The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Afleveringen

1. AI Is the New Social Media. Can We Protect Kids This Time?

   2 november 2026 · 44 min

   Afspelen
   We’re still reckoning with the effects of social media on young people’s mental health. Now, with artificial intelligence rapidly becoming part of our everyday lives, we’re at risk of making the same mistakes all over again. Lees meer

   In this live conversation from SXSW EDU, Dr. Laurie is joined by Bruce Reed — head of AI at Common Sense Media and former White House deputy chief of staff — to explore how social media and AI are shaping young people’s happiness and wellbeing, and what parents, educators, and policymakers can do to help kids thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

   Experts Mentioned:

   Jean Twenge, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University

   Bruce Reed, Head of AI at Common Sense Media

   Catherine Price, science journalist

   Vivek Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States

   Cass Sunstein, Professor at Harvard Law School

   Elizabeth Dunn, Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia

   Nicholas Epley, Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

   Michael Inzlicht, Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto

   Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Professor of Psychology and Management at Claremont Graduate University and “the father of flow”

   Robyn Koslowitz, clinical psychologist and parenting educator

   David Yeager, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin

   Jonathan Haidt, Professor of Business and Society at New York University

   Kristin Neff, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin

   Jamil Zaki, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University

   Resources Mentioned:

   “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?,” by Jean Twenge (The Atlantic, 2017)

   “The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Zero to Eight,” (Common Sense Media, 2025)

   How to Break Up with Your Phone, (07:33) by Catherine Price (2018)

   “Constant Companion: A Week in the Life of a Young Person's Smartphone Use,” (Common Sense Media, 2023)

   “Social Media and Youth Ment…

2. The Unexpected Science of Cats and Happiness

   26 oktober 2026 · 46 min

   Afspelen
   Cats have a reputation for being aloof, independent, and sometimes downright indifferent to their human companions. But what if we've been getting cats all wrong? Lees meer

   In honor of National Cat Day, Dr. Laurie is joined by cat behavior expert Dr. Kristyn Vitale to explore the surprising science of our relationships with cats. They unpack what cats really think about their human caregivers, how our feline friends can boost our happiness and wellbeing, and what we can do to make their lives happier, too.

   Experts Mentioned:

   Kristyn Vitale, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and internationally recognized expert in cat behavior and the cat-human relationship

   John Bowlby, psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and founder of attachment theory

   Mary Ainsworth, developmental psychologist and creator of the Strange Situation assessment

   Harry Harlow, University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher and former director of their Primate Laboratory

   Karen McComb, Emeritus Professor of Animal Behaviour and Cognition at the University of Sussex

   Wendy Berry Mendes, Professor of Psychology at Yale University

   Mikel Maria Delgado, animal behavioural scientist

   Resources Mentioned:

   “Social interaction, food, scent or toys? A formal assessment of domestic pet and shelter cat (Felis silvestris catus) preferences,” by Kristyn Vitale, Lindsay Mehrkam, and Monique Udell (Behavioural Processes, 2017)

   “The quality of being sociable: The influence of human attentional state, population, and human familiarity on domestic cat sociability,” by Kristyn Vitale and Monique Udell (Behavioural Processes, 2019)

   “Attachment bonds between domestic cats and humans,” by Kristyn Vitale, Alexandra Behnke, and Monique Udell (Current Biology, 2019)

   “The Development of Affectional Responses in Infant Monkeys,” by Harry Harlow and Robert Zimmermann (Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 1958)

   “Attachment, Exploration, and Separation: Illustrated by the Behavior of One-Year-Olds in a Strange Situation,” by…

3. Why Happiness Experts Still Struggle to Be Happy with Dr. Ethan Kross

   19 oktober 2026 · 53 min

   Afspelen
   You might assume that people who study happiness for a living have it all figured out. But even happiness experts struggle to follow their own advice. They know the science behind feeling happier, managing difficult emotions, and building healthier habits — but putting that knowledge into practice is another story. Why is it so hard to do the things we know are good for us? Lees meer

   In a live conversation recorded at SXSW, Dr. Laurie gets personal with her good friend, psychologist Ethan Kross, about the times they've struggled to practice what they preach. Together, they explore the psychological biases that can get in our way and share science-backed strategies for managing difficult emotions, building better habits, and turning that knowledge into action.

   Experts Mentioned:

   Ethan Kross, Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan

   Tamar Gendler, Professor of Philosophy and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Yale University

   Gabriele Oettingen, Professor of Psychology at New York University and the University of Hamburg

   Carey Morewedge, Professor of Marketing at Boston University

   Christina Maslach, Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley

   Kristin Neff, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin

   Resources Mentioned:

   Shift: Managing Your Emotions — So They Don't Manage You, by Ethan Kross (2025)

   Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It, by Ethan Kross (2021)

   “Knowing is Half the Battle,” by Laurie Santos and Tamar Gendler (Edge, 2014)

   Müller-Lyer Illusion

   “Exploring Solomon’s Paradox: Self-Distancing Eliminates the Self-Other Asymmetry in Wise Reasoning About Close Relationships in Younger and Older Adults,” by Igor Grossmann and Ethan Kross (Psychological Science, 2014)

   WOOP: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan

   Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation, by Gabriele Oettingen (2014)

   “Thought for Food: Imagined Consumption…

4. What Gets Lost When We Text Instead of Talk with Dr. Nick Epley

   12 oktober 2026 · 45 min

   Afspelen
   For most of human history, we only had one way to talk to one another: our voices. Today, we have more ways to communicate than ever before. We can text, call, send a video message, reach out over social media, et cetera. And we often choose whichever option seems easiest or least awkward. But research suggests that how we choose to communicate matters much more than we realize and can have a surprising impact on how well we understand one another and how connected we feel. Lees meer

   In a live conversation recorded at the World Happiness Summit at SXSW, Dr. Laurie speaks with psychologist Nick Epley about the common mistakes we make when communicating in the modern world — and the small changes that could help us connect more meaningfully with the people around us. His new book, A Little More Social, is available now.

   Experts Mentioned:

   Nicholas Epley, Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

   Bronisław Malinowski, Polish anthropologist and ethnologist

   Resources Mentioned:

   A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection, by Nick Epley (2026)

   “Hello, stranger? Pleasant conversations are preceded by concerns about starting one,” by Juliana Schroeder, Donald Lyons, and Nicholas Epley (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 2022)

   "The Problem of Meaning in Primitive Languages," by Bronisław Malinowski (1923)

   “Is Conversation Magical?,” by Nicholas Epley (Chicago Booth Review, 2026)

   “The Humanizing Voice: Speech Reveals, and Text Conceals, a More Thoughtful Mind in the Midst of Disagreement,” by Juliana Schroeder, Michael Kardas, and Nicholas Epley (Psychological Science, 2017)

   "Egocentrism over e-mail: can we communicate as well as we think?," by Justin Kruger, Nicholas Epley, Jason Parker, and Zhi-Wen Ng (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2005)

   “The Sound of Intellect: Speech Reveals a Thoughtful Mind, Increasing a Job Candidate's Appeal,” by Juliana Schroeder a…

5. Finding the Magic in Everyday Life with Thoreau and Eric Weiner

   5 oktober 2026 · 34 min

   Afspelen
   As we move through our busy lives, it’s easy to stop noticing the tiny, beautiful things all around us. But rediscovering the sense of wonder we had as children might not only bring us more joy — it could also help us better navigate life’s hardest moments. Lees meer

   Dr. Laurie explores that idea with traveling philosopher and former NPR correspondent Eric Weiner, author of The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers. Eric shares what he’s learned from walking in the footsteps of Henry David Thoreau, including how the 19th-century philosopher can help us live better in the modern day and see beauty in the things we usually overlook.

   Experts Mentioned:

   Eric Weiner, journalist, author, and philosophical traveler

   Henry David Thoreau, 19th-century American philosopher, poet, environmental scientist, and political activist

   Socrates, ancient Greek philosopher

   Epicurus, ancient Greek philosopher

   Arthur Schopenhauer, 19th-century German philosopher

   Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th-century essayist, poet, and philosopher

   Confucius, ancient Chinese philosopher

   Nathaniel Hawthorne, 19th-century American novelist and short-story writer

   Leslie Perrin Wilson, author and former curator of the Special Collections at the Concord Free Public Library

   Henry Miller, American novelist, short-story writer, and essayist

   Resources Mentioned:

   The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers, by Eric Weiner (2020)

   Walden, by Henry David Thoreau (1854)

   “Walking,” by Henry David Thoreau (1862)

   Bhagavad Gita (second or first century BCE)

   The Journal of Henry David Thoreau

   “The playful mediator, moderator, or outcome? An integrative review of the roles of play and playfulness in adult-centered psychological interventions for mental health,” by Xiangyou Shen and Leland Masek (The Journal of Positive Psychology, 2024)

   Related Episodes:

   “Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Confucius”

   “The Science of Attention and Distraction”

   “The Power of Awe… …

6. Want More Joy? Try Taking Yourself Less Seriously with Comedian Chris Duffy

   28 september 2026 · 46 min

   Afspelen
   When we’re exhausted, overworked, or just going through a difficult time, our instinct is often to put our heads down and simply focus on getting through it. But those serious moments may actually be when we benefit from a little silliness and absurdity the most. Lees meer

   Laurie explores the science of humor with comedian Chris Duffy, host of How to Be a Better Human and author of the new book Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy. Chris shares what he’s learned about how to find humor in almost any situation — and how embracing the funny can improve our wellbeing in surprising ways.

   Experts Mentioned:

   Chris Duffy, comedian, author, and host of How to Be a Better Human

   E. B. White, writer and essayist

   Mimi M.Y. Tse, Assistant Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

   Ross Gay, poet, essayist, and Professor of English at Indiana University

   Annie Rauwerda, creator of “Depths of Wikipedia”

   Aparna Nancherla, comedian and author

   Greg Bryant, Professor of Communication at UCLA

   Adam Mastroianni, experimental psychologist and author

   Resources Mentioned:

   Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy, by Chris Duffy (2026)

   How to Be a Better Human, TED podcast hosted by Chris Duffy

   “The impression management benefits of humorous self-disclosures: How humor influences perceptions of veracity,” by T. Bradford Bitterly and Maurice Schweitzer (Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 2019)

   “The effect of a pratfall on increasing interpersonal attractiveness,” by Elliot Aronson, Ben Willerman, and Joanne Floyd (Human Learning and Thinking, 1966)

   “Humor Therapy: Relieving Chronic Pain and Enhancing Happiness for Older Adults,” Mimi Tse, Anna Lo, Tracy Cheng, Eva Chan, Annie Chan, and Helena Chung (Journal of Aging Research, 2010)

   The Book of Delights: Essays, by Ross Gay (2019)

   Listers: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching, directed by Owen Reiser (2025)

   “Depths of Wikipedia…

7. Small Steps to Happiness: The Science of Mindful Living with Laurie Santos | From The One You Feed

   25 september 2026 · 1 uur 7 min

   Afspelen
   Today we're sharing author Eric Zimmer’s interview with Dr. Laurie on The One You Feed podcast. Lees meer

   In this episode, Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the importance of taking small steps to happiness and the science of mindful living. She reminds us that happiness is not a destination, but a practice. By understanding the science behind well-being and implementing small, consistent changes, we can learn how to apply these insights to our own lives to find greater joy and fulfillment.

   Key Takeaways:

   Embrace the power of small, consistent actions in shaping our happiness

   Understand how our environment and social connections influence our behavior

   Learn the common misconceptions about what truly makes us happy

   Discover strategies for overcoming loneliness and building meaningful connections

   If you like what you hear, find The One You Feed wherever you get podcasts.

   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8. Why Smaller Goals Can Lead to Bigger Changes with Eric Zimmer

   21 september 2026 · 48 min

   Afspelen
   Most of us are familiar with this frustrating pattern: you set a goal, start off strong, but then lose motivation and end up right back at square one. Why does it seem so hard to change — even when you have a plan in place? Turns out, you may be aiming too high, too soon. Lees meer

   Laurie breaks down the science behind this pattern with Eric Zimmer, host of the award-winning podcast “The One You Feed” and author of the new book How A Little Becomes A Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. Eric spent years struggling to overcome a heroin addiction before eventually turning his life around. He explains why lasting change often comes from making consistent progress in the right direction rather than attempting one dramatic transformation, and shares what he’s learned about building momentum, overcoming setbacks, and finally reaching the goals we’ve been striving for.

   Experts Mentioned:

   Eric Zimmer, author and host of “The One You Feed”

   Steven Pressfield, author

   Resources Mentioned:

   How A Little Becomes A Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, by Eric Zimmer (2026)

   “The One You Feed,” hosted by Eric Zimmer

   The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield (2002)

   Related Episodes:

   "Dump Your Inner Drill Sergeant"

   "How to Kick Bad Habits (and Start Good Ones)"

   "You Only Live Once… So Commit"

   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9. A Neuroscientist’s Guide to Changing Your Brain with Dr. Richard Davidson

   14 september 2026 · 36 min

   Afspelen
   Your brain is changing all the time, whether you realize it or not. Everything from your hobbies and chores to the media you consume can physically shape it. So how can you make sure it’s changing in ways that actually serve you? Lees meer

   Laurie speaks with neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson, whose decades of work with the Dalai Lama helped pioneer the scientific study of meditation. Drawing on research with Buddhist monks, stressed-out school teachers, and others, Richie explains why psychological flourishing is a skill we can train, and how simple practices involving awareness, connection, insight, and purpose can help us become more resilient, focused, and fulfilled. His new book, Born to Flourish, is out now.

   Experts Mentioned:

   Richard Davidson, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

   Cortland Dahl, Contemplative Scientist at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

   14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism

   Matthieu Ricard, Buddhist monk

   François Jacob, Nobel Prize-winning biologist

   Resources Mentioned:

   Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving, by Richard Davidson and Cortland Dahl (2026)

   “Neurogenesis in the adult brain: death of a dogma,” by Charles Gordon Gross (Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2000)

   “The book of neurogenesis,” by Matthew Sloan (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021)

   “In pursuit of resilience: stress, epigenetics, and brain plasticity,” by Bruce McEwen (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2016)

   “The plasticity of well-being: A training-based framework for the cultivation of human flourishing,” by Cortland Dahl, Christine Wilson-Mendenhall, and Richard Davidson (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2020)

   “Navigation-related structural change in the hippocampi of taxi drivers,” by Eleanor Maguire, David Gadian, Ingrid Johnsrude, Catriona Good, John Ash…

10. Stop Doing Things the Hard Way with Dr. Angela Duckworth

    7 september 2026 · 58 min

    Afspelen
    When we’re struggling to reach a goal, most of us assume the answer is to buckle down and try harder. But what if all that white-knuckling is actually making things more difficult than they need to be? Lees meer

    Dr. Laurie speaks with psychologist Angela Duckworth, best known for her groundbreaking work on grit, about a surprising new approach to achievement. In her new book, Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, Angela explains why changing what’s around us can sometimes be more effective than trying to change ourselves.

    Experts Mentioned:

    Angela Duckworth, Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania

    Lee Ross, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University

    Richard Nisbett, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Michigan

    James Gross, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University

    Adrian Ward, Associate Professor of Marketing at University of Texas at Austin

    Joseph Henrich, Professor of Biological Anthropology and Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University

    Bob Bowman, Director of Swimming and Diving and Head Men’s Coach at University of Texas at Austin

    Martin Seligman, Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania

    Anders Ericsson, Professor of Psychology at Florida State University

    Walter Mischel, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Columbia University

    Reinhold Niebuhr, Protestant theologian

    Viktor Frankl, Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist

    Resources Mentioned:

    Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, by Angela Duckworth (2026)

    Grit: The Power and Passion of Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth (2016)

    The Person and the Situation: Perspectives on Social Psychology, by Lee Ross and Richard Nisbett (1991)

    Frog and Toad Together, by Arnold Lobel (1972)

    Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl (1946)

    “The Serenity Prayer,” by Reinhold Niebuhr

    The Art of War, by Sun Tzu

    The Golden Rules: 10 Steps to World-Class Excellence in Your Life and Work, by Bob…

Alle 282 afleveringen →