Podcast Episodes

A Little Happier: Do You Suffer from “Paris Syndrome?”

The gap between expectations and reality determines whether we feel happy or disappointed. From empty-nest parents hoping for daily texts to tourists…

6 months, 3 weeks ago

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Bonus: Hacks to Make the Holidays Happier [Revisited]

We revisit our long list of hacks to make the holidays a happier time.

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Get in touch: podcast@gretchenr…

6 months, 4 weeks ago

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More Happier: Do You Specifically Recollect Yourself at Different Ages?

We discuss a know-yourself-better question related to how we conceive of ourselves at different ages. Plus we talk about a way to find excellent book…

6 months, 4 weeks ago

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Ep. 562: Do You Hesitate to Raise Your Hand to Make Something Happen? Plus a Medication Hack

Episode 562

We talk about why it’s such a happiness-booster to raise your hand to organize an event or undertaking—to realize that if you don’t do it, no one wil…

7 months ago

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A Little Happier: A True Story of Redeeming a Loss Through Sacrifice

The awe-inspiring true story of “Mountain Man” Dashrath Manjhi is an example of how we can transform pain into action that can help others. After his…

7 months ago

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Bonus Episode: Who Am I Without Kids at Home? (Gretchen Rubin on “Laugh Lines”)

I joined Kim and Penn Holderness on their podcast "Laugh Lines" for a funny, thoughtful talk about parenting after the kids move out—a great listen a…

7 months ago

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More Happier: Do Holidays Leave You Exhausted, Not Restored? Priya Parker, Francis Lam & Kate Bowler on Celebration

It’s easy to get swept up in a cycle of holidays that feels more like a relentless to-do list than a source of joy. In this Celebration Roundtable, w…

7 months ago

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Ep. 561: Need Some Fresh Ideas for Gift-Giving? Here Are Many Great Suggestions

Episode 561

It can be a real challenge to find new, useful ideas for gifts. We suggest many of our own recommendations, plus we include dozens of ideas from list…

7 months, 1 week ago

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A Little Happier: A Beautiful Ending & the Final Passage of Queen Victoria

As a writer, I'm particularly drawn to great endings, and I read the extraordinary closing paragraphs of Lytton Strachey’s biography Queen Victoria. …

7 months, 1 week ago

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More Happier: Is It Always a Bad Idea to Gossip? Plus: Choosing a One-Word Theme for the Year

We talk about the challenge of choosing a one-word theme for the upcoming year, as well as the surprising value of gossip. Plus we talk about a fun r…

7 months, 1 week ago

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