Happy Enough

Can money buy you happiness?

Happy Enough

Show Notes

For decades, economists have studied the question of whether getting richer makes you happier – and exactly how much money tips the scales. In the world happiness rankings, richer societies tend to fare better than poorer ones, and within societies richer people do, in fact, report being happier. However surprising new research reveals that people in non-industrialized communities are just as satisfied as people in the richest countries. Garvia speaks with McGill University associate professor Chris Barrington-Leigh about the study he co-authored and what it reveals about our society’s push for more money. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More from Happy Enough

Oct 21, 2026

The bond between humans and animals reaches beyond companionship. It can shape how we feel, connect and find meaning in our lives.

Oct 14, 2026

People-pleasing means putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own. It can look like kindness, but it can gradually take a toll on our well-being. On this episode of Happy Enough, we explore why so many of us learn these behaviours in a bid for belonging.

Oct 7, 2026

Studies suggest that volunteering can make us happier, healthier, and more connected to our communities. So why are fewer of us doing it? The share of Canadians who volunteered for an organization fell from 41% in 2018 to 32% in 2023. Over the same period, annual volunteer hours dropped to 1.2 billion from 1.7 billion, according to Statistics Canada.

Sep 30, 2026

From relationship advice to popular culture, sex is often treated as a vital ingredient in a happy, healthy life. But how much does it really matter? Garvia Bailey speaks with Amy Muise, a psychology professor and director of York University’s Sexual Health and Relationships Lab. They explore why the relationship between sexual frequency and happiness isn’t as simple as “more sex equals better wellbeing,” why Gen Z reports having less sex than older generations, and the myth that good sex has to be spontaneous.

Sep 23, 2026

After a summer of heatwaves and wildfires, thinking about the climate can be downright depressing. But what if the choices that make us happier could also help save the planet?

See all episodes →