Download the App!
show episodes
 
Artwork

1
The Science of Happiness

PRX and Greater Good Science Center

icon
Unsubscribe
icon
icon
Unsubscribe
icon
Weekly
 
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.
  continue reading
 
Artwork
 
Christine Eartheart, Founder of the Center for Thriving Relationships, interviews some of the most inspiring luminaries, thought leaders, and researchers of our time to gain their unique insights on every imaginable aspect of how to experience more love, healing, and understanding in all our relationships. Each episode will open your heart and give you incredible a-ha's, concrete takeaways, revelatory ways of seeing yourself and others, and an opportunity to experience a more joyful, ease-fi ...
  continue reading
 
Artwork
 
Join us on the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, where we dive into the hearts and minds of leaders who harness the timeless power of compassion to enrich their communities and enterprises. Hosted by Laurel Donnellan and Darryl Brown, this podcast brings you intimate conversations with trailblazers who demonstrate that compassion is more than a virtue—it's an effective strategy for fostering healthy workplaces and vibrant communities. Discover how these leaders blend traditional wisdom w ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Over the last two decades, a multitude of scientific studies by leading researchers have empirically demonstrated what we intuitively knew to be true: The benefits of prosocial behaviors and motivations in the workplace are vast and undeniable, including significant improvements in employee well-being, innovation capability, employee retention, and…
  continue reading
 
Self-compassion reduces our feelings of shame and self-doubt. We explore a practice to help quiet our inner critic with kindness. Summary: What does your inner critic sound like? Many of us carry echoes of past misunderstandings, pressures, or expectations. Voices that show up as shame, self-judgment, or the belief that we’re not doing enough. This…
  continue reading
 
A calming 15-minute guided meditation inviting you to breathe deeply, reconnect with Spirit, and center your heart in gratitude. Take a peaceful pause with this 15-minute guided meditation from the Greater Orlando Center for Spiritual Living. This week’s focus is gratitude—a gentle return to the heart, an invitation to breathe deeply, and a reminde…
  continue reading
 
Rev. Patrice’s first Sunday message as a Divine Science minister explores how gratitude, love, and spiritual practice lift our vibration and align us with the ever-present good of God. In this week’s Sunday message from the Greater Orlando Center for Spiritual Living, we begin by entering the silence together and remembering a powerful truth: the u…
  continue reading
 
A practical and uplifting look at positive psychology, the science of “flow,” and how spiritual principles help us ride life’s rapids with faith, flexibility, and joy. In this Sunday message, Rev. Martin explores how the science of happiness and the spiritual path are telling us the same thing: our deepest well-being doesn’t come from money, status…
  continue reading
 
When gratitude feels distant, gently notice what’s here now— creating space for both heaviness and small moments of appreciation. How To Do This Practice: Get Comfortable: Sit upright or lie down. Whatever feels most supportive. Then soften your gaze or close your eyes. Take Three Slow Breaths: Let your body begin to settle. Feel the tension releas…
  continue reading
 
We know plenty of stories related to how people find their romantic partner, but how do you find your perfect business partner? Find out in this episode as we chat with Paul Lanzarotti and Gabriel Sauma. Seven years ago, Paul founded a unique consumer goods company, Floor-Fix Pro, launched after solving a problem he needed to fix in his own home. H…
  continue reading
 
Doing good for others benefits our own minds and bodies, as well. We explore the science of kindness. Summary: On this episode of The Science of Happiness we explore how everyday acts of kindness strengthen our sense of connection and belonging, and why our brains are built to feel good when we support others. Drawing from both research and lived e…
  continue reading
 
Explore a gentle practice for releasing resentment and finding freedom through forgiveness. How To Do This Practice: Prepare Your Space and Body: Find a quiet, safe place to sit and take slow, grounding breaths. Notice any tension in your body and gently release it with each exhale. Identify Who You’re Ready to Forgive: Bring to mind two or three p…
  continue reading
 
In this week’s message, East Meets West, Rev. Martin Preston explores the harmony between Eastern philosophies and Western New Thought. From the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh to the insights of Ernest Holmes, Rev. Martin shows how truth is universal and how every path—Hinduism, Buddhism, or Science of Mind—points to the same divine oneness. Through …
  continue reading
 
This week’s meditation, led by Rev. Cindy Shellum, invites us to look at change through the lens of wisdom, courage, and love—just like Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz. As we find ourselves in seasons of uncertainty, we’re reminded that even the storm can carry us to beautiful new places. With calm breath and inner awareness, we discover that…
  continue reading
 
This week on Spiritual Wisdom Weekly, Rev. Martin Preston offers a powerful and practical message on one of life’s hardest spiritual lessons—forgiveness. Drawing from Jesus’ teaching to forgive “seventy times seven,” Rev. Martin reminds us that forgiveness is not about excusing others—it’s about setting ourselves free. Through the incredible true s…
  continue reading
 
This week’s meditation from Spiritual Wisdom Weekly invites you to quiet your mind and return to peace. This week we weave together the wisdom of the Buddha and the Science of Mind teaching to remind us that true happiness is rooted in peace, not excitement—and that our thoughts shape the world we live in. Let go of anger, release the past, and res…
  continue reading
 
Discover how forgiveness reshapes the brain, eases the body, and helps us move forward with greater compassion and freedom. Summary: Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing—it’s about releasing the grip of resentment so we can make room for peace. Research shows it also engages empathy, strengthens emotional regulation, and helps us reconnec…
  continue reading
 
We explore Día de los Muertos as a ritual that nurtures community, imbues loss with meaning, and helps us process grief while also connecting through shared joy. Summary: We investigate how Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, rituals strengthen family ties and cultural identity, and learn about its evolution from a 3,000 year old practice to a …
  continue reading
 
Show yourself real self-kindness in less than 10 minutes with this self-compassion break guided by psychologist Kristin Neff. How To Do This Practice: Identify what’s hard right now: Bring to mind a real situation that’s causing you stress, sadness, or self-criticism, something that’s currently difficult. It could be a mistake, a relationship chall…
  continue reading
 
Spooky season is fun because we feel safe—yet real fear follows us year-round. In this insightful message, Rev. Martin Preston explores why we love a good scare, how fear is hardwired (and sometimes healthy), and how imagined threats keep us small. He explains potentiation (why fear amplifies fear), names the “ghosts” of the unknown, and offers pra…
  continue reading
 
In this week’s Sunday Meditation, Roke Cabrera gently guides us into stillness through mindful awareness of the breath. With a calm, rhythmic voice, Roke invites us to release control, soften the body, and rest in the ever-present field of awareness that we are. Through each slow inhale and exhale, we’re reminded that every thought, sensation, and …
  continue reading
 
What happens when imagination meets perception, and ordinary objects come alive? We explore the science of pareidolia. Summary: Our minds are wired to find meaning, even in randomness— which is why sometimes we can see faces and patterns in everyday objects. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we explore how this phenomenon, called pareido…
  continue reading
 
In this uplifting talk, Rev. Martin Preston reframes the classic phrase “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” From circus-born pink lemonade lore to spiritual principles from Ernest Holmes, Martin shows how we transform bitterness into blessing with three ingredients: lemons (problems), water (Spirit), and sugar (love). You’ll learn six prac…
  continue reading
 
Take a few quiet moments to reconnect with your center through this guided meditation from the Greater Orlando Center for Spiritual Living. In this peaceful session, Patrice Rivera gently leads you through mindful breathing—encouraging deep inhalations, calm exhalations, and awareness of the sacred rhythm within. As you settle into the present mome…
  continue reading
 
Dedicating a little time to tune into your body fortifies you to better handle the stresses of daily life. How To Do This Practice: Find your space: Choose a quiet place where you feel safe and comfortable. You can sit, stand, or lie down, whatever helps you relax. If sitting, rest your hands on your thighs; if standing, let them hang by your sides…
  continue reading
 
Imagination isn’t make-believe—it’s the creative engine of your life. In this uplifting message, Rev. Martin Preston shows how imagination, paired with will and spiritual practice, turns vision into experience. Drawing on examples from science, sports, the arts, and Ernest Holmes’ teaching on will (directive) and imagination (creative), you’ll lear…
  continue reading
 
In this week’s pre-service meditation, licensed practitioner Tony Diaz invites us into reflection on the season of transformation. As autumn unfolds, we’re reminded that fall is both a time of harvest and release—a moment to celebrate what we’ve manifested this year and to gently make space for what’s next. Through mindful breathing and visualizati…
  continue reading
 
We explore how embracing uncertainty enables us to move beyond climate anxiety and despair to hope and action, with author and activist Rebecca Solnit. Summary: When you think about climate change, do you feel hope? In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we examine what it means to feel hopeful for the future of our planet. Renowned writer an…
  continue reading
 
Zen and mindfulness teacher Henry Shukman guides us in a meditation that invites us to listen deeply and find clarity in quiet. How To Do This Practice: Find Stillness: Sit comfortably in a quiet space. Close your eyes if you’d like, and allow your body to settle. Bring Your Attention to the Present: Take a few deep breaths. Let go of to-do lists o…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Founder & CEO Laurel Donnellan reconnects with her dear friend and colleague Gunjan Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Learn With Leaders. Gunjan shares her extraordinary journey from investment banking to becoming a global education innovator. She reflects on how her passion for democratizing Ivy…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Founder & CEO Laurel Donnellan sits down with two of CLC’s core leaders: Chief Learning Officer Sarah Feely and Chief Compassion Officer Meryl Eriksen. Together, they share their personal journeys—from hospitality and executive recruiting to purpose-driven leadership—and how their pivots …
  continue reading
 
Rev. Martin wraps our “Back to the Basics” journey with an action-focused message on How to Use It—putting spiritual truth to work in everyday life. We explore the difference between facts and Truth, the necessity of trained thought, and why the Law works for us through us. Includes a prosperity example, clear guidance for spiritual practice, and a…
  continue reading
 
This week’s Sunday Meditation from the Greater Orlando Center for Spiritual Living is led by practitioner Lisa Minter. 🌸 In this practice, Lisa guides us through breathing together, letting go of tension, and focusing on the good in our lives. Through gratitude and awareness, we expand love within our hearts and connect more deeply to Spirit. Medit…
  continue reading
 
Today we continue our Basics series with What It Does—a practical look at how Spiritual Law operates for everyone, all the time. With everyday analogies (electricity, chemistry, math), we explore the Teaching Symbol (Spirit → Law → Manifestation) and why “what we draw must draw through the channel of our own minds.” In honor of the UN International…
  continue reading
 
In this calming meditation, Practitioner Lisa invites us to rest in the truth that Spirit supports us in every moment. Through mindful breathing and gentle reflection, we are reminded that we are safe, guided, and free to choose peace, joy, and love in the present. Take this time to relax into your breath, release tension, and return to the awarene…
  continue reading
 
Learn why uncertainty fuels anxiety and how noticing our body’s stress signals can help us find calm. Summary: One in five adults in the U.S. report living with anxiety, and many of us struggle to control or avoid the feelings that come with it. Science shows that tuning into the body, rather than resisting discomfort, can actually reduce anxiety a…
  continue reading
 
Rev. Martin opens with a first-person affirmation meditation to attune our thoughts, words, and actions to the Power for Good. The message that follows reframes “evil” as not a rival power but the misuse of One Power, then shows how to partner with Law through faith, discipline, concentration, and patience. With humor, scripture, and Science of Min…
  continue reading
 
This week, Practitioner Martha Barnes guides us through a gentle grounding meditation from Greater Orlando Center for Spiritual Living. With a focus on breath, body awareness, and the supportive presence of Mother Earth, this practice helps us reconnect to gratitude, peace, and the certainty that life is always supporting us. 🧘‍♀️ “I am one with Mo…
  continue reading
 
When was the last time you thought about your ancestors? This guided meditation by Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen will help you connect to your heritage and reap the potent benefits of remembering your roots. How To Do This Practice: Arrive and Center: Find a comfortable position. Close your eyes if you’d like. Place your attention at the center…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play