Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Little Happier: The Value of the “Quality of Keeping People Together.”

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gertrude Stein wrote that the poet Guillaume Apollinaire had the “quality of keeping people together.” This is a rare and important gift.Get in to...

Happier - Ep. 382: Responsibility-Shifting Questions, Being a Better Manager, and Why You Might Rent a Salad Bowl

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss why we’re trying to stop asking responsibility-shifting questions (which we both do, often), talk about an easy way to rent little-used i...

Little Happier: The Composer Sibelius Had the Right Words to Say about Contralto Marian Anderson

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When renowned American contralto Marian Anderson visited the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius in his home, he paid her a beautiful tribute.Get in touch:...

More Happier - Why a Necklace and a Dimmer System Made Us Happy. Plus How to Figure Out Someone’s Tendency

11 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why a necklace, a dimmer system, and a TV show made us happier. We also discuss the unintended consequences of watching “Get Back,” ...

Happier - Ep. 381: Happier Podcast Book Club: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey Talk about “The Office” and Being BFFs

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For the Happier Podcast Book Club, we talk about “The Office BFFs” with Jenna Fischer (Pam) and Angela Kinsey (Angela). We discuss the iconic TV c...

Little Happier: Someone Else’s Enthusiasm is a Powerful Teacher

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Little Happier: Someone Else’s Enthusiasm is a Powerful TeacherGet in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; [email protected] in touch ...

Happier - Ep. 380: Very Special Episode! Ask Us Anything

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every tenth episode is a Very Special Episode, and in this episode we answer questions from listeners about reading, TV-writing, eating habits, the Fo...

Little Happier: Some Brilliant, Short Observations About Human Nature

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The brilliant aphorisms of writer Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach shed a clear light on human nature.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast...

More Happier - Good News from Fantasy Island, Discovering Books from a Favorite Author, and More Dolly Parton

28 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about some exciting news from the world of “Fantasy Island,” discuss the happiness of discovering some new books by a favorite author, and...

Happier - Ep. 379: Summer Songs, Family Traditions, and Trouble with a Full Cup of Coffee

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why we’re choosing a summer song, take Deep Dive II into wonderful family traditions, and suggest a terrific gift for new graduates. ...

Little Happier: How a Writer Turned Her Dislike for the Movie “Entourage” into Support for a Cause She Believed In

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Wendy Molyneux found a way to use her own quirky tastes, and her hilarious writing, to make a contribution in her own way.Get in touch: @gretch...

Happier - Ep. 378: Ideas for Family Traditions, an Accountability Hack for Obligers, and We Reveal Our Book Club Choice

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we do each year, we make a plan to design our summer, and we do a deep dive into listeners’ ideas for family traditions. A listener suggests an a...

Little Happier: Agatha Christie Shows How the Games of a Child Can Become the Work as the Adult

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What we loved to do as a child, for play, we often love to do as an adult, just the way Agatha Christie loved to murmur to The KittensGet in touch: @g...

More Happier - The Joy of Watching Movies as a Family, The Power of Music from the Past, and How to Fight Right

14 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about how gratifying it is to introduce children to a movie that we love, the fun of listening to music from different times of our lives, and...

Happier - Ep. 377: A Month of Compliments, an Easy Fridge Hack, and Relatives Who Ask Questions During TV Shows

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After observing complaint-free April, we now begin Complimentary May, which will be full of compliments. We also discuss an intriguing know-yourself-b...

Little Happier: An Unexpected Insight About Love from the Beatles

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The lives of Paul McCartney and Trevor Noah suggest the same truth: with our love, we can shape someone else’s experience of the world.Get in touch:...

Happier - Ep. 376: Organize a Pop-Up Discussion Circle, a Brunch Hack, and Helping Someone Tackle Personal Admin Tasks

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why you might organize a pop-up discussion circle to discuss a favorite book, podcast, TV show, or a common life challenge. We also shar...

Little Happier: One of My Happiest Memories of My Mother

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of my happiest memories of my mother was seeing her wade through the snow to come pick me up at school. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethc...

More Happier - A Rare Email Triumph, the Joy of KidLit, a Good Fraud Story, and the Smell of Coffee

30 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about a rare moment of triumph over email, the joys of reading children’s literature and young-adult literature, the unforeseen consequences...

Happier - Ep. 375: The Easiest Way to Clear Clutter, a Tempting Loophole to Avoid, and How Do You Like to Socialize?

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about the quickest, easiest, cheapest way to clear clutter, discuss a popular loophole identified by a listener, and explore several know-your...

Little Happier: My Surprising Trick to Re-Visit the Places from My Past

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I’m always looking for fresh ways to reconnect with my memories and my past, and I found a surprising way to remember my grandparents’ house.Get i...

Happier - Ep. 374: Refraining from Complaining, an Easy Health Hack, and We Talk about “Deaf Utopia” with Star Nyle DiMarco

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why we’re refraining from complaining (mostly) for this month, discuss an easy but important health hack, and interview actor, produce...

Little Happier - James Baldwin’s Meditation on Love Explains Why I Know the Weather in Kansas City

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

James Baldwin’s beautiful meditation on the nature of love made me realize why I always know the weather in Kansas City.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin...

More Happier - Time Is Speeding Up, a Tool for Memories, and an Unusual Know-Yourself-Better Question

16 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about the feeling that time is going faster, discuss a terrific tool for organizing and preserving memories, and consider the question, “Wha...

Happier - Ep. 373: Ask for Knock, Dealing with “Obliger Shame,” and a Great Creativity Booster

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why it’s useful to ask for a knock, how to deal with “Obliger Shame,” and share a listener’s terrific suggestion of an item that...

Little Happier - A Happiness Lesson from Alice in Wonderland About “Jam Today.”

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The White Queen told Alice in Wonderland, “The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday—but never jam today.” When it comes to following good hab...

Happier - Ep. 372: Make the Plan, Use the Print Function, and Susan Cain Describes the Beauty of the Bittersweet

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why we should be the one to make the plan, a listener suggests ahack for making it easier to use online recipes, and “Quiet” author ...

Little Happier - Can We Rise to the Occasion? Is This Our Moment to Sing the Aria?

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When something challenging happens, we must ask ourselves, “Can I rise to the occasion? Will I sing the aria?”Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @eliz...

More Happier - Trying To Fall Asleep? Listen to This Quiet Talk About Roles on a TV Set

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For listeners who have trouble falling asleep, we record a calm, leisurely conversation that’s interesting enough to hold listeners’ attention, an...

Happier - Ep. 371: A Talk with Matt Damon! And a Complaint-Free Month and Hack for Photo Albums.

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to superstar Matt Damon and water expert Gary White about “The Worth of Water.” We also decide to observe a complaint-free month, and a li...

Little Happier - Even as a Member of the Beatles, It’s Possible to Feel Left Out and Bad at Your Job

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A story told by Ringo Starr, the drummer for the Beatles, is a good reminder that we can’t know how other people are feeling—which is probably a l...

Happier - Ep. 370: Very Special Episode! Hacks and Suggestions for Getting More Rest

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this Very Special Episode, in honor of #Rest22in22, we talk about how our own rest is going, and share hacks and suggestions from listeners about h...

Little Happier - The Danger of Finish Lines, According to Kurt Vonnegut

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Setting a finish line can help people reach a goal, but it can actually can undermine the process of forming a habit. In a letter to his son, renown...

More Happier - The Joy of Being a Minor Expert, Having Two Dogs, and Counting Your Steps

19 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why learning more about the Beatles and watching short videos makes us happier—and the experience of having two dogs. Plus a listener ...

Happier - Ep. 369: Burned Out? Identify the Problem! Plus Kathryn Schulz Talks Love and Loss

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling burned out? We talk about the first, crucial step toward a solution: Identify the problem. Plus we talk about how to help in Ukraine, and writ...

Little Happier - The Surreal Aphorisms of Comedian Steven Wright Shed Light on Human Nature

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With his surreal one-liners, comedian Steven Wright helps us to understand human nature and the world in a clearer (and more hilarious) light.Get in t...

Happier - Ep. 368: Think by Talking, Start a Puzzle Exchange, and More Dates for the Calendar of Catalysts

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss why, when faced with a challenge, you might talk it through to think it through; why it could be fun to start a puzzle exchange; and we add...

Little Happier - It Makes Me Happy to Think of the Calm, Alert Expression of a Child

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A clinician working with a mother and child—as well as my own mother—gave helpful reminders to take notice of the people around us.Get in touch: @...

More Happier - Snow Monkeys in Hot Springs, Creative Types, Quality Screen Time—and a Question about Mr. Roarke

05 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why the sight of snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs makes us happier, how we can know ourselves better and grow closer to friends at t...

Happier - Ep. 367: Try a 30-Day Challenge and the Joy of Scratch-Offs. Frank Bruni Talks About “The Beauty of Dusk.”

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss how to use thirty-day challenges as a way to stay engaged with your aims, and we also suggest a very simple and fun happiness hack. We talk...

Little Happier: Aesop’s Fable about the Fox and the Stork Illustrates an Important Truth about People

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Aesop’s fable “The Fox and the Stork,” the Fox and the Stork play tricks on each other, and their actions illustrate an important principle: ...

Happier - Ep. 366: Seventh Anniversary! Our Favorite Try-This-at-Home Ideas, Happiness Hacks & Highlights

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We just passed the seventh anniversary of the podcast! We looked back at our favorite moments from the previous year—the most popular Try-This-at-Ho...

Little Happier: The Anniversary of One of the Happiest Days of My Life

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every year, I celebrate the anniversary of one of the happiest days of my life.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; [email protected]...

More Happier - Another Insight from The Beatles, Plus How to Jump-Start the Habit of Exercise

19 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss yet another realization after watching the “Get Back” documentary about the Beatles, we talk about how to get a jump-start for the habi...

Happier - Ep. 365: Go Exploring in Your Own House. What Food Texture Do You Prefer? And Elizabeth Has a New Dog

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why we might go exploring in our home or office, and suggestsome easy hacks for getting things done. We discuss whether we’re Chewers,...

Little Happier: You Love Engineering and You Love Baking. Can That Be a Career?

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the Netflix TV show “Baking Impossible,” Andrew Smyth combines a passion for engineering with a passion for baking. Sometimes, it’s possible ...

Happier - Ep. 364: Use the “Calendar of Catalysts,” How to Work Joyfully for Change, and a Great Gift for Booklovers

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the “Calendar of Catalysts,” which is a list of many different calendar dates to consider using for a fresh start. We also talk to auth...

Little Happier: What’s the Best Way to Change a Habit?

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whenever people ask me, “What’s the right way to change a habit? If you had to pick one best way, what would you say?” I answer, “What’s the...

More Happier: Why We Love the Beatles Doc “Get Back,” Plus How to Get More Reading Done

05 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the brilliant Beatles documentary “Get Back”—why we loved it so much, and what we learned from watching the creative process. Plus, w...

Happier - Ep. 363: Push Beyond a 30-Day “Challenge,” a Hack for Taking Pills, and Listeners Share Their One-Word Themes

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about the challenge of “30-day challenges” and how to push beyond the30 days, we suggest several ways to make it easier to swallow pills, ...

Little Happier: Stephen Sondheim’s Rambling Style Wasn’t a Bug, It Was a Feature.

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim dealt with a challenging situation by figuring out how to harness his own particular strengths. His l...

Happier - Ep. 362: Give Yourself a Derby Name, an Easy Way to Give Yourself a Treat, and a Conversation with “The Good Place” Creator Mike Schur.

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why you might give yourself a derby name (and reveal our names), discuss a suggestion for a listener about an easy way to get an unexpec...

Little Happier: The Happy Story of When Carol Burnett Fired Harvey Korman

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I was fascinated to read a story from the life of the legendary comedian Carol Burnett.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchen...

More Happier - Tackling an Eyesore, the Unforeseen Consequences of Getting a Dog, and YouTube!

22 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the immense satisfaction that comes from clearing a messy shelf, Elizabeth describes some unforeseen consequences of getting a dog—and th...

Happier - Ep. 361: Cultivate a Rest Ritual. Celebrate “Twos-Day.” How to Stop Reading and Begin a Habit.

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss why you might cultivate a rest ritual, especially if you’re joining us for #Rest22in22. We also talk about celebrating the minor holiday ...

Little Happier: “Don’t Be So Modest. You’re Not That Good.”

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learning the words “humblebrag” and “humblevain” helped me see the world in a new way.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@g...

Happier - Ep. 360: Very Special Episode! Want to Change a Habit? Start Here.

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are 21 strategies we can use to make or break our habits. In this Very Special Episode, we highlight the seven strategies that tend to be the mo...

Little Happier: Remember the Dog that Doesn’t Bark.

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a famous short story, detective Sherlock Holmes points to “the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime.” In my own life, I invoke his obse...

More Happier - Welcome to More Happier! The Beatles, the Real Housewives, and Why We Should Do What We Want

08 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's the first episode of "More Happier," the new bi-weekly series for 2022. We discuss what's making us more happier right now, and we talk about an ...

Happier - Ep. 359: We Reveal our “22 in 2022” Lists! Plus a Way to Ship Items More Securely.

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We reveal our “22 for 2022” lists, and we share a simple hack for shipping items more securely.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podc...

Little Happier: If You Don’t Know the Answer, Don’t Ask the Question

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A thought-provoking collection of proverbs from the legal profession offers wisdom even to people who aren’t lawyers.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; p...

Ep. 358: Choose Your One-Word Theme for 2022 (We Reveal Ours). What Habit Loopholes Do You Use? Plus a Hack for Curiousity.

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss our experience with our one-word themes for 2021 and reveal our one-word themes for 2022. A listener suggests a terrific, easy hack for cur...

Little Happier: Why It’s Okay to Be Boring

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A passage from Karl Ove Knausgaard’s autobiographical novel My Struggle reminded me of my own family’s practice of “update.” The fact is, i...

Ep. 357: We Reveal the Yearly Challenge to “[Fill in the Blank] 22 in 2022.” Plus We Announce a Big Change to the Podcast.

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Following on our challenges to “Walk 20 in 2020” and “Read 21 in 2021,” we reveal our (excellent) yearly challenge for 2022. Plus we make a bi...

Little Happier: An Ancient Story Gave Me a New Appreciation for the Beauty of Trees

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A thought-provoking story from ancient times, in The Histories of Herodotus, gave me more appreciation for the beauty of trees.Get in touch: @gretch...

Ep. 356: We Review Our “21 for 21” Lists. Do You Have Foreground and Background Senses? Plus Some Easy Holiday Hacks.

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We review our “21 for 21” lists to see how we did, and we discuss some easy, fun holiday hacks. Plus we ask listeners a question: “With your fiv...

Little Happier: Do You Feel Like a Real Grown-Up? I Don’t.

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On a trip to a department store, I told my husband, “We’ll buy the nice towels when we’re really grown up”—but we are grown up. I remind mys...

Ep. 355: Talk to Yourself by Name. Make a “To Don’t” List. How to Resist Over-Buying.

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why it’s helpful to talk to yourself in the third person, a listener suggests the hack of making a “To Don’t” list, and we do a ...

Little Happier: I Appreciate Anything That Helps Me to Pay Attention

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A visit to an art gallery reminds me that it’s our listening that makes a conversation important; it's our vision that makes a masterpiece; it's ou...

Ep. 354: Consider the Vital 9 to Plan Your Aims for 2022. Boost Your Foot Comfort Level. With Magic, How Would You Change?

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To begin to plan our aims for 2022, we discuss the “Vital 9,” the areas in which most people’s aims fall. We also consider a few know-yourself-b...

Little Happier: Why a Taxi-Driver and I Saw Two Different Streets

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As we looked at children playing in the street, the taxi driver and I saw two different scenes.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; [email protected]...

Ep. 353: Happier Gift Guide: Great Gifts to Help People Get Happier. Plus a Gratitude Hack

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss suggestions from listeners about suggestions for gifts that will help recipients to be happier, healthier, and more productive. We also tal...

Little Happier: Now You’ll Be Working All the Time

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When a friend quit her job to work as an artist, someone told her, “Now you’ll be working all the time.”Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gr...

Ep. 352: Try the “Happier” App! To Help You Become Happier, Healthier, More Productive, and More Creative

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Announcing the new “Happier” app! Convenient, appealing, and intuitive, it offers many tools and strategies to help users to get happier. We also ...

Little Happier: The Sound of My Shoes Clicking on Marble Reminded Me of My Past

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The distinctive click of my shoes against marble connected me to two memories from different points in my life. Our five senses help to connect us to ...

Ep. 351: Consider Getting a Dog (Elizabeth Did). Do You Celebrate Moments? Spend 20 Minutes on Joy Each Day.

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth suggests that you consider getting a dog (or a pet); she and her family have been joined by Nacho, a corgi! Tiffany Dufu suggests that we sp...

Little Happier: In a Public Restroom, Which Stall Do You Choose?

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A woman told me her clever system for choosing the least-used stall in a public restroom, which reminded me that we’re more alike, and more differen...

Ep. 350: Very Special Episode: Listeners Suggest Apps That Put the “App” in “Happier”

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Listeners suggest apps that help them to become happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative—and more organized with photographs.Get in to...

Little Happier: In Ancient Greece, Two Painters Held a Contest. Who Won?

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A delightful story from the ancient world describes a contest between two artists that was decided in a surprising way.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; p...

Ep. 349: Happier Podcast Book Club: Kate Bowler Talks About Why There’s “No Cure for Being Human”

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For the Happier Podcast Book Club, we talk to Duke Divinity School professor Kate Bowler about her moving, funny, thought-provoking new memoir, “No ...

Little Happier: You Can’t Win the Hands You Don’t Play

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A thought-provoking collection of proverbs from poker-players offers wisdom even to people who aren’t playing poker.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; po...

Ep. 348: Make a Choice (Like an Actor). Do a Favor for Your Future Self. Liz Lange Talks About Secrets, Success, Loss

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss how we can make a choice (like an actor), how we can do a favor for our future selves, and we talk to Liz Lange about her podcast “The Ju...

Little Happier: Happiness Doesn’t Always Make Us Feel Happy

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A friend didn’t want to spend Thanksgiving with his family, but he did it anyway. Happiness doesn’t always make us feel happy.Get in touch: @gretc...

Bonus Episode: Staying Happy During a Sudden Move to a New Town—Sarah Fain Reports

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you stay happy when you suddenly decide it’s time for you and your daughter to move to a new town? And how do you make that decision in the f...

Ep. 347: Consider: It’s Not a Bug, It’s a Feature. Help Someone Ease into a New Job. How to Deal with Big Change?

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why it can be helpful to consider, “Maybe this isn’t a bug, it’s a feature”; we discuss a hack for helping someone get situated ...

Little Happier: Does a Teddy Bear Comfort You, Even Now?

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Author John Green’s reflection on the moment when he realized that he was no longer comforted by his teddy bear is a reminder that although we do ou...

Ep. 346: Keep Lists in the Way That’s Right for You. Avoid a Routine. Celebrate Something Surprising.

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why we should keep to-do lists in the way that’s right for us (and we discuss the “Tackle Box” that give five options), why someti...

Little Happier: Nebraska’s Tourist Slogan Offers a Valuable—and Hilarious—Lesson in Happiness

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nebraska’s hilarious tourist slogan demonstrates that it’s often most effective to admit the truth, even when that truth might not be terribly fla...

Ep. 345: Escape from Zombie Mode, Help People Say “No,” and What Do You Want to Be Known For?

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss strategies for escaping “zombie mode,” share a hack to make it easy for people to say “no,” and talk to Crystal Ellefsen about the ...

Little Happier: Mindy Kaling’s “Rules for Writing” Show That We Can Be Funny Without Being Mean

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mindy Kaling is a successful and productive writer, actor, and director. She’s hilarious and brilliant. In her “Rules for Writing,” she explains...

Ep. 344: How to Do a Quick Good Deed that Could Have Big Consequences, a Hack for Cutting Ourselves Some Slack, and an Interview with Anderson Cooper

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss a listener’s suggestion for an important way to help others, we talk about giving ourselves a “mercy week” during particularly busy o...

Little Happier: A Father Ate the Bananas Intended for His Children, and His Son Never Viewed Him the Same Way

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Auberon Waugh tells the story of how his father, novelist Evelyn Waugh, ate the bananas—at that time, a very rare treat--intended for him and...

Ep. 343: Keep a Journal in the Way That’s Right for You, Check in with #Read21in21, and Health Hacks from Cassy Joy Garcia

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about why you should keep a journal in the way that’s right for you—and discuss several different journal options, depending on what kind ...

Little Happier: Writer Ann Patchett Describes How Sometimes, We Can Minister to the Spirit through the Body

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In her brilliant memoir Truth and Beauty, Ann Patchett recalls how she helps a troubled friend by tapping into the power of the five senses: “Even i...

Ep. 342: Join the Work Happier Challenge, Use a Rubber Duck to Tackle a Tough Problem, and How to Fight Against Falling into Zombie Mode

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We suggest taking the free “Work Happier Challenge” by text as we head into the “other January” of September, explain why talking to a rubber ...

Little Happier: Actor Andrew McCarthy Faces the Question of How, as a Parent, to Acknowledge a Child’s Pain

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When the young son of actor and writer Andrew McCarthy raised a tough issue, his father found the right words to respond.Get in touch: @gretchenrubin;...

Ep. 341: Find Something Unconventional to Celebrate, How to Deal with a Happiness Regret, and Listeners Suggest Ways to Deal with a Talkative Co-worker

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Inspired by “Garbage Eve,” we discuss about why we might find something unconventional to celebrate, we talk about listeners’ suggestions for de...

Little Happier: For Writer Isabel Allende, January 8 Is the Right Day to Begin.

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In remembrance of her grandfather’s death, writer Isabel Allende starts all her new books on January 8, which for her is the right day to begin.Get ...

Ep. 340: Very Special Episode! Ask Us Anything

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Every tenth episode is a Very Special Episode, and this episode is an “Ask Us Anything.” We answer listener questions about our parents, career in...

Little Happier: Ordinary Belongings Become Precious as They Persist—Like My Parents’ Brown Bowl

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ordinary belongings become precious as they persist. They make us feel rooted in our own existence, with the comforting feeling that “Some things wi...