The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

What We Still Get Wrong About Happiness (Live at Dartmouth)

Our minds often lie to us about how to be happy, but science reveals that shifting from me to we is the answer.

Why the “Pursuit of Happiness” Is a Bad Idea

The constant desire to achieve happiness often backfires, making the pursuit itself a major obstacle to well-being.

Why “No Regrets” Is Bad Advice

Regret is a powerful, transformative emotion that can help clarify your values and guide you toward a better life.

Are Kids Today Really Worse Off?

Psychological research reveals that the belief that today's youth are struggling more than past generations is a myth.

The Surprising Case for Oversharing

Oversharing builds deeper connections and boosts happiness because we consistently underestimate the benefits of intimacy.

How to Feel Happier in Your Body with Jessamyn Stanley

Ditch the body shame and learn to find joy in movement by reconnecting with what your body can do, not how it looks.

What Your Negative Emotions Are Trying to Tell You

Stop suppressing your negative feelings and learn to embrace them as valuable data points for your emotional growth.

The Hidden Beliefs That Shape Your Happiness with Shawn Achor

Discover how the hidden beliefs you hold shape your reality and learn to cultivate a mindset that drives real success.

Your Environment Affects Your Happiness More Than You Think with Dr. Leidy Klotz

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, host Dr. Laurie Santos explores the profound impact that our physical surroundings have on our mental well-being. Joined by University of Virginia professor and architect Leidy Klotz, the discussion moves beyond simple aesthetics to examine how the layout of our homes and offices can dictate our focus, mood, and personal relationships. Listeners will learn why certain environments foster feelings of calm and connection, while others unintentionally drain our energy. The conversation offers practical, evidence-based insights on how to intentionally redesign living spaces to better support emotional health, including strategies for using our environments to honor memories and cultivate deeper social bonds. By shifting our perspective on the built world, this episode provides actionable advice for anyone looking to refresh their space and improve their overall quality of life.

How to Break Up with Your Bad Habits

Breaking bad habits often feels like a grueling test of willpower, yet Dr. Laurie Santos argues that relying on sheer resolve is exactly why so many people struggle to make lasting changes. In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Santos sits down with psychologist Wendy Wood to debunk the myth that willpower is the key to personal transformation. By examining the science behind behavior, they explore why routines are so difficult to break and how our surroundings dictate our actions. Listeners will learn from fascinating real-world examples, including the surprising story of soldiers who overcame addiction after returning from Vietnam. This episode provides actionable insights into how small, intentional modifications to your environment can make building healthy habits feel almost automatic, ultimately helping you reclaim control over your daily life.

Why It Hurts to Hold a Grudge — and How to Let Go with Dr. Fred Luskin

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos explores the complex psychology behind forgiveness and the toll that lingering resentment takes on personal wellbeing. Joined by Dr. Fred Luskin, director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Project, the discussion examines why holding onto grudges often feels easier than letting them go and how bitterness quietly undermines both mental and physical health. Listeners will learn what true forgiveness actually entails and how it serves as a radical act of self-care. The conversation moves beyond theory by highlighting powerful, real-life examples of individuals who have navigated profound loss through the process of moving forward. By the end of the episode, the audience gains evidence-based insights into how to release frustration and clear emotional space, ultimately offering a practical path toward greater peace and resilience in their own lives.

Why You're Still Using Social Media (Even If You Want to Stop) with Dr. Cass Sunstein

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos sits down with legal scholar and behavioral expert Dr. Cass Sunstein to investigate the psychological grip of social media. Despite the common experience of feeling worse after scrolling, many users find it nearly impossible to disconnect. Drawing on insights from the 2026 World Happiness Report, the pair explores the concept of the product trap—a phenomenon where platforms are designed in ways that make it difficult for individuals to abandon them, even when they no longer provide value. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why these digital environments foster compulsion rather than connection. By examining the structural incentives behind these platforms, Dr. Santos and Dr. Sunstein offer a thought-provoking perspective on our relationship with technology and discuss what it might take to finally break free from these cycles.

What is Social Media Doing to Kids? with Dr. Jean Twenge

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, host Dr. Laurie Santos sits down with psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge to explore the significant decline in adolescent well-being observed over the last decade. As rates of depression and loneliness continue to climb among young people, the pair investigates the correlation between this trend and the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media. Drawing on insights from the World Happiness Report, they analyze how constant digital connectivity shapes the emotional lives of teenagers globally. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the research regarding whether social media offers any genuine benefits and how extended screen time impacts long-term mental health. The conversation concludes with practical, evidence-based strategies to help both children and adults cultivate a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology in an increasingly connected world.

How to Stop Work From Taking Over Your Life

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos explores the common struggle of maintaining boundaries between professional obligations and personal well-being. Many individuals find that the stress of the workday persists long after they close their laptops, keeping the mind trapped in a state of constant alertness. Dr. Santos is joined by psychologist and author Guy Winch to examine the science behind this always-on mentality and its detrimental effects on health and relationships. The conversation also features insights from CEO Ben Walter, who discusses the unique challenges faced by small business owners who struggle to truly disconnect. By analyzing why people remain stuck in fight-or-flight mode, the episode provides listeners with practical, science-based tools to regain control, manage chronic work stress, and successfully reclaim their time and peace of mind outside of the office.

Inside the Love Lab with Drs. John & Julie Gottman (Part 2)

In the second part of this insightful conversation, Dr. Laurie Santos continues her discussion with renowned relationship researchers Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman. This episode focuses on the art of healthy communication, specifically addressing how couples can voice complaints and navigate disagreements without causing long-term damage to their connection. Listeners will discover how to approach difficult conversations constructively and learn the best ways to respond when a partner raises a concern. Drawing on extensive research, the Gottmans explain that conflict does not have to be destructive; in fact, when handled with care and specific tools, disagreements can actually serve as a catalyst for strengthening a relationship. This episode provides practical advice for turning potential friction into an opportunity for deeper intimacy and understanding, making it essential listening for anyone looking to improve their partnership.

Inside the Love Lab with Drs. John & Julie Gottman (Part 1)

In this insightful episode, Dr. Laurie Santos sits down with renowned relationship experts Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman to explore the science behind lasting love. Drawing on decades of research conducted in their famous Love Lab, the couple reveals the specific interaction patterns that distinguish thriving relationships from those destined to drift apart. Listeners gain a fascinating look into the habits and behaviors of relationship masters who have successfully navigated the complexities of long-term commitment. Throughout the conversation, the Gottmans offer practical wisdom on building emotional resilience and strengthening connections even during times of stress. By breaking down the common myths surrounding marital conflict and harmony, this episode provides actionable advice for anyone looking to foster a more stable, supportive, and fulfilling partnership. It is an essential guide for understanding the dynamics of connection and creating a foundation for enduring happiness.

Why Algorithms Can’t Predict Your Love Life with Dr. Paul Eastwick

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, host Dr. Laurie Santos explores the complex science behind human attraction alongside social psychologist Dr. Paul Eastwick. Challenging the popular notion that dating is a competitive marketplace governed by strict evolutionary rules, Dr. Eastwick debunks common myths about mate value, leagues, and the presumed reliability of dating app algorithms. He addresses whether our romantic choices are truly driven by biological destiny or if connection is something we cultivate over time. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how attraction actually works, moving beyond the superficial criteria that often dominate modern dating culture. By examining the nuances of what makes people compatible, this conversation provides a grounded, research-backed look at the reality of forming bonds. Tune in to discover whether your search for the perfect partner is guided by science or if you have been looking in the wrong places.

How to Find "The One": The Science of Dating with Tim Molnar

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos tackles the overwhelming complexities of modern romance. Joined by behavioral scientist and dating coach Tim Molnar, the discussion shifts the perspective on love from a matter of fate to one of effective strategy. Many individuals face burnout from endless swiping or struggle to form meaningful connections in person, but Molnar argues that scientific insights can help navigate these hurdles more successfully. Listeners will explore evidence-based approaches to meeting potential partners, fostering deep connections, and sidestepping common pitfalls that derail romantic prospects. By applying psychological research to the dating experience, the conversation provides listeners with practical tools to replace dating anxiety with intentional, thoughtful action. Whether you are tired of the apps or looking to improve your social approach, this episode offers a refreshing, research-backed roadmap for finding the right person.

How to Feel Truly Loved (with Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky and Dr. Harry Reis)

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos explores a common paradox: why many people feel unloved despite having supportive friends, family, and partners. To bridge the gap between objective affection and subjective experience, she is joined by social psychologists Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky and Dr. Harry Reis, the co-authors of How to Feel Loved. The conversation moves beyond typical relationship advice to examine the scientific reasons behind this emotional disconnect. Listeners will learn how to identify the mental barriers that prevent them from recognizing love and gain research-backed strategies to foster deeper connections. By exploring specific mindsets and communication habits, the guests offer actionable insights to help people feel more secure, understood, and truly cherished in their daily lives. This episode provides a practical roadmap for strengthening personal bonds and cultivating a more fulfilling experience of love in all relationships.

How to Design a More Meaningful Life (with Dave Evans and Bill Burnett)

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos welcomes Dave Evans and Bill Burnett, the co-founders of the Stanford Life Design Lab, to explore how listeners can cultivate a more intentional existence. Many people feel stuck when searching for purpose, often assuming that meaning is something you find rather than something you build. By applying the principles of design thinking to the human experience, the guests offer practical strategies to help individuals navigate uncertainty and unlock greater joy and flow in their daily lives. Listeners can expect to learn how to challenge common assumptions about happiness and gain actionable tools to reshape their current circumstances. Whether you feel lost in your career or are simply seeking a more purposeful path, this conversation provides a unique framework for prototyping a life that aligns with your true values and potential.