Becoming a fan—of sports or anything—can improve your happiness. We share listener tips for dealing with people who share every boring detail of their latest trip.
Episode highlights:
<ul>
 <li>
Try This at Home: Become a fan— Research shows that fandom reduces loneliness and gives your life more structure, connection, and ritual [04:37]</li>
 <li>
Happiness Hack: Cross off the common denominator—When you're anxious about a decision, ask yourself: does this worry apply to every option? [14:45]</li>
 <li>
Listener strategies for dealing with travel bores: How to redirect the conversation and ask targeted questions that make travel stories actually interesting. [17:41]</li>
 <li>
Demerits & Gold Stars: Elizabeth's demerit: return timing regret; Gretchen's gold star: a perfect souvenir find. [25:03]</li>
</ul>
Mentioned in this Episode:
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://time.com/article/2026/06/11/why-watching-sports-makes-people-happy/">"Why Watching Sports Makes People Happy" — Time Magazine</a></li>
 <li>
Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer by Warren St. John (<a href="https://amzn.to/4eSkO87">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780609807132">Bookshop</a>) </li>
 <li>
There's Only One Sin in Hollywood by Rasheed Newson (<a href="https://amzn.to/4vEG7RH">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781250406149">Bookshop</a>)</li>
 <li>
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (<a href="https://amzn.to/4eXbY9d">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780545224918">Bookshop</a>)</li>
 <li><a href="https://thehappierapp.com">Summer Bingo card + Design Your Summer tool — Happier App</a></li>
</ul>
Connect with Us:
<ul>
 <li>Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com</li>
 <li>Website: gretchenrubin.com</li>
 <li>Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft</li>
 <li><a href="https://gretchenrubin.com/four-tendencies/">Take the free Four Tendencies quiz</a></li>
</ul>
Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify — it helps other listeners find the show!
Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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Ep. 594: Try Becoming a Fan, Plus Tips for Dealing with Travel Bores

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