Happier With Gretchen Rubin

Listeners share the "everyone knows that" facts they learned the hard way and we share an important warning about falls.  Episode highlights: Listener Follow-Up: Remember that even a small fall can lead to a big injury. [00:57] Lessons Learned the Hard Way—spare tires, elevator exit stars, gas tank arrows, and more [02:42] Try This at Home: We share listeners' examples of facts everyone else seemed to know--but they didn't. [15:05] Demerits & Gold Stars: Elizabeth’s demerit: late to fill out school health forms; Gretchen’s gold star: to Elizabeth’s family for making the long trip for the 4th of July  [27:35] Mentioned in this episode: Food & Wine: What the Color of Your Bread Tag Really Means  Gretchen's Reading Retreat guide: happiercast.com/readingretreat Who Needs Friends by Andrew McCarthy (Amazon, Bookshop)  Virginia Woolf's Diary, Vol. 3 (Amazon, Bookshop)  Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.

It’s very draining to deal with someone who complains and rejects any help that’s offered—but effective responses exist. Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Learn more about Gretchen's Four Tendencies personality framework and take the free quiz. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We revisit a favorite Try This at Home tip for getting more reading done, share listener hacks for building a happier reading life, and discuss how to discover books you'll love. Plus: recommendations for fascinating books about how things work. Revisited Highlights: Try This at Home: Read More (episode 121) Happiness Hacks: Listener Question: How to Find Good Books to Read (episode 428) Listener Recommendations: Books on How Things Work (episode 481) Mentioned in This Episode: Tips for Reading More from “Better Than Before” Gretchen’s Favorite Children’s and Young-Adult Books The New York Times Book Review Podcast Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz → gretchenrubin.com/quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode det

Gretchen and Elizabeth discuss why we should always RSVP, and how to stop a simple gathering from, over time, becoming too much work. Episode Highlights: Try This at Home: Always RSVP — Why responding promptly (even with a "no") makes us a better guest [05:49] Happiness Hack: Try a bag organizer insert — A simple way to keep a carry-on, tote, or structureless bag tidy and travel-ready. [14:22] Happiness Stumbling Block: Presentation Creep — How over-delivering can gradually turn a casual get-together into something burdensome.  [16:00] Listener Update: Hearing Aids — Listeners share how hearing aids changed their lives, plus a practical tip on using Apple AirPods Pro as a starter hearing test. [01:44] Demerits & Gold Stars — Gretchen’s demerit: not enough watercoloring; Elizabeth’s gold star: for the friend who created "Trail and Talk" [21:29] Mentioned in This Episode: Bag organizer insert: [https://amzn.to/4oc1oPO] Five-Senses Journal (20% off with code HAPPIER20

A haunting story from ancient Rome remains relevant to our lives today. Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Learn more about Gretchen's Four Tendencies personality framework and take the free quiz. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss the biggest obstacles to moving more this summer with Sarah Fain from the “Happier in Hollywood” podcast, and share practical strategies for getting regular exercise. This special episode is part of the Move 26 in ‘26 challenge to help all of us find more ways to move every day. Try This at Home: Identify your biggest obstacle to movement — Figure out what's getting in the way of moving more, so you can find a solution that works for you. Deep Dive: Tips for getting regular exercise — we talk about practical strategies for making movement easier: scheduling workouts, lowering the bar, embracing accountability, convenience, and fresh starts. Take a Hike: Take a loop — Elizabeth and Sarah discuss why taking a short walk around the block can help you think more clearly, get unstuck, and return to your work with fresh ideas. Resources & links related to this episode: Join the Move 26 in '26 challenge here  Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com. Visit Gretchen's web

Practical ways to build more play into your summer and the surprising research on how physical touch improves athletic performance. Design Your Summer check-in: How Gretchen and Liz are spending their summers: reading lists, doodling-sketching, and no worry! [08:25] Spotlight on a Tool:Daily Recess: Adults need unstructured play too. How to figure out what kind of recess actually works for you [18:45] The Science of Touch: Research shows that in basketball, physical touch from teammates reduces stress and boosts performance [19:46] Mentioned in This Episode: Daily Recess guide with prompts and ideas  Download the Happier app to track your Design Your Summer reading list  Physical touch improves free-throw performance  Tactile communication and NBA performance  Josh Hart moment, Game Four  Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz

Becoming a fan—of sports or anything—can improve your happiness. We share listener tips for dealing with people who share every boring detail of their latest trip. Episode highlights: Try This at Home: Become a fan— Research shows that fandom reduces loneliness and gives your life more structure, connection, and ritual [04:37] Happiness Hack: Cross off the common denominator—When you're anxious about a decision, ask yourself: does this worry apply to every option? [14:45] Listener strategies for dealing with travel bores: How to redirect the conversation and ask targeted questions that make travel stories actually interesting. [17:41] Demerits & Gold Stars: Elizabeth's demerit: return timing regret; Gretchen's gold star: a perfect souvenir find. [25:03] Mentioned in this Episode: "Why Watching Sports Makes People Happy" — Time Magazine Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer by Warren St. John (Amazon, Bookshop)  There's Only One Sin in Hollywood by Rasheed Newson (Amazon, Bookshop) Th

A star player for the NBA illustrates an important Secret of Adulthood: We don’t have to be good at something to be good at something. Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Learn more about Gretchen's Four Tendencies personality framework and take the free quiz. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We revisit some of our favorite hacks and tips for designing a happier summer, including why you might choose a summer song, how to think about comfort versus adventure, and practical hacks for making summer more memorable, manageable, and fun. Resources & links related to this episode: Start Designing Your Summer on the Tools page of the Happier app, or ⁠download the app here⁠ 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop renting space for stuff you've forgotten. Plus a simple framework for starting a new tradition. Try This at Home: Make a new tradition — Why creating a deliberate, recurring ritual can strengthen relationships and make scheduling easier. [03:24] Happiness Hack: Treat yourself like your own daughter — The latest in the “treat yourself like a___” series. [11:41] Happiness Stumbling Block: Your storage unit is costing you more than you think. [12:52] Listener Question: How do you set aside worry for a whole season? [20:15] Demerits & Gold Stars: Gretchen's demerit: ongoing battle with foot exercises; Elizabeth's gold star: using the Design Your Summer tool in the Happier app. [28:30] Mentioned in This Episode: Design Your Summer tool Atlas Obscura app Habits for Happiness quiz The Wreck of the Mentor by Eric J. Dolin (Amazon, Bookshop)  The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (Amazon, Bookshop)  Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gr

A letter from Churchill demonstrates the value of courtesy, even—or perhaps especially—at moments of highest battle. Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Learn more about Gretchen's Four Tendencies personality framework and take the free quiz. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why summer is the perfect time to revisit your goals for the year. Gretchen and Elizabeth share a hack for making socializing easier. Build Your Social Muscles: The more you socialize, the less mental energy it costs  [00:39] Spotlight on a Tool: July 2nd is the halfway point of the year, so it’s a great time to revisit the goals and lists you made in January  [18:24] I've Been Meaning to Ask You: We talk about happiness all the time. Does we ever get tired of thinking about how to be happier?   [10:56] I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You: Gretchen finds reassurance in Elizabeth’s recent take on the challenge of watching TV [19:14] Mentioned in this Episode: Design Your Year / Halfway Day resources When Zero Isn't Nothing: The Fresh Eyes of a Basketball Beginner Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Learn more about Gretchen's Four Tendencies personality framework and take the free quiz. Enjoyed t

We’re halfway through the year. Gretchen and Liz share how to treat July 2 as a built-in reset to reflect on what's working and what isn't. Try This at Home: Prepare for Halfway Day — Use “Halfway Day” on July 2 to review your aims for the year [05:48] Happiness Hack: Name Your Days of the Week — To make work easier, give a name to each day of the week  [21:34] Listener Question: When Abstainers Try to Moderate — Can an abstainer occasionally indulge in moderation? [24:29] Question for Listeners: What Works with Rebels? — If you live or work with a Rebel (or are one), what insights or strategies have made a difference? [30:18] Demerits & Gold Stars — Elizabeth's demerit: a missed opportunity to schedule doctor appointments. Gretchen's gold star: the New York Knicks [31:32] Mentioned in this Episode: Wedding readings collection You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate — (Amazon, Bookshop)  The Virginia Woolf Diaries, Vol. 2 — (Amazon, Bookshop)  Take the Four Tendenc

It may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s true: imagination is often sparked more by constraint than by freedom.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We revisit a special audio episode from the “Habits for Happiness” course about adapting your habits for summer. With Halfway Day approaching on 7/2, it's a useful reminder that a small adjustment can help you get more out of the season and the second half of the year. Resources & links related to this episode: Check out the new Design Your Summer tool in the Happier app 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss how perfectionism is driven not by high standards but by anxiety—and how embracing imperfection is a great way to overcome it. We also share an important reminder about hearing health and why it matters so much for our happiness and wellbeing. Resources & links related to this episode: Cass Aarssen—Clutterbug Life in Five Senses (Amazon, Bookshop)  Check out the Don't Break the Chain Habit Tracker in The Happiness Project Shop Elizabeth: Rewilding by Jane Green (Amazon, Bookshop)  Gretchen: The Diary of Virginia Wolfe volume 1 (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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Studies from commuter patterns after the 2014 London Underground Strike illustrate an important point: even when we resist change, it holds the possibility of making our lives better. 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We explore familiar objects that have achieved perfection—from blue jeans to the perfume bottle—and which ones resonate with us most. We also explore whether people are socializing more since Covid, or if it's just to Elizabeth. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Check out my free newsletter, “5 Things Making Me Happy” Secrets of Adulthood by Gretchen Rubin (Amazon, Bookshop) Everybody's Autobiography by Gertrude Stein (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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're excited to join Libro.fm's Audiobook Walk on June 13, a celebration of getting outside, moving your body, and listening to great books. Learn more: blog.libro.fm/audiobookmonth. To celebrate, we're sharing the first 26 minutes of Louise Erdrich's "The Mighty Red," a darkly funny novel about love and survival on the American prairie. If you enjoy it, get the full audiobook from Libro.fm—a perfect companion for the “Move 26 in '26” Challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices