Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center.
Research shows that reflecting on our shared humanity can increase self-compassion and life satisfaction while reducing feelings of isolation. In this practice, Dacher Keltner guides us to look beneath our differences and connect with the qualities that make us human together.
This guided exercise draws on a meditation by Sean Fargo, a mindfulness teacher and former Buddhist monk.
How To Do This Practice:
This episode was supported by a grant from The John Templeton Foundation on Spreading Love Through the Media.
Related Happiness Break episodes:
A Meditation for When You Feel Uneasy: https://tinyurl.com/4x27ut3p
A Meditation to Connect With Your Roots: https://tinyurl.com/ycy9xazc
A Mindful Breath Meditation, With Dacher Keltner: https://tinyurl.com/mr9d22kr
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability: https://tinyurl.com/yxw4uhpf
How to Feel More Hopeful: https://tinyurl.com/4tfwhbpb
How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6
Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4ju7rmtd
Guest host Geena Davis guides us through the research on love that stretches beyond romance and friendship, showing up in our bonds with objects, nature, grief, and the collective moments that connect us to something larger than ourselves.
Summary: In this final episode of our 3-part series on The Science of Love, researchers reveal how love expands our sense of self and strengthens our bond to humanity. We also explore why objects can feel meaningful, how love of nature can motivate care for the planet, he ways grief reshapes our capacity for connection, and our love of humanity.
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
The Science of Love Series: https://bit.ly/TheScienceofLove
The Science of Love, with Geena Davis (Episode 1): https://tinyurl.com/bfave5wd
How 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhr
Related Happiness Breaks:
Visualizing Your Best Self in Relationships: https://tinyurl.com/4797z2vf
A Guided Meditation on Embodied Love: https://tinyurl.com/3dmpfam6
A Meditation on Love and Interconnectedness: https://tinyurl.com/ye6baxv3
Today’s Guests:
AARON AHUVIA is the most widely published and cited academic expert on non-interpersonal love.
Learn more about Aaron Ahuvia here: https://thethingswelove.com/about-aaron/
JESSICA EISE is a social and environmental scientist and is an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health with Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington.
Learn more about Jessica Eise here: https://jessicaeise.com/
YURIA CELIDWEN is an indigenous scholar of contemplative studies, and author of the new book, Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Foundations For Collective Well-Being.
Learn more about Yuria Celidwen here: https://www.yuriacelidwen.com/
MARY-FRANCES O'CONNOR is a psychologist and professor at the University of Arizona, where she directs the Grief, Loss, and Social Stress Lab.
Learn more about Mary-Frances O’connor here: https://maryfrancesoconnor.org/
SHIRA GABRIEL is a Professor of Psychology at SUNY, University at Buffalo.
Learn more about Shira Gabriel here: https://tinyurl.com/2vvav8xj
Message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Funding for this special was provided by the John Templeton Foundation, as part of the Greater Good Science Center's Spreading Love Through the Media initiative.
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/22d5nuyr
Guest host Geena Davis helps us explore how the love we feel —for our partners, friends, family, even our four legged companions—shapes our brains, bodies, and lives.
Summary: On this episode of The Science of Love with Geena Davis, we delve into the many forms of love, and experts share research on how small daily actions, physical touch, and emotional attentiveness strengthen relationships, while evolutionary and neuroscience studies reveal why these bonds matter. We also explore practical strategies for cultivating deeper connections and understanding the biological and psychological roots of love.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
The Science of Love Series: https://bit.ly/TheScienceofLove
The Science of Love, with Geena Davis (Episode 1): https://tinyurl.com/bfave5wd
How 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhr
Today’s Guests:
DANIEL LEVITIN is a neuroscientist, musician, and bestselling author of the books, Music as Medicine: How We Can Harness Its Therapeutic Power and I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music As Medicine.
Follow Daniel Levitin on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daniellevitinofficial
JOHN GOTTMAN is a psychologist and the co-founder of The Gottman Institute.
JULIE GOTTMAN is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of The Gottman Institute and President of The Gottman Institute and co-founder of Affective Software, Inc.
Learn more about John and Julie Gottman here: https://www.gottman.com/
JUSTIN GARCIA is an evolutionary biologist and international authority on the science of sex and relationships.
Learn more about Justin Garcia here: https://tinyurl.com/2c39cs6r
ANNA MACHIN is a British evolutionary anthropologist at the Department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University, England and author of the book Why We Love: The Definitive Guide to Our Most Fundamental Need.
Learn more about Anna Machin here: https://annamachin.com/
MARISA G. FRANCO is a psychologist and professor at The University of Maryland and author of the book “Platonic: How The Science of Attachment Can Help You Make – and Keep – Friends.”
Learn more about Marisa G. Franco here: https://drmarisagfranco.com/
Message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Funding for this special was provided by the John Templeton Foundation, as part of the Greater Good Science Center's Spreading Love Through the Media initiative.
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4b52azja
In a culture that often reduces love to romance, Geena Davis helps us explore the science of love across the lifespan—revealing how our bonds with parents, friends, partners, and communities shape our health, happiness, and survival.
Summary: Love is commonly understood as a feeling, yet scientific research increasingly points to its role as a core biological drive. In this episode of The Science of Love, we explore how love is expressed through caregiving, friendship, romantic attachment, and shared experience, and how these connections leave measurable effects on the brain, body, and even the microbiome.
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
The Science of Love Series: https://bit.ly/TheScienceofLove
36 Questions to Spark Love and Connection: https://tinyurl.com/ktcpz78u
How 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhr
Today’s Guests:
ANN DRUYAN is an author, activist, and documentary producer.
Learn more about Ann Druyan’s work here: https://tinyurl.com/5n8crkev
DANIEL LEVITIN is a neuroscientist, musician, and bestselling author.
Follow Daniel Levitin on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daniellevitinofficial
JESSICA EISE is a social and environmental scientist and is an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health with Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington.
Learn more about Jessica Eise here: https://jessicaeise.com/
ANNA MACHIN is an evolutionary anthropologist who studies the evolution of love.
Learn more about Anna Machin here: https://annamachin.com/
FRANCESCO BEGHINI is a computational biologist at Yale University.
Learn more about Francesco Beghini here: https://tinyurl.com/knm4du4m
ILANA BRITO is a biomedical engineering professor at Cornell University.
Learn more about Ilana Brito here: https://tinyurl.com/mtnhw3yd
CONSTANCE BAINBRIDGE is a Communication PhD student at UCLA.
Learn more about Constance Bainbridge here: http://constancebainbridge.com/
SANDRA LANGESLAG is a cognitive and biological psychologist who studies romantic love.
Learn more about Sandra Langeslag here: https://tinyurl.com/523wc9wx
Message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Funding for this special was provided by the John Templeton Foundation, as part of the Greater Good Science Center's Spreading Love Through the Media initiative.
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/bfave5wd
Discover what happens to our well-being when we respond to suffering with compassion, collective action, and why choosing to care can help us hold on to our shared humanity.
Summary: In the face of widespread suffering, many of us struggle with how to respond without becoming overwhelmed or numb. Drawing on research and real-world experience, this episode of The Science of Happiness examines the psychological impact of bearing witness, acting in alignment with our values, and showing up for others—even when it’s hard. We look at how compassion, agency, and a sense of common humanity can both strengthen resilience and carry real emotional costs, and why people continue to act anyway.
Take our 5-minute survey https://tinyurl.com/happyhappysurvey. Thank you for helping us make the podcast even better!
How To Do This Practice:
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Today’s Guests:
DR. FEROZE SIDHWA is a trauma, and critical care surgeon in California. He has also worked as a physician in Haiti, Ukraine and Palestine.
Learn more about Dr. Feroze Sidhwa here: https://www.ferozesidhwa.org/
DR. AKIVA LEBOWITZ is a physician and critical care specialist.
Learn more about Dr. Akiva Lebowitz here: https://akivaforbrookline.com/
DR. SUNITA SAH is a social scientist, author, and psychologist.
Learn more about Dr. Sunita Sah here: https://www.sunitasah.com/
Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/48wz2vru
Psychologist and stress expert Elissa Epel leads us in a gentle, science-backed practice to calm our nervous systems and meet uncertainty with greater ease and acceptance.
We want to hear from you! Take our quick 5-minute survey to tell us what you love, what you want more of, and how we can make the show even more inspiring and useful. Everyone who completes the survey can enter a drawing to win a copy of The Science of Happiness Workbook: 10 Practices for a Meaningful Life. Click the survey link in the show notes wherever you’re listening, or go directly to: https://tinyurl.com/happyhappysurvey. Thank you for helping us make the podcast even better!
How To Do This Practice:
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Today’s Happiness Break Guide:
ELISSA EPEL, PH.D, is a Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, at University of California, San Francisco.
Learn more about Elissa Epel here: https://www.elissaepel.com/
Related Happiness Break episodes:
Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5
Embodying Resilience: https://tinyurl.com/46383mhx
A Meditation for When You Feel Uneasy: https://tinyurl.com/4utrkyh5
Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/2x4pe95j
Studies show qigong can strengthen your body and mind, and reduce cortisol levels. We explore this Chinese meditative movement practice that dates back over 4,000 years.
Summary: After a period of intense stress, loss, and physical disconnection, one guest turns to qigong—a gentle, meditative movement practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine—to reconnect with their body and calm their nervous system. This episode of The Science of Happiness explores the growing scientific evidence behind qigong, revealing how mindful movement can support both physical health and psychological well-being.
We want to hear from you! Take our 5-minute survey to enter a drawing to win a copy of The Science of Happiness Workbook: 10 Practices for a Meaningful Life. Tell us what you love, what you want more of, and how we can make the show even more inspiring and useful. Click the survey link in the show notes wherever you’re listening, or go directly to: https://tinyurl.com/happyhappysurvey. Thank you for helping us make the podcast even better!
One Way To Do This Practice:
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Today’s Guests:
ACE BORAL is an Oakland-based chef.
PETER WAYNE is an Associate Professor of Medicine, and serves as the Director for the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, jointly based at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Learn more about Peter’s work: https://tinyurl.com/342xndna
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
Breathe Away Anxiety (Cyclic Sighing): https://tinyurl.com/3u7vsrr5
The Science of Synchronized Movement: https://tinyurl.com/n4bcrb5j
Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yyxnsfy9
This New Year, affirm the wonderful qualities you already possess with this meditative writing practice with Chris Murchison called "I Am."
How To Do This Practice:
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Today’s Happiness Break Guide:
CHRIS MURCHISON is an artist and meditation teacher.
Check out Chris’s website: https://chrismurchison.com/
Follow Chris on Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/4nyjahj4
Related Happiness Break episodes:
The Healing Power of Your Own Touch: https://tinyurl.com/y4ze59h8
A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4y
How to Be Your Own Best Friend: https://tinyurl.com/y5kbecej
Related Science of Happiness episodes:
How to Stick to Your Resolutions in 2024: https://tinyurl.com/mub9z9z4
How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6
How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc
Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/2d595rz3
Learn how the stories we tell and hear shape our relationships, values, and sense of belonging.
Summary: Storytelling is more than entertainment. It shapes how we think, feel, and relate to others. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we dive into how immersive narratives calm stress, inspire reflection, and foster compassion across differences. We also explore how stories of resilience, joy, and tradition leave lasting impressions that influence our relationships and sense of self.
How To Do This Practice:
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Today’s Guests:
SAFA SULEIMAN is an elementary school teacher and author of the new children’s book Hilwa’s Gifts.
Learn more about Safa here: https://www.safasuleiman.com/
MELANIE GREEN is a social psychologist at the University at Buffalo who has published widely on narrative persuasion and the power of storytelling.
See more on Melanie’s work here: https://tinyurl.com/e5fd8bu5
Related The Science of Happiness episodes:
How Thinking About Your Ancestors Can Help You Thrive: https://tinyurl.com/4u6vzs2w
Are You Following Your Inner Compass: https://tinyurl.com/y2bh8vvj
How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc
Related Happiness Breaks:
A Meditation on Love and Interconnectedness: https://tinyurl.com/ye6baxv3
Our Deep Interconnectedness: https://tinyurl.com/jthxkpjd
Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3
Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.
Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/2tkvdyr8
También tenemos esta meditación en Español.
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4rjmambm
Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them.
You can also listen to this episode in Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/4rjmambm
How To Do This Practice:
Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
Today’s Happiness Break Guide:
DIANA PARRA is professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She is also a registered mindfulness and yoga teacher who focuses on sharing these practices with the Latino immigrant community in St Louis.
Learn more about Diana Parra’s work: https://tinyurl.com/4acc7nsv
Related Happiness Break episodes:
Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5
How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself): https://tinyurl.com/5b26zwkx
Related Science of Happiness episodes:
Why We Should Seek Beauty: https://tinyurl.com/yn7ry59j
We want to hear from you! Take our quick 5-minute survey to tell us what you love, what you want more of, and how we can make the show even more inspiring and useful. Everyone who completes the survey can enter a drawing to win a copy of The Science of Happiness Workbook: 10 Practices for a Meaningful Life. Click the survey link in the show notes wherever you’re listening, or go directly to: https://tinyurl.com/happyhappysurvey. Thank you for helping us make the podcast even better!
Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4945b59w