Podcast Episodes

More Happier: Hiking and Clutter-Clearing in L.A., a Secret of Great TV, and Personal Upgrades.

Episode 35

During our recent time together in Los Angeles, we did many things that made us happy: hike, clear Elizabeth’s office, and drink lots of coffee. We also talk about a little-discussed explanation for …

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Ep. 427: Do the Thing You’re Encouraging Someone Else to Do, a Networking Hack, and Finisher vs. Opener

Episode 427

We talk about why, when we’re encouraging someone else to do something, we should consider doing it ourselves. We also discuss a hack to make networking easier, as well as the helpful know-yourself-b…

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Little Happier: Queen Elizabeth II and Her Corgis Show That We Can Interpret the Same Situation in Different Ways

A story about Queen Elizabeth II and her offer to feed her corgis illustrates how the same situation can be interpreted in different ways.

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

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Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Ep. 426: Tackle a Project by Considering the Five Senses, Enjoy More Luxury, and Hold Better Meetings

Episode 426

We talk about why it’s useful to consider the five senses as we’re tackling a project or challenge—it’s a way to boost creativity and unlock ideas. We also discuss how we can heighten our appreciatio…

Published on 2 years, 8 months ago

Little Happier: A Place from Childhood Haunts Stephen King’s Imagination

In his terrific book On Writing, Stephen King recounts how a certain place from his childhood recurs repeatedly in his fiction, under different names.

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

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Published on 2 years, 8 months ago

More Happier: How to Manage the Stress of Having a Book About to Hit the Shelves: Personal Mantras & Hacks

Episode 34

Because the book “Life in Five Senses” is just a few days away from being published, we talk about ways to deal with the anxiety of putting a big piece of work out into the world—personal mantras, ha…

Published on 2 years, 8 months ago

Ep: 425: Use Touch When Talk Is Tough, Close Your Eyes in a Dressing Room, and Answers for Questioners

Episode 425

We discuss why it’s helpful to touch someone during a tough conversation (if

appropriate, of course). We mention why closing your eyes in a store dressing

room can make it easier to make good buying de…

Published on 2 years, 8 months ago

Little Happier: How Teachers Changed the Lives of Steve Carrell and Adrienne Kennedy

For actor Steve Carrell (Michael from “The Office) and playwright Adrienne Kennedy, the influence of a childhood teacher shaped their lives.

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

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Published on 2 years, 8 months ago

Ep. 424: "Taste It by 25," Ways to Make Networking Easier, and Why 4/10 Is a Day to Consider Your Tendency

Episode 424

We talk about why it’s a good idea to taste a new food, or listen to a new kind of

music, before the age of 25. We also discuss why the date of April 10 makes a

good catalyst to think about harnessing …

Published on 2 years, 8 months ago

Little Happier: Why Did a Neighbor Object to a Brownstone’s Bright Yellow Door?

A neighbor asked, “Why would you paint your door such an ugly color?” as if everyone would agree that a particular color was objectively ugly. It can be helpful to remember that our preferences don’t…

Published on 2 years, 8 months ago