Gretchen Rubin is HAPPIER, and she wants you to be happier too. The #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before gets more personal than ever as she brings her practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this lively, thought-provoking podcast. Gretchen’s cohost and guinea pig is her younger sister, Elizabeth Craft, a TV writer and producer living in Los Angeles, who (lovingly) refers to Gretchen as her happiness bully. Part of the Audacy Network.
…
continue reading
1
Little Happier: An Example from the CIA Illustrates How Many Dangers Don’t Seem Dangerous
2:50
2:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:50
A change in the standing operating procedure of the CIA demonstrates a basic truth about human nature. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get …
…
continue reading
In honor of Get Organized Week, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips to clear clutter from our daily lives. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 502: Attend a Reunion, Note the “Dinner-Party Problem” & Are You a Sculptor or Lifeguard Parent?
33:51
33:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:51
We talk about why going to a reunion can give us such a big happiness boost. We also discuss research about the “dinner-party problem,” and what to do about it, and we explore a question about attitudes towards parenting. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubi…
…
continue reading
1
Little Happier: An Encounter with Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder Reveals a Truth About Human Nature
4:38
4:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:38
We often assume that someone is a certain “kind” of person instead of realizing how circumstances may be influencing their behavior—a mistake I made when judging the actions of stars Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder in a drugstore. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @Gretch…
…
continue reading
1
More Happier: Why “Scheduling Is Life,” Orange Theory Report, and What It’s Like to Hike in LA
30:06
30:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:06
We discuss a new mantra to reframe a all-too-common annoyance, and the value of a new parasocial friend. Also, we discuss Orange Theory and hiking in Fryman Canyon. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Ins…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 501: Turn Acquaintances into Friends, an Email Hack & a Happiness Lesson Learned from Our Parents
35:39
35:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:39
We discuss why you might want to transform an acquaintance into a friend as well as specific ways to deepen that relationship. We also discuss an important happiness lesson modeled for us by our parents, and suggest a hack to make emails more efficient (and shorter). Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on …
…
continue reading
1
Little Happier: Willie Wonka, Rat Poison, Neediness, and the Transformative Power of Love
8:12
8:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:12
A sweet story about a dog named Sparkle reveals many truths about the nature of love, sacrifice, independence, and marriage. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happierc…
…
continue reading
1
More Happier: Gretchen Rubin on The Deep Dive podcast
37:46
37:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:46
We’re bringing you my conversation with Jessica St. Clair and June Diane Raphael on their podcast, The Deep Dive. We discuss my tips on how to combat anxiety and use all five senses to get more happiness in our lives. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 500! Reflections and Insights Prompted by Our Podcast Manifesto
42:15
42:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:15
In celebration of our 500th original weekly episode (without one break!), we share our Podcast Manifesto and use it to reminisce and reflect on this big milestone. In work and in life, it’s easy to focus on the “To-do”; today we stop for a “Ta-da!” Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRu…
…
continue reading
1
Little Happier: A Famous Art Historian Experiences a Spiritual Epiphany with a Surprising Result
4:53
4:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:53
Art historian Kenneth Clark describes his experience of an intense spiritual awakening—a “flood of grace”—and what resulted from it. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: …
…
continue reading
1
More Happier: The Joy of Deadlines, Couples Therapy & Pondering One of Life’s Big Questions
27:42
27:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:42
We talk about how deadlines can boost our happiness, and how a TV show can spark a useful conversation with a teenager about values. Plus we debate a challenging question about how to navigate life’s challenges. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Insta…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 499: Helpful Ways to Create Calm, Save Mental Energy & Get More Fun Out of Experiences
36:27
36:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:27
We talk about why it’s a good idea to spare ourselves the work of having unnecessary opinions. We also share listeners’ many imaginative suggestions for ways that they help themselves stay calm, as well as a listener’s idea for getting more enjoyment out of familiar experiences. Plus we debate the question of whether we want to get maximum value ou…
…
continue reading
1
Little Happier: People Are More Interested in a Poison Garden Than a Medicine Garden
4:11
4:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:11
A funny yet accurate observation about Alnwick Castle’s famous Poison Garden inspires a question about human nature. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/…
…
continue reading
1
More Happier: How to Ace a Job Interview (Revisited)
35:19
35:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:19
A common happiness stumbling block: interviewing for a job. We're bringing you some helpful tips for acing your next job interview. Hint: prepare! Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft o…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 498: Don’t Volunteer to Bring Bad News & Listeners Suggest Great Tips for Accountability and Pairing
37:17
37:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:17
We talk about why it’s advisable (if possible) to avoid being the bringer of bad news. We also discuss why it’s a good idea to RSVP “yes” or “no” quickly--and stick to that decision. Plus we share many helpful suggestions from listeners about effective ways they’ve created accountability for themselves, and used pairing, to achieve important aims. …
…
continue reading
1
Little Happier: A Paradox: How Do You Stand Out When Standing Out Is the Best Way to Fit In?
3:10
3:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:10
In Scarlett Thomas’s brilliant novel PopCo, a protagonist wants to set herself apart from her colleagues, but she’s stumped by a conundrum she can’t solve. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show note…
…
continue reading
1
More Happier: The Fun of an Unexpected Gift, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and Herding the Cats During Holidays
29:11
29:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:11
We talk about the happiness that comes from getting a gift we don’t expect, and we discuss some quality screen time. We also consider the question: Does every family need a holiday-tradition-enforcer? Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @Gretc…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 497: Forecast Your Foibles, a Big Life Change & the Correct Way to Load a Dishwasher
34:21
34:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:21
Inspired by college move-in day, we talk about why it’s helpful to forecast our own foibles. We also weigh in on the hot debate around the correct way to load a dishwasher, and we introduce a new podcast segment—along with a big life change. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on …
…
continue reading
1
Little Happier: Winston Churchill Didn’t Hesitate to Show His Emotions
3:59
3:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:59
A grim but hopeful episode from World War II’s Battle of Britain sheds a light on Winston Churchill’s character. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/show…
…
continue reading
1
More Happier: Back-to-School Hacks (Revisited)
35:07
35:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:07
As the school year approaches, we’re re-sharing some of our best back-to-school tips and suggestions. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 496: Make the Most of the First 3 Weeks, Use an Alarm & Cope with Exploitation of Obligers
37:11
37:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:11
We discuss research suggesting that during the first three weeks with strangers in a new environment (such as a cruise or college), we have a special window for making friends. We also talk about why setting an alarm can alleviate restlessness and anxiety, and we address a question from an Obliger about how to deal with the fact that members of her…
…
continue reading
1
Little Happier: A Great Happiness-Boosting Example from Charles Darwin
3:26
3:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:26
Charles Darwin’s “Sand Walk” at Down House is a good example of how we can shape our surroundings and our schedule to help ourselves create habits that contribute to a happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative life. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @Gretc…
…
continue reading
1
More Happier: "Walk" Therapy, Comfort vs. Adventure, and the Joy of Outside
29:19
29:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:19
We continue to reflect on the insights and hacks we learned from our hiking trip in England—how and why this adventure helped to make us happier, healthier, and more creative. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizC…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 495: A Happier Labor Day, Celtic Tree System, and a Hack for Enjoying the Gym
32:11
32:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:11
We talk about why and how it’s useful to use the annual Labor Day Holiday as a catalyst to reflect on our work--both paid and unpaid. We also share a fun know-yourself-better tool, and make a suggestion about finding the right gym. Plus we reveal a fact that will make listeners very happy (and relieved). Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Foll…
…
continue reading
1
Little Happier: Don’t Tear Down a Fence Until You Know Why It Was Put Up
4:52
4:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:52
On a demanding backpacking trip, I saw an illustration of the principle sometimes call “Chesterton’s Fence”: Don’t take down a fence unless you know why it was put there in the first place. If you don’t know why a fence was placed there, you won’t understand the consequences of taking it down. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on socia…
…
continue reading