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

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

Jul 6, 202650 minSummary

In this special live episode recorded at Dartmouth College, Dr. Laurie Santos joins happiness historian Darren McMahon for a wide-ranging conversation about the science of well-being and the common misconceptions surrounding the pursuit of happiness. Drawing on her academic background, which spans from animal behavior to psychology, Dr. Santos explores why the human mind often leads us toward behaviors that fail to produce genuine satisfaction. The discussion tackles the pervasive "hustle culture" and the false belief that external markers of success, such as increasing wealth, are the primary drivers of happiness. Dr. Santos explains that once basic needs are met, additional money has a diminishing impact on well-being, noting that our minds ironically convince us to pursue more wealth despite evidence to the contrary. Instead, the experts emphasize that true happiness is frequently found in being "other-oriented." Through research on volunteering and charitable giving, they illustrate how altruism significantly boosts individual well-being. Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful reminder that happiness is less about individual self-care and more about social connection, time affluence, and living a life of service to others.

Why the “Pursuit of Happiness” Is a Bad Idea

Jun 29, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos explores why the American ideal of the pursuit of happiness might be fundamentally flawed. Broadcasting from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, she challenges the historical context and modern interpretation of this famous phrase from the Declaration of Independence. The episode features historian Darren McMahon, who traces the evolution of happiness from an ancient concept tied to luck and virtue to an Enlightenment-era expectation of personal fulfillment. Santos and McMahon explain that for the Founding Fathers, the pursuit of happiness was not merely about chasing individual pleasure; it was a complex endeavor involving moral cultivation, public service, and civic virtue. The discussion highlights the observations of Alexis de Tocqueville, who noted in the 19th century that despite their abundance, Americans seemed restless and melancholic, constantly chasing new delights without ever feeling satisfied. Santos argues that by shifting our focus toward a relentless, individualistic hunt for happiness, we often inadvertently distance ourselves from the very contentment we seek. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to reconsider their approach to well-being, suggesting that happiness may be a byproduct of a life lived with intentionality and community focus rather than a target to be actively hunted.

Why “No Regrets” Is Bad Advice

Jun 22, 202630 minSummary

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos explores why the popular mantra of living with "no regrets" is fundamentally flawed advice. While the idea of moving forward without looking back is appealing, Dr. Santos argues that regret is a natural, essential human emotion that serves as a powerful diagnostic tool for our lives. The discussion highlights how our brains use counterfactual thinking—often creating "if only" scenarios—to process past decisions. Rather than attempting to suppress these painful thoughts, the episode encourages listeners to use them as data. By examining the roots of our remorse, we can better distinguish between our "ought self," which is driven by societal expectations and perceived duties, and our "ideal self," which reflects our authentic values and deepest aspirations. Featuring insights from author Daniel Pink and the illustration duo Liz and Molly, the episode illustrates that while we cannot avoid regret entirely, we can transform it into fuel for growth. By identifying the regrets that cause the most long-term anguish, we gain a clearer roadmap for making decisions that align with our true selves, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and authentic life.

Are Kids Today Really Worse Off?

Jun 15, 202643 minSummary

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos explores the pervasive narrative that today’s youth are uniquely troubled, anxious, and less resilient than previous generations. While Dr. Santos previously championed the idea of a modern mental health crisis, she now challenges this perspective, questioning whether our perceptions of the past are clouded by psychological biases. The episode features researcher Alexis Redding, who discovered a long-lost collection of student interviews from the 1970s. This archival treasure provides a rare, grounded look at past generations, allowing for a nuanced comparison with today’s students. Complementing this, psychologist Adam Mastroani discusses his research on the "illusion of moral decline." He explains that people consistently perceive the world as becoming meaner and less honest over time, despite data showing that human kindness and generosity have remained stable—or even increased—over the last several decades. Ultimately, the episode argues that we are prone to the "fading affect bias" and a negativity bias, which lead us to view the past through rose-colored glasses while fixating on modern problems. Dr. Santos encourages listeners to trade judgment for compassion, suggesting that today’s youth are doing just fine.

The Surprising Case for Oversharing

Jun 8, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos kicks off a new series of "Happiness Hot Takes" by challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding oversharing. While society often views disclosing personal information—frequently labeled as TMI—as cringe-worthy or socially ignorant, Dr. Santos and guest expert Leslie John argue that our intuition is fundamentally flawed. Drawing on research from her book, Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing, Leslie John explains that we often fall into a "disclosure dilemma," where we fixate on the risks of sharing while ignoring the significant, often detrimental, costs of withholding information. This tendency, driven by an "omission bias," prevents us from forming deeper connections and can even lead to serious life consequences, such as failing to disclose critical health details to doctors. The discussion highlights that sharing—even when it feels embarrassing or unnecessary—can boost cognitive clarity through story structure, regulate emotions through "affect labeling," and foster trust by signaling vulnerability. Ultimately, the hosts suggest that what we perceive as oversharing is often just authentic communication. By embracing these moments of openness, we can move closer to the authentic connections essential for a happier life.

How to Feel Happier in Your Body with Jessamyn Stanley

Jun 1, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, host Dr. Laurie Santos sits down with renowned yoga teacher and author Jessamyn Stanley to discuss how to break free from body shame and cultivate a healthier, more joyful relationship with movement. The conversation centers on the idea that many people approach exercise as a chore driven by self-loathing or the desire to achieve an idealized body, rather than as a way to celebrate what their body can do. Stanley shares her personal journey from viewing herself as an "awkward outsider" to finding empowerment through yoga. She explains how she initially used exercise as a source of stress but eventually discovered that mindfulness and self-compassion could transform her practice. By stepping outside her own self-imposed boundaries and learning to accept her body exactly as it is, she turned exercise into a tool for spiritual and emotional growth. The discussion highlights that movement should not be about changing one’s appearance to meet societal standards, but about honoring one’s physical presence. Ultimately, the episode serves as an invitation for listeners to shift their perspective, embrace their current reality, and find happiness in the act of moving.

What Your Negative Emotions Are Trying to Tell You

May 25, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos explores how our common, often ineffective responses to negative emotions—such as bottling them up or spiraling into rumination—actually hinder our well-being and growth. Joining her is Harvard psychologist Susan David, who argues that instead of suppressing feelings like sadness, anger, or fear, we should learn to embrace them as valuable data points. The discussion centers on the concept of emotional agility. Rather than avoiding difficult emotions or allowing them to dictate our actions, David explains that we must learn to "hold them lightly." By being curious about what our emotions are signaling, we can better understand our underlying needs and values. A key tool highlighted is "emotional granularity," the ability to label our feelings with precision rather than using broad, vague terms like "stressed." This practice helps us move from a state of internal conflict toward taking intentional, value-driven action. Through personal anecdotes and psychological research, the episode provides a compelling framework for navigating the messy, human experience of life with greater courage, compassion, and effectiveness.

The Hidden Beliefs That Shape Your Happiness with Shawn Achor

May 18, 202643 minSummary

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, host Dr. Laurie Santos sits down with happiness expert Shawn Achor to explore how our deeply ingrained beliefs act as a lens through which we view and interact with the world. Achor argues that these undercurrents of belief—ranging from our personal views on self-worth to broader existential assumptions—are not just abstract thoughts; they are predictive of our mental health, professional success, and physical longevity. The discussion highlights how our beliefs dictate where we allocate our limited attentional resources. Using compelling examples, such as the power of the placebo effect and the psychological impact of fans on home-field advantage in sports, the hosts illustrate how our expectations profoundly shape reality. Achor emphasizes the importance of replacing paralyzing negative beliefs with rational optimism. He introduces the concepts of "warrants" and "qualifiers," suggesting that by grounding our hopes in past actions and specific, actionable steps, we can move from passive wishing to effective, goal-oriented behavior. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to audit their core beliefs, suggesting that a simple shift in mindset can fundamentally improve one's resilience, productivity, and overall wellbeing.

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

Apr 20, 202637 minSummary

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

Apr 13, 202633 minSummary

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.