Episode 79: How to Give Up a Grudge
What does it really take to forgive someone? And why should we do it? Our guest, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, tries a practice to let go…
Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education
Sign up for our newslettersWhat does it take to live a happier life? Learn research-tested strategies that you can put into practice today. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center.
What does it really take to forgive someone? And why should we do it? Our guest, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, tries a practice to let go…
Why do we vote? We explore the science behind what drives us to the polls, and the benefits we reap for ourselves and communities when we…
It's easy to be anxious and uncertain about the future—especially if you're eight months pregnant. Our guest tries practices to help her…
Feeling hard on yourself? Pinterest cofounder Evan Sharp learns to quiet his inner critic and tap into his highest potential.
Feeling lonely? Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy learns why focusing on the quality of our relationships, not the quantity, can be an…
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes.
Why do we vote? We explore the science behind what drives us to the polls, and the benefits we reap for ourselves and communities when we…
Feeling hard on yourself? Pinterest cofounder Evan Sharp learns to quiet his inner critic and tap into his highest potential.
It's easy to be anxious and uncertain about the future—especially if you're eight months pregnant. Our guest tries practices to help her…
Feeling lonely? Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy learns why focusing on the quality of our relationships, not the quantity, can be an…
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes.
Adrian Michael Green asks big questions designed to help teens—and adults—find more meaning and purpose in their lives.
Our guest tries a practice to help her feel compassion toward others—even those she disagrees with.
Do you take the good things in life for granted? You’re not alone, and studies show it's very human. But here’s a way to find more joy…
Do you obsess over negative feedback? Shereen Marisol Meraji, of NPR’s Code Switch, tries a better way to cope.
A couple try a practice to bring more excitement and passion into their relationship, even while sheltering-in-place.
We gave our Happiness Guinea Pig a mission: Do five random acts of kindness in one day.
Want to calm your inner critic? Our guest tries a practice to find more self-compassion during uncertain times.
We speak with john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, about racial justice, well-being, and widening our circles of…
Do you dwell on the negative and let moments of joy just pass you by? Discover how the Academy Award-winning director of Inside Out got out…
After more than a decade together, our Happiness Guinea Pig tries to bring the spark back into her marriage.
When our world is turned upside down, how do we keep moving forward? Our guest, award-winning author Christine Day, sets a new path for herself.
Do you beat yourself up over every mistake? A high school senior tries to be kinder to himself during an especially stressful time.
Are you too hard on yourself? Our Happiness Guinea Pig spent most of his life behind bars. Discover the research-tested practice that helped…
We can be at our worst with the people we love best. Our guests try to be more calm and present with those closest to them.
Heights. Public speaking. Death. Our Happiness Guinea Pig explains how she overcomes her fears, one small step at a time.
Do you have a hard time calming your nerves? Author Raina Telgemeier tries a practice to get out of her head, one step at a time.
Do you want to be famous? What's a favorite memory? These 36 questions can bring you closer to loved ones, even if you're separated.
How do you respond when you feel threatened or defensive? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, writer Wajahat Ali, discovers a way to keep himself…
Do you find yourself looking at your phone when you're supposed to be paying attention to a friend? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, The Takeaway's…
How a doctor stays calm and centered during times of uncertainty, one breath at a time.
Are you actually listening when someone is talking to you, or just waiting for your turn to talk? Our guest, a veteran of the Iraq War,…
Can you train your brain to be more grateful? Todd Zwillich, host of The Takeaway takes on the challenge.
Her New Year's resolution was to have more joyful and fulfilling experiences in her daily life. Our guest tried a practice to help make that happen.
Should we try to find common ground with the villains in our lives? Comedian Zahra Noorbakhsh tries to understand a "zombie" from her past.
The loss of a job, the pain of a breakup -- it's easy to get down on ourselves when things aren't going well. Find out how our Happiness…
Comedian Maz Jobrani tries to pay more attention to the good things in his life by writing them down -- and encourages his kids to do the same.
Does imagining your future make you more happy—or more anxious? Our Happiness Guinea Pig looks ahead for inspiration to improve her life now.
How can we feel connected to the world around us? Singer Diana Gameros tries to cultivate a sense of awe in the most unlikely of places.
Our guest tries a practice to feel more connected to loved ones, and herself, while sheltering at home.
Is there someone important you've never properly thanked? Hear how award-winning children's book author, Yuyi Morales, discovers the power of…
Do you fixate on your flaws and shortcomings? Our happiness guinea pig tries the opposite: focusing on her personal strengths.
A tree next to a bus stop, a flower poking through the sidewalk. Our guest, a veteran of the Iraq War, discovers how awe and wonder can be…
Did you know what you wanted when you were in high school? Our teen guinea pig takes on the challenge of figuring out her purpose in life.
Are you still mad at someone who hurt you in the past? That can eat away at your health and well-being. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new…
Sheltering-at-home with kids? These questions can help them, and us, focus on the good things in life.
How can people from different groups get on the same page? Our guest, an educator and football coach, tries a strategy for building stronger,…
A high-five from a stranger, a hummingbird on a busy city street. Poet Ross Gay shares his own happiness practice: savoring the everyday…
There are millions of YouTube channels with people crinkling bubble wrap or whispering about folding laundry. Our guest talks about why…
For years, Dan Harris of ABC News was plagued by anxiety, depression, and streaks of anger. Here's how he learned to tame the voices in his…
Are you so stressed that it wears you down physically as well as mentally? Discover how award-winning radio host Krista Tippett brought…
A junior high school teacher spent his life defying stereotypes about how men should express their emotions. Here he takes on a new…
Can 36 questions help you fall in love—and stay in love? Best-selling author Kelly Corrigan tries a research-proven technique to feel…
Author Michael Pollan, shares his experiences on being a guinea pig for his new book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of…
Holding on to a grudge? Hear how our happiness guinea pig tried to let go of deep-seated anger and resentment.
Comedian W. Kamau Bell discusses the challenges of finding common ground, even with people in your own family.
It's easy to lose sight of what matters most. Our guest finds a way to reconnect with her values during stressful times.
What kinds of objects, images, and words surround your home or office? Our Happiness Guinea Pig surveys her apartment for items that spark…
When you’re helping others cope with stress and anxiety, how do you deal with your own? Psychiatrist Elizabeth Guinto tries a practice to…
He started Afghanistan's first post-Taliban rock band when he was 18 years old. A decade later, our Happiness Guinea Pig takes on another…
What would make you happier at work? Featuring several of our Happiness Guinea Pigs, we share the latest insights and research on well-being…
“I'm sorry you feel that way.”
Some apologies can actually make things worse. Our Happiness Guinea Pigs, Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen…
Did you know that you have the power to spark happiness in someone else's brain with just a few simple words? College student Eva Dickerson…
Comedian Maz Jobrani tries to be more thankful for the good things in his life by writing them down — and encourages his kids to do the same.
When was the last time you felt connected to something bigger than yourself? Award-winning cellist Yumi Kendall looks, and listens, for…
Do you fixate on what's going wrong in your life? Poet and "recovering pessimist" Maggie Smith practices looking on the bright side.
In hard times, do you seek comfort from others or turn inwards? Find out how our Happiness Guinea Pig emerged from trauma by accepting…
How do you build feelings of trust and security? Our Happiness Guinea Pig learns some truths about what it takes to feel supported.
Can you extend compassion toward a difficult person in your life? Congressman Tim Ryan tries a practice to help him reach across the aisle.
Think of an important person in your life. Now imagine you never met. Our guest practices counting his blessings by picturing his life…
He survived the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, two years ago and has been a student mental health advocate ever since. Now Kai Koerber…
Do memories of your past affect your happiness today? Susannah Cahalan was young and healthy when she was stricken with a mysterious…
International megastar Daniel Wu tries a practice that brings him calm amidst the chaos.
How can you unearth humor in everyday life? Best-selling author Michael Lewis goes looking for laughs.
Her husband has been in prison for 23 years. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new approach to stay strong while working to get him released.
What should you do when you thought you had it all—but find out you've had it all wrong? Discover how this episode's Happiness Guinea Pig…
Our Happiness Guinea Pig, the creator of Cartoon Network's We Bare Bears, finds a way to feel close to a loved one he recently lost.
Doctors are often trained to be emotionally detached. But our guest finds greater meaning in his work as a physician when he tries to connect…
Why does a bath or swim feel so relaxing? Our guest shares her own happiness practice—spending time in water—which science is finding can…
Our Happiness Guinea Pig, children's author Joanne Rocklin, shares her happiness practice: bringing people together to share a meal. It took…
Many of us avoid chatting with strangers – isn't small talk tedious and dull? Listen as our happiness guinea pig discovers its surprising benefits.
Would you rather swim with sharks or give a speech before thousands of people? Discover how this week's happiness guinea pig tackled one of…
Are you stuck ruminating about the past? Legendary skater Tommy Guerrero tries looking at negative events from a different perspective.
Do you have trouble slowing down enough to actually enjoy your life? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, comedian and radio host Luke Burbank, finds a…
Do you take your partner for granted? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, cartoonist Gene Luen Yang, imagines a life in which he never met his wife.
She's one of the most accomplished comedians of her generation. But Margaret Cho wants to find a different kind of happiness.
What does it take to live a happier life? Learn research-tested strategies from award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner, co-produced by…
What does it really take to forgive someone? And why should we do it? Our guest, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, tries a practice to let go…
What does it really take to forgive someone? And why should we do it? Our guest, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, tries a practice to let go…
Why do we vote? We explore the science behind what drives us to the polls, and the benefits we reap for ourselves and communities when we…
It's easy to be anxious and uncertain about the future—especially if you're eight months pregnant. Our guest tries practices to help her…
Feeling hard on yourself? Pinterest cofounder Evan Sharp learns to quiet his inner critic and tap into his highest potential.
Feeling lonely? Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy learns why focusing on the quality of our relationships, not the quantity, can be an…
Why should you be nice? Our guest explores how small, daily acts of kindness can produce meaningful life changes.
Do you obsess over negative feedback? Shereen Marisol Meraji, of NPR’s Code Switch, tries a better way to cope.
A couple try a practice to bring more excitement and passion into their relationship, even while sheltering-in-place.
We can be at our worst with the people we love best. Our guests try to be more calm and present with those closest to them.
Our guest tries a practice to help her feel compassion toward others—even those she disagrees with.
Adrian Michael Green asks big questions designed to help teens—and adults—find more meaning and purpose in their lives.
We speak with john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, about racial justice, well-being, and widening our circles of…
When our world is turned upside down, how do we keep moving forward? Our guest, award-winning author Christine Day, sets a new path for herself.
Do you want to be famous? What's a favorite memory? These 36 questions can bring you closer to loved ones, even if you're separated.
Want to calm your inner critic? Our guest tries a practice to find more self-compassion during uncertain times.
Sheltering-at-home with kids? These questions can help them, and us, focus on the good things in life.
How a doctor stays calm and centered during times of uncertainty, one breath at a time.
Our guest tries a practice to feel more connected to loved ones, and herself, while sheltering at home.
Think of an important person in your life. Now imagine you never met. Our guest practices counting his blessings by picturing his life…
Do you have a hard time calming your nerves? Author Raina Telgemeier tries a practice to get out of her head, one step at a time.
He survived the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, two years ago and has been a student mental health advocate ever since. Now Kai Koerber…
Are you actually listening when someone is talking to you, or just waiting for your turn to talk? Our guest, a veteran of the Iraq War,…
How can people from different groups get on the same page? Our guest, an educator and football coach, tries a strategy for building stronger,…
Her New Year's resolution was to have more joyful and fulfilling experiences in her daily life. Our guest tried a practice to help make that happen.
There are millions of YouTube channels with people crinkling bubble wrap or whispering about folding laundry. Our guest talks about why…
Do you beat yourself up over every mistake? A high school senior tries to be kinder to himself during an especially stressful time.
Comedian Maz Jobrani tries to be more thankful for the good things in his life by writing them down — and encourages his kids to do the same.
When was the last time you felt connected to something bigger than yourself? Award-winning cellist Yumi Kendall looks, and listens, for…
It's easy to lose sight of what matters most. Our guest finds a way to reconnect with her values during stressful times.
Doctors are often trained to be emotionally detached. But our guest finds greater meaning in his work as a physician when he tries to connect…
A tree next to a bus stop, a flower poking through the sidewalk. Our guest, a veteran of the Iraq War, discovers how awe and wonder can be…
Do you fixate on what's going wrong in your life? Poet and "recovering pessimist" Maggie Smith practices looking on the bright side.
She's one of the most accomplished comedians of her generation. But Margaret Cho wants to find a different kind of happiness.
Should we try to find common ground with the villains in our lives? Comedian Zahra Noorbakhsh tries to understand a "zombie" from her past.
We gave our Happiness Guinea Pig a mission: Do five random acts of kindness in one day.
Heights. Public speaking. Death. Our Happiness Guinea Pig explains how she overcomes her fears, one small step at a time.
How can you unearth humor in everyday life? Best-selling author Michael Lewis goes looking for laughs.
After more than a decade together, our Happiness Guinea Pig tries to bring the spark back into her marriage.
Our Happiness Guinea Pig, the creator of Cartoon Network's We Bare Bears, finds a way to feel close to a loved one he recently lost.
Her husband has been in prison for 23 years. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new approach to stay strong while working to get him released.
The loss of a job, the pain of a breakup -- it's easy to get down on ourselves when things aren't going well. Find out how our Happiness…
A high-five from a stranger, a hummingbird on a busy city street. Poet Ross Gay shares his own happiness practice: savoring the everyday…
Are you still mad at someone who hurt you in the past? That can eat away at your health and well-being. Our Happiness Guinea Pig tries a new…
What kinds of objects, images, and words surround your home or office? Our Happiness Guinea Pig surveys her apartment for items that spark…
Do you have trouble slowing down enough to actually enjoy your life? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, comedian and radio host Luke Burbank, finds a…
How can we feel connected to the world around us? Singer Diana Gameros tries to cultivate a sense of awe in the most unlikely of places.
Do you fixate on your flaws and shortcomings? Our happiness guinea pig tries the opposite: focusing on her personal strengths.
Can you extend compassion toward a difficult person in your life? Congressman Tim Ryan tries a practice to help him reach across the aisle.
A junior high school teacher spent his life defying stereotypes about how men should express their emotions. Here he takes on a new…
Comedian Maz Jobrani tries to pay more attention to the good things in his life by writing them down -- and encourages his kids to do the same.
He started Afghanistan's first post-Taliban rock band when he was 18 years old. A decade later, our Happiness Guinea Pig takes on another…
How do you build feelings of trust and security? Our Happiness Guinea Pig learns some truths about what it takes to feel supported.
When you’re helping others cope with stress and anxiety, how do you deal with your own? Psychiatrist Elizabeth Guinto tries a practice to…
Comedian W. Kamau Bell discusses the challenges of finding common ground, even with people in your own family.
International megastar Daniel Wu tries a practice that brings him calm amidst the chaos.
Did you know that you have the power to spark happiness in someone else's brain with just a few simple words? College student Eva Dickerson…
Our Happiness Guinea Pig, children's author Joanne Rocklin, shares her happiness practice: bringing people together to share a meal. It took…
Why does a bath or swim feel so relaxing? Our guest shares her own happiness practice—spending time in water—which science is finding can…
“I'm sorry you feel that way.”
Some apologies can actually make things worse. Our Happiness Guinea Pigs, Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen…
How do you respond when you feel threatened or defensive? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, writer Wajahat Ali, discovers a way to keep himself…
What would make you happier at work? Featuring several of our Happiness Guinea Pigs, we share the latest insights and research on well-being…
Do you take your partner for granted? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, cartoonist Gene Luen Yang, imagines a life in which he never met his wife.
Are you stuck ruminating about the past? Legendary skater Tommy Guerrero tries looking at negative events from a different perspective.
Do you find yourself looking at your phone when you're supposed to be paying attention to a friend? Our Happiness Guinea Pig, The Takeaway's…
Many of us avoid chatting with strangers – isn't small talk tedious and dull? Listen as our happiness guinea pig discovers its surprising benefits.
Author Michael Pollan, shares his experiences on being a guinea pig for his new book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of…
Did you know what you wanted when you were in high school? Our teen guinea pig takes on the challenge of figuring out her purpose in life.
Would you rather swim with sharks or give a speech before thousands of people? Discover how this week's happiness guinea pig tackled one of…
Holding on to a grudge? Hear how our happiness guinea pig tried to let go of deep-seated anger and resentment.
For years, Dan Harris of ABC News was plagued by anxiety, depression, and streaks of anger. Here's how he learned to tame the voices in his…
In hard times, do you seek comfort from others or turn inwards? Find out how our Happiness Guinea Pig emerged from trauma by accepting…
Is there someone important you've never properly thanked? Hear how award-winning children's book author, Yuyi Morales, discovers the power of…
Do memories of your past affect your happiness today? Susannah Cahalan was young and healthy when she was stricken with a mysterious…
Does imagining your future make you more happy—or more anxious? Our Happiness Guinea Pig looks ahead for inspiration to improve her life now.
Can you train your brain to be more grateful? Todd Zwillich, host of The Takeaway takes on the challenge.
Are you so stressed that it wears you down physically as well as mentally? Discover how award-winning radio host Krista Tippett brought…
Do you dwell on the negative and let moments of joy just pass you by? Discover how the Academy Award-winning director of Inside Out got out…
What should you do when you thought you had it all—but find out you've had it all wrong? Discover how this episode's Happiness Guinea Pig…
Can 36 questions help you fall in love—and stay in love? Best-selling author Kelly Corrigan tries a research-proven technique to feel…
Are you too hard on yourself? Our Happiness Guinea Pig spent most of his life behind bars. Discover the research-tested practice that helped…
Do you take the good things in life for granted? You’re not alone, and studies show it's very human. But here’s a way to find more joy…
What does it take to live a happier life? Learn research-tested strategies from award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner, co-produced by…
We often think of creativity as being a personality trait rather than a skill that we can foster in our children. Which is it, really? Rona…
It's that time of year, when many parents are looking at preschools and try to make what is for some a very difficult decision. Rona and I…
Most spouses fight, but many do not know how to make-up in a way that repairs the relationship. Rona gives us a crash course in regaining…
A leading researcher in positive psychology explains how understanding our misconceptions about happiness can ultimately lead us to a rich…
Whether or not you are a romantic person, and whether or not you like Valentine's Day, here's my favorite romantic thing to do.
Rona and I are frequently asked how parents and caregivers can make morning routines go more smoothly. It's pretty common to have a lot of…
Tips for a peaceful and easy morning routine
Most parents yell at their kids at one time or another, but as stress and exhaustion increase over the holidays, some parents yell more. Rona…
The holidays are so fun, but many kids get really out of whack. How to manage moodiness and exhaustion at this time of year.
Is your child having a hard time forgiving a classmate for hurting his or her feelings? If you've got a grudge-holding or revenge-seeking…
A new slew of tips from Rona and I for fostering gratitude--and combating entitlement--in our children.
Are your weekends relaxing? Do you find time to rest and rejuvenate? If your answer was no, no, and no: you aren't alone. Many parents…
Feel like you no longer have any time for your friends? While you certainly aren't alone--especially among parents--friendships can…
Is your kid a bully? Even if you've taught your children right from wrong, sometimes the kids of kind and compassionate parents can still…
Rona and I take another listener questions, this time from Nina, who writes: "Do you have any tips for handling 'back talk' from kids? We are…
Rona and I will talk about online safety and ways to create happiness for our children in these social networks sites.
This week, Rona and I take this listener question, from Anna: "I just watched your video about kids needing unstructured playtime. I have a…
Rona and I continue last week's discussion -- and specific instruction -- for getting into a new habit. Note: I reference (and recommend!) BJ…
It's one thing to know what you want to do to make your life better...and quite another to actually be able to do it. Last week Rona and I…
Mindfulness is an amazing tool for parents that both Rona and I use all the time. In this podcast, we review what mindful parenting actually…
Do you say "yes" every time someone asks you to do something? Rona and I discuss reasons to say "no" instead, and reveal our favorite tips…
Rona and my best tips for smooth-sailing in the morning as we go back-to-school: no yelling, no nagging, and no missed buses.
Continuing our discussion from last week about coaching, Rona and I parse out the difference between encouragement and praise for truly…
This is one of my favorite podcasts! I find the wisdom of celebrity athletic coaches that we quote here to be incredibly inspiring. Thinking…
We've all done it: threatened a consequence in the face of our children's misbehavior that we don't intend to follow through on. In this…
Creativity is an important lifeskill that we can teach kids.
Turns out that certain skills make us--and our kids--luckier.
Optimists are happier, healthier, and more successful.
Want to know what happens to our nervous systems when all we do is check things off our task lists? Rona and I talk about a major happiness…
Research shows that mindfulness and meditation counter depression and anxiety—and the stress of our crazy busy lives. Listen to this…
Tired of kids fighting? Wishing you weren’t feeling so edgy? Wanting a little peace in a world that is CrazyBusy? Especially if you are…
You may know what you need to do to be happy, but do you know how to do it? Rona and I discuss (and sometimes disagree) about the difference…
We all sometimes want others to change--especially our children. But does it work to criticize ourselves and others? Rona and I discuss the…
Our children are increasingly pushed to achieve, achieve, achieve. Will this make their lives successful, happy, and meaningful? Rona and I…
Teachers often come to parents when their children have problems, but sometimes their framing can lead kids to believe that they can't do…
Do happy people focus on being more selfless than selfish? Rona and I discuss how self-love and self-compassion differ from selfishness, and…
Want to know what my #1 strategy for raising happy children is? It is the conscious practice of gratitude. Learn how and why to raise kids…
Is the old adage "forgive and forget" still good advice? Rona and I talk about the relationship between forgiveness and happiness, and we…
Rona and I are both divorced; we've both considered the issue deeply both personally and professionally. When is divorce better for kids than…
It seems like kids many kids know much more than us adults about the technology around us--a friend of mine just discovered that her 11 year…
Rona and I talk about the ways that email and social media (like Facebook and Twitter) can make us feel connected as well as disconnected…
What do you need out of your relationship? What are your priorities? This podcast is about creating harmony in our relationships--without…
If you've never had a family meeting, listen to this podcast! Rona and I talk about the ins and outs of having successful family meetings:…
I was recently challenged on the Laura Ingraham Show with the question of whether or not it is good for our society, or even for our children…
Rona and I talk about our experiences being single parents: the difficulty, the guilt, and yes, the silver lining.
Ways to think about housekeeping when you have kids in the house--so that it doesn't drive you nuts, make you feel guilty, or consume too much time.
The pioneering researcher and author of Self-Compassion explains why it's OK to accept your faults and be kind to yourself.
Although there are lots of powerful, and often pernicious, forces at work in influencing our how our kids feel about food and their bodies,…
Rona and I discuss the hard work of BEING the right partner, rather than always trying to FIND the right partner.
Our expectations color our perceptions of everything, as well as how we feel. Is your spouse crumbling under the pressure of your high expectations?
What to do, say, and expect when you have a tantruming child. More info about tantrums can be found here or here. Dr. Tina Payne Bryson has…
Parents today are busier than ever--which makes it hard to get involved in national movements like Occupy. Here are three ways to make a difference.
Why your involvement matters for your children's happiness--even if you feel the problems are overwhelming. In this podcast, I reference…
We want the best for our children, and sometimes we want them to lose weight. Helping kids get healthy--without creating feelings of shame…
Rona and I discuss the reasons diets often don't work -- and how they can make us unhappy.
The science of change can help us be more successful in keeping our resolutions. Rona and I give tips for starting new habits over the…
What would you like to change in the New Year? What would your kids like to change? Making New Year's resolutions can be a fun--and…
Think you have to put up with your mean mother or drunk uncle again at your big holiday meal this year? Think again. Rona and I discuss five…
Rona and I talk about ways to manage the stress that sometimes comes during the holiday season--and that affects both our parenting and our happiness.
Rona and I discuss why some holiday traditions can fuel our children's happiness, and give several suggestions for fun, joy-inducing holiday rituals.
As the holiday marketing machine ramps up and the lists for Santa start to lengthen, Rona and I pause to reflect on what research shows…
Happy Thanksgiving! While you peel potatoes or drive to grandma's house, listen to this podcast about our favorite gratitude practices--for…
Rona and I talk about the science of gratitude, and why consciously practicing gratitude can boost our happiness so much.
This week Rona and I discuss how and why to talk to kids about the Occupy Wall Street movement, and why giving them a broader understanding…
Want to contribute to the greater good of society? Rona and I talk about why starting with yourself is a solid strategy for increasing other…
Are economists right: Is genetics the most powerful influence on kids' academic success? Rona and I talk about a frequently overlooked alternative.
I've decided 10,000 times never ever to yell at my children again. Rona gives me tips for getting my kids' attention without yelling.
Why it is so important for us parents to have healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety, as well as Rona and my tips for…
Mindfulness and stress management tips for helping stressed out kids from Rona and my own experience and also from Michelle Baily's book…
Rona and I discuss the "decision tree" I use for deciding whether or not to sign my kids up for another activity. Here are a few questions…
Rona and I discuss the reasons that we parents are often tempted to let our kids do more after-school activities than we ever dreamed…
Although we live in a social world that is increasingly sparse--families tend to feel more isolated than they have in previous…
Kids aren't always as excited about going back to school as we parents can be. Rona and Christine discuss ways to help ease kids' nerves.…
As we make our "Back to School" preparations, sometimes the thing we most need to refresh ourselves on is how to talk to kids about…
Rona and Christine talk about ways to start easing kids back into their school routines to make for a happier week of school. Part 1 of a 3…
The author of How Pleasure Works explains why we do good and how to find true happiness.
Rona and Christine chat about the ups and downs of sending kids away to camp over the summer.
All children do things that make us angry and embarrassed sometimes! This podcast address WHY they might be misbehaving. Rona guides us…
Grandparents can be a mixed-blessing: are your children's doting but far away? Loving but judgemental? Rona and I discuss ways for…
How do you bring up problems in your relationship with your partner? Rona and I give our tips for keeping your romantic relationship healthy…
Rona and I continue the conversation from last week about difficult emotions, but this week is focused on recovery. Part 2 of a 2 part series.
As the popular post "Comfortable with Discomfort" makes clear, difficult circumstances and emotions are part of living a happy life. Here's…
This week my children are off at a very outdoorsy sleepaway camp -- I'm excited for them to be outside nearly constantly for two weeks! One…
Christine and Rona talk about Christine's commencement speech at UC Berkeley, which was about the three things she wished she'd known about…
Many kids are anxious, depressed, and stressed. They are self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, and they are cutting themselves. Let's…
Finding good daycare can be stressful and confusing. Find out what the research says.
Do your kids fight? Learn how to help them resolve their conflicts positively. Part 2.
Do your kids fight? Learn how to help them resolve their conflicts positively. Part 1 of a 2 part series.
Helicopter parents beware: being too involved in your children's lives can do more harm than good
Optimists are happier, healthier, and more successful.
How music can help your children become more happy.
Avoiding powerstruggles and tears during homework time.
How to help your kids feel compassion rather than panic
The "happiness guru" of the business world discusses his ideas for finding joy and meaning in your job.
Tips for introducing a new baby to a sibling and for fostering strong sibling relationships.
More tips for ways to make your children luckier
Turns out that certain skills make us--and our kids--luckier.
Do we expect too much from ourselves and our kids?
Creativity is an important lifeskill that we can teach kids.
All couples disagree -- here's how to do it well.
When parents fight--which we all do--we can damage our children
Tips for improving your relationship--and your parenting!
How to be a warm and loving parent while still raising disciplined children
Did you know that one parenting style is better than the rest?
Why exercise makes kids good at math.
Did you know how much children sleep affects how smart, creative, attentive, and happy they are -- as well as how much they weigh?
It is one thing to know what you want to change in the New Year, but quite another to know HOW to do it
Are there big things about your kids that you'd like to change? Start by changing your kids' environment and their behavior will follow.
What makes us unhappy as parents, and tips for greater happiness.
Stressors increase during the holidays, but some holiday traditions make us happier than others.
The holiday season can be stressful--and that means many of us yell at our kids more often. Tips for yelling less.
How to make gratitude--rather than entitlement--a HABIT
Rona Renner, temperament specialist, talks some more about understanding our children's dispositions.
How our children's different temperaments influence our parenting
The award-winning New York Times columnist offers lessons for navigating the practical and emotional challenges of end-of-life, based on…
Why it isn't selfish to take care of yourself FIRST
Do you feel stressed out and overly busy? Learn a simple "loving-kindness" meditation to do with your kids.
We can teach our kids to be engaged learners -- or we can make them hungry for achievement at all costs.
Learn 2 key factors for fostering this particular form of happiness
As the political season heats up, Professor Haidt explains how our emotions influence our moral and political views, why liberals and…
Losing your mind? Stop judging yourself and come back to your breath and your body.
The best-selling author and psychologist discusses how we can literally re-wire our brains to cultivate positive emotions, inner peace, and…
Play is an important skill that kids need for both happiness and, surprisingly, self-discipline.
Why happiness--in ourselves and our children--is a worthy and attainable goal.
The best-selling Buddhist author discusses the interplay between Buddhism and science, and the need to “re-think Buddhism from the ground up."
The Greater Good Science Center's faculty director discusses "the science of a meaningful life": how to raise compassionate kids, reduce…
What does it take to live a happier life? Learn research-tested strategies that you can put into practice today. Hosted by award-winning…
Dr. Christine Carter and Nurse Rona Renner give parents tips for raising happy children and leading more joyful lives.
Leading researchers and thinkers explore the roots of compassion, happiness, morality, and more. Provocative, enlightening, and inspiring.