Ep. 454: Find the Perfect Gift, Look Behind You, and Listeners’ Ideas for Coping with Someone’s Last Days
We talk about the new gift-giving quiz that divides people into four categories depending on the kinds of gifts they prefer to receive: Tried-and-True, Easy-to-Please, Enthusiast, and Connoisseur. We ...
1 Nov 202327min
Little Happier: Have You Ever Been Annoyed by “The Dog in the Manger?”
The old story about “The Dog in the Manger” is a reminder that if there’s something we can’t enjoy or make us of, we should back away and let someone else benefit from it. Get in touch: podcast@gretch...
30 Okt 20233min
More Happier: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Group Texts, and How a Hollywood Pitch Sells in the First Minute
We talk about our response for trying—for the first time!—the famous flavor of pumpkin spice latte. We also discuss the secret of a making a convincing TV pitch, and how group texts can strengthen fam...
28 Okt 202321min
Ep. 453: “Halloween Is the New Christmas,” the Ghost-Painting Challenge, and Fall Asleep to Podcasts
We talk about how and why the creative challenge of coming up with “___ is the new ___” observations sparks happiness. We also talk about enjoying the five- senses experiences of Halloween, and the fu...
25 Okt 202327min
Little Happier: Three Passers-by Stop to Comfort a Stranger, and Instead Share a Moment of Joy
In South Carolina, three thoughtful passers-by stopped to comfort a weeping stranger—and had the opportunity to share a joyful moment with author Hernan Diaz, who had just learned that he’d won the Pu...
23 Okt 20233min
Ep. 452: Tackle Hard Social Situations, Do Questioners Ever Rebel, and Is Your Birthday Important?
We suggest several practical solutions to common, but challenging, social situations. We also address a listener’s question, “Do Questioners ever experience Questioner-rebellion?” and discuss the know...
18 Okt 202328min
Little Happier: Why Did Charles Darwin Write “I Think” on One of the Most Significant Notebook Pages?
At the top of one of the most significant pages of his notebooks, Charles Darwin wrote “I think.” There are three good reasons to explain why he might have done so. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin...
16 Okt 20233min
More Happier: Great Accountability for Obligers, the Important vs. the Urgent, and How to Spark Creativity
We talk about how Elizabeth’s novel-writing is going, now that the Hollywood writers’ strike is over. Inspired by a recent wedding, we discuss the huge contribution that old friends can make to our ha...
14 Okt 202326min
