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The Science of Happiness

PRX and Greater Good Science Center
Mindfulness
Mental Health
Meditation
Self-Compassion
Happiness
Anxiety
Nature
Love
Stress Management
Social Connection
Compassion
Gratitude
Awe
Climate Change
Friendship
Burnout
Kindness
Creativity
Forgiveness
Stress Reduction

Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Follow us on Instagram @HappinessPod.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes351Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Social SciencesScience

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Artwork for The Science of Happiness

Latest Episodes

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

From the time we are old enough to hold a crayon, it feels instinctive to draw on the wall. But for MISS CHELOVE—also known as Cita Sadeli—this instinct became a calling. Through bold color and layere... more

We often underestimate how much small talk can impact our wellbeing. Research shows that even brief conversations with strangers can boost our happiness and sense of connection, but fear and anxiety often keep us from reaching out.

Summary: We often... more

Join yoga and meditation teacher Jonathan Relucio for a trauma-informed practice combining mindful movement and breathing to reduce tension and build resilience to stress.

How To Do This Practice:

Get comfortable: Sit or lie down and notice the ... more

How can we feel more moments of joy? Explore how joy is rooted in connection, gratitude, and paying attention to the people and moments that bring meaning to our lives.

Summary: Did you know that joy isn’t just something we feel, but something we pr... more

Key Facts

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Accepts Sponsors
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Recent Guests

Jonathan Relucio
Yoga and meditation teacher
Unspecified within transcript
Episode: Happiness Break: A Practice In Moving Through Stress
Ross Gay
Poet and author of Inciting Joy
Author, Inciting Joy
Episode: Where To Look For Joy
Philip Watkins
Psychology professor at Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University
Episode: Where To Look For Joy
Danny Murillo
Co-founder of Underground Scholars
Underground Scholars
Episode: Why You Can’t Do It Alone
Gilbert Murillo
Policy advocate and researcher
Underground Scholars
Episode: Why You Can’t Do It Alone
Bob McKinnon
Director of the Social Mobility Lab
Social Mobility Lab (New York)
Episode: Why You Can’t Do It Alone
Lyla June Yenishia
A musician, scholar of indigenous land stewardship, and community organizer
Indigenous community leadership
Episode: Happiness Break: Holding Truth With Compassion
James Kimmel Jr.
Lawyer, assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine, researching revenge and forgiveness
Yale School of Medicine; Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies
Episode: Why Revenge Feels So Good—and Why It Hurts Us
Elizabeth Dunn
Professor studying well-being and behavioral science
University of British Columbia; Behavioral Sustainability Lab (mentioned)
Episode: How Joy Helps Save the Planet

Hosts

Dacher Keltner
Host; psychologist and researcher focused on compassion, happiness, and the science of well-being
Shuka Kalantari
Co-host; presents and guides discussions on happiness, mindfulness, and practical applications

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 3k ratings
  • Contributes a little to everyone’s happiness

    A great podcast exploring ways to be just a little bit happier everyday.

    Well produced and relaxing to listen to.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nonicknameplease1234
    Netherlands4 months ago
  • Good concept yet too many ads

    I wish that this podcast limited on its time ratio of ads to content. Beautiful cover art and occasionally enriching information/storytelling.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Legal Beagle 8
    United States5 months ago
  • Keeps Us Grounded

    What an amazing podcast! I am enriched by the topics discussed. It gives me actionable ways to be and do better.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ummah1234
    United States8 months ago
  • Comforting

    Such sweet necessary episodes to bringing kindness into your everyday life

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    shakti shiny
    United States8 months ago
  • So much useful

    Thank you so much making this series

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    santramel
    Indiaa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Audiences value the science-to-practice translation and the warmth of the hosts and guests.
Some listeners request fewer ads or better sound quality, but most praise the insightful guests.
Listeners praise practical, research-backed happiness strategies and friendly delivery.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why Revenge Feels So Good—and Why It Hurts Us
Q: What does forgiveness do to us neurophysiologically? What does the research show?
Forgiveness shuts down the brain's pain network (anterior insula), dampens the addiction-like go circuitry, and activates the prefrontal cortex, giving three clear neurobiological benefits and suggesting forgiveness as a powerful self-healing mechanism.
Why Revenge Feels So Good—and Why It Hurts Us
Q: Your mission to get us to rethink the role of revenge and forgiveness in life begins in your childhood. Tell us about that, what happened.
The guest describes a violent burglary and a desire for revenge tempered by a moment of insight that led him to choose not to retaliate, which frames the broader discussion of how revenge becomes a learned behavior and how forgiveness can be a healthier alternative.
How To Step Away from Anxiety
Q: Can you describe the walking meditation practice and what you learned from doing it regularly?
She describes pacing 10 minutes a day, focusing on breath and foot placement, noticing how it calmed her nervous system, and even observing how pets react to this calmer state, which reinforced the mind-body connection.
The Art of Slowing Down
Q: Tell us your thinking about the evolutionary functions of our sense of beauty and why we need it.
Anjan explains that beauty is tied to a decorative impulse that has deep roots in human evolution, serving as a bridge between function, social signaling, and aesthetic experience, which in turn influences emotion, attention, and learning.
Love Throughout Your Life: Stories from a Stranger
Q: What is a dream you've let go of in your life and how do you cope with that?
Sally discusses letting go of youthful expectations, including the idea of motherhood being possible after medical challenges, and embraces resilience through family and community.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Science of Happiness

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

A thoughtful show that blends psychology, mindfulness, and practical strategies for everyday happiness. Episodes frequently explore how social connection, gratitude, self-compassion, awe, and mindful awareness shape well-being, often featuring researchers, mindfulness teachers, and writers who translate science into actionable tips. Noteworthy are energizing conversations with poets, clinicians, and policy researchers, plus guided meditations and hands-on exercises that listeners can try at home or in the office. The format often pairs rigorous research with accessible storytelling, making science-based well-being approachable for a broad audience and valuable for brands seeking thoughtful, impact-oriented sponsorships.

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How many listeners does The Science of Happiness get?

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To see how many followers or subscribers The Science of Happiness has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Science of Happiness?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Science of Happiness:

1. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
2. 10% Happier with Dan Harris
3. Untangle
4. Hidden Brain
5. How to Be a Better Human

How many episodes of The Science of Happiness are there?

The Science of Happiness launched 9 years ago and published 351 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Science of Happiness?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Science of Happiness?

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What guests have appeared on The Science of Happiness?

Recent guests on The Science of Happiness include:

1. Jonathan Relucio
2. Ross Gay
3. Philip Watkins
4. Danny Murillo
5. Gilbert Murillo
6. Bob McKinnon
7. Lyla June Yenishia
8. James Kimmel Jr.

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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