The Happiness Formula
The Happiness Formula is a podcast hosted by Dr. Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice and Why We Work. The series explores fundamental questions about career, leadership, wisdom, and happiness through vivid case examples and psychological research. Each episode offers practical insights for becoming a better worker, manager, friend, and parent. The podcast is produced by iHeartPodcasts.
Episodes
![Robin Williams' son, Zak Williams, on healing after loss [from Free Therapy]](https://www.omnycontent.com/d/programs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/aee74c8b-e503-41e2-91fb-b44100fb0b10/image.jpg?t=1778192757&size=Large)
Robin Williams' son, Zak Williams, on healing after loss [from Free Therapy]
This week is about the journey to healing, not the moment you lose someone, but everything it actually takes to rebuild after. Our guest is Zak Williams, mental health advocate, founder of the wellness brand Pym, and the son of Robin Williams. He's been in therapy since he was a small child, and that lifelong relationship with it is part of what's made him such a vocal advocate for men actually ge
The Meaning of Life
What if the meaning of life isn’t to accomplish anything, but simply to be alive? Drawing on the words of philosopher Alan Watts, Ryan challenges the idea that we’re here to build successful careers, achieve our goals, or make something of ourselves. Instead, he explores the possibility that our deepest purpose is to notice, appreciate, and participate in the extraordinary life already
Founding Son: Episode 6 - The Last of Earth
John Quincy Adams finally defeats the Gag rule, but his feud with Andrew Jackson lasts until the bitter end. And Congressman Abraham Lincoln witnesses from the House floor the dramatic final hours of Adams' life. Founding Son is a Curiosity Podcast and is a co-production of iHeartPodcasts and School of Humans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Founding Son: Episode 5 - Amistad
When the fates of the enslaved captives of the Amistad are put into the hands of the Supreme Court, John Quincy Adams feels it's his duty to represent them. Adams’ son and wife would have preferred he stayed away from the case altogether. Founding Son is a Curiosity Podcast and is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Founding Son: Episode 4 - Don't Mess With Texas
John Quincy Adams unleashes on the House floor over two pivotal issues of the 1830s: The annexation of Texas, and prohibiting the discussion of slavery in the U.S. House, known as the Gag rule. Founding Son is a Curiosity Podcast and is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Founding Son: Episode 3 - Our Federal Union: It Must Be Preserved
Warning: This episode contains a brief description of violence. Andrew Jackson ascends to the presidency after defeating John Quincy Adams in an 1828 rematch. But Jackson is tested by another rival: his own vice president. Meanwhile, Adams arrives in Congress and finds himself in the middle of the slavery debate. Founding Son is a Curiosity Podcast and is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and S
Founding Son: Episode 2 - Andrew Jackson Strikes Back
After a difficult term in office, President John Quincy Adams loses re-election to Andrew Jackson in 1828, one of the most malicious presidential campaigns in American history. But a post-presidential run for Congress gives Adams another chance at political greatness. Founding Son is a Curiosity Podcast and is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans.See omnystudio.com/listener for
Founding Son: Episode 1 - The Corrupt Bargain
A contentious 1824 presidential election and accusations of a “corrupt bargain” by rival Andrew Jackson raise the stakes for John Quincy Adams as he prepares to take the office his father held just two decades earlier. Founding Son is a Curiosity Podcast and is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Founding Son: John Quincy's America
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The Biden Presidency
President Joe Biden is halfway through his first term and will likely run for re-election. How will historians view his presidency so far? Southern Methodist University Professor Jeffrey Engel discusses Biden’s accomplishments and missteps with host Steven Schragis. One Day University is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. It is a Curiosity Podcast. You can sign up at the web
The History of Fame
The 95th Academy Awards were held last weekend, with Everything Everywhere All At Once winning Best Picture. The Oscars are just the latest example of society’s fascination with the rich and famous, but there’s a complex history behind fame. University of Michigan Professor Susan Douglas joins One Day University founder Steven Schragis to explain the history and power of celebrity. One Day Unive
Higher Ground
Is intelligence fixed, or can you improve your intellect over time? Your answer to that question impacts how you deal with challenges at work and in your personal life. Plus, in our final episode of this series, Barry asks us to live by the wise words…of Bruce Springsteen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Work Is More Than Money
Why do people feel so unsatisfied on the job? It’s because the modern institution of work is based on the assumption that people are motivated solely by money. But research shows they’re not. Barry explains what really engages workers to love their jobs and where we got this idea about money in the first place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Job Crafting
When it comes to finding meaning in your work, is there a way to turn a bad job into a better one? Barry says yes. He calls it “job crafting” and there are three ways to do it: by changing what you do, who you do it with, and how you think about the work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Find Your Calling
Does your work feel like a job, a career, or a calling? Barry has done extensive research on these three attitudes toward work, and he explains what they mean and how they can impact satisfaction with your work life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Incentives Don’t Work
Is a fine really just a price set to allow bad behavior? Barry Schwartz explains the downside of incentives and how they eliminate the idea that doing the right thing is a responsibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More Wisdom, Less Rules
Rules can be seen as a tool in the war against mistakes, but it can also inhibit the development of wisdom and judgment. Barry Schwartz explains when taking a “trial and error” approach is a good thing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parents: Be Quiet and Just Listen
Parents are already highly motivated, they want to get it right when it comes to raising their children. So what are the tools to help them succeed? Barry advocates that parents learn to listen, teach children how to manage risk on their own, and trust that they know their children well enough to give them what they really need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How To Be A Good Friend
What makes a good friend? We need them to be trustworthy, honest (but not too honest), loyal, a little judgmental, and a great listener. Barry explains what it takes to be this kind of friend, and why it takes courage to really listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Committing to Work
The most successful businesses are often the ones that can engage and motivate employees beyond compensation and benefits. It’s about feeling a sense of purpose in the work. Barry explains the need for high commitment in the workplace and how that can nurture wisdom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good Medicine is Wise Medicine
Barry digs into theories behind medical care and how practical wisdom fits in. Is low-tech, high-touch care, like the attention you would get from a parent, the best way to treat a patient?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Sweet Spot
It turns out practice doesn’t always make perfect. Barry Schwartz explains that while rules can help, wisdom is really how we find the healthy balance between dysfunctional extremes in our behavior. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bending The Rules
Barry gives a breakdown of when and how to apply common rules, like being honest, respectful, and fair to others. He argues that a wise person knows that there are exceptions to rules, and that it’s all about listening and adapting to a person’s needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Practical Wisdom and the Secret to Happiness
Barry explains what practical wisdom is, why we need it in our work and personal lives, and how that wisdom is being threatened. Plus, when is honesty not the best policy with friends?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grit and Money
Is the old adage “money can’t buy happiness” actually true? Barry explains the impact wealth has on a person’s happiness, and why it’s good to be gritty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Makes Us Happy?
What makes people happy, and do people even know what makes them happy? On today’s episode, Barry Schwartz introduces the tools that are needed to make good decisions, and how those decisions can promote happiness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: The Happiness Formula
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