PLAY PODCASTS
Can you choose to be happy?

Can you choose to be happy?

For the past five years, filmmaker Atdhe Trepca has been going up to strangers and asking them if they’re happy. This is what he’s learned.

Post Reports

October 18, 202517m 32s

Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (tracking.swap.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.

Show Notes

Are you happy? How would you answer that question if a stranger with a camera asked?

Five years ago, filmmaker Atdhe Trepca quit his job and drove across the country with a camera, asking hundreds of people that question.

His videos reach millions on TikTok and Instagram, and now he’s made a documentary.

Today, Optimist reporter Maggie Penman shares what Trepca has learned – and the research that backs up his observations.

If you want to hear more stories like this, please let us know. You can reach the whole team at [email protected] or email Maggie at [email protected].

Today’s episode was reported and produced by Maggie Penman, with help from Ted Muldoon, Emma Talkoff, Reena Flores, and Sean Carter, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Allison Klein. 

The Optimist has a newsletter! Subscribe here.

And, subscribe to The Washington Post here.