Little Happier: When Zero Isn't Nothing: The Fresh Eyes of a Basketball Beginner

We discuss why and how we might try to make one new friend in 2025—a huge happiness booster. We also explore two creative happiness hacks that make it easier to stick to a habit of walking. Plus we tackle a fascinating Four Tendencies question about managing a Questioner spouse's barrage of daily questions, and we delve into how people differ in remembering their past experiences, comparing "snapshot" versus "movie" memory styles. Resources and links related to this episode: “The Paradox of Purpose: Those We Support Become Our Strength” Secrets of Adulthood Memento Keepsake Journal One-Sentence Journal Four Tendencies hub Elizabeth is reading: Look Closer by David Ellis (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is reading: When Mrs. Coverlet Was Away by Mary Nash (Amazon) Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Tammi 31min

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 Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Tammi 3min

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 Legend Planner Newsletter sign -up Happier in Hollywood newsletter Zurau Aphorisms by Franz Kafka (Amazon, Bookshop) Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com; happiercast.com. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Tammi 18min

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." Habits for Happiness course http://happiercast.com/shop Elizabeth is reading: Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is reading: Talk to Me by Rich Benjamin (Amazon, Bookshop) Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Tammi 38min

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 Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Tammi 1min

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're revisiting some of the most popular, effective tools. Each of these tools is available in the Happier app, or if you prefer tangible tools, many are also available in physical form. Resources and links related to this episode: Better Than Before “Checklist for Habit Change.” One-Sentence Journal Don’t Break the Chain Journal Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Tammi 26min

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 Design Your Year Elizabeth is reading: Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon by Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is reading: The English Understand Wool by Helen Dewitt (Amazon, Bookshop) Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Tammi 31min

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 Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Tammi 5min