency, with the help of Christy Fletcher. Want...

Ep. 35: Upholders - Are You A Hermione?

21 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 35: In the first of four episodes about the Four Tendencies framework, we talk about "Upholders." Also, Elizabeth misses the blood moon and Gretch...

Ep. 34: The Habits of A Rebel Harvard Physicist

14 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 34: Have a difficult conversation; a talk with Lisa Randall, Harvard physics professor and Writer (and Rebel) -- plus, hard-boiled eggs. Want to g...

Ep. 33: Send Yourself To Boot Camp

07 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 33: Try a boot camp, put away those last items -- and have you ever experienced a "Lightning Bolt" change in your habits? I have. Want to get in t...

Ep. 32: Why Teasing May Be Bad For Happiness

30 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 32: Why Elizabeth and I raise the bar; why, surprisingly, teasing can be a happiness stumbling block--and we want your comments about the Four Ten...

Ep. 31: Choose A Personal Symbol

23 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 31: Observe a threshold ritual, for gratitude; identify your personal symbols; and remember to check your passport's expiration date. Want to get ...

Ep. 30: Remember What It Was Like Being A Teenager?

16 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 30: Very Special Episode! My daughter Eliza is our guest. Her try-this-at-home is "Give yourself a mission." She asks: "What advice would you give...

Ep. 29: The Fantasy of Perfection

09 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 29: Why Elizabeth and I lower the bar ("don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good"), use the clean slate to change habits, and try to end foo...

Ep. 28: We Live The Stories We Tell Ourselves

02 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 28: Don't interview for pain; face the challenge of shared work--and whether or not to keep ice cream in the freezer.  Want to get in touch? @gre...

Ep. 27: The Bigger Life

26 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 27: Need to make an important decision? Choose the bigger life. Also, what's your "tell"?--and I reveal whether we're getting a dog. (What's your ...

Ep. 26: Procrastinating and Tomorrow Logic

19 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 26: Pick a one-word theme for the year. Want to get in touch? @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; [email protected]; happiercast.com/26; 774-...

Ep. 25: Try This At Home-A-Palooza with A.J. Jacobs

12 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 25: Hilarious writer A. J. Jacobs suggests several try-this-at-home tips: improve your posture; brainstorm for fifteen minutes; sustainable honest...

Ep. 24: Let's Talk About Dogs

05 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 24: We discuss why we should take photos of everyday life; the tension that exists in love ("you're awesome" vs. "you can do better") -- and shoul...

Ep. 23: Nothing Stays in Vegas

29 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 23: Why you should choose an office TV show; when enjoying something, do you prefer to "savor" or "spree," how to keep healthy habits while travel...

Ep. 22: Creative Habits with Guest Rosanne Cash

22 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 22: We have a theme this week -- creativity! Save Your String, Listen to Rosanne Cash, Fight Drift, and a Lesson from the Writers' Room. Want to g...

Ep. 21: Join a Group, Or Start Your Own

15 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 21: Why it's a good idea to join or start a group, and also to put something on the schedule. Also, how to enjoy the present moment -- and Elizabe...

Happier With Gretchen Rubin: A Very Special Episode (All About You)

08 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 20: Listen to listeners! We hear answers to the question, "If you could change one aspect of a relationship, what would you change?" and people's ...

Happier with Gretchen Rubin: Dan Harris Is 10% Happier

01 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 19: Enjoy the fun of failure, here ABC news anchor Dan Harris discuss his on-air panic attack and why he started meditation. Want to get in touch?...

Happier with Gretchen Rubin: Focus on Your Foundations

24 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 18: Buy an experience, use the Strategy of Foundation (eat and drink right, sleep, move, and unclutter) and the challenge of good table manners. ...

Happier with Gretchen Rubin: My Precious!

17 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 17: Why it's a good idea to have an exact place for everything; beware of anything we call "our preciousss," the challenge of staying in touch, an...

Happier with Gretchen Rubin: Imitate Your Spiritual Master

10 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 16: Imitate a spiritual master, use the Strategy of Monitoring to improve your habits, stay happy through transitions--and acknowledge pink eye ri...

Happier with Gretchen Rubin: An Interview with Tom Rath (Plus Gretchen’s Favorite Office Supply!)

03 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 15: Be a tourist in your own city, a talk with Tom Rath, the challenge of snooze alarms, Gretchen's deep appreciation of clear plastic sleeves to ...

Happier with Gretchen Rubin: Shrines, Chronotypes, and Hostess Neurosis

27 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 14: Cultivate a shrine, know what's different about you to figure out how to set up your habits for success, and -- do you suffer from hostess neu...