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The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Pushkin Industries
Happiness
Mental Health
Psychology
Self-Compassion
Social Connection
Relationships
Perfectionism
Social Media
Mindfulness
Climate Change
Coping Strategies
Anxiety
Stress Management
Positive Psychology
Gratitude
Conflict Resolution
Stress
Loneliness
Hope
Social Connections

The Happiness Lab is serving up scientifically-backed takes this summer that are so hot, even your SPF 50 won’t protect you.

With the help of behavioral scientists, historians, and cultural critics, Yale psychologist Dr. Laurie Santos challenges some of our biggest assumptions about what it takes to live a good life. Dr. Laurie explores topics like why we should forget about TMI and lean into ove... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes307Founded7 years ago
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Society & CultureHealth & Fitness

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Artwork for The Happiness Lab

Latest Episodes

Between work, family, and our never-ending to-do lists, finding time for fun can feel like a luxury. But what if having fun isn't just a nice bonus in life — what if it's essential to our happiness, our health, and even our ability to make the world ... more

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We’re still reckoning with the effects of social media on young people’s mental health. Now, with artificial intelligence rapidly becoming part of our everyday lives, we’re at risk of making the same mistakes all over again.

In this live conversati... more

YouTube

Cats have a reputation for being aloof, independent, and sometimes downright indifferent to their human companions. But what if we've been getting cats all wrong?

In honor of National Cat Day, Dr. Laurie is joined by cat behavior expert Dr. Kristyn... more

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You might assume that people who study happiness for a living have it all figured out. But even happiness experts struggle to follow their own advice. They know the science behind feeling happier, managing difficult emotions, and building healthier h... more

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Recent Guests

Bruce Reed
Head of AI at Common Sense Media and former White House deputy chief of staff
Common Sense Media
Episode: AI Is the New Social Media. Can We Protect Kids This Time?
Kristyn Vitale
Certified applied animal behaviorist and expert in cat behavior and the cat-human relationship
Oregon State University
Episode: The Unexpected Science of Cats and Happiness
Ethan Kross
Professor of psychology at the University of Michigan and author of Shift and Chatter
University of Michigan
Episode: Why Happiness Experts Still Struggle to Be Happy with Dr. Ethan Kross
Nick Epley
Professor of behavioral science at University of Chicago Booth School of Business
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Episode: What Gets Lost When We Text Instead of Talk with Dr. Nick Epley
Eric Weiner
Traveling philosopher, journalist, and author of The Socrates Express
Author, The Socrates Express
Episode: Finding the Magic in Everyday Life with Thoreau and Eric Weiner
Chris Duffy
Comedian and author of Humor Me
Author of Humor Me; comedian
Episode: Want More Joy? Try Taking Yourself Less Seriously with Comedian Chris Duffy
Laurie Santos
Professor of psychology at Yale University, host of The Happiness Lab
Yale University
Episode: Small Steps to Happiness: The Science of Mindful Living with Laurie Santos | From The One You Feed
Eric Zimmer
Author and podcaster focused on recovery and change
Author of How A Little Becomes A Lot; Host of a recovery-focused podcast
Episode: Why Smaller Goals Can Lead to Bigger Changes with Eric Zimmer
Richard Davidson
University of Wisconsin–Madison neuroscientist
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Episode: A Neuroscientist’s Guide to Changing Your Brain with Dr. Richard Davidson

Host

Laurie Santos
Yale psychologist and professor who studies human behavior and happiness

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 24.8k ratings
  • This podcast shows you tips to help make your life better while at the same time not making you feel guilty for not doing them.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    startrek2365
    22 days ago
  • Too Many Add

    I really enjoy the podcast but the amount of ads is really out of control. I understand that this is the main source of revenue but half of the show seems to be ads. The worst part is that it’s the same ad over and over.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Dorothy6598
    United Statesa month ago
  • Excellent! Except for one thing

    Lori is an excellent host. Great topics and guests. But the recorded Lori voice needs to go. whoever dubs it, sounds like a bad song and I always fast forward past. What have you done to her voice - terrible.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Coffeelover2012
    United Statesa month ago
  • Enjoy but…

    I enjoy the information but find myself distracted by how many times she says “right.”

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Stacie Tree
    United Statesa month ago
  • Great content but don’t love sing song voice

    Great content but wish I didn’t find the sing-song cadence so challenging to listen to. I wish Laurie would just speak in her normal voice rather than try to sound like a radio host. I’m not sure why it bothers me so much but it really does keep me from listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    FrisaLis
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the evidence-based, relatable content and find many discussions useful, insightful, and uplifting.
Frequent and lengthy advertisements are a recurring complaint and can disrupt the listening experience.
The interview-and-narration format and polished production work well for some listeners, while others prefer more natural delivery.
Laurie Santos is often praised as an engaging interviewer, though some listeners find the scripted narration or vocal cadence distracting.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

AI Is the New Social Media. Can We Protect Kids This Time?
Q: What can parents do to help navigate this wild world of AI and social media at home?
Reed recommends being present and talking through the benefits and risks with children. Santos adds that parents can ask questions, validate children's thinking, and troubleshoot decisions together so children have an active role.
AI Is the New Social Media. Can We Protect Kids This Time?
Q: How is Common Sense Media thinking about the threat that AI might pose to youth mental health?
Reed says AI can intensify social media's ability to target users and that AI companions pose particular risks for young people, including harmful advice and emotional dependence. He calls for stronger protections and ways to limit those risks.
The Unexpected Science of Cats and Happiness
Q: What is feline-assisted therapy and what's the idea behind it?
Feline-assisted interventions can involve children with developmental differences attending classes with their cats to support outcomes for both the children and the cats. Cats may also provide emotional support, though U.S. law does not recognize cats as service animals.
The Unexpected Science of Cats and Happiness
Q: What have scientists learned about the idea that cats are less trainable than dogs?
Vitale says cats and dogs have similar capacities to learn. Cats may reject food rewards, while many respond well to social interaction, petting, praise, or play.
Why Happiness Experts Still Struggle to Be Happy with Dr. Ethan Kross
Q: How do you navigate this space?
Kross says to seek support from people who can first listen and empathize, then help reframe the situation. He calls these trusted supporters chatter advisors and recommends identifying them for personal and professional challenges.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Happiness Lab

What is The Happiness Lab about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Behavioral science, psychology, and cultural perspectives are used to question common assumptions about happiness and well-being. Hosted by Yale psychologist Laurie Santos, episodes combine expert interviews, research findings, personal stories, and practical strategies listeners can apply to everyday life. Topics range from habits, emotion regulation, social connection, and solitude to money, work, technology, and the bonds between people and animals.

Guests include academic researchers, clinicians, authors, historians, public figures, and practitioners who bring evidence or lived experience to each discussion. The distinctive approach pairs counterintuitive claims with accessible explanations and concrete experiments, often linking indiv... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Happiness Lab?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Happiness Lab:

1. 10% Happier with Dan Harris
2. A Slight Change of Plans
3. Hidden Brain
4. Good Life Project
5. The Science of Happiness

How many episodes of The Happiness Lab are there?

The Happiness Lab launched 7 years ago and published 307 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Happiness Lab?

Recent guests on The Happiness Lab include:

1. Bruce Reed
2. Kristyn Vitale
3. Ethan Kross
4. Nick Epley
5. Eric Weiner
6. Chris Duffy
7. Laurie Santos
8. Eric Zimmer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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