Happier with Gretchen Rubin

We check in on our “Move 26 in ‘26” progress and discuss adding more whimsy to the month of May–plus a clever April Fools prank. We also highlight a helpful tool to get started on spring cleaning. Resources & links related to this episode: Click here if you'd like to join "Move 26 in '26" Here are easy and fun ways to start decluttering  Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple (Amazon) Get in tou...

We talk about why you should treat yourself like a grandchild (or a toddler, puppy, professor, or factory), and we share a helpful tip if you’re trying to do certain things every day. Plus we discuss a listener’s question about meeting inner and outer expectations as an Upholder.  Resources & links related to this episode: My Four Tendencies personality framework Take the "Four Tendencies" quiz Co...

A surprising formula to create a compelling title provides the name for a card deck of creative inspiration. Resources & links related to this episode: If you’d like to look at the Muse Machine, and maybe even buy one for yourself, you can check it out here. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happine...

As a part of the “Move 26” challenge, podcaster (“The Secret Life of Books”) and professor Sophie Gee joins for a literary walk. We explore the Metropolitan Museum together and look for items related to the iconic children's novel “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.” Resources & links related to this episode: Secret Life of Books podcast, hosted by Sophie Gee and Jonty Claypole...

We’re revisiting a listener-favorite episode from 2015, recorded as we cleared out Elizabeth’s closet. It's a hilarious discussion of many clutter-clearing ideas you can use right away. Resources & links related to this episode: Check out the Organization Hub on my website dedicated to my favorite tips, hacks, and advice for getting organized Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen'...

We explore how asking paired questions can lead to more open, engaging conversations. We also discuss the “end-of-history illusion”; we keep changing more than we expect. Plus we share a simple hack for using photos to reduce worry. Resources & links related to this episode: Michael Melcher Writes Substack newsletter The House by the Sea by May Sarton (Amazon, Bookshop)  Sign up for the "5 Things...

A massive hangover cured someone of her fear of flying. What’s the lesson? Resources & links related to this episode: Four Tendencies personality framework You can take my quiz here to find your tendency. Happier at Home Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier...

We discuss the happiness of connecting with childhood friends and the reemergence of Lena Dunham. We also discuss an easy yet effective April Fools’ prank, and how long it takes to feel at home in a new place. Resources & links related to this episode: Check out Spring Bingo in Happier App Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling...

We discuss why it’s helpful actually to search for a solution, and we share an easy hack for giving yourself accountability. Plus, we explore an insight about how long it takes to feel at home in a new place. Resources & links related to this episode: Watch my ⁠Home Makeover video with Clutterbug⁠ and check out the resources we created for viewers ⁠Armrest covers⁠  ⁠Face Washing Wrist Bands⁠ ⁠Ikea...

Even though it’s absurd to say, there are features of everyday life that do seem oddly anachronistic. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in th...

We talk about why clutter causes so much conflict at home—and how thinking about Clutter-Blindness, the Endowment Effect, and the Four Tendencies can help you handle it more effectively. Plus, practical strategies for living with a messy family member and saying goodbye to sentimental clutter. Resources & links related to this episode: Visit my Organization Hub for 9 practical tips for deciding wh...

We talk about a specific, easy way to reduce the unworn clothes in your closet, and we also share a listener’s clothes-related hack for keeping track of lost items. We explore an interesting distinction: are you a nostalgic person or an expectant person? Resources & links related to this episode: Take the "Four Tendencies" quiz Check out my book Outer Order, Inner Calm Check out the I Want You To...

An ancient teaching story from the Sufi tradition is a good illustration of the fact that sometimes, it’s a good idea to examine a situation closely—and sometimes it’s a good idea to look away. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection,...

I talk with professional organizer Cassandra Aarssen, creator of the viral Clutterbug “Organizing Styles” (Bee, Butterfly, Ladybug, Cricket). In her work, she sees the same problem over and over: people can get organized, but they can’t keep it that way. We explore why—and how the Four Tendencies can help. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretche...

At the World Happiness Summit meeting at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, we talk to author Jennifer Wallace about her new book, “Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.” Resources & links related to this episode: Mattering by Jennifer Wallace  World Happiness Summit  Take the Four Tendencies Quiz here  Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website t...

We discuss the seven deadly sins of disconnection—the habits that push others away. We also share an easy hack for making an environment more appealing, and answer a listener's question about reality TV. Resources & links related to this episode:  Try my new "Happiness Helpline" on gretchenrubin.com by clicking the icon in the bottom right-hand corner, or find it in the Happier app. Modern Friends...

By reading a novel, I learned to appreciate a celebrated piece of music. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn...

The One-Minute Rule is one of the most popular organization hacks ideas we've ever shared—and if you've used it, you know why. But over the years it's inspired a few other additional rules that are just as useful, including one that kept Elizabeth's closet floor clean for the first time in years. In this episode we bring them all together. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: p...

We talk about why it’s a good idea to avoid self-diagnosis. We also suggest an easy hack for people prone to worry, and share our progress on “Design Your Year” aims now that we’ve reached Day 100 of the year. Resources & links related to this episode: Visit the Design Your Year hub  26 for 2026 list Choose your One Word Theme Join the Move 26 Challenge  Take the Four Tendencies Quiz  Check out my...

I am the laboratory, I am the notebook, and I am the museum. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  See omnystudio.com...

We discuss the Real Housewives and their lessons in time, hope, and perseverance. Plus we explore a new trend sweeping the world of Hollywood, and a hack for spring cleaning. Resources & links related to this episode: Join My Color Pilgrimage on Substack  Check out the Declutter Scavenger Hunt I created with Clutterbug Mating by Norman Rush (Amazon, Bookshop)  Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.c...

In this Ask Us Anything episode, we tackle everything from sibling competition to book clubs to our family custom of not saying “I love you.” Resources & links related to this episode: How a book club can make you happier Want to break that good habit, just this once? How to avoid backsliding Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selli...

As an eight-year-old, my daughter Eleanor made a remark that is a reassuring reminder for many challenges we face. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode detai...

Conflict with a sweetheart or a child can be hard to resolve. In this Revisited episode, we share some of our most useful conversations for using the Four Tendencies to stop the same fights from happening again. Resources & links related to this episode: Take the Four Tendencies Quiz here  Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling...

We talk about why proposing an anchor date makes it easier to set plans with friends. We also include answers from Questioners about why they don’t like to answer questions—and how to get them to answer questions. Plus helpful ideas for grappling with grief. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the March 7th episode of More Happier  Take the Four Tendencies quiz  Check out these or...