The Science of Happiness

Have you ever been moved by music sung in a language you don't understand? We speak with Gambian musician Sona Jobarteh about how music can connect us across cultures. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc68h4zk

What is it about certain melodies that can relax our nerves and rock us to sleep? We explore the science of calming music with pianist Rosey Chan. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2ys7mf5d

Music helped former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne come out of his shell. Hear Byrne's story and learn how music creates social bonds in part one of our series, The Science of Music and Happiness. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5dtxmsun

Feeling awe can boost your mood and make you feel more connected with others. Comedian Chris Duffy learns how to tap into that sense. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3ywvxfrb

What happens when we spend time outdoors? We explore how getting out in nature can restore peace of mind—and make us more creative. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/56cp6d52

Setting goals can sometimes feel like setting ourselves up for failure. But journalist  Monica Campbell  finds there's something magical that happens with certain kinds of goals. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/d842bub2

A stranger helped her through the hardest day of her life. When she expresses her gratitude, our guest encounters the power of true connection. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mv3h9nx5

The way we interact with people who come in and out of our lives has changed since COVID-19. Our guest tries a practice to connect with strangers while keeping a social distance. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3ddvnmpn

Are you unable to be with your friends and family during the holiday season this year? These 36 questions can bring you closer to loved ones, even if you're separated. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/ft6kxd74

Connecting across generations is one of the oldest happiness practices there is. We explore why to honor your elders, along with other practices from indigenous cultures often overlooked by Western science. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2wjbjj3e

Can practicing mindfulness make us wiser? Judge Jeremy Fogel explores how being present in the moment helps him keep a clear mind and stay connected to his true values. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4vaxruje

What does it really take to forgive someone? And why should we do it? Our guest, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, tries a practice to let go of anger. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/24txsbxz

Why do we vote? We explore the science behind what drives us to the polls, and the benefits we reap for ourselves and communities when we cast our ballots. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/56rmwec7

It's easy to be anxious and uncertain about the future—especially if you're eight months pregnant. Our guest tries practices to help her deal with whatever life throws her way. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/vrvn5p6a

Feeling hard on yourself? Pinterest co-founder Evan Sharp learns to quiet his inner critic and tap into his highest potential. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4pbt5efs

Feeling lonely? Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy learns why focusing on the quality of our relationships, not the quantity, can be an antidote. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2s4m6emb

Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5chaxu75

Do you obsess over negative feedback? Shereen Marisol Meraji, of NPR’s Code Switch, tries a better way to cope. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/epuw68ft

A couple try a practice to bring more excitement and passion into their relationship, even while sheltering-in-place. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/bdhkkdvt

We can be at our worst with the people we love best. Our guests try ways to be more calm and present with those closest to them. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/ycx4cxam

Our guest tries a practice to help her feel compassion toward others — even those she disagrees with. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/32zrzn5t

Adrian Michael Green asks big questions designed to help teens — and adults — find more meaning and purpose in their lives. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/58es3rup

We speak with john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, about racial justice, well-being, and widening our circles of human connection and concern. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yewzbtj9

When our world is turned upside down, how do we keep moving forward? Our guest, award-winning author Christine Day, sets a new path for herself. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4rx9tv3p

Do you want to be famous? What's a favorite memory? These 36 questions can bring you closer to loved ones, even if you're separated. Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4nww8xrm