Podcast Episodes

Little Happier: At Last, Someone Appreciates My Dimmers

I laughed when I saw that someone appreciates a good dimmer system as much as I do.

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

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Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Ep. 454: Find the Perfect Gift, Look Behind You, and Listeners’ Ideas for Coping with Someone’s Last Days

Episode 454

We talk about the new gift-giving quiz that divides people into four categories

depending on the kinds of gifts they prefer to receive: Tried-and-True, Easy-to-Please, Enthusiast, and Connoisseur. We …

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Little Happier: Have You Ever Been Annoyed by “The Dog in the Manger?”

The old story about “The Dog in the Manger” is a reminder that if there’s something we can’t enjoy or make us of, we should back away and let someone else benefit from it.

Get in touch: podcast@gretch…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

More Happier: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Group Texts, and How a Hollywood Pitch Sells in the First Minute

Episode 48

We talk about our response for trying—for the first time!—the famous flavor of pumpkin spice latte. We also discuss the secret of a making a convincing TV pitch, and how group texts can strengthen fa…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Ep. 453: “Halloween Is the New Christmas,” the Ghost-Painting Challenge, and Fall Asleep to Podcasts

Episode 453

We talk about how and why the creative challenge of coming up with “___ is the

new ___” observations sparks happiness. We also talk about enjoying the five-

senses experiences of Halloween, and the fun…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Little Happier: Three Passers-by Stop to Comfort a Stranger, and Instead Share a Moment of Joy

In South Carolina, three thoughtful passers-by stopped to comfort a weeping stranger—and had the opportunity to share a joyful moment with author Hernan Diaz, who had just learned that he’d won the P…

Published on 2 years, 1 month ago

Ep. 452: Tackle Hard Social Situations, Do Questioners Ever Rebel, and Is Your Birthday Important?

Episode 452

We suggest several practical solutions to common, but challenging, social

situations. We also address a listener’s question, “Do Questioners ever experience

Questioner-rebellion?” and discuss the know-…

Published on 2 years, 2 months ago

Little Happier: Why Did Charles Darwin Write “I Think” on One of the Most Significant Notebook Pages?

At the top of one of the most significant pages of his notebooks, Charles Darwin wrote “I think.” There are three good reasons to explain why he might have done so.

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin…

Published on 2 years, 2 months ago

More Happier: Great Accountability for Obligers, the Important vs. the Urgent, and How to Spark Creativity

Episode 47

We talk about how Elizabeth’s novel-writing is going, now that the Hollywood writers’ strike is over. Inspired by a recent wedding, we discuss the huge contribution that old friends can make to our h…

Published on 2 years, 2 months ago

Ep. 451: Visually Represent Your Challenge, Ideas for Improving Routines, and Elizabeth Reveals the Great Shoe Brand

Episode 451

We talk about why making a visual representation of a challenge can help us

make tough decisions. We also share listeners’ suggestions about improvements

they’ve made to their daily routines, and Eliza…

Published on 2 years, 2 months ago