Episode Details

We're in our new "month of renewal" format. We're essentially exploring this question throughout the month... what if growth required less effort? This is an encore episode that helps us answer this question. Reminder that we'll be back with new episodes May 1, 2026.

"Joyless urgency." Two words that probably just hit a little too close to home. In this episode, Henry Emmons, MD and Aimee Prasek, PhD dig into the Element of Fun — and why so many of us have so little of it. Drawing on the writing of Marilynne Robinson, the surprising decline of kids biking, and sobering research on social media's role in what researchers call problematic engagement, Henry and Aimee make a compelling case that fun isn't frivolous. It's foundational. And reclaiming it might be one of the most radical — and effective — things you can do right now.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy. Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with the Joy Lab Program.

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Sources and Notes:

• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• • More about Marilynne Robinson from The Poetry Foundation

  • Farivar, S., Wang, F., & Turel, O. (2022). Followers' problematic engagement with influencers on social media: An attachment theory perspective. Computers in Human Behavior, 133. Access here.

  • Joy Lab Episodes referenced:
    • Worrier? You're Not Alone. Here's Why We Worry... [ep. 213]
    • Unmasking Your True Self: Exploring Authenticity and Awe [ep. 216]
    • Embrace Your True Self: Accepted, Connected, & In The Game [ep. 217]
    • The Road Most Travelled: Awakening Through Suffering [ep. 218]
    • Follow Your Bliss: Awakening to Joy [ep. 219]
    • The Still Small Voice: Awakening with Soulfulness [ep. 220]

Key moments: