Podcasts about Greater Good Science Center

Dr. Diana Hill interviews contemplative social scientist and emotion researcher Dr. Eve Ekman, senior fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and co-creator (with her father Paul Ekman) of The Atlas of Emotions, a tool requested by the Dalai Lama to help people understand how emotions arise and are experienced. They discuss why “emotion regulation” can miss the larger richness of emotions, and how the Atlas emphasizes triggers, physiology, personal history, and—most importantly—our responses, which can be constructive or destructive. Ekman describes building awareness over time rather than relying on quick fixes, the costs of suppression, and the role of sangha and relationships in working with emotions. The conversation also explores grief, caregiving, Father's Day, impermanence, and Ekman's experience losing her 91-year-old father after dementia, including relief, tenderness, and the social nature of emotions.Listen and Learn:Emotions are more than something to regulate.Emotional awareness is built through practice.Making room for grief can deepen love and connection.Related ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodeBecome a Wise Effort Community memberSign up for my newsletterOrder my book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsSee Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana's website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.Mentioned in this episode:Tell the Truth Salon Series You are invited to join me live in person or streaming online here in Santa Barbara to Tell the Truth Salon Series. This is something that I have been dreaming up for a while now. I want us to gather in person, online, and have real conversations, unedited, unscripted, with people who are change-makers in our world, but also to uncover our own inner truths. https://drdianahill.com/salonTell the Truth Salon Series

As Halle Stanford drove through Topanga Canyon in Southern California, with Dolly Parton blasting from the car speakers, she was struck by a moment of inspiration. “I had this vision of a little hedgehog on the side of the road in her little pink hiking boots, with her guitar in her bag, out to find the wows of the world,” says Stanford, an independent television producer. A few days later, she came across research from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center showing that awe — the emotion we experience when we encounter vast mysteries that we don't understand — inspires us to care for the planet and one another. “And I was like, ‘Bingo, that's it.'”That connection became the basis for Wowsabout, a new Jim Henson Company puppet preschool special on PBS designed to bring awe to young audiences. Created by Stanford and puppeteer Dorien Davies, the 30-minute special maps the journeys of Roxy, a free-spirited hedgehog, and Ronald, a fastidious city pig, as they explore Sequoia National Park. Together, they experience moments of awe, like when standing beneath towering Sequoias and watching migrating California tortoiseshell butterflies. And they meet others along the way, including Pekan, a puppet representing the endangered southern Sierra Nevada fisher who guides them to see historic pictographs carved into the park's rock formations. Awe isn't a luxury emotion, but an evolutionary necessity, says Dacher Keltner, a Berkeley psychology professor and the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center. “It makes kids kinder, it makes kids more creative. … Awe really helps kids stay curious, and be in love with big ideas.”Keltner has studied the science of awe for more than a decade, and in 2023 published the book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. He served as a science consultant and co-executive producer for Wowsabout. In this episode of Berkeley Talks, Stanford and Davies join Keltner and others from the Greater Good Science Center — education director Vicki Zakrzewski and parenting program director Maryam Abdullah — in a talk moderated by Sarah Bracken, education outreach and school partnerships manager at the center. The group discusses the logistical hurdles of translating wonder into film and why cultivating everyday curiosity has become an essential antidote to modern social disconnection. The conversation took place on May 13 and was hosted by the Greater Good Science Center. Watch a video of the panel discussion. (The screening of Wowsabout was removed from the recording for copyright reasons.) Audiences can watch the full Wowsabout special for free on PBS Kids.Listen to the episode and read the transcript on UC Berkeley News (news.berkeley.edu/podcasts/berkeley-talks).Music by by HoliznaCC0.Photo courtesy of The Jim Henson Company. It's a screenshot from Wowsabout that shows Ronald, the pig puppet, sitting on a mossy log in a forest campsite, smiling happily while holding a park booklet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Awe?! You can study this? You can, and it turns out it's really important for our mental health. Dr. Dacher Keltner, the legendary UC Berkeley psychology professor, author, and founding director of the Greater Good Science Center, lent us some time to chat about his research into what makes us feel awe, and how that sense of vastness can make our lives and relationships richer. From spending some time under starry skies, to walking past ancient ruins, to listening to a favorite song, these big and little moments can help us feel smaller in the best way. Also: hop into a mosh pit.  Visit Dr. Keltner's website Buy his book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, on Bookshop.org or Amazon Listen to his series, Cities of Awe, on the Science of Happiness podcast A donation went to the Bay Area Freedom Collective More episode sources and links Other episodes you may enjoy: Eudemonology (HAPPINESS), Awesomeology (GRATITUDE FOR LITTLE THINGS), Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS), Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS), Museology (MUSEUMS), Fanthropology (FANDOM), FIELD TRIP: I Chase the 2024 Eclipse with Umbraphiles, FIELD TRIP: How to Change Your Life via the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles 400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes Sponsors of Ologies Transcripts and bleeped episodes Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes! Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee Managing Director: Susan Hale Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth Transcripts by Aveline Malek  Website by Kelly R. Dwyer Theme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The case of the dog trainer who loves her dogs, but doesn't feel close to them anymore. Please note: This story contains brief mention of suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8, or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.Funding for this story was provided by the University of California, Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, as part of its “Spreading Love Through the Media” initiative, supported by the John Templeton Foundation.From the episode: — Jen Blough, LPC — therapist, compassion fatigue educator,  and author of To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior — learn about her compassion fatigue certification program and more: www.animalwelfarewellness.comResources on compassion fatigue, pet caregiving, and pet loss:—Compassion fatigue resources from ASPCApro—Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOl) — a free self-assessment tool for compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress—Pet caregiver burden resources from Insight Animal Behavior Services—Cornell Pet Loss Support HotlineNew to Proxy?— Try Bisexual Wife Guy — one of the clearest examples of what this show does— Or Brian Can't Stop Fact-Checking His Mother-In-Law — when love, duty, and resentment get tangled upFor episode liner notes, show gossip, and dispatches from the emotions beat, get File Under Feelings, our free newsletter, at proxyhq.org.Proxy is an independent show, supported mostly by listeners. Paid members get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, live Proxy hangs, and the satisfaction of keeping emotional investigative journalism alive

Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them.How To Do This Practice:  Arrive and Settle: Find a quiet place to sit or stand. Gently close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a few slow, steady breaths, allowing your body to relax and the noise of the day to quiet. Call to Mind Someone Who Inspires You: Think of a person whose character deeply moves you—someone whose courage, kindness, integrity, or compassion stands out. Let one specific moment come to mind when they embodied those qualities. Replay the Moment: Picture what they did as clearly as you can. What action did they take? What values were they expressing? Stay with the details of that moment and what made it meaningful. Notice How It Lands in Your Body: As you hold this image, turn your attention inward. What do you feel physically? Warmth, openness, a softening, maybe even emotion rising—just observe without judgment. Name What Matters to You: Reflect on why this moment resonates so deeply. What value or sense of purpose does it point to—justice, care, truth, courage, love? Let yourself name what feels most true for you. Ask yourself: What's one small way I can live this value today? It might be in how you speak to someone, how you show up in your work, or how you care for yourself or others. Carry this intention with you as you move forward. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today's Happiness Break Guide:DACHER KELTNER is the host of the Greater Good Science Center's award-winning podcast, The Science of Happiness and is a co-instructor of the GGSC's popular online course of the same name. He's also the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:Embodying Resilience: https://tinyurl.com/46383mhxA Meditation on Becoming a Gift to Life: https://tinyurl.com/yc76n7urVisualizing Your Purpose: https://tinyurl.com/3ndn95zrRelated Science of Happiness episodes:What's Your “Why” in Life?: https://tinyurl.com/b38kdt68How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpmPause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/33uyrykc

My team is on our first ever retreat this week! I wanted to practice what I preach and give everyone the chance to relax and restore in Arizona, so this week, I hand picked one of my all-time favorite episodes to share with you. If you care about feeling good, about happiness, this episode is gonna change your life—I recorded it over a year ago and I still talk about it weekly. Also, it'll make you feel good while listening. Enjoy, and see you next week for a fresh new episode! - xo Liz You've probably heard that you should spend more time in nature, practice gratitude, or meditate—but you may not know that one single emotion underlies the benefits of all of those things. Today, we're talking about awe: what it actually is, why the science says it might be the most important emotion you're not prioritizing, and exactly how to build more of it into your life starting today. I'm joined by Dr. Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology at UC Berkeley, founder of the Greater Good Science Center, and the world's leading researcher on awe. He's also the scientist behind the emotions in Pixar's Inside Out and Inside Out 2. Over 15 years of research, Dacher has studied awe across 26 countries, gathered over 2,600 stories of awe from around the world, and built a growing body of evidence showing that this one emotion can reduce anxiety, lower inflammation, ease chronic pain, combat loneliness, and even help with PTSD, sometimes more powerfully than pharmaceuticals. The best part? You don't need a trip to the Grand Canyon to find it. Awe is closer than you think.

Stacey is joined by beloved authors and educators Lily Howard Scott and Ralph Fletcher to explore how teacher language shapes students' writerly identities. They examine what it means to make writing personal and joyful, even amid standards, rubrics, and formulaic structures like the five-paragraph essay. Lily and Ralph offer practical tips for using inclusive, encouraging language that welcomes every child and keeps their voices at the center. The conversation also explores the impact of AI, asking important questions about creativity, authenticity, and how we help young writers distinguish real writing from AI-generated text. This episode will leave you rethinking how your words as a teacher can help build or limit students' confidence and independence as writers.Ralph Fletcher has written over fifty books for writing teachers and young readers. His books include Fig Pudding, Flying Solo, Marshfield Dreams: When I Was a Kid, Joy Write, Craft Lessons, and Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide. His most recent book for writing teachers is Tapping the Writer Within: Practical Ways to Help All Students Claim Their Wri-dentity (published by Corwin). Ralph visits schools and frequently speaks at educational conferences around the world, helping teachers find wiser ways of teaching writing. Check out his website, or follow him on Facebook or Instagram.Lily Howard Scott, MSEd is an educator and author. She teaches graduate school at Bank Street College of Education and supports school leaders, teachers, and caregivers around the country with literacy learning and social and emotional learning.  For nearly 10 years, Lily taught elementary school in both independent and public settings. She is the author of The Words That Shape Us (Scholastic), selected by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center as a Top Book for Educators in 2025. Learn more about Lily from her website or follow her on Instagram.Go DeeperMore Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner + a related podcastThe Mind-Expanding Ideas of Andy ClarkThanks to Zencastr: Use our special link to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Send us Fan MailPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.comEmail us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

On this episode, I sit down with Tim Duffy—multiple Emmy®-winning producer/director and former network executive turned mindfulness teacher and coach.  Tim Duffy is a trauma-informed mindfulness expert and executive coach who specializes in high-stress, emotionally complex environments. He's worked with Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, Michelin-starred chefs, law enforcement leaders, network presidents, and frontline mental health providers. Certified through the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley and trained in trauma care through NICABM, Tim blends his background in behavioral psychology with over 10,000 hours of contemplative practice and real-world business success to create tools that are emotionally intelligent, practical, and scalable. A two-time Emmy Award-winner and former Paramount network executive, Tim brings a rare ability to make well-being engaging, memorable, and deeply human. He helps caregivers and leaders not just reset—but rewire for joy. Tim has shaped stories across traditional TV, streaming, digital, and social, and now helps creatives and teams access presence, clarity, and flow. We dive into how authenticity wins in casting, why your first 3–5 seconds can make or break an audition, and how mindfulness transforms performance, collaboration, and leadership. Tim takes us behind the scenes of his career—from early days at Game Show Network to launching the West Coast division at Spike TV (now Paramount Network)—sharing what buyers listen for, how he evaluates truth in a read, and when improvisation helps (and when it absolutely doesn't). You'll hear a hilarious and humbling story about giving notes to a powerhouse producer, plus what it took to shape narration with Emeril Lagasse in post—proof that even on-camera legends benefit from expert VO direction. We also get practical about mindfulness for creatives: moving from “zombie mode” (lost in thought) to the mindful witness; practicing compassionate accountability; and using an attitude of allowing to free your voice, make wiser choices, and sustain your creative momentum. If you're a working pro or just getting started, Tim's blend of industry know-how and inner skills will help you show up real, connected, and ready. In this episode, we explore: The casting buyer's ear: how to spark a “huh, interesting” in seconds Slate or no slate? Using dynamic contrast to signal humanity fast Smart improv: when a “freestyle” take helps, and when it hurts Directing narration: shaping emphasis, enunciation, and emotional truth Mindfulness for performers: escaping overthinking and dropping into flow “Alignment” as a compass for VO careers—and why training still matters Want to connect with Tim? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-duffy-11053186/ IG: @meditatingwithduffy Email: tim@timduffymeditation.com (Private coaching, team workshops, and mindfulness for creatives/corporate) Want to connect with Justine? You can find her at:  Website: https://empoweredvoicecoach.com/ Email: justine@suchavoice.com IG: @justinereiss And to receive an INTRO TO VOICEOVER webinar email the request to justine@suchavoice.com I hope you enjoy this powerful and inspirational episode just as much as I did!  If you did please leave a review for us!  Check out this recent incredible review of The VoiceOver Pod: “The Queen, Justine Reiss This wonderful lady is truly the Queen of our business. Justine is sincere, honest, exhilarating, exuberant, polarizing, and energetic!! You inevitably get caught up in the moment with her enthusiasm and love for the craft! She and the guests on the podcast have a genuine vibe that you can feel and hear in their voices! As a person, I am honored to have Justine as a mentor and guide as a newcomer to the voice acting industry. She is truly one of the best in what she does!" - Dave Kaleel  Tune in to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts  Thank you for listening!   -- Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voiceover actors here:  bit.ly/3hT7ylz Want to learn more about voiceover? Check out Justine's introductory webinar here:  https://go.oncehub.com/YoureOnTheAirWithJustine

After growing up in a home shaped by violence, racism, and fear, a woman is stunned to receive an apology from the girl who bullied her in middle school, forcing her to reckon with the harm they both carried and the possibility of repair. Today's episode featured Christy Davis. If you'd like to contact Christy, you can email her at MsChristy_Creative@proton.me. Christy's episode is part 2 of a 2 part series. Christy has recently started adding her writing to Substack: https://substack.com/@mschristy Today's episode was produced in collaboration with Pauline Bartolone, and was funded in part by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, as part of its "Spreading Love Through the Media" initiative, supported by the John Templeton Foundation. Pauline can be reached at paulinebartolone.org and on Instagram @pmbartolone Producers: Whit Missildine, Pauline Bartolone Content/Trigger Warnings: child abuse, domestic violence, emotional abuse, racismracial slurs, bullying, physical assault, threats of violence, animal cruelty, parental infidelity, alcoholism, misogyny, depression, PTSD / trauma, medical trauma, hysterectomy, family estrangement, death of a parent, grief, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter/X: @TIAHPodcastFacebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happeningAudible subscribers can listen to all episodes of THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app or visit Audible.com. Read more about Whit's insights into each episode on Beyond The Story Substack: whitmissildine.substack.com. On the Substack, Whit will be sharing personal reflections on the deeper themes that emerge from each episode and from across the conversations he's been immersed in for years, including the psychology of radical transformation, the power of storytelling, the lessons of trauma and healing, and how we die to an old Self and are reborn. He'll share behind-the-scenes glimpses into the making of the show and his own personal journey in creating it. Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com Intro Music: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic Bed: Pure_Ambience_APM ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After narrowly surviving one of the deadliest tornados in US history, a woman is driven to confront a long-buried harm, finding in the aftermath a deeper sense of purpose, forgiveness, and service. Today's episode featured Nanda Nunnelly. If you'd like to contact Nanda, you can email her at Nandanunnelly@gmail.com. Nanda's episode is part 1 of a 2 part series. Nanda's cause and organization, Minnie Hackney Community Service Center of Joplin, is on Facebook, or you can visit the website at Minniehackneycommunityservicecenter.com. Today's episode was produced in collaboration with Pauline Bartolone, and was funded in part by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, as part of its ""Spreading Love Through the Media"" initiative, supported by the John Templeton Foundation. Pauline can be reached at paulinebartolone.org and on Instagram @pmbartolone Producers: Whit Missildine, Pauline Bartolone Content/Trigger Warnings: racism, racial terror, forced psychiatric commitment, bullying, physical assault, tornado and disaster trauma, injury, death, grief, loss of home, mental health crisis, substance use, and homelessness, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter/X: @TIAHPodcastFacebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happeningAudible subscribers can listen to all episodes of THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app or visit Audible.com. Read more about Whit's insights into each episode on Beyond The Story Substack: whitmissildine.substack.com. On the Substack, Whit will be sharing personal reflections on the deeper themes that emerge from each episode and from across the conversations he's been immersed in for years, including the psychology of radical transformation, the power of storytelling, the lessons of trauma and healing, and how we die to an old Self and are reborn. He'll share behind-the-scenes glimpses into the making of the show and his own personal journey in creating it. Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com Intro Music: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic Bed: Pure_Ambience_APM ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Thomas sits down for a touching conversation on navigating the complex dynamics of parent-child relationships with father-and-son duo, Rick and Forrest Hanson.In this intimate interview, Rick, a renowned psychologist and author, and Forrest, author and host of the “Being Well” podcast, share their unique and personal perspectives on healthy power dynamics, children's autonomy, identity development, the inevitability of parental mistakes, and what's needed for repair and forgiveness.Thomas brings his own experiences as a parent forward in a dialogue that offers a loving and healthy vision of fatherhood and masculinity. They also discuss family relationships from a bigger-picture perspective, and explore how individual family dynamics reflect broader societal wounds and forge paths for collective healing and generational pattern breaking.✨ Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:

Originally released January 9, 2024. New Kindred episodes will drop starting in April 2026.In this week's episode from our archives, we speak with psychologist Jill Suttie, staff writer and contributing editor for the Greater Good Science Center, at University of California, Berkeley. Jill connects us to how being in nature helps us on a deep psychological, neurological, and overall physical level. We wanted to know what was actually happening in our brains and bodies when we spend time in nature and how those experiences translate to our mental and physical health. We all know we love being around the beauty and calm of nature but how does it support our health? Jill leads us down a path and into the space of nature where she answers these questions. Enjoy this episode full of those “A-Ha” moments!Please share this conversation with all your fellow humans. Lots of Love.Show Notes:https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/jill_suttie

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/TheScienceofLoveThe Science of Love, with Geena Davis (Episode 1): https://tinyurl.com/bfave5wdHow 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhrRelated Happiness Breaks:Visualizing Your Best Self in Relationships: https://tinyurl.com/4797z2vfA Guided Meditation on Embodied Love: https://tinyurl.com/3dmpfam6A Meditation on Love and Interconnectedness: https://tinyurl.com/ye6baxv3Today'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/2vvav8xjMessage us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu 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/2p9h5aapFunding 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/TheScienceofLoveThe Science of Love, with Geena Davis (Episode 1): https://tinyurl.com/bfave5wdHow 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhrToday'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/daniellevitinofficialJOHN 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/2c39cs6rANNA 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 happinesspod@berkeley.edu 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/2p9h5aapFunding 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

Science - PRX and Greater Good Science Center

In this episode, we talk to two scientists who study animal friendships, in different animals, and in different ways. We'll hear from Karen Bales, who studies titi monkeys (AKA “fuzzy little guys”) and Annaliese Beery, who studies voles (AKA “the cutest rodents”). Get ready to discover how animal friends play and cuddle - and what they can teach us about our own friendships.  This episode was produced thanks to a generous grant from the Greater Good Science Center. Check out their website for all kinds of awesome quizzes, information, and more! Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact

In a culture that often reduces love to romance, we 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/TheScienceofLove36 Questions to Spark Love and Connection: https://tinyurl.com/ktcpz78uHow 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhrToday's Guests:ANN DRUYAN is an author, activist, and documentary producer.Learn more about Ann Druyan's work here: https://tinyurl.com/5n8crkevDANIEL LEVITIN is a neuroscientist, musician, and bestselling author.Follow Daniel Levitin on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daniellevitinofficialJESSICA EISE is a social and environmental scientist and is an assistant professor of social and environmental challenges with Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington.Learn more about Jessica Elise 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/knm4du4mILANA BRITO is a biomedical engineering professor at Cornell University.Learn more about Ilana Brito here: https://tinyurl.com/mtnhw3ydCONSTANCE 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/523wc9wxMessage us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu 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/2p9h5aapFunding 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

After a white supremecist killed his father at a Sikh temple outside of Milwaukee, Pardeep Singh Kaleka pairs up with a former neo-Nazi to teach students about overcoming hate and finding forgiveness. Today's episode was produced in collaboration with Pauline Bartolone, and was funded in part by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, as part of its "Spreading Love Through the Media" initiative, supported by the John Templeton Foundation. Pauline can be reached at paulinebartolone.org and on Instagram @pmbartolone Today's episode featured Pardeep Singh Kaleka. If you'd like to reach out to Pardeep, you can email him at Pardeep.S.Kaleka@gmail.com. Pardeep is on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn @pardeepsinghkalekaPardeep is the Clinical Director at Mental Health America–Wisconsin, a senior anti-hate advocate, and co-author of The Gift of Our Wounds. After losing his father in the 2012 Oak Creek Sikh Temple attack, he became a leading voice for community healing, resilience, and faith. With over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, education, mental health, and supporting hate-crime survivors, Pardeep has served with the U.S. Department of Justice–CRS and led the Interfaith Conference. He specializes in communal trauma and helps public health professionals, educators, and law enforcement develop community-oriented strategies to address conflict, hate, and rising targeted violence.Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Pauline Bartolone Content/Trigger Warnings: Mass shooting / gun violence, Murder / death, Hate crime / domestic terrorism, White supremacy / neo-Nazi ideology, Racism / religious persecution (anti-Sikh bias; Islamophobia mentioned), PTSD / trauma responses, Suicidal ideation (students mention feeling suicidal), Bullying, Addiction / substance abuse, Graphic violence / execution-style killing details. Police shooting / officer shot, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcast Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite for Pauline Bartolone: pmbartolone.org Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com Intro Music: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic Bed: KPM Main Series (KPM) - Barely There ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A broad group of leaders from academia and the private sector — including UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons and neuroscientist Emiliana Simon-Thomas of the Greater Good Science Center — discuss how kindness is a strategic asset rather than a professional weakness, and why the traditional “jerk” model of leadership is scientifically flawed.This shift toward evidence-based management, the panelists point out, is backed by massive datasets. “When companies perform very well, we find that prosocial CEOs are more likely to share credit with others,” explains Weili Ge, a professor at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, drawing on data from a decadelong analysis of 3,500 corporate leaders. “And when firms don't do well,” she continues, “they're less likely to shift the blame, they're more likely to take responsibility. This is quite different from self-centered CEOs, who are more likely to take credit when things go well and shift the blame when things don't go well."The panelists include: Rich Lyons: 12th chancellor of UC Berkeley Emiliana Simon-Thomas: Science director at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science CenterWeili Ge: Professor of accounting at the University of Washington's Foster School of BusinessYamini Rangan: CEO of HubSpot, Berkeley alumKeyAnna Schmiedl: Chief human experience officer at WorkhumanDenis Ring: Former CEO of Ocho Chocolates, creator of the Whole Foods 365 brandKia Afcari (moderator): Director of Greater Good Workplaces at the Greater Good Science CenterThe event, which took place on Dec. 1, 2025, was hosted by the Greater Good Science Center in partnership with the Berkeley Center for Workplace Culture and Innovation.Listen to the episode and read the transcript on UC Berkeley News (news.berkeley.edu/podcasts/berkeley-talks).Music by HoliznaCC0.Video screenshot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Marsh is the executive director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC-Berkeley. Greater Good is committed to sharing science-based insights with educators, parents, and other professionals to foster meaningful lives and a thriving society. In recent years, Greater Good has received grants from the John Templeton Foundation to engage and promote virtues such as intellectual humility and love. He joins the podcast to discuss their research and how your life can be improved by practicing intellectual humility.  At their best, holidays fill us with hope, wonder, generosity, love, and joy. But what is joy, really, and can we experience it even when life is turbulent and tough going? To learn more, check out Alene Dawson's Templeton Ideas essay Unwrapping the Science of Joy. Join our growing community of 200,000+ listeners and be notified of new episodes of Templeton Ideas. Subscribe today.  Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn , and YouTube.    

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2815: Karl Staib shares practical strategies for cultivating a gratitude habit in children that can create lifelong emotional resilience and stronger family bonds. By modeling gratitude, using creative prompts, and embedding it into daily routines, parents can help kids develop a more positive and grounded outlook on life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/how-to-build-a-gratitude-habit-with-your-kids/ Quotes to ponder: "Gratitude is one of the best habits we can help our kids develop because it teaches them to focus on the good in their lives." "When we express gratitude, we shift our mindset from what we lack to what we have." "A simple prompt like 'What made you smile today?' can help a child focus on the positive." Episode references: 5 Minute Journal for Kids: https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal-for-kids Greater Good Science Center: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299  

When gratitude feels distant, gently notice what's here now— creating space for both heaviness and small moments of appreciation.How To Do This Practice: Get Comfortable: Sit upright or lie down. Whatever feels most supportive. Then soften your gaze or close your eyes. Take Three Slow Breaths: Let your body begin to settle. Feel the tension release a little more with each exhale. Notice How You're Feeling: Without changing anything, simply acknowledge what's present—tiredness, frustration, numbness, ease—whatever it is. Make Space for What's Hard: Recognize that the world can feel heavy. It's okay to hold grief, anger, or stress. You don't have to push it away. Gently Notice the Present Moment: Shift your attention to something neutral: your breath, your feet on the floor, the air on your skin. Just observe. Look for One Small Thing to Appreciate: Ask: Is there anything, however small, I can be thankful for right now? A warm cup of coffee, a slower breath, the fact that you showed up. Today's Happiness Break Guide:DACHER KELTNER is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast and is a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center's popular online course of the same name. He's also a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5Who Takes Care of You: https://tinyurl.com/5xmfkf73Related Science of Happiness episodes:Nine Steps to Forgiveness: https://tinyurl.com/vb7kk5kyHow to Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xcWho's Always There for You: https://tinyurl.com/yt3ejj6wWe 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: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/f6xa56mx

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about! Captain's Dinner: A Shipwreck, an Act of Cannibalism, and a Murder Trial That Changed Legal History!Guest: Adam Cohen - acclaimed journalist, Pulitzer Prize juror, and New York Times bestselling author Why a 50-year mortgage - though controversial - may actually protect middle-class families during economic uncertainty?Guest: Lance Morgan - financial expert and the Founder & CEO of College Funding Secrets. A Certified Financial Educator and best-selling author Dronabinol May Be Safe And Effective Pharmacologic Option For Managing Agitation In Adults With Alzheimer’s Disease, Study SuggestsGuest: Brent Forester, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Chair of Psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center and Director of Behavioral Health for Tufts Medicine & senior author on the paper, which found that synthetic THC was safe and effective for reducing agitation in adults with Alzheimer’s disease 5 Ways to Keep the Peace at the Thanksgiving TableGuest: Juliana Tafur - Inaugural director of the Bridging Differences program at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, where she leads the center’s bridging work in communities, universities, and organizations. A TEDx speaker, Emmy-nominated producer, and 2021–22 Obama Foundation Scholar, she creates experiences that bring people together across differences to foster connection and belonging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last two decades, a multitude of scientific studies by leading researchers have empirically demonstrated what we intuitively knew to be true: The benefits of prosocial behaviors and motivations in the workplace are vast and undeniable, including significant improvements in employee well-being, innovation capability, employee retention, and overall business performance. I had the great honor of interviewing one of these researchers and her colleague last week.  Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D, is the science director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, where she leads major research initiatives and co-teaches the “Science of Happiness” course, which is the world's largest course of its kind. A UC Berkeley–trained neuroscientist, she studies how prosocial states such as compassion, gratitude, and awe support health and well-being in life and at work. Her colleague, Kia Afcari, is the Director of Greater Good Workplaces at GGSC with over 20 years of experience helping leaders, teams, and organizations create collaborative, prosocial change across sectors. His innovative methods, coaching and facilitation credentials, TEDx talk, and award-winning culture-change work reflect his commitment to translating the science of prosociality into lasting organizational impact. Compassionate leadership is both ethical and effective, and if you want to explore more resources related to Why Kind Leaders Win, subscribe to the Greater Good Magazine.

Explore a gentle practice for releasing resentment and finding freedom through forgiveness.How To Do This Practice:  Prepare Your Space and Body: Find a quiet, safe place to sit and take slow, grounding breaths. Notice any tension in your body and gently release it with each exhale. Identify Who You're Ready to Forgive: Bring to mind two or three people who have hurt you, and start with the one whose actions feel least painful. Reflect on how this hurt still affects your emotions and body. Acknowledge the Hurt: Recognize what happened and how it impacted your life, trust, or well-being. Allow yourself to feel the pain without judgment. Seek to Understand (Without Excusing): Consider what struggles or past hurts might have influenced the other person's behavior. This step is about seeing their humanity, not condoning their actions. Make the Choice to Forgive: When you feel ready, make an inner decision to release resentment and let go of the burden it carries. Offer kindness, respect, or simply your intention to move forward. Reflect and Offer Yourself Compassion: Notice any small sense of softening or relief, and honor where you are in the process. End by thanking yourself for taking a step toward healing. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today's Happiness Break Guide: DACHER KELTNER is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast and is a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center's popular online course of the same name. He's also a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:A Science-Backed Path to Self-Forgiveness: https://tinyurl.com/yh2a5urtA Note to Self on Forgiveness: https://tinyurl.com/y53tkn87Make Uncertainty Part of the Process: https://tinyurl.com/234u5ds7Related Science of Happiness episodes:Nine Steps to Forgiveness: https://tinyurl.com/vb7kk5kyThe Science of Letting Go: https://tinyurl.com/566t8udfThe Contagious Power of Compassion: https://tinyurl.com/3x7w2s5sThis episode was supported by a generous grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation as part of a Greater Good Science Center project on "Putting the Science of Forgiveness into Practice."We'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/trnz9x8n

Discover how forgiveness reshapes the brain, eases the body, and helps us move forward with greater compassion and freedom.Summary: Forgiveness isn't about forgetting or excusing—it's about releasing the grip of resentment so we can make room for peace. Research shows it also engages empathy, strengthens emotional regulation, and helps us reconnect with what truly matters. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we look at how forgiveness transforms not just relationships, but our overall well-being.How To Do This Practice: Acknowledge the hurt: Be honest about what happened and how it affected you—avoiding or denying the pain can keep it alive. Empathize with the other person: Try to see their humanity and what might have led them to act as they did, without excusing the harm. Choose to forgive: Decide, for your own peace, to let go of resentment and stop letting the past control your emotions. Offer forgiveness as a gift: Imagine extending understanding or compassion toward the person, even if they never apologize. Commit to your choice: Write it down, share it, or reflect on it as a reminder of your intention when old feelings resurface. Practice holding on to peace: When reminders or emotions arise, return to calm, compassion, or gratitude—strengthening forgiveness over time. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today's Guests:DR. EVERETT WORTHINGTON is one of the world's leading experts on forgiveness. Learn more about Dr. Everett Worthington here: https://www.evworthington-forgiveness.com/DR. EMILIANA SIMON-THOMAS is a neuroscientist and Director of Science at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center.Learn more about Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas here: https://tinyurl.com/2z7mhjbmRelated The Science of Happiness episodes:  The Contagious Power of Compassion: https://tinyurl.com/3x7w2s5sNine Steps to Forgiveness: https://tinyurl.com/vb7kk5kyWhy Compassion Requires Vulnerability: https://tinyurl.com/yxw4uhpfRelated Happiness Breaks:A Science-Backed Path to Self-Forgiveness: https://tinyurl.com/yh2a5urtMake Uncertainty Part of the Process: https://tinyurl.com/234u5ds7A Note to Self on Forgiveness: https://tinyurl.com/y53tkn87This episode was supported by a generous grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation as part of a Greater Good Science Center project on "Putting the Science of Forgiveness into Practice."Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu 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/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/566t8udf

Both science and Scripture agree on something powerful: generosity is good for you. The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley found that generosity leads to better health, longer life, stronger relationships and yes, greater happiness. And long before researchers confirmed it, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." That's the heart of this series—and of this season. At Christmastime, the spirit of generosity shines brightest. One study found that people are 14 percent more likely to make a donation in December than in any other month of the year. But here's the thing: giving isn't just about what we give. It's about how we give. And that's why we're calling it: Give With Joy. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Dacher Keltner is the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. He's one of the world's leading scientists studying emotions, and his latest book is "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life." In this episode, Dacher tells Sarah why we need awe, and where (and how) to find it each and every day. He also shares the deeply personal story of losing his brother to colon cancer, and why this relationship was a key source of awe in his life. You can learn more about Dacher Keltner's work and find his book here:https://www.dacherkeltner.com/

Dedicating a little time to tune into your body fortifies you to better handle the stresses of daily life.How To Do This Practice:  Find your space: Choose a quiet place where you feel safe and comfortable. You can sit, stand, or lie down, whatever helps you relax. If sitting, rest your hands on your thighs; if standing, let them hang by your sides. Begin with your breath: Close your eyes. Inhale slowly to a count of four, feeling your belly and chest expand. Exhale to a count of four, letting your body soften. Notice the temperature of the air as it moves in and out through your nose. Start at your feet: Bring your attention to your feet on the ground. Notice sensations— pressure, warmth, tingling. Gently wiggle your toes. On the next breath, move your awareness to your ankles and calves, then your knees, thanking them for their steady work. Move up the body: With each breath, shift attention upward. Thighs, hips, and lower back, then your stomach. Feel it rise and fall with your breath. Continue up through your back and shoulders, releasing any tension there. Soften the upper body: Turn your attention to your throat, face, and head. Relax your jaw, smooth your forehead, and feel any soft tingling at the top of your head. Then bring awareness to your hands and fingers. Close with awareness: Take a few final deep breaths. On your last exhale, open your eyes gently. Notice how your body feels and carry that awareness into the rest of your day. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today's Happiness Break Guide:DACHER KELTNER is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast and is a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center's popular online course of the same name. He's also a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:A Mindful Breath Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/mr9d22krEmbodying Resilience: https://tinyurl.com/46383mhxThe Healing Power of Your Own Touch: https://tinyurl.com/y4ze59h8Related Science of Happiness episodes:Breathe Away Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/3u7vsrr5How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xcHow Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/4fjwac6y

In dieser Folge ist alles ein bisschen anders: Diesmal übernimmt Lisa Jikeli die Rolle der Host und fragt mich über die Emotion Awe, ein Gefühl zwischen Staunen, Ehrfurcht und Verbundenheit, und meine Reise ins Esalen Institute in Kalifornien aus. In Esalen habe ich an einem Workshop mit Dacher Keltner (UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center) teilgenommen. Wir sprechen darüber, wie Awe unser Wohlbefinden, unsere Kreativität und unsere Beziehungen beeinflusst – und warum Staunen ein wichtiger Teil von emotionaler und kreativer Gesundheit ist. Themen der Folge:Was die Emotion Awe bedeutetWarum Dankbarkeit, Liebe und Natur Zugänge zu diesem Zustand sindWie wir Awe im Alltag kultivieren können – auch im ArbeitskontextWelche Rolle Gemeinschaft und geteilte Erfahrungen dabei spielen

It can be difficult to figure out where to start or what needs to change when we seek to increase the happiness in our lives. There are lots of people with ideas and plans, but what does science have to say?The UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center has drawn on its popular “The Science of Happiness” course and podcast to produce a book called The Science of Happiness Workbook. It includes short, step-by-step practices people can incorporate into their lives—many that can take only 5 or 10 minutes to do. It's about cultivating the skills and traits that research demonstrates could help people feel happier and more connected to others, from self-compassion to awe to empathy to purpose. It also includes quizzes, tips for overcoming obstacles, and inspiring stories.Join us at Commonwealth World Affairs to hear from Workbook authors Kira M. Newman, Jill Suttie and Shuka Kalantari about cultivating greater well-being and stronger relationships.About the Speakers Shuka Kalantari is the executive producer of the award-winning podcast "The Science of Happiness," which shares narrative stories and research-backed practices to support personal growth, stronger communities, and a healthier environment. Before this, Kalantari worked as a journalist reporting on health disparities in marginalized communities around the world. Her work has appeared on NPR, "The World" from PRX, WNYC's "The Takeaway," KQED Public Radio, HuffPost, Vice, and more. Kira M. Newman is the managing editor of Greater Good magazine at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Her work has been published in a variety of outlets, including The Washington Post, HuffPost, Mindful magazine, and TED Ideas, and she is co-editor of The Gratitude Project(New Harbinger, 2020). She has created large communities around the science of happiness, including the online course "The Year of Happy" and the CaféHappy meetup in Toronto, Canada. Newman is also a personal trainer at New Element Training and was previously a technology journalist and editor for Tech.Co. Jill Suttie, Psy.D., is a staff writer and contributing editor for Greater Good magazine, where she translates scientific findings on compassion, altruism, forgiveness, mindfulness, awe, and more, providing tips for personal and social well-being. She also writes about the impacts of bias, technology, nature, music, and social policy on individual mental health, relationships, and society. Outside of Greater Good, her writing has appeared in the Huffington Post, The Washington Post, Mindful, and Yes! magazine, among others, and she's been a featured podcast speaker. A musician in her spare time, she has two CDs of original songs that can be found at jillsuttie.com. Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is a nonprofit public forum; we welcome donations made during registration to support the production of our programming. Photos courtesy the speakers. Commonwealth Club World Affairs is a public forum. Any views expressed in our programs are those of the speakers and not of Commonwealth Club World Affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes your jaw drop? A celestial event? A powerful piece of music? In this episode, explore awe in its many forms, from a total solar eclipse to the psychology of wonder. Psychologist Dacher Keltner breaks down the science of awe, cellist Yumi Kendall shares how music transports us, and Audacious listeners share their most treasured moments of awe. This episode originally aired on March 14, 2025. GUESTS: Mara Suttmann-Lea, Joseph Dickerson, and Stefan Keller: Awestruck with Chion in Vermont during the April 8, 2024 total eclipse. Click here to watch a video of the experience Dacher Keltner: Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center. He hosts The Science of Happiness podcast, and he’s the author of many scientific articles and several books, including Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life Yumi Kendall: Assistant Principal Cellist at the Philadelphia Orchestra. She founded and co-hosts the Tacet No More podcast Awestruck Audacious listeners who sent in voice memos (in order of appearance): Brenton Graveley, Carissa Teff, Levi Lomasky, Vinny Camire, Khaleel Rahman, Anne Mercer, Michelle Horsley, Erin Shapland, Pamela Morrison-Wolf, Maria Raviele, Carl Delmolino, Paul Gladis, Jane Carroll, Nell Codner, Catherine Shen, Maggie Downie, Brian Foley, Allison Durham, Jennifer LaRue, Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the science director at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, Emiliana Simon-Thomas thinks a lot about how prosocial emotions and behaviors — like compassion and gratitude — influence our well-being and society as a whole. And recently, she's been more deeply exploring the effects of forgiveness. “Forgiveness is an idea that most people endorse, that most people feel is a virtue or the right thing to do, but can often be more challenging than we expect in actual day-to-day life,” Simon-Thomas said during a Berkeley event in July. Not only is it difficult to put into practice, she says, but it's also hard to define — it's often understood differently from person to person and culture to culture. In this Berkeley Talks episode, Simon-Thomas is joined in a conversation by child clinical psychologist Allison Briscoe-Smith, a senior fellow at the center, and clinical neuropsychologist Melike Fourie of the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Together, they explore what forgiveness is, how it works in the body and brain and the ways people can practice forgiveness that feel safe and empowering. This event took place on July 30, 2025, and was part of a Greater Good Science Center project on forgiveness supported by the Templeton World Charity Foundation. Learn more on the foundation's Discover Forgiveness website.Watch a video of the conversation on the Greater Good Science Center YouTube page.Listen to the episode and read the transcript on UC Berkeley News (news.berkeley.edu/podcast/berkeley-talks).Music by HoliznaCC0.Photo by Milad Fakurian via Unsplash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Through breath, compassion, and kind words to yourself, this guided meditation helps you forgive yourself, let go, and move forward with love.How To Do This Practice: Get Comfortable: Sit upright but relaxed. Close your eyes or soften your gaze, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Inhale gently through your nose and slowly, twice as long, through your mouth. Bring Something to Mind: Think of a mistake, harsh word, or regret you're holding against yourself. Notice how it feels in your body, without judging it. Acknowledge What Happened: Silently say to yourself: “I acknowledge that I made this mistake.” Take a breath. Remember Your Humanity: Remind yourself: “I am human. Being human means I will sometimes fall short.” Offer Forgiveness: Place a hand over your heart (or somewhere comforting) and repeat: “I forgive myself for this. May I learn from it and move forward.” Close with Kindness: Breathe deeply. Once more, say: “I forgive myself. May I treat myself with kindness.”  Check In with Your Body Again: Notice if anything feels lighter or softer—maybe your breath, your shoulders, or your chest. Allow yourself to rest in that shift, however small. Take one final deep breath: When you feel ready, gently open your eyes and return to your day. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today's Happiness Break Guide:DACHER KELTNER is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast and is a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center's popular online course of the same name. He's also a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4Who Takes Care of You: https://tinyurl.com/5xmfkf73A Note to Self on Forgiveness: https://tinyurl.com/y53tkn87Related Science of Happiness episodes:Nine Steps to Forgiveness: https://tinyurl.com/vb7kk5kyHow to Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xcThis episode is part of "Putting the Science of Forgiveness into Practice," a multiyear project run by the Greater Good Science Center and supported by the Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF). Learn more about forgiveness on TWCF's Discover Forgiveness website.Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/yh2a5urt

Episode 163: Growth in the Chaos — How Our Parenting Has Inspired Our Personal Evolution

Dr. Rick Hanson is a psychologist, senior fellow of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, and bestselling author known for bridging neuroscience, mindfulness, and positive psychology. His work focuses on how the brain can be trained for greater resilience, happiness, and inner strength. Through books such as Hardwiring Happiness and Resilient, Dr. Hanson shares practical, science-based tools to cultivate well-being and reduce stress. He is also a popular speaker and teacher, offering workshops and online programs that integrate psychology, meditation, and neuroscience for personal growth.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Misunderstandings about relationships(04:00) – Love as a practice and skill(08:00) – Brain science and romance(12:00) – Following emotions versus awareness(16:00) – The value of mindfulness(20:00) – Acknowledging feelings and avoidance(24:00) – Negative rumination and brain circuits(28:00) – Exploring what lies beneath rumination(32:00) – Healing after heartbreak(36:00) – Building confidence and self-worth(40:00) – Imposter syndrome and motivation(44:00) – Letting go of inherited beliefs(48:00) – Practical steps for self-respect(52:00) – Choosing the right partner(56:00) – Signs of emotional availability(1:00:00) – Avoidant attachment and relationships(1:04:00) – Moving on from unavailable partners(1:08:00) – Closing thoughts and resourcesLearn more about Dr. Rick HansonBooks:Making Great RelationshipsResilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and HappinessWebsites:rickhanson.com — free resources, videos, and coursesglobalcompassioncoalition.org — initiative he promotes near the endWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3702: Dr. Jenny Brockis explores how compassion is a vital skill for thriving in life and work, not just a feel-good gesture. Drawing from neuroscience and human behavior, she explains how practicing compassion boosts well-being, strengthens relationships, and enhances cognitive function, making us better leaders, colleagues, and people. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drjennybrockis.com/2019/7/18/creating-more-compassion-matters/ Quotes to ponder: "Compassion matters because it helps us to thrive as human beings." "Compassion isn't weak or fluffy. It's courageous and strong." "When we feel seen, heard and valued, we're more open to connection, engagement and change." Episode references: Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education: https://ccare.stanford.edu/ The Greater Good Science Center: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3702: Dr. Jenny Brockis explores how compassion is a vital skill for thriving in life and work, not just a feel-good gesture. Drawing from neuroscience and human behavior, she explains how practicing compassion boosts well-being, strengthens relationships, and enhances cognitive function, making us better leaders, colleagues, and people. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drjennybrockis.com/2019/7/18/creating-more-compassion-matters/ Quotes to ponder: "Compassion matters because it helps us to thrive as human beings." "Compassion isn't weak or fluffy. It's courageous and strong." "When we feel seen, heard and valued, we're more open to connection, engagement and change." Episode references: Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education: https://ccare.stanford.edu/ The Greater Good Science Center: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3702: Dr. Jenny Brockis explores how compassion is a vital skill for thriving in life and work, not just a feel-good gesture. Drawing from neuroscience and human behavior, she explains how practicing compassion boosts well-being, strengthens relationships, and enhances cognitive function, making us better leaders, colleagues, and people. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drjennybrockis.com/2019/7/18/creating-more-compassion-matters/ Quotes to ponder: "Compassion matters because it helps us to thrive as human beings." "Compassion isn't weak or fluffy. It's courageous and strong." "When we feel seen, heard and valued, we're more open to connection, engagement and change." Episode references: Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education: https://ccare.stanford.edu/ The Greater Good Science Center: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breaking down the principles, practices and tactics of conflict resolution to be shared with anyone who is struggling to reach new levels understanding with friends, family and neighbors. A very simple set of moves that just might break the tension. Reference: Bridging Differences Playbook created by the Greater Good Science Center. (Previously aired) 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/adchoices

Just a soft smile and a few minutes of breath can shift your mood, lower stress, and deepen your sense of connection.How To Do This Practice:  Settle In: Find a comfortable seat, rest your hands gently, and soften your gaze or close your eyes. Breathe and Soften: Take a few slow, deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth, relaxing your face, jaw, and neck. Form a Gentle Smile: Let a soft, effortless smile form at the corners of your mouth. Think of something or someone that makes you smile. Turn the Smile Inward: Imagine that smile radiating inside your body, through your face, throat, and chest. Send the Smile Through Your Body: With each breath, guide the smile to your heart, lungs, digestive system, and spine, acknowledging and appreciating each part. Close Gently: Let the smile spread throughout your whole body, take one final deep breath, and slowly open your eyes, carrying the smile into the rest of your day. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today's Happiness Break Guide:DACHER KELTNER is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast and is a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center's popular online course of the same name. He's also a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4Embodying Resilience: https://tinyurl.com/46383mhxRelated Science of Happiness episodes:Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2hMake Uncertainty Part of the Process: https://tinyurl.com/234u5ds7Why We Should Seek Beauty: https://tinyurl.com/yn7ry59jFollow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/s4wk4x4y

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3620: Ingrid Helander shares five unexpected yet powerful lessons in self-confidence, creativity, and purpose drawn from observing her toddler grandson. Through playful moments and unfiltered honesty, she reveals how reclaiming childlike wonder and emotional authenticity can transform our approach to work and life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ingridyhelanderlmft.com/5-lessons-about-self-confidence-play-and-the-meaning-of-work-that-i-learned-from-a-toddler/ Quotes to ponder: "True confidence comes from the inside, not from what you do or how well you do it." "He takes his own ideas seriously and has no need to compare them to anyone else's." "When he's done with something, he's done. And he knows it." Episode references: Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Shapes-Brain-Imagination-Invigorates/dp/1583333789 The Whole-Brain Child: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697 Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org/ Greater Good Science Center: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3105: Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock outline powerful strategies to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, unlocking financial clarity and emotional well-being. Their guidance encourages gratitude, generosity, and mindful living, helping you break free from limiting beliefs and align your lifestyle with your deepest values. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/adopting-abundance-mindset-important/ Quotes to ponder: “No one has ever become poor by giving.” “Reducing the time you spend connected to the TV or social media will boost your happiness and decrease your desire to waste money.” “When you get caught up competing with them, you end up with everything they wanted and not what you want.” Episode references: Anne Frank quote reference: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1905-no-one-has-ever-become-poor-by-giving Gratitude research - Greater Good Science Center: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/gratitude/definition Shoshin (Beginner's Mind): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoshin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Embrace the beauty of your accent in this self-compassion meditation that guides you in a reflection of your history, heritage, and connection to your ancestors.How To Do This Practice: Find a Comfortable Position: Sit in a relaxed yet alert posture, either on a cushion or chair. Gently lower your gaze or close your eyes if that feels comfortable. Focus on Your Breath: Take a deep breath in and slowly exhale. Allow yourself to transition from your daily activities into this moment of reflection. Acknowledge Your Accent: Bring awareness to the way you speak, recognizing that your voice carries your history, culture, and personal journey. Repeat Self-Compassion Phrases: Silently or aloud, repeat affirmations such as, “my accent makes me unique,” “my accent carries my story,” “my accent connects me to my ancestors.” Place a Hand on Your Heart: If it feels right, gently place a hand on your heart, offering yourself warmth and kindness as you continue to breathe deeply. Close with Gratitude: Take a final deep breath, sending appreciation to yourself, your ancestors, and the uniqueness of your voice before gently opening your eyes. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today's Happiness Break host:CRISS CUERVO is a mindfulness and meditation teacher, Bridging Differences Coordinator at the Greater Good Science Center, and author of PERTENÆCER: Eight-Week Mindfulness and Meditation Training and Practices for Latinx Immigrants in the United. Learn more about Criss Cuervo here: https://tinyurl.com/4npjwn6mRead her book here: https://tinyurl.com/3byby84bRelated Happiness Break episodes:A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5Where Did You Come From: https://tinyurl.com/2y9uyjj6Related Science of Happiness episodes:How to Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xcHow to Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh How to Feel Better About Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/42fn62a2Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/kv5ycj3v

When was the last time you felt awe? Perhaps it's an emotion you notice often, evoked by the trees, clouds, or people around you. Or maybe it's something you associate with more dramatic, less frequent experiences.   Today's guest, Dr Dacher Keltner, has written a sublime book on the subject of awe. It's called Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life and in it he proposes that awe is an emotion that's all around us, waiting to be discovered – and in doing so, we can transform our health and lives for the better.   Dacher is one of the world's foremost emotion scientists and Professor of Psychology at the University of California. He's also Director of the Greater Good Science Center, which studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of happiness and wellbeing. He has spent decades studying the science of happiness and believes that across the world, we are collectively having a moment of reflection and looking for more meaning.   In this conversation, Dacher defines awe as our response to powerful things that are obscure, vast, and mysterious. They're beyond our frame of reference, making us feel small and filling us with wonder. But you don't have to go to the Grand Canyon or see the Northern Lights to find them. Having studied people's understanding and experience of awe in 26 different countries, he's found eight types which are common – and easily available – to us all.   They include nature, music, moral beauty (noticing others' kindness), birth and death, and one of my favourites, ‘collective effervescence'. This is that feeling of coming together with others, moving as one, and sharing the same consciousness – and you may have experienced it in a sports stadium, at a music concert, on a dancefloor, in worship, in a choir, or even at parkrun.    As to the benefits of awe, from calming inflammation to activating the vagus nerve; deactivating our brain's stress centre, to reducing pain perception, these awe experiences are buffers for many modern health conditions that we can't afford to miss.   We spoke in depth about how birth and death are strong triggers for awe, sharing our own painful yet precious experiences of watching close relatives die. We also considered how awe reduces the ego and makes you humble. And how having a regular practice of contemplation, like meditation or breathwork, can open us up to easily noticing and benefitting from everyday awe.   I truly believe that Dacher's work can help all of us find greater meaning and greater health. He's done a fantastic job of finding the science to support his words, but I think we also know intuitively that what he's saying makes perfect sense. This was a wonderful and deeply profound conversation that contains science, storytelling, raw emotion and so much more. I hope you enjoy listening.   Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. This January, try FREE for 30 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://exhalecoffee.com/livemore https://vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/527   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Experience the physical sensations of love through this guided meditation that nurtures connection, relaxation, and emotional awareness.How To Do This Practice:  Sit or lie down in a relaxed posture. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Take a deep breath in, then slowly exhale. Notice the weight of your body and release any tension in your shoulders, jaw, or hands. Recall a time when you felt deeply loved and cared for—whether from a person, pet, or a meaningful experience. Instead of focusing on the memory itself, notice where love manifests in your body—warmth in your chest, a tingling in your hands, a soft smile, or gentle relaxation. With each inhale, visualize love spreading through your body like a warm light or soft energy, filling your heart, arms, and entire being. Allow yourself to fully experience this embodied sense of love, knowing it is always within you. When ready, bring awareness back to your surroundings, wiggle your fingers and toes, and take a final deep breath before opening your eyes. Set an intention to bring this felt sense of love into your interactions throughout the day. This episode is part of our series The Science of Love, supported by a grant from The John Templeton Foundation on spreading love through the media.Sign up for The Science of Happiness podcast's 7-Day Love Challenge to receive these science-backed practices delivered directly to your inbox: tinyurl.com/7daylovechallengeToday's Happiness Break Host:Dacher Keltner is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast and is a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center's popular online course of the same name. He's also a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5A Meditation for Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4yRelated Science of Happiness episodes:36 Questions to Spark Love and Connection: https://tinyurl.com/ktcpz78uHow 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhrHow to Use Your Body to Relax Your Mind: https://tinyurl.com/yckyft6tHow To Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh How To Breathe Away Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/msmxtyesFollow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/3dmpfam6

Happiness, it turns out, comes down to a science — even though what makes each of us happy can vary widely. Host Cristina Quinn talks to happiness scientist Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at UC-Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, about exactly what makes us happy and how much our sense of joy is within our control. Drawing from the science of happiness, Emiliana explains that happiness isn't about chasing fleeting positive emotions, but rather about fostering an overarching sense of contentment, belonging and resilience. She also lays out how much of happiness is influenced by genetics, external circumstances and the choices we make.This course reminds us that happiness isn't out of reach — it's something we can cultivate every day. Emiliana and her colleagues at the Greater Good Science Center have been collecting data on happiness through the Big Joy Project, a seven-day online study where participants are assigned a micro-act of joy every day. Learn more about the project here. For some extra happiness tips, read about trying new things for joy and embracing “joy snacks.”Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.To hear more, check out “Try This” wherever you listen to podcasts.

This scientist says that walking is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Here are some ways you can incorporate it into your life.Today we're going to talk about something so obvious, but so incredibly powerful. Walking. This is the third of a three part mini-series we're doing focused on the benefits of spending time outdoors.Dr. Keltner is one of the world's foremost emotion scientists. He is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. He has over 200 scientific publications and six books, including Born to Be Good, The Compassionate Instinct, The Power Paradox, and Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. He has written for many popular outlets, from The New York Times to Slate, and has consulted extensively for Google, Apple, and Pinterest, on issues related to emotion and well-being. He also hosts the podcast The Science of Happiness.In this episode we talk about:The practice of “awe walks”The ritualizing of walkingHow it can help your concentration and anxiety levelsWalking meetingsAnd walking meditationsRelated Episodes:The Science Of How Nature Changes Your Brain—From Sleep To Cognition To Your Nervous System | Dacher KeltnerHow To Get The Physiological And Psychological Benefits Of Nature If You Don't Live Near Nature | Dacher Keltner#546. This Scientist Says One Emotion Might Be the Key to Happiness. Can You Guess What It Is? | Dacher KeltnerWe Know Nature Is Good for Us. Here's How To Make Time for It, Scandinavian Style | Linda Åkeson McGurkSign up for Dan's newsletter hereFollow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTokTen Percent Happier online bookstoreSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelOur favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular EpisodesFull Shownotes: https://happierapp.com/podcast/tph/dacher-keltner-bonus-3Additional Resources:The Science of Happiness PodcastHow to Start (Restart, or Upgrade) Your Meditation Practice: A Master Class | Jon Kabat-Zinn#580. Tripping Out with a Legend: Jon Kabat-Zinn on Pain vs. Suffering, Rethinking Your Anxiety, and the Buddha's Teaching in a Single SentenceThe Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the BrainDownload the Happier app today: https://my.happierapp.com/link/downloadSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Practical tips for accessing the healthcare of nature no matter where you live.It's very possible that you've heard the long list of physiological and psychological benefits that one can derive from getting out into nature. Those benefits include improved mood, boosted immune system, lowered blood pressure and more. That being said, 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas. So today, we're going to talk to an expert about how to derive the many benefits of nature, no matter where you are.Dr. Keltner is one of the world's foremost emotion scientists. He is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. He has over 200 scientific publications and six books, including Born to Be Good, The Compassionate Instinct, The Power Paradox, and Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. He has written for many popular outlets, from The New York Times to Slate, and has consulted extensively for Google, Apple, and Pinterest, on issues related to emotion and well-being. He also hosts the podcast The Science of Happiness.In this episode we talk about:The importance of opening our senses to nature The power of birdsongThe science of street trees and their impact on depressionHow taking pictures of our local environment can enhance focus and productivityAnd lastly, how we can harness the power of our imagination Related Episodes:The Science Of How Nature Changes Your Brain—From Sleep To Cognition To Your Nervous System | Dacher Keltner#546. This Scientist Says One Emotion Might Be the Key to Happiness. Can You Guess What It Is? | Dacher KeltnerWe Know Nature Is Good for Us. Here's How To Make Time for It, Scandinavian Style | Linda Åkeson McGurkSign up for Dan's newsletter hereFollow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTokTen Percent Happier online bookstoreSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelOur favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular EpisodesFull Shownotes: https://happierapp.com/podcast/tph/dacher-keltner-bonus-2Additional Resources:Download the Happier app today: https://my.happierapp.com/link/downloadSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scientific evidence that spending time in nature has profound impacts on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.We've got something special planned for you today. We're talking about the massive psychological and physiological benefits of being in nature.Nature impacts your mood. It has a whole long list of positive benefits for your nervous system, and even changes how you are with other people. In fact, as you'll hear today's guest say, “nature is healthcare”. Dr. Dacher Keltner is one of the world's foremost emotion scientists. He is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. He has over 200 scientific publications and six books, including Born to Be Good, The Compassionate Instinct, The Power Paradox, and Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. He has written for many popular outlets, from The New York Times to Slate, and has consulted extensively for Google, Apple, and Pinterest, on issues related to emotion and well-being. He also hosts the podcast The Science of Happiness.This is the first of a three-part series we're doing focused on the benefits of spending time outside. Today we talk about how it impacts sleep, cognition, memory, your nervous system, and your relationships. Next week, we address the 80% of Americans who live in urban areas—how do you derive these benefits? And in week three, we take a deep dive on the science of walking. Related Episodes:#546. This Scientist Says One Emotion Might Be the Key to Happiness. Can You Guess What It Is? | Dacher KeltnerWe Know Nature Is Good for Us. Here's How To Make Time for It, Scandinavian Style | Linda Åkeson McGurkSign up for Dan's newsletter hereFollow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTokTen Percent Happier online bookstoreSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelOur favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular EpisodesFull Shownotes: https://happierapp.com/podcast/tph/dacher-keltner-bonus-1Additional Resources:Download the Happier app today: https://my.happierapp.com/link/downloadSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.