Little Happier: The Old Story of Stone Soup Reminds Me that Magic Solutions Usually Don’t Exist
In an old story, a stone magically makes a soup out of water—but you do have to add carrots, beef, cabbage, onions, milk, salt, pepper, and potatoes. This story reminds me to be wary when someone offe...
30 Jan 20237min
Ep. 414: Think About Your Past-Self. Plus a Valentine’s Hack, and Are You and Over- or Under-Estimator?
We talk about why instead of thinking about our future-selves, we might think about our past-selves. Also, a listener suggests a lovely family Valentine’s Day tradition, and we ask ourselves the quest...
25 Jan 202330min
Little Happier: When Do I Feel the Joyous, Childhood Feeling of Expectancy?
Writer Betty MacDonald’s memoir reminds me that even as adults, to be happier, we should seek out experiences that will give us the “wonderful, joyous, childhood feeling of expectancy.” Get in touch: ...
23 Jan 20234min
More Happier: Guest Co-Host! The Iconic Heather Dubrow of “Real Housewives” Fame
For this episode, we have a surprise co-host—an iconic figure who offers her own suggestions and insights for how to be (more) happier. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenr...
21 Jan 202322min
Happier - Ep. 413: Tune in to Your Five Senses, “Go Outside 23 in 23” Even in Bad Weather, and a Hack About Dread
We talk about how and why we should tune in to our five senses. We also share listeners’ practical suggestions for how to “Go Outside 23 in 23” when the weather is bad, and discuss an easy hack for ha...
18 Jan 202328min
Little Happier: A Truth About Happiness That Confused Me for a Long Time
For a long time, when I tried to understand the nature of happiness, I was confused by one aspect of its nature. Finally, I figured it out: One of the best ways to make ourselves happy is to make othe...
16 Jan 20234min
Ep. 412: Turn Deprivation into Indulgence, Creative Ways to Make a “23 in 23” List, and a Fun Tradition
In honor of “Dry January,” we explore why we might want to turn deprivation into indulgence (with alcohol or with anything else). We discuss listeners’ ideas for creative ways to approach the “23 in 2...
11 Jan 202329min
Little Happier: Advice from Mr. Rogers that’s Useful to Both Children and Adults.
Fred Rogers observed that when times are bad, we should “look for the helpers.” Is this suggestion appropriate only for children, or is it helpful for adults, too? Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @eliza...
9 Jan 20232min
