Podcast Episodes
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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,” …
3 years, 1 month 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-rebellio…
3 years, 1 month 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
highlig…
3 years, 1 month ago
Little Happier: Opportunity Cost and Abstainers: A New Term Can Help Us See the World in a New Way
New terms allow us to understand the world in a deeper way. Opportunity cost, abstainers vs. moderators, finishers vs. openers—sometimes, having the …
3 years, 1 month ago
Ep. 446: Re-Think Our Daily Routine, Recognize the Warning Signs of Obliger-Rebellion, and a Back-to-School Demerit
Episode 446
We talk about why it’s a good idea to re-examine our personal, work, and family
routines to look for opportunities to improve. We also discuss how Obl…
3 years, 2 months ago
Little Happier: As an Upholder, I Needed an Obliger Friend to Tell Me the Right Thing to Do
During the covid period, my daughter Eliza returned to live on campus for her final semester of college. She was told to pack lightly, and as an Upho…
3 years, 2 months ago
More Happier: The Anniversary of a Favorite Book, a Lesson in Standing Up, and the Joy of Clearing Clutter
Episode 44
We talk about the eleventh anniversary of “Happier at Home,” which is Elizabeth’s favorite book written by Gretchen. We also discuss a lesson in stan…
3 years, 2 months ago
Ep. 445: Have a Happier Labor Day, Nominate Someone, and Manage the Line Between Work and Leisure
Episode 445
We reflect on two questions that can help us make our work lives happier, more
productive, and more creative. We also talk about why it’s a good idea …
3 years, 2 months ago
Little Happier: When Do We Say “I’m Finished” and When Do We Say “I Can Still Make It Better?”
A story from the life of writer Shirley Hazzard illustrates the conundrum: When do we think, “It can still be better,” and when do we decide, “It’s f…
3 years, 2 months ago
Ep. 444: Benefit from Tools You Already Use, a Gift Idea, and Traditions for the Other “New Year”
Episode 444
We talk about why and how we might try to get more benefit from a tool we
already use, and share an idea for a gift that’ very valuable to the recipie…
3 years, 2 months ago