The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos cover art
Podcast · 56 episodes

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos, page 2

by Pushkin Industries · English

The Happiness Lab is serving up scientifically-backed takes this summer that are so hot, even your SPF 50 won’t protect you. With the help of behavioral scientists, historians, and cultural critics, Yale psychologist Dr. Laurie Santos challenges some of our biggest assumptions about what it takes to live a good life. Dr. Laurie explores topics like why we should forget about TMI and lean into oversharing, how dumping small talk makes for better conversations, why the kids these days are actually doing just fine, and how men can establish strong bromances. Each episode unpacks a bold, counterintuitive claim — using research, data, and expert insight to question the conventional wisdom around happiness and wellbeing.

All episodes, page 2

Why It Hurts to Hold a Grudge — and How to Let Go with Dr. Fred LuskinSpring “happiness restart” through forgiveness—letting go of resentments to reduce stress, depression, and physical pain; forgiveness is defined as making peace with “no,” changing one’s story, and…6 Apr 2026 · 39 min · 20 chapters
Why You're Still Using Social Media (Even If You Want to Stop) with Dr. Cass SunsteinWhy You're Still Using Social Media (Even If You Want to Stop) with Dr. Cass Sunstein23 Mar 2026 · 33 min · 9 chapters
What is Social Media Doing to Kids? with Dr. Jean TwengeDr. Laurie Santos explores the science of happiness, upending common misconceptions about what leads to a happy life, and shares insights from her popular Yale course on psychology and happiness.20 Mar 2026 · 35 min · 13 chapters
How to Stop Work From Taking Over Your LifeIn this episode of *The Happiness Lab*, Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the pervasive issue of work stress and its detrimental impact on our personal lives.16 Mar 2026 · 43 min · 20 chapters
Inside the Love Lab with Drs. John & Julie Gottman (Part 2)Examines the science of happiness, challenging popular misconceptions about what contributes to a fulfilling life.9 Mar 2026 · 36 min · 11 chapters
Inside the Love Lab with Drs. John & Julie Gottman (Part 1)Drs. John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman2 Mar 2026 · 47 min · 21 chapters
Why Algorithms Can’t Predict Your Love Life with Dr. Paul EastwickIn this episode of *The Happiness Lab*, Dr. Laurie Santos interviews social psychologist Dr. Paul Eastwick, author of *Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection*.23 Feb 2026 · 41 min · 21 chapters
How to Find "The One": The Science of Dating with Tim MolnarIn this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos sits down with behavioral scientist and dating coach Tim Molnar to discuss the science behind modern dating.16 Feb 2026 · 45 min · 18 chapters
How to Feel Truly Loved (with Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky and Dr. Harry Reis)Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale Professor9 Feb 2026 · 42 min · 24 chapters
How to Design a More Meaningful Life (with Dave Evans and Bill Burnett)How to Design a More Meaningful Life (with Dave Evans and Bill Burnett)2 Feb 2026 · 47 min · 21 chapters
The Surprising Science of Creativity (with Dr. George Newman)In this episode of *The Happiness Lab*, host Dr. Laurie Santos speaks with creativity expert Dr. George Newman about the misconceptions surrounding creativity.26 Jan 2026 · 31 min · 21 chapters
Why Chasing Success Can Leave You Feeling Stuck (with David Brooks)In this episode, Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and expert in the science of happiness, speaks with David Brooks, a columnist and author.19 Jan 2026 · 37 min · 14 chapters
How to Bounce Back from Life’s Curveballs (with Dr. Maya Shankar)In this episode of "The Happiness Lab," Dr. Laurie Santos discusses navigating unexpected life changes with Dr.12 Jan 2026 · 40 min · 19 chapters
Stop Wasting Your Energy — Here’s What to Do Instead (with Dr. Diana Hill)Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale professor, explores the science of happiness, debunking common misconceptions about what makes us happy and sharing insights from her popular psychology course.5 Jan 2026 · 47 min · 22 chapters
Holiday Survival Guide II: Perfect Gifts and Fighting Fatigue (with Rainn Wilson)Holiday Survival Guide II: Perfect Gifts and Fighting Fatigue15 Dec 2025 · 31 min
Holiday Survival Guide I: Ending Family Arguments (with Rainn Wilson)In this episode of *The Happiness Lab*, Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos is joined by actor Rainn Wilson, known for his role in *The Office* and host of the *Soul Boom* podcast.8 Dec 2025 · 48 min
How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right NowIn this special episode of *The Happiness Lab*, Dr. Laurie Santos emphasizes the psychological benefits of giving, reinforcing the idea that "it is better to give than to receive." The episode…2 Dec 2025 · 48 min
Why Being Grateful Makes Us Feel Great (A Thanksgiving Re-run) Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale Professor24 Nov 2025 · 27 min
Reset Your Relationship with Stress (for National Stress Awareness Day)On this episode of *The Happiness Lab*, Dr. Laurie Santos honors National Stress Awareness Day by revisiting a conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Jenny Taitz.5 Nov 2025 · 43 min
How Horror Movies and True Crime Can Make You Happier In this episode of *The Happiness Lab*, Dr. Laurie Santos engages with psychologist Coltan Scrivner to explore the intriguing connection between horror movies, true crime, and happiness.27 Oct 2025 · 45 min
Make Vulnerability Your Superpower (with NBA star Kevin Love)Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and happiness researcher, explores the science of happiness.20 Oct 2025 · 37 min
How to Make Better Choices (with Barry Schwartz)In this episode of *The Happiness Lab*, Dr. Laurie Santos talks with psychologist Barry Schwartz about how to make better decisions that enhance long-term happiness.6 Oct 2025 · 41 min
Take a Three-Day Weekend Without Losing Any Pay (with Juliet Schor)In this episode of *The Happiness Lab*, host Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the implications and advantages of a reduced workweek with economist Juliet Schor.29 Sep 2025 · 56 min
How to Spend Your Time and Money Better (with Nobel Prize Winner Richard Thaler)Behavioral economics “irrationalities” that affect decisions about money and time, and how to design environments/policies to reduce harm and improve well-being.22 Sep 2025 · 49 min · 24 chapters