PLAY PODCASTS
Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

1,316 episodes — Page 6 of 27

Ep 507Ep. 507: Happier Book Club: Elizabeth Strout Talks About Love & Secrets in “Tell Me Everything”

We talk to prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout about her acclaimed new novel, “Tell Me Everything.” In it, Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, and other characters return in connected stories of murder, marriage, parents and children, and love. This novel is thought-provoking and compulsively readable. Resources and links related to this episode: Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout Gift Giving Quiz: gretchenrubin.com/quiz  Little Happier episode Elizabeth is reading: Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand (Amazon, Bookshop)  Gretchen is reading: Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (Amazon, Bookshop)  Get in touch: [email protected] 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/listener for privacy information.

Nov 6, 202436 min

Little Happier: Sometimes, It’s a Good Idea to Say “I Know You Love Me”

We’re often told “Don’t put words in people’s mouths” or “Don’t tell other people what they feel,” but as these examples from “Game of Thrones” and “Terms of Endearment” illustrate, sometimes the tender thing to do is to say, “I know you love me.” Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 4, 20243 min

More Happier: Finding Happiness in the Bittersweet with Susan Cain [Revisited]

We revisit a conversation with bestselling author Susan Cain, renowned author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking and Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole. We also talk about why we should be the one to make the plan, and a listener suggests a hack for making it easier to use online recipes. Links: The Quiet Life: A Journal by Susan Cain    Get in touch: [email protected] 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/listener for privacy information.

Nov 2, 202432 min

Ep 506Ep. 506: Find a Delight for Each Day, a Useful Travel Tip & Learning from Mistakes

We explore ways to make each day of the week special by recognizing small pleasures. We discuss a practical hotel checkout tip to avoid forgetting items. Also, we examine the value of allowing yourself to go into “shock” when facing big assignments or feedback, and how this pause can lead to clearer thinking and better responses. Plus we ask, “What lesson have you learned the hard way?” Resources and links related to this episode: Four Tendencies Personality Quiz: Are you an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel? Happiness Hacks Card Deck Elizabeth is reading: Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand (Amazon, Bookshop)  Gretchen is reading: Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (Amazon, Bookshop)  Get in touch: [email protected] 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/listener for privacy information.

Oct 30, 202431 min

Little Happier: A Story About Love from “A Wrinkle in Time”

A passage from “A Wrinkle in Time,” a masterpiece of children’s literature, holds a subtle but important lesson about human nature and the transformative power of love. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 28, 20243 min

More Happier: Call Don’t Text, the Joy of Finishing Photo Albums & Do You Enjoy TV “Previously” Openings?

We discuss a useful lesson in communication drawn from “Real Housewives” drama. We also talk about why it’s such a relief to get up-to-date on photo albums, and we compare our views on the “Previously, on XYZ…” segments at the beginning of TV shows. Resources and links related to this episode: Gift Giving Quiz What's Your Gift-Appreciation Profile Quotation: George Orwell, “Charles Dickens"   Get in touch: [email protected] 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/listener for privacy information.

Oct 26, 202424 min

Ep 505Ep. 505: Rediscover Your Closet, Personalize Guest Greetings & When Rules Need Bending

We discuss a challenge to wear three items of clothing we are not currently using--and explore ways to overcome common obstacles. We also share creative happiness hacks for welcoming overnight guests, and examine how people who tend to be rigid can adjust their rules to reduce stress in changing circumstances. Resources and links related to this episode: New products Four Tendencies quiz Elizabeth is reading: Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand (Amazon, Bookshop)  Gretchen is reading: Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell (Amazon, Bookshop)  Get in touch: [email protected] 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/listener for privacy information.

Oct 23, 202426 min

Little Happier: Why Claude Monet Built His Water Lily Pond

At Giverny, artist Claude Monet spent a lot of time, energy, and money to create the circumstances that he knew would feed his creativity. He made the pond and planted the water lilies that inspired some of his greatest masterpieces. Get in touch: [email protected] 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/listener for privacy information.

Oct 21, 20242 min

More Happier: Happiness, Self-Compassion, Meditation & More—with Elmo! Pt. 2

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and to mark the event, Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos of the Happiness Lab podcast has assembled the “Titans of Happiness”: a crew of hosts and happiness experts from the top wellness podcasts. I was thrilled to join this panel with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a clinical psychologist and host of the podcast Therapy for Black Girls, Dan Harris, host and author of the 10% Happier podcast, and Laurie Santos--and all of us were a little starstruck by another extra special guest… ELMO! We talk hacks for building relationships with others, Elmo's viral moment, and self compassion. Here’s part 2. Get in touch: [email protected] 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/listener for privacy information.

Oct 19, 202439 min

Ep 504Ep. 504: Schedule a Sour Hour, Relieve Muscle Knots & How to Avoid Avoidance

We discuss a listener’s suggestion for scheduling a “sour hour” of complaints and grievances. We also share some useful information about how to relieve the pain of muscle knots, as well as some ideas for avoiding avoidance. Resources and links related to this episode: Muscle knots  Vote Forward Happier app  Elizabeth is reading: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (Amazon, Bookshop)  Gretchen is reading: The Third Realm by Karl Ove Knausgaard (Amazon, Bookshop)  Get in touch: [email protected] 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/listener for privacy information.

Oct 16, 202426 min

Little Happier: I Can’t Stop Thinking About This Observation About Artificial Intelligence

A brief discussion about this question posed to the AI assistant Claude—“What’s going on in your head?”—has haunted me ever since I first heard it. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 14, 20242 min

More Happier: Happiness, Self-Compassion, Meditation & More—with Elmo! Pt. 1

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and to mark the event, Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos of the Happiness Lab podcast has assembled the “Titans of Happiness”: a crew of hosts and happiness experts from the top wellness podcasts. I was thrilled to join this panel with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a clinical psychologist and host of the podcast Therapy for Black Girls, Dan Harris, host and author of the 10% Happier podcast, and Laurie Santos--and all of us were a little starstruck by another extra special guest… ELMO! We talk hacks for building relationships with others, Elmo's viral moment, and self compassion. Here’s part 1. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 12, 202427 min

Ep 503Ep. 503: An Unexpected Way to Spark Creativity, Gamifying Clutter- Clearing & Why Quirks Matter

We discuss an unexpected way to boost creativity (both ideas and production) that has worked for both of us. We also share a listener’s suggestion about an easy way to gamify clutter-clearing (an approach that also reduces decision-fatigue), and we talk about why identifying our quirks can contribute to our happiness. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/503 Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 9, 202427 min

Little Happier: An Example from the CIA Illustrates How Many Dangers Don’t Seem Dangerous

A change in the standing operating procedure of the CIA demonstrates a basic truth about human nature. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 7, 20241 min

More Happier: Get Organized (Revisited)

In honor of Get Organized Week, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips to clear clutter from our daily lives. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 5, 202433 min

Ep 502Ep. 502: Attend a Reunion, Note the “Dinner-Party Problem” & Are You a Sculptor or Lifeguard Parent?

We talk about why going to a reunion can give us such a big happiness boost. We also discuss research about the “dinner-party problem,” and what to do about it, and we explore a question about attitudes towards parenting. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/502 Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 2, 202427 min

Little Happier: An Encounter with Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder Reveals a Truth About Human Nature

We often assume that someone is a certain “kind” of person instead of realizing how circumstances may be influencing their behavior—a mistake I made when judging the actions of stars Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder in a drugstore. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 30, 20243 min

More Happier: Why “Scheduling Is Life,” Orange Theory Report, and What It’s Like to Hike in LA

We discuss a new mantra to reframe a all-too-common annoyance, and the value of a new parasocial friend. Also, we discuss Orange Theory and hiking in Fryman Canyon. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 28, 202423 min

Ep 501Ep. 501: Turn Acquaintances into Friends, an Email Hack & a Happiness Lesson Learned from Our Parents

We discuss why you might want to transform an acquaintance into a friend as well as specific ways to deepen that relationship. We also discuss an important happiness lesson modeled for us by our parents, and suggest a hack to make emails more efficient (and shorter). Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/501 Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 202429 min

Little Happier: Willie Wonka, Rat Poison, Neediness, and the Transformative Power of Love

A sweet story about a dog named Sparkle reveals many truths about the nature of love, sacrifice, independence, and marriage. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20246 min

More Happier: Gretchen Rubin on The Deep Dive podcast

We’re bringing you my conversation with Jessica St. Clair and June Diane Raphael on their podcast, The Deep Dive. We discuss my tips on how to combat anxiety and use all five senses to get more happiness in our lives.  Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 21, 202431 min

Ep 500Episode 500! Reflections and Insights Prompted by Our Podcast Manifesto

In celebration of our 500th original weekly episode (without one break!), we share our Podcast Manifesto and use it to reminisce and reflect on this big milestone. In work and in life, it’s easy to focus on the “To-do”; today we stop for a “Ta-da!” Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/500 Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18, 202436 min

Little Happier: A Famous Art Historian Experiences a Spiritual Epiphany with a Surprising Result

Art historian Kenneth Clark describes his experience of an intense spiritual awakening—a “flood of grace”—and what resulted from it. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 16, 20243 min

More Happier: The Joy of Deadlines, Couples Therapy & Pondering One of Life’s Big Questions

We talk about how deadlines can boost our happiness, and how a TV show can spark a useful conversation with a teenager about values. Plus we debate a challenging question about how to navigate life’s challenges. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 14, 202421 min

Ep 499Ep. 499: Helpful Ways to Create Calm, Save Mental Energy & Get More Fun Out of Experiences

We talk about why it’s a good idea to spare ourselves the work of having unnecessary opinions. We also share listeners’ many imaginative suggestions for ways that they help themselves stay calm, as well as a listener’s idea for getting more enjoyment out of familiar experiences. Plus we debate the question of whether we want to get maximum value out of an experience, or just enjoy what we want. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/499 Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 11, 202430 min

Little Happier: People Are More Interested in a Poison Garden Than a Medicine Garden

A funny yet accurate observation about Alnwick Castle’s famous Poison Garden inspires a question about human nature. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 9, 20242 min

More Happier: How to Ace a Job Interview (Revisited)

A common happiness stumbling block: interviewing for a job. We're bringing you some helpful tips for acing your next job interview. Hint: prepare!  Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 7, 202429 min

Ep 498Ep. 498: Don’t Volunteer to Bring Bad News & Listeners Suggest Great Tips for Accountability and Pairing

We talk about why it’s advisable (if possible) to avoid being the bringer of bad news. We also discuss why it’s a good idea to RSVP “yes” or “no” quickly--and stick to that decision. Plus we share many helpful suggestions from listeners about effective ways they’ve created accountability for themselves, and used pairing, to achieve important aims.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on Threads@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/498Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 4, 202431 min

Little Happier: A Paradox: How Do You Stand Out When Standing Out Is the Best Way to Fit In?

In Scarlett Thomas’s brilliant novel PopCo, a protagonist wants to set herself apart from her colleagues, but she’s stumped by a conundrum she can’t solve.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 2, 20241 min

More Happier: The Fun of an Unexpected Gift, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and Herding the Cats During Holidays

We talk about the happiness that comes from getting a gift we don’t expect, and we discuss some quality screen time. We also consider the question: Does every family need a holiday-tradition-enforcer?Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 31, 202422 min

Ep 497Ep. 497: Forecast Your Foibles, a Big Life Change & the Correct Way to Load a Dishwasher

Inspired by college move-in day, we talk about why it’s helpful to forecast our own foibles. We also weigh in on the hot debate around the correct way to load a dishwasher, and we introduce a new podcast segment—along with a big life change. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/497 Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 28, 202428 min

Little Happier: Winston Churchill Didn’t Hesitate to Show His Emotions

A grim but hopeful episode from World War II’s Battle of Britain sheds a light on Winston Churchill’s character. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 26, 20242 min

More Happier: Back-to-School Hacks (Revisited)

As the school year approaches, we’re re-sharing some of our best back-to-school tips and suggestions.  Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 24, 202428 min

Ep 496Ep. 496: Make the Most of the First 3 Weeks, Use an Alarm & Cope with Exploitation of Obligers

We discuss research suggesting that during the first three weeks with strangers in a new environment (such as a cruise or college), we have a special window for making friends. We also talk about why setting an alarm can alleviate restlessness and anxiety, and we address a question from an Obliger about how to deal with the fact that members of her family don’t do their share. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads @GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/496 Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 21, 202430 min

Little Happier: A Great Happiness-Boosting Example from Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin’s “Sand Walk” at Down House is a good example of how we can shape our surroundings and our schedule to help ourselves create habits that contribute to a happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative life. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 19, 20242 min

Ep 69More Happier: "Walk" Therapy, Comfort vs. Adventure, and the Joy of Outside

We continue to reflect on the insights and hacks we learned from our hiking trip in England—how and why this adventure helped to make us happier, healthier, and more creative. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 17, 202423 min

Ep 495Ep. 495: A Happier Labor Day, Celtic Tree System, and a Hack for Enjoying the Gym

We talk about why and how it’s useful to use the annual Labor Day Holiday as a catalyst to reflect on our work--both paid and unpaid. We also share a fun know-yourself-better tool, and make a suggestion about finding the right gym. Plus we reveal a fact that will make listeners very happy (and relieved). Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on Threads@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/495Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 14, 202425 min

Little Happier: Don’t Tear Down a Fence Until You Know Why It Was Put Up

On a demanding backpacking trip, I saw an illustration of the principle sometimes call “Chesterton’s Fence”: Don’t take down a fence unless you know why it was put there in the first place. If you don’t know why a fence was placed there, you won’t understand the consequences of taking it down.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 12, 20243 min

More Happier: Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey on “The Office” and BFFs (Revisited)

We’re bringing you our Happier Podcast Book Club conversation with actors Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey. We discuss their book “The Office BFFs,” their experiences during the making of the iconic TV comedy “The Office,” being best friends, making it in Hollywood, hosting the “Office Ladies” podcast, and more.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 10, 202443 min

Ep 494Ep. 494: Shape Our Space to Shape Behavior, Preserving Memories of the Dead, and Empty Nest

We discuss ways that we can shape our space to shape our behavior. We also share many suggestions from listeners for creative ways to use the five senses to preserve memories of loved ones who have died, to give a thoughtful gift, and even to make errands more fun. Plus, questions about the “empty nest” stage of life.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on Threads@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/494Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 7, 202429 min

Little Happier: A Story about Dogs and Love

A moving story about a champion dog reminds me to strive, in my own life, to show the same kind of pure and boundless love that dogs show.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 5, 20242 min

Ep 68More Happier: A Halfway Day Check-in with Jonathan Van Ness

For this episode of More Happier, for your weekend listening, we’re bringing you Gretchen’s recent conversation on Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness. Gretchen spoke with Jonathan earlier this year about New Year’s resolutions; now they are sitting down together again to discuss how things are going halfway through the year. Gretchen finds out how Jonathan has been relating to social media, and Jonathan learns how Gretchen is managing to get better sleep. Plus they talk about Gretchen's observations from the Habits for Happiness Quiz. Get in touch: [email protected] Follow on social media: @GretchenRubin on YouTube @GretchenRubin on TikTok @GretchenRubin on Instagram @GretchenRubin on Threads @LizCraft on Instagram @LizCraft on Threads Get the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotes Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 3, 202440 min

Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Krista Tippett, informed by decades of inquiry through her super-project, On Being, sits with Kelly to consider what’s in flux, what needs will never abate and what we might rediscover in new forms. In this moment when everything is broken open, when institutions are received with less reverence and more skepticism, where should we point our minds and hearts? What practices serve us best? This is a conversation to share with every thinking friend in your life and use as fodder for your own search for a spiritual home. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 2, 20244 min

Ep 493Ep. 493: Insights, Hacks, and Adventures from Our Hiking Trip in England

Ep. 493: We talk about the hiking trip we took in Northumberland and the Lake District in partnership with Wilderness England. We share hacks we learned (sometimes the hard way), insights, and funny stories.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on Threads@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/493Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 31, 202430 min

Little Happier: Why a Happy Racehorse Depends on a Pony or a Goat

Some animals—in particular, racehorses—are happier and calmer when they have an animal companion, such as a goat, dog, pony, or pig. Just as some people have emotional-support animals, animals have emotional-support animals.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 29, 20241 min

More Happier: Listen In! Recordings from Our Hiking Trip in England

During our recent hiking trip in Northumberland and the Lake District, we made daily voice memos to record our adventures as events unfolded. Listen in.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 27, 202433 min

Ep 492Ep. 492: Ask Us Anything: We Talk About the Podcast, Writing, Our Personal Lives & More

Ep. 492: In this “Ask Us Anything” episode, we answer listeners’ questions about the podcast, writing, reading, dogs, our personal lives, and more.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on Threads@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/492Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 24, 202435 min

Little Happier: A Daughter-in-Law Hears Exactly What She Needs to Hear

When my friend worried about being displaced in the affection of her husband’s family after the appearance of a new daughter-in-law, her mother-in-law knew just what to say to reassure and comfort her.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet Gretchen Rubin’s newest book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available - order here.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 22, 20242 min

Ep 67More Happier: Favorite TV Moments, the Fun of People-Watching in NYC and LA, and the Joy of Calm

We discuss some of our favorite moments from our favorite TV shows. We also compare what we see people doing out in public in Los Angeles and New York City; people are delightfully unselfconscious. Plus we talk about the calm of non-school summer mornings and “quiet airports.”Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 20, 202420 min

Ep 491Ep. 491: Identify Your Style, an Easy Hack For Clutter, and a Talk with Gary Vee

Ep. 491: We share listeners’ suggestions and resources for identifying our personal styles. We also discuss an easy hack for clearing out shelf space in a responsible way, and we talk to entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk about his imaginative new picture book.Get in touch: [email protected] on social media:@GretchenRubin on YouTube@GretchenRubin on TikTok@GretchenRubin on Instagram@GretchenRubin on Threads@LizCraft on Instagram@LizCraft on Threads@GretchenRubin on ThreadsGet the podcast show notes by email every week: happiercast.com/shownotesGet the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/491Get Gretchen Rubin’s newest New York Times bestselling book Life in Five Senses to see how she discovered a surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love: by tuning in to the five senses. Now available wherever books are sold.Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 17, 202434 min