Podcast Episodes

Little Happier: The Helper Gets More Help Than the Helped

My daughter’s experience helping with little kids at school illustrates the same principle as the sponsorship program in A.A.: by giving support, we gain.

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

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Published on 2 years, 2 months ago

Ep. 450: Very Special Episode: Hacks for Performance (Stage Fright, Preparation, Mistakes, and More)

Episode 450

In this Very Special Episode, we discuss ideas, hacks, and habits related to the challenge

of performance. We all have to perform—give a wedding toast, make a presentation to co-

workers, give an annou…

Published on 2 years, 2 months ago

Little Happier: A Mystery: How Possessions Change When Their Owner Dies

After people die, their possessions often seem transformed, because they’re no longer animated by the animating force of their owner. It’s startling and transcendent to experience this change.

Get in …

Published on 2 years, 2 months ago

More Happier: Our Favorite Easy Way to Make Ourselves Happier, Healthier, Smarter, and More Productive

Episode 46

In honor of International Podcast Day, we talk about all the ways that listening to podcasts boosts our happiness—by making it easier and more fun to exercise, fall asleep, learn information, do chor…

Published on 2 years, 2 months ago

Ep. 449: Make a Mindful Investment in Yourself, a Hack for Falling Asleep, and Fun with Pop-Tarts

Episode 449

We discuss why making a mindful investment in ourselves is a good way to spend

our time, energy, and money. We also suggest a hack for falling asleep more

easily, and we tackle a listener’s question ab…

Published on 2 years, 2 months ago

Little Happier: What’s the Real Lesson from the Tortoise and the Hare? It’s Not What You Think

The familiar fable of “The Tortoise and the Hare” offers many possible lessons, and the most common moral—“Slow and steady wins the race”--actually isn’t the most apt.

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenru…

Published on 2 years, 2 months ago

Ep. 448: Start Your 100 Day Countdown, Try the Library, and a Deep Dive into Issues for Rebels and School: ADHD & College

Episode 448

There are 100 days left until the end of the year, so if something needs to get

done, start the countdown! We also read a listener’s suggestion for another

reason to visit your local library, and we ta…

Published on 2 years, 3 months ago

Little Happier: Do You Like the Idea of a “Happiness Project”—or Does It Remind You of Homework?

Our attitude toward a habit or an activity can be dramatically changed by the words we use to describe it. I love the idea of a “happiness project,” but to some people, that sounds too much like home…

Published on 2 years, 3 months ago

More Happier: A Case of Obliger-Rebellion, Advice About Waking Up a Child, and Do Spoilers Spoil Stories?

Episode 45

A Case of Obliger-Rebellion, Advice About Waking Up a Child, and Do Spoilers Spoil Stories?

We talk about Elizabeth’s rare episode of Obliger-rebellion (spoiler: it involved a box of chocolates) and a…

Published on 2 years, 3 months ago

Ep. 447: Give a Meaningful Compliment, Protect Your Privacy, and What’s the Least-You Thing You Do?

Episode 447

We talk about why we should pay someone a meaningful complement, and we

share many wonderful, moving compliments received by listeners. We also

highlight a quick, easy hack that can protect your digita…

Published on 2 years, 3 months ago