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PRX and Greater Good Science Center

Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Follow us on Instagram @HappinessPod.

The Science of Happiness

Research shows that simple practices such as self-hugs, soothing touch, and hand-to-heart can calm the nervous system, supporting caregivers and the children in their care.

Summary: From parents to teachers, caregiving can be overwhelming and exhausting. This episode of The Science of Happiness dives into simple touch-based strategies that promote calm, reduce stress, and foster stronger connections. Researchers share how even brief moments of self-soothing or supportive touch can improve mental and physical health for caregivers and children. 

How To Do This Practice: 

 1. 
Sit or stand comfortably 2. and take a moment to notice your body. Soften your jaw and shoulders. If it feels safe, close your eyes or lower your gaze.

 3. 
Place one hand on your belly 4. , both hands over your heart, or give yourself a self-hug— whatever feels most comfortable and natural. Let the weight of your hands feel steady and supportive.

 5. 
Take a slow inhale 6. through your nose and a longer exhale through your mouth.

 7. 
Silently repeat 8. a kind phrase to yourself, like “How can I be a friend to myself today?” and “It’s okay to make mistakes.”

 9. 
Feel the warmth 10. and weight of your hands. On each exhale, invite a little ease into your face, shoulders, belly, and back. Notice any tiny shift toward calm.

 11. 
Wrap your arms around your torso 12. and apply comfortable pressure, finishing with a gentle self-hug before returning to your day. 

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Guests:

THERESA ALEXANDER is a pre-K teacher based in Arlington, Virginia, with nearly 20 years of teaching experience. She’s also a new mother.

MICHAEL BANISSY is a psychology professor at University of Bristol and the author of “Touch Matters: Handshakes, Hugs, and the New Science on How Touch Can Enhance Your Well-Being.”

Learn more about Michael here: https://www.banissy.com/

Related The Science of Happiness episodes: 

Caring for Caregivers Series: https://tinyurl.com/4k2hv47j

Related Happiness Breaks:

The Healing Power of Your Own Touch: https://tinyurl.com/y4ze59h8

Our Caring for Caregivers series is supported by the Van Leer Foundation, an independent Dutch organization working globally to foster inclusive societies where all children and communities can flourish. 

To discover more insights from Van Leer Foundation and others on this topic, visit Early Childhood Matters, the leading platform for advancing topics on early childhood development and connecting diverse voices and ideas across disciplines that support the wellbeing of babies, toddlers and caregivers around the globe.

Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.

Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4ppzs8kw

How Gentle Touch Builds Connection

In this guided meditation with poet and teacher Henry Shukman, learn how allowing discomfort, rather than resisting it, can open the door to greater calm and self-compassion.

How To Do This Practice: 

 1. 
Find a Comfortable Position: 2. Sit comfortably, either upright with your head balanced or reclining, and relax your jaw, shoulders, and hands.

 3. 
Invite Warmth and Softness into the Body: 4. Gently bring awareness to different parts of your body—chest, belly, seat, legs, and feet. Imagine a gentle sweep of rest and quiet spreading through you, like a soft, warm wave.

 5. 
Notice Any Unease Without Trying to Change It: 6. See if you can detect any subtle unease or restlessness. Instead of pushing it away, simply acknowledge it.

 7. 
Soften and Warm the Whole Torso: 8. Move your awareness to the shoulders, sides, back, chest, and belly. Imagine each area softening like warm wax. Let this warmth frame your torso, surrounding even areas of tension or discomfort.

 9. 
Hold What You Find in Loving Awareness: 10. Rather than trying to “fix” or remove unease, allow it to be held by your warmth and softness. 

 11. 
Return Gently: 12. When you feel ready, slowly bring small movements back into your body. Open your eyes and notice your surroundings, carrying a sense of warmth and acceptance with you.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Happiness Break Guide:

Henry Shukman, is a poet, mindfulness teacher, and author of Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening. 

Learn more about Shukman’s work: https://henryshukman.com/about

Order his book, Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening: https://tinyurl.com/mwv5cuxr

Related Happiness Break episodes:

Loving Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5

Embodying Resilience: https://tinyurl.com/46383mhx

A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4

Related Science of Happiness episodes:

Make Uncertainty Part of the Process: https://tinyurl.com/234u5ds7

How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc

How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6

Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod

We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4x27ut3p

Happiness Break: A Meditation for When You Feel Uneasy

There’s a tapping practice shown to ease stress, balance emotions, and support healing. We explore the science behind Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT.

Summary: Emerging research shows that a body-tapping technique called Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT, can help calm the nervous system, improve emotional awareness, and support healing from trauma. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we follow illustrator Minnie Phan's journey of using this evidence-based practice to connect with herself, care for her mental health, and create from a place of resilience.

How To Do This Practice: 

 1. 
Identify the issue: 2. Choose one specific feeling, thought, or physical sensation that’s bothering you, such as stress, sadness, or tension in your body.

 3. 
Rate the intensity: 4. On a scale of 0 to 10 (with 10 being the most intense), rate how strongly you feel it right now. This will help you notice changes as you tap.

 5. 
Create your setup statement: 6. Say a phrase that names your feeling and affirms self-acceptance, such as: 
"Even though I feel anxious, I fully and completely accept myself." 7. 

 8. 
Gently tap 5–7 times on each point 9. : Side of hand, inner eyebrow above your nose, side of eye, under eye, under nose, chin, collarbone, under arm, and top of head.

 10. 
Repeat while tapping: 11. As you tap each point, repeat a shortened reminder phrase (e.g., 
“I feel anxious” 12. or 
“I accept myself” 13. ) while taking slow, steady breaths.

 14. 
Reassess and repeat if needed: 15. Pause, take a breath, and rate your intensity again. Continue another round or two until you notice a shift toward more calm or ease.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Guests:

MINNIE PHAN is an illustrator and publisher of the picture book, The Yellow Áo Dài. Phan has also collaborated with Pulitzer Prize winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen on the book, Simone. 

Learn more about Minnie Phan here: https://www.minniephan.com/

Follow Minnie Phan on Instagram: @minnie_phan 

DR. PETA STAPLETON is a world-leading researcher in the Emotional Freedom Technique. 

Learn more about Dr. Peta Stapleton here: https://www.petastapleton.com/

Follow Dr. Peta Stapleton on LinkedIn: @petastapleton

Related The Science of Happiness episodes: 

How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6

The Science of Humming: https://tinyurl.com/4esyy6nd

Related Happiness Breaks:

Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You: https://tinyurl.com/2pb8ye9x

The Healing Power of Your Own Touch: https://tinyurl.com/y4ze59h8

Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.

Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/psmskjyp

How To Tap Your Way to Calm and Clarity

Witnessing the suffering of others can be deeply painful. In this guided meditation, Anushka Fernandopulle helps you cultivate both compassion and the ability to soothe yourself in the face of that pain.

How to Do This Practice:

 1. 
Find somewhere peaceful 2. , sit down and get comfortable. Once you’re ready, gently close or soften your eyes.

 3. 
Start taking deep breaths 4. and relax your body. Part by part, release tension in different areas of your body.

 5. 
Think of someone 6. or a group of people you know or have heard of who may be having a hard time. Bring to mind an image of them.

 7. 
Connect with 8. whatever it is they are struggling with. Mentally, make some wishes of compassion for them. For example, “May you be free from pain.” Or, “I am here with you.”

 9. 
You can also use this practice 10. to focus on your own pain. To do this, call to mind your struggles and give yourself the same compassion you gave others.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. 

Today’s Happiness Break guide:

ANUSHKA FERNANDOPULLE is a meditation teacher who trained in Buddhist meditation for over 30 years. After studying Buddhism at Harvard, she spent four years in full-time meditation training in the U.S., India, and Sri Lanka.

Check out Anushka’s upcoming meditation retreats: https://www.anushkaf.org

Follow Anushka on Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/ytn3vvhz

Check out Anushka’s Dharma Talks: https://tinyurl.com/ydacvamn

Related Happiness Break episodes:

Fierce Self-Compassion Break: https://tinyurl.com/yk9yzh9u

Who Takes Care of You: https://tinyurl.com/5xmfkf73

A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4y

Related Science of Happiness episodes:

How Holding Yourself Can Reduce Stress: https://tinyurl.com/2hvhkwe6

How To Show Up For Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/56ktb9xc

Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h

We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/2tcp2an9

Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Others Are Suffering

Music helped former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne come out of his shell and connect with others—and research shows he's not alone. We explore the science behind how music shapes our social lives.

Summary: Musician and artist David Byrne reflects on how music opened his world as a shy kid, offering both an outlet and a sense of belonging. We delve into the science behind music's social power and how it can offer both personal transformation and collective healing.

How To Do This Practice:

 1. 
Tune Into What Moves You: 2. Think back to the first songs or sounds that made you feel something—excitement, belonging, or wonder. Create a playlist that reflects those emotions or moments.

 3. 
Create Space to Listen Deeply: 4. Put away distractions and really listen. Whether it's on a walk, lying down, or with headphones. Let the rhythm, lyrics, or mood take you somewhere new.

 5. 
Use Music as a Mirror: 6. Notice how the music reflects your mood, identity, or desires. Ask yourself: 
What is this music helping me feel or understand about myself? 7. 

 8. 
Make Music, Even Imperfectly: 9. Play an instrument, sing in the car, hum along. Do whatever feels natural. Self-expression through music doesn’t require perfection, only sincerity.

 10. 
Share It With Others: 11. Invite someone to listen with you, send a favorite song to a friend, or sing with a group. Social connection strengthens when we engage in music together.

 12. 
Let Music Move You Into Action or Insight: 13. Reflect on what the music stirs in you. Does it inspire creativity, protest, healing, or joy? Let that feeling guide how you show up in the world.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Guests:

DAVID BYRNE is an artist, writer, filmmaker, record producer, and frontman and guitarist for the band Talking Heads.

Visit David Byrne’s official website here: https://whoisthesky.davidbyrne.com/

PATRICK SAVAGE is an associate professor in the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies at Keio University in Japan.

Learn more about Patrick Savage here: https://tokyo.mutek.org/en/speakers/patrick-savage

Related The Science of Happiness episodes: 

The Science of Awe Series: https://tinyurl.com/3jz8rnev

The Science of Singing Along: https://tinyurl.com/4nbb3v76

The Science of Humming: https://tinyurl.com/4esyy6nd

How Music Can Hold and Heal Us: https://tinyurl.com/49svzn4v

Related Happiness Breaks:

Music to Inspire Kindness in Kids: https://tinyurl.com/yjk344rd

A Humming Technique to Calm Your Nerves: https://tinyurl.com/mr42rzad

Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.

Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/24ajj7xr

David Byrne on How Music Connects Us

Cultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam.

How to Do This Practice:

 1. 
Reflect on 2. an area of your life that brings you joy—whether it’s a small moment, an activity, or a connection.

 3. 
Imagine experiencing 4. that joyful moment. Feel the smiles, peace, and lightness it brings. Let yourself fully connect with the positive emotions.

 5. 
As you reflect, 6. silently say to yourself, 
“May my joy and my happiness increase.” 7. Allow this intention to sink into your heart.

 8. 
Bring to mind someone 9. in your life who is experiencing happiness or success. Picture them in their joyful state.

 10. 
In your mind, 11. say to them, 
“May your joy and happiness increase.” 12. Or, 
“I’m happy for your happiness. May your happiness continue.” 13. 

 14. 
Remind yourself 15. that joy is limitless, like the stars in the universe. Celebrating the joy of others enhances your own happiness.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Happiness Break Guide:

Spring Washam, is a meditation teacher based in Oakland, California. She is also the author of the book, The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground. 

Learn more about Spring and her new book: https://www.springwasham.com/
Follow Spring on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/springwasham/
Check out Spring’s YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/22njyd29

Related Happiness Break episodes:

Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You: https://tinyurl.com/2pb8ye9x

Wishing Others’ Well, With Anushka Fernandopulle: https://tinyurl.com/jrkewjs8

A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4y

Related Science of Happiness episodes:

Where to Look for Joy: https://tinyurl.com/5n7thrh4

Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h

Why We Should Seek Beauty: https://tinyurl.com/yn7ry59j

Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod 

We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/24c7t4cf

Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam

The case of the people person who fell out of love with people. 

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Summary: On this episode of The Science of Happiness, we’re featuring an episode from the Proxy podcast, hosted by Yowei Shaw. The episode follows Zakiya Gibbons, who also appeared on our show recently to explore science-based ways of connecting with her intuition. In this Proxy episode, Zakiya shares a personal reflection on how the pandemic altered her social life and sense of identity, offering an honest look at how our personalities can shift in response to major life changes.

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/d7vd44j4

Bonus: Zakiya Used to Be So Fun (Proxy podcast)

What if burnout isn’t a breaking point, but an invitation to slow down, tune in, and hear the intuition you have been trying to say all along?

Summary: When we’re deep in burnout, even the simplest decisions can feel overwhelming. This episode of The Science of Happiness explores the difference between urgency and intuition, and what it takes to rebuild trust in your inner knowing. It’s a conversation about slowing down, listening inward, and finding clarity on the other side of exhaustion.

How To Do This Practice: 

 1. 
Pause the noise: 2. Set aside 5–10 minutes without screens, music, or conversation. Let yourself settle into stillness, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

 3. 
Feel your body: 4. Bring your attention inward. Notice physical sensations—tightness in your chest, a flutter in your gut, warmth in your hands—without trying to change them.

 5. 
Breathe and soften: 6. Take a few slow, gentle breaths. With each exhale, invite your body to soften and release any tension.

 7. 
Ask a simple question: 8. Bring to mind something you’re unsure about. Ask yourself softly, “What do I really know about this?” or “What feels true right now?”

 9. 
Notice what arises: 10. Pay attention to the first felt sense—not the loudest thought, but the quiet feeling underneath. It might show up as a word, image, emotion, or subtle pull in the body.

 11. 
Close with trust: 12. You don’t need a final answer. Just acknowledge what you noticed, thank yourself for listening, and carry that quiet knowing with you as you move forward.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Guests:

ZAKIYA GIBBONS is an award-winning journalist. She is a host, story editor, podcast producer, writer, and voice actor based in Brooklyn.

Learn more about Zakiya here: https://www.zakiyagibbons.com/

Follow Zakiya on Instagram: @zak_sauce

JOEL PEARSON is a Psychologist, Neuroscientist and public intellectual, keynote speaker, working at the forefront of science, innovation and agile science.

Learn more about Joel here: https://www.profjoelpearson.com/

Follow Joel on Instagram: @profjoelpearson

Related The Science of Happiness episodes: 

How Awe Helps You Navigate Life’s Challenges: https://tinyurl.com/2466rnm4

How Exploring New Places Can Make You Feel Happier: https://tinyurl.com/4ufn2tpn

Related Happiness Breaks:

Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You: https://tinyurl.com/2pb8ye9x

Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3

Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.

Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4hbknadj

The Science of Trusting Your Intuition

Just a soft smile and a few minutes of breath can shift your mood, lower stress, and deepen your sense of connection.

How To Do This Practice: 

 1. 
Settle In: 2. Find a comfortable seat, rest your hands gently, and soften your gaze or close your eyes.

 3. 
Breathe and Soften: 4. Take a few slow, deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth, relaxing your face, jaw, and neck.

 5. 
Form a Gentle Smile: 6. Let a soft, effortless smile form at the corners of your mouth. Think of something or someone that makes you smile.

 7. 
Turn the Smile Inward: 8. Imagine that smile radiating inside your body, through your face, throat, and chest.

 9. 
Send the Smile Through Your Body: 10. With each breath, guide the smile to your heart, lungs, digestive system, and spine, acknowledging and appreciating each part.

 11. 
Close Gently: 12. Let the smile spread throughout your whole body, take one final deep breath, and slowly open your eyes, carrying the smile into the rest of your day.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Happiness Break Guide:

DACHER KELTNER is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast and is a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center’s popular online course of the same name. He’s also a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.

Related Happiness Break episodes:

Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5

A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4

Embodying Resilience: https://tinyurl.com/46383mhx

Related Science of Happiness episodes:

Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h

Make Uncertainty Part of the Process: https://tinyurl.com/234u5ds7

Why We Should Seek Beauty: https://tinyurl.com/yn7ry59j

Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod

We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. 

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/s4wk4x4y

Happiness Break: Smiling From The Inside Out

From childhood adventures to post-trauma recovery, explore how our parks support our well-being— and why access to them matters.

Summary: Nature has long been a source of wonder, healing, and connection. But access to those green spaces—from neighborhood parks to national treasures—are increasingly at risk. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we hear how awe-inspiring outdoor experiences can help us feel more alive and less alone, and what we can do to protect those spaces.

How To Do This Practice: 

 1. 
Step outside with intention 2. , even if it’s just to your backyard, a nearby park, or a patch of grass.

 3. 
Pause and take a few deep breaths 4. to ground yourself and shift your attention from doing to simply being.

 5. 
Notice the details around you 6. . The movement of leaves, the pattern of clouds, the sound of birds or distant traffic.

 7. 
Look for something that surprises or moves you 8. , no matter how small, like a weed blooming through concrete or shifting light on a tree.

 9. 
Let yourself feel whatever arises 10. , whether it’s wonder, calm, grief, or joy—there’s no right way to experience awe.

 11. 
Before you return indoors, take a moment to reflect 12. on what you saw or felt, and how it might shift your day or perspective.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Guests:

STACY BARE is a climber, mountaineer, and skier. Climbing helped Stacy recover from PTSD from a year in Baghdad as a Civil Affairs Team Leader in the Army. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star for merit and a combat action badge and named one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year for 2014.​

Follow Stacy on Instagram: @stacyabare

Add Stacy on Linkedin: https://tinyurl.com/49zazw8f

Related The Science of Happiness episodes: 

The Healing Effects of Experiencing Wildlife: https://tinyurl.com/bde5av4z

How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself): https://tinyurl.com/5b26zwkx

Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mrutudeh

Related Happiness Breaks:

How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm

Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3

A Walking Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/mwbsen7a

Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.

Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/3fv7695k

How Parks Keep Us Connected

Does imagining your future make you more happy--or more anxious? Our happiness guinea pig looks ahead for inspiration to improve her life now.

Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/265b34pj

Find Your Best Possible Self

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