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Happier with Gretchen Rubin

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Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project

Gretchen Rubin is HAPPIER, and she wants you to be happier too. The #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before gets more personal than ever as she brings her practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this lively, thought-provoking podcast. Gretchen’s cohost and guinea pig is her younger sister, Elizabeth Craft, a TV writer and producer living in Los Angeles, who (lovingly) refers to Gretchen as her happiness bully. Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media [https://lemonadamedia.com/] (https://lemonadamedia.com/)

#1098

Little Happier-What Andy Warhol Taught Me About Drama Queens: It's Not a Bug, It's a Feature

Andy Warhol's observation of stars Edie Sedgwick and Judy Garland reveals a surprising truth about why some people are drawn to those surrounded by constant drama. What seems like a flaw—perpetual chaos and drama—can actually be an attraction, offering others an escape from their own problems by becoming absorbed in someone else's compelling crisis. Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

Yesterday

03 MINS

03:32

Yesterday

#1097

More Happier: Movies That Represent Concepts, the Pleasure of Examples & QuirkyWays of Eating

For Quality Screen Time, we find examples of movies that perfectly represent a concept (think “Groundhog Day.”) We also talk about the characteristic ways that people approach their meals, and the benefit of using a paper planner. Resources and links related to this episode: --- [The Happier app] (https://thehappierapp.com/) ---Legend Planner --- [Newsletter sign -up] (http://happiercast.com/newsletter) --- [Happier in Hollywood newsletter] (https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/) ---Zurau Aphorismsby Franz Kafka ( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/4fMuD5P) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781304677037) ) Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) ; [happiercast.com] (http://happiercast.com/) . Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

18 Jan 2025

18 MINS

18:29

18 Jan 2025

#1096

Ep. 517: Strengthen Your Grip, a Haiku Hack & Musician Mike Posner Talks Happiness

We talk about why grip strength is an important factor for good health and fitness—and how to work on it. We share a fun and easy hack for elevating any occasion, and we talk to Grammy-nominated musician Mike Posner about his insights about success, creativity, and happiness. Resources and links related to this episode: --- ["How to help those affected by fires raging across L.A."] (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-08/how-to-help-victims-of-pacific-palisades-eaton-and-hurst-fires?fbclid=IwY2xjawHuge1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHU3gwjtEoryP8u3_FBw3c8O9HGEyCEtdRl5ZgEEfpinIayXY1sjRvVEyFA_aem_xBoeaATBqPORjSyPmzvx8w) --- [Habits for Happiness course] (http://happiercast.com/habitscourse) --- [http://happiercast.com/shop] (http://happiercast.com/shop) ---Elizabeth is reading: Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz ( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/4acndb1) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781668067307) ) ---Gretchen is reading: Talk to Me by Rich Benjamin( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/40uUriM) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780593317396) ) Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

15 Jan 2025

38 MINS

38:10

15 Jan 2025

#1095

Little Happier: Even NBA Stars Take the Subway: A Perfect New York City Moment

When Marathon Day meets NBA Game Day in New York City, a truth about New York City is revealed: No matter how famous or successful you are, and no matter where you’re going, sometimes it’s just faster and easier to take the subway. Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

13 Jan 2025

01 MINS

01:52

13 Jan 2025

#1094

More Happier: Tools for sticking to your New Year's Resolutions [Revisited]

Many people use January 1 as a catalyst for habit change. While people say “new year, new you,” it’s really new year,same you! But we can find better tools and in this Very Special Episode,we'rerevisiting some of the most popular, effective tools. Each of these tools is available in the [Happier] (https://thehappierapp.com/) app, or if you prefer tangible tools, many are also available in physical form. Resources and links related to this episode: --- [Better Than Before] (https://gretchenrubin.com/books/better-than-before/) --- [“Checklist for Habit Change.”] (http://happiercast.com/checklist) --- [One-Sentence Journal] (https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/one-sentence-journal) --- [Don’t Break the Chain Journal] (https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/dont-break-the-chain-habit-tracker?_gl=1*x6jw6w*_ga*MjA1MjM0OTg0NC4xNzMzNDEwNzg4*_ga_7C83YBXZPT*MTczNjE5MTgwOS4xMy4xLjE3MzYxOTM1ODcuMjUuMC4w) Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

11 Jan 2025

26 MINS

26:48

11 Jan 2025

#1093

Ep. 516: Listeners’ Creative One-Word Themes, Use It or Lose It & Make Everyday Life More Fun

We talk about why the familiar advice “use it or lose it” has an additional useful meaning. We also share many imaginative ideas for one-word themes from listeners, as well as some further thoughts on our own one-word themes (“Bounce” and “Door.”) Plus we discuss an easy way to make everyday life more festive. Resources and links related to this episode: --- [Habits for Happiness course] (http://happiercast.com/habitscourse) --- [Design Your Year] (http://happiercast.com/designyouryear) ---Elizabeth is reading: Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon by Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez ( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/40kP1qv) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781250850966) ) ---Gretchen is reading: The English Understand Wool by Helen Dewitt ( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/3ZWp2nI) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780811230070) ) Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

08 Jan 2025

31 MINS

31:40

08 Jan 2025

#1092

Little Happier: When Your Life's Work Chooses You: The Beauty and Burden of a Calling

From circus performers to doctors to writers to social workers, we can experience a "call"—an irresistible pull toward certain work that can feel both like a gift and a burden. While a calling provides clarity and fulfillment, it can also leave little room for choice, demanding sacrifice and persistence regardless of success. Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

06 Jan 2025

05 MINS

05:02

06 Jan 2025

#1091

More Happier - "24 Things That Please Me" and Why Making That Kind of List Makes Us Happier

We review the list of “24 things that please me” that Gretchen created as one item in her “24 for 24” list. We discuss why those things are pleasing—and why making this kind of list can help us feel more gratitude, optimism, and happiness. Resources and links related to this episode: --- [Read 25 in 25] (https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/join-us-for-read-25-in-25/) Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

04 Jan 2025

24 MINS

24:44

04 Jan 2025

#1090

Revealed! Our “25 for 25” Lists of 25 Big & Small Things We Want to Do in 2025

As part of the “Design Your Year” tools, we reveal our “25 for ‘25” lists of the twenty-five things we want to accomplish in 2025. Some are fun, some are demanding; some quick, some complicated; some new, some repeats. Resources and Links related to this episode: --- [Design Your Year] (http://happiercast.com/designyouryear) --- [25 for 2025 list resources] (https://gretchenrubin.com/resources/) --- [Happier in Hollywood free newsletter] (https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/) : [HappierInHollywoodpod@substack.com] (mailto:HappierInHollywoodpod@substack.com) ---Happier app: [the-happier-app.com] (https://thehappierapp.com/) ---Elizabeth is reading: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/3Dm6HbZ) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780199232765) ) ---Gretchen: Same! Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

02 Jan 2025

37 MINS

37:18

02 Jan 2025

#1089

Little Happier: The Art of Reframing: How Loss Can Become Protection

A concept from Japanese culture reframes what seems like pure misfortune—the loss of a beloved engagement ring—into an act of invisible grace and protection. Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

30 Dec 2024

03 MINS

03:03

30 Dec 2024

#1088

More Happier: Answering your happiness questions

We share a preview of the new 2025 “Habits for Happiness” course. Each month, course participants will be able to ask questions about designing, tracking, and sticking with their habits for the year. These will become exclusive call in episodes for our participants, but this first episode is available here to everyone. Resources and links related to this episode: --- [Habits for Happiness Course 2025] (http://happiercast.com/habitscourse) - Get personalized support from Gretchen and her team to make 2025 the year you finally make your habits stick with this new course. Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [ Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happier app] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] (https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

28 Dec 2024

41 MINS

41:05

28 Dec 2024

#1087

Ep. 514: Host Better Holidays, Tips for Reading More in 2025 & Some Big Podcast News

We discuss how to make hosting more fun and less work by reflecting and making notes after each gathering; we include specific tips from our own experiences as well as creative suggestions from listeners. We also answer frequently asked questions about the "Read 25 in 25" challenge to help us all make reading a daily habit in the new year. Plus, we share terrific holiday hosting hacks from listeners. Resources and links related to this episode: ---" [Habits for Happiness] (https://courses.gretchenrubin.com/courses/habits-for-happiness) " course --- [Read25in25] (http://happiercast.com/Read25in25) --- [Design Your Year] (http://happiercast.com/designyouryear) --- [Rolling cart] (https://amzn.to/4gT5ckh) ---Elizabeth is rereading:Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a New York Maitre D'by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina ( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/4fWzSRo) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781250325747) ) ---Gretchen is reading:North Woodsby Daniel Mason ( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/4iGXOdv) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780593597033) ) Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

25 Dec 2024

30 MINS

30:02

25 Dec 2024

#1086

Little Happier: When One Song Can Express Contradictory Emotions

The Fleetwood Mac song “Songbird” illustrates the truth that with a great artwork, its power often lies not in expressing a single emotion, but in speaking to various, and sometimes even seemingly opposite, human experiences. Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

23 Dec 2024

02 MINS

02:16

23 Dec 2024

#1085

More Happier: Bonus: I Read “The Snow Queen” to You, Pt. 2

As a holiday gift to listeners, I’m reading aloud “The Snow Queen,” one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most famous fairy tales. Last week was Part One; this week is Part Two. Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

21 Dec 2024

36 MINS

36:12

21 Dec 2024

#1084

Ep. 513: Revealed: Our Annual Challenge for 2025! Plus We Review 2024’s #Write24in24 Challenge

As part of “Design Your Year,” each year we announce an annual challenge based on the year—a habit that will help us and listeners to be come happier. We review our experience with last year’s “Write 24 in ‘24” challenge and reveal the challenge for 2025. Plus we discuss some of the tools and strategies we’ll use to help ourselves stick to this excellent challenge. Resources and links related to this episode: ---" [Habits for Happiness] (https://courses.gretchenrubin.com/courses/habits-for-happiness) " course --- [#Write24in24] (https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/join-us-for-write24in24/) --- [#Read25in25] (http://happiercast.com/Read25in25) --- [One-Sentence Journal] (https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/one-sentence-journal) --- [bookshop.org] (http://bookshop.org/) --- [Happier™ app] (https://the-happiness-project.com/pages/happier-app) --- [2025 "War and Peace" Slow Read] (https://footnotesandtangents.substack.com/) --- [Four Tendencies Quiz] (http://happiercast.com/sensesquiz) --- [Don't Break the Chain tracker] (https://gretchenrubin.com/resources/) ---" [What's Your Neglected Sense?] (https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-five-senses-quiz/) " ---Elizabeth is rereading: Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a New York Maitre D' by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina ( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/4fWzSRo) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781250325747) ) ---Gretchen is reading: Was She Pretty? by Leanne Shapton ( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/4gERNMj) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781770462274) ) Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [ Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happier app] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] (https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

18 Dec 2024

30 MINS

30:51

18 Dec 2024

#1083

Little Happier: When Everything Changes, What Remains? The Mystery of Persistent Identity

From the Ship of Theseus to the Grand Shrine of Ise, from the Tin Woodman to our own constantly renewing bodies, humans have long wrestled with a profound question: When something is replaced piece by piece, is it still the same thing? Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

16 Dec 2024

02 MINS

02:54

16 Dec 2024

#1082

More Happier: Bonus: I Read “The Snow Queen” to You, Pt. 1

As a holiday gift to listeners, I reading aloud “The Snow Queen,” one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most famous fairy tales. This week is Part One; next week is Part Two. Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happierapp] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

14 Dec 2024

33 MINS

33:55

14 Dec 2024

#1081

Ep. 512: We Review Our “24 for ‘24” Lists to See What We Accomplished—or Not

We each review our “24 for 24 lists” and report on what we did, what we didn’t do, and why. We also reflect on which items made us happier, which ones fizzled out, and which ones we’ll repeat next year. Resources and links related to this episode: --- [Happiness Project Shop ] (https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/all) --- [Tips for making a "25 for '25" list] (https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/tips-for-your-24-for-2024-list/) --- [Print your own "25 for '25" list] (http://happiercast.com/designyouryear) --- [One-Sentence Journal ] (https://the-happiness-project.com/products/one-sentence-journal) --- [Happier in Hollywood] (https://happierinhollywood.com/) newsletter sign-up --- [Habits for Happiness quiz:] (https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-habits-for-happiness-quiz/) What's the next new habit that will make you happier? --- [Four Tendencies quiz] (https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/) : Are you an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel? --- [Gift-Giving quiz] (https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-gift-giving-quiz/) : What kind of gift makes you happy? --- ["5 Things Making Me Happy" newsletters] (https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/newsletters/) ---Ethan Mollick’s newsletter “ [One Useful Thing] (https://www.oneusefulthing.org/) " --- [Hard Fork] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hard-fork/id1528594034) podcast --- [Muse Machine] (https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/all/products/muse-machine) ---Gretchen is reading: Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs ( [Amazon] (https://amzn.to/3BdwVgj) , [Bookshop] (https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780063253476) ) Get in touch: [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] (mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com) Visit [ Gretchen's website] (https://gretchenrubin.com/) to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the [Happier app] (https://thehappierapp.com/) . Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] (https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) See [omnystudio.com/listener] (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information. ... Read more

11 Dec 2024

34 MINS

34:06