Podcast Episodes

Little Happier: A Paradox: How Do You Stand Out When Standing Out Is the Best Way to Fit In?

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

Follo…

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago

More Happier: The Fun of an Unexpected Gift, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and Herding the Cats During Holidays

Episode 70

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…

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago

Ep. 497: Forecast Your Foibles, a Big Life Change & the Correct Way to Load a Dishwasher

Episode 497

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 pod…

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago

Little Happier: Winston Churchill Didn’t Hesitate to Show His Emotions

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 YouT…

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago

More Happier: Back-to-School Hacks (Revisited)

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

@Gretc…

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago

Ep. 496: Make the Most of the First 3 Weeks, Use an Alarm & Cope with Exploitation of Obligers

Episode 496

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…

Published on 1 year, 4 months ago

Little Happier: A Great Happiness-Boosting Example from Charles Darwin

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 produc…

Published on 1 year, 4 months ago

More Happier: "Walk" Therapy, Comfort vs. Adventure, and the Joy of Outside

Episode 69

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@g…

Published on 1 year, 4 months ago

Ep. 495: A Happier Labor Day, Celtic Tree System, and a Hack for Enjoying the Gym

Episode 495

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 suggest…

Published on 1 year, 4 months ago

Little Happier: Don’t Tear Down a Fence Until You Know Why It Was Put Up

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 do…

Published on 1 year, 4 months ago