Ep. 566: Do You Ever Think “This Is Not Good; I Could Do This Better?” Plus Accountability Hacks

We talk about why the realization “I could this this task better myself” can help us identify possible opportunities. We also talk about how to give a bad review in a nice way, and share imaginative accountability strategies.  Resources & links related to this episode: Obituary for John Charles Cr…

A Happier Holiday Reading: “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry

As a gift to listeners, I read O. Henry’s classic "The Gift of the Magi"—a timeless reminder of what really matters most for our happiness during the holidays. Resources & links related to this episode: "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry (Amazon, Bookshop)  I read "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Di…

A Little Happier: A Few Extra Words from Winston Churchill Make a Big Difference

When we’re quoting someone who has articulated an important idea, it’s important to make sure that we’re quoting their entire point. Winston Churchill, Stewart Brand, and apocryphally, Harry Gordon Selfridge, are frequently only partially quoted. Resources & links related to this episode: Get i…

More Happier: Hacks to Avoid a Holiday Meltdown This Week [Revisited]

With the holiday crunch in full swing, here are three practical hacks that can make this week easier to manage. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to Happier episode 96 Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling bo…

Ep. 565: Did We Get Everything Done on Our “25 for ’25” Lists? We Review & Reflect

As part of “Design Your Year,” each of us made a list of 25 things we wanted to accomplish in 2025; here, we report on what we got done—and what we didn’t. Resources & links related to this episode: Happier in Hollywood Substack  Simon Haisell's Footnotes and Tangents Allie Coyle Photography The E…

A Little Happier: Why the Holy Man Didn’t Tell a Boy to Stop Eating Candy

A familiar story about Gandhi is apocryphal, but nevertheless illustrates one of my Secrets of Adulthood: If we’re trying to encourage or enforce a particular behavior, we should be willing to observe that behavior ourselves. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gret…

Bonus: Don’t Call it a Midlife Crisis—Chip Conley on the “Dan Buettner” Podcast

My friend Chip Conley joins the “Dan Buettner Podcast” to explain why the old idea of a “midlife crisis” holds us back and how reframing this stage can open the door to purpose, curiosity, and stronger connection in life after 50. Resources & links related to this episode: "The Gift of the Magi" b…

More Happier: “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner [Revisited]

As part of our Happier Podcast Book Club, we revisit our conversation with Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast about her compelling bestselling memoir “Crying in H Mart.”  Resources & links related to this episode: Crying in H Mart Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's webs…

Ep. 564: Revealing…the Annual Challenge for 2026! Plus a Report on Read 25 in 2025

We report on our experience with the “Design Your Year” exercise of the annual challenge: Read 25 in ’25. We also reveal the annual challenge for 2026—join us. Resources & links related to this episode: Move 26 in 2026  Visit the Happiness Project shop  The science-backed trick that soothes an itc…

A Little Happier: Have You Ever Felt Like an Employee of Your Former Self?

Do You Feel Like an Employee of Your Former Self? Renowned novelist Ian McEwan makes a funny observation about book tours that’s applicable to many familiar situations. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more abo…