Show Notes
Happiness, it turns out, comes down to a science — even though what makes each of us happy can vary pretty 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 of 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 it’s 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.
More from Try This
Financial decisions are rarely just about the money. And when life and money collide, it can be hard to make sense of either. That's where Michelle comes in. On Dollars & Sense with Michelle Singletary, Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary helps real people navigate the financial questions keeping them up at night. Whether it's debt, spending habits, retirement, or everything in between, Michelle is here to take some of the fear out of figuring out your finances. Through candid conversations with everyday people, experts, and public figures, Michelle gets to the heart of the choices that shape our financial lives. Because getting your finances in order isn't about being perfect—it's about making the next decision make sense. Tune in every Tuesday for Michelle’s advice on questions directly from listeners. Want Michelle to answer your money question? Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show.
Donating money can induce anxiety if you’re not sure how to afford it or feel pressured into doing so by the people around you. Host Cristina Quinn talks to Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary about how to give back, whether it’s through money or time. Singletary reminds us that there’s always a way to give. She explains how to think through where you want to give, how to afford it and how to commit to giving year-round. Michelle Singletary also shares her personal experiences and passion for why she gives, how to make sure you’re giving to a legitimate charity, and what you will experience when you give back. For more of her work, sign up for her Color of Money newsletter and follow her on Instagram. Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.
What’s really going on inside the brain of an altruist? Why do altruists care so much more for a stranger who needs help? Why are they so willing to give away a kidney? In this episode, host Cristina Quinn explores what it means to be an altruist with Abigail Marsh, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Georgetown University. Together, they break down how altruists view their own actions and how others can become more altruistic too. Marsh offers insight into what scientists know about altruists and shares surprising findings from her own research. She also tells us how you can build the muscle of giving more in simple steps that fit your lifestyle. Read more about Marsh’s work on altruism here. Also, read Washington Post Brain Matters columnist Richard Sima’s story on how doing good is good for you. Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.
Now that we’ve learned that chronic stress ages the brain, let’s put what we learned into practice. Join “Try This” host Cristina Quinn as she leads a 5-minute box breathing exercise. For more on ways to reduce your risk of dementia, check out some of The Post’s reporting: How to calm your mind with breathing, according to science How to use your voice to reduce your stress and feel calmer 5-minute breathing exercises can improve your mood and reduce anxiety Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.
When we’re in constant stress, our brains become less resilient. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation of the brain — increasing our risk of cognitive decline. Breathing exercises hold a lot of power for calming the body and brain. Host Cristina Quinn talks to Washington Post Brain Matters columnist Richard Sima, as well as neuroscientist and psychiatrist Helen Lavretsky from UCLA, about steps we can take to reduce stress and improve our brain health. Sima unpacks what inflammation does to our brains and why this can lead to more cognitive decline in the future. Lavrestsky walks us through her research on breathwork, yoga and other practices that have shown positive impacts on brain aging and cognitive health. For more on ways to reduce your risk of dementia, check out some of The Post’s reporting: How to calm your mind with breathing, according to science How to use your voice to reduce your stress and feel calmer Teen brains aged faster than normal from pandemic stress, study says 5-minute breathing exercises can improve your mood and reduce anxiety Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.