Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before, hosts a podcast about happiness and good habits. She is joined by her sister Elizabeth Craft, a TV writer and producer, who playfully calls Gretchen her happiness bully. The show offers practical, manageable advice for living a happier life. It is distributed by Lemonada Media.
Episodes
Do You Need More Comfort or Adventure? Plus More Tips for Designing Your Summer
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 touc
Ep. 593: Ditch Your Storage Unit, Plus How to Start a New Tradition
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
Little Happier: Why Winston Churchill Used Courteous Speech in a Letter About War
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
More Happier: Get Better at Socializing & Make the Most of “Halfway Day”
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 Meanin
Ep. 592: Reflect on “Halfway Day,” Plus How Abstainers Can Moderate
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
Little Happier: An Important Creativity Lesson from “Green Eggs and Ham”
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
Halfway Day Check-In—Plus, How to Adjust Your Habits for Summer
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: podca
Ep. 591: How to Fight Perfectionism—Plus a Simple Happiness Hack That Really Matters
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 Brea
Little Happier: A Valuable Lesson in Happiness from the 2014 London Tube Strike
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 t
More Happier: Are People Socializing More? Plus, Things That Have Achieved Perfection
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)
Move Happier: The Perfect (Free) Audiobook Listen for Your Next Walk
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 pe
Ep. 590: Very Special Episode! 20 Practical Strategies for Managing Worry
We tackle a big happiness stumbling block: worry. We share 20 practical strategies for managing worry—from scheduling time to worry, to recognizing when a worry isn't “ripe,” to making a list, and more.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Kevin Henkes’s Wemberly Worried (Amazon, Bookshop)
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen
Little Happier: A Skyscraper Crisis Holds a Valuable (and True) Lesson
A crisis involving the design of the 59-story Citicorp Center illustrates lessons in creativity and the value of constant reevaluation.
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 pa
Travel Hacks for a Happier Summer
We revisit dozens of excellent hacks from listeners about how to make traveling more convenient and less stressful—plus we include some of our own travel-hack discoveries.
Resources & links related to this episode:
You can 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 m
Ep. 589: Reflect on a Bittersweet Milestone Moment, Plus a New Addition to Our "Treat Yourself Like" Series
We discuss why reflecting on a milestone moment—even a difficult one—can be a meaningful happiness practice. We also add a new suggestion to our "treat yourself like" series, and explore a know-yourself-better question about the patterns we fall into before a big trip or challenge.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Not sure what to purchase this Father’s Day? Take the Gift-Giving Quiz
Little Happier: The Hard Lesson I Learned from My Daughter’s Tattoo
My daughter’s tattoo taught me an important lesson in parenthood: nothing can become between me and my daughters and cast a shadow.
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 th
More Happier: Dinner for Breakfast? Plus A Basic Question About Very Basic Questions
We explore a surprisingly divisive question: would you eat dinner for breakfast? We also discuss how people learn the unwritten rules of everyday life. Plus, the pleasure of being able to watch, listen, and read as many times as you like.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Life in Five Senses (Amazon, Bookshop)
Quiz: What's Your Most Neglected Sense?
"Design Your Summer"—do
Ep. 588: Find More Time for Fun During the Work Week, Plus a Common Activity That's Riskier Than You Think
We discuss how to make the most of your weekday evenings by setting small, intentional plans. We also talk about an everyday activity that feels so familiar that it (wrongly) feels safe.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Laura Vanderkam, Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance (Amazon, Bookshop)
Before Breakfast and Best of Both Worlds podcasts hosted by Laura Vanderkam
Little Happier: When We Give More to Ourselves, We Can Ask More from Ourselves
We should give ourselves healthy treats because when we give more to ourselves, we can ask more from ourselves.
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.
L
More Happier: Caregiving Roundtable: How Do We Embrace Elder Care Without Losing Ourselves?
In this Roundtable Conversation, we discuss caregiving. With actress and podcast host Yvette Nicole Brown, author and podcaster Courtney Martin, and AARP’s senior director of caregiving Rita Choula, we talk about the challenges and satisfactions of caregiving, and how planning can help.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Yvette Nicole Brown, Squeezed
Courtney Martin, The Wise Unkn
Ep. 587: Design Your Summer! We Share Our Plans—Plus the Fun of Creating a Signature Drink
We share our "Design Your Summer" plans—an annual tradition. We also discuss a common happiness stumbling block–an item that’s too nice for its purpose—as well as a know-yourself-better question related to chores.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Download the Design Your Summer guide here
Start Designing Your Summer here on the Happier app
Elizabeth: Yesteryear by Caro Clair
Little Happier: Why You Shouldn’t Comfort a Scared Puppy
A trainer gave us good advice about our new puppy, Taffy: sometimes, a casual attitude is more calming than the most earnest reassurance.
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
More Happier: Embracing Whimsy, Plus Our “Move 26” Progress & a Great April Fool’s Prank
We check in on our “Move 26 in ‘26” progress and discuss adding more whimsy to the month of May–plus a clever April Fools prank. We also highlight a helpful tool to get started on spring cleaning.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Click here if you'd like to join "Move 26 in '26"
Here are easy and fun ways to start decluttering
Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple (Amaz
Ep. 586: Treat Yourself Like a Grandchild, Plus a Hack for Sticking to Daily Habits
We talk about why you should treat yourself like a grandchild (or a toddler, puppy, professor, or factory), and we share a helpful tip if you’re trying to do certain things every day. Plus we discuss a listener’s question about meeting inner and outer expectations as an Upholder.
Resources & links related to this episode:
My Four Tendencies personality framework
Take the "Four Tendencies"
Little Happier: My Favorite Formula for a Great Title
A surprising formula to create a compelling title provides the name for a card deck of creative inspiration.
Resources & links related to this episode:
If you’d like to look at the Muse Machine, and maybe even buy one for yourself, you can check it out here.
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from
Move Happier: Would You Spend a Week Hiding Out in the Metropolitan Museum?
As a part of the “Move 26” challenge, podcaster (“The Secret Life of Books”) and professor Sophie Gee joins for a literary walk. We explore the Metropolitan Museum together and look for items related to the iconic children's novel “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.”
Resources & links related to this episode:
Secret Life of Books podcast, hosted by Sophie Gee and Jonty C
Live from Elizabeth’s Cluttered Closet!
We’re revisiting a listener-favorite episode from 2015, recorded as we cleared out Elizabeth’s closet. It's a hilarious discussion of many clutter-clearing ideas you can use right away.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Check out the Organization Hub on my website dedicated to my favorite tips, hacks, and advice for getting organized
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visi
Ep. 585: A Simple Way to Spark Better Conversations, Plus the End-of-History Illusion
We explore how asking paired questions can lead to more open, engaging conversations. We also discuss the “end-of-history illusion”; we keep changing more than we expect. Plus we share a simple hack for using photos to reduce worry.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Michael Melcher Writes Substack newsletter
The House by the Sea by May Sarton (Amazon, Bookshop)
Sign up fo
Little Happier: How Do You Cure a Fear of Flying? Try a Hangover.
A massive hangover cured someone of her fear of flying. What’s the lesson?
Resources & links related to this episode:
Four Tendencies personality framework
You can take my quiz here to find your tendency.
Happier at Home
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collect
More Happier: When Does a New Place Feel Like Home? Plus an Excellent, Easy April Fool’s Prank & Lena Dunham
We discuss the happiness of connecting with childhood friends and the reemergence of Lena Dunham. We also discuss an easy yet effective April Fools’ prank, and how long it takes to feel at home in a new place.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Check out Spring Bingo in Happier App
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's
Ep. 584: Why It’s Helpful to Search for a Solution, Plus an Easy Hack for Staying Productive
We discuss why it’s helpful actually to search for a solution, and we share an easy hack for giving yourself accountability. Plus, we explore an insight about how long it takes to feel at home in a new place.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Watch my Home Makeover video with Clutterbug and check out the resources we created for viewers
Armrest covers
Face Washing Wris
A Little Happier: Do You Agree: Pregnancy and Volcanoes Seem Anachronistic
Even though it’s absurd to say, there are features of everyday life that do seem oddly anachronistic.
Resources & links related to this episode:
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
How to Stop Fighting with Your Family About Clutter
We talk about why clutter causes so much conflict at home—and how thinking about Clutter-Blindness, the Endowment Effect, and the Four Tendencies can help you handle it more effectively. Plus, practical strategies for living with a messy family member and saying goodbye to sentimental clutter.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Visit my Organization Hub for 9 practical tips for deci
Ep. 583: Too Much Clutter? Searching for Lost Items? Try These Hacks. Plus a Self-Knowledge Question.
We talk about a specific, easy way to reduce the unworn clothes in your closet, and we also share a listener’s clothes-related hack for keeping track of lost items. We explore an interesting distinction: are you a nostalgic person or an expectant person?
Resources & links related to this episode:
Take the "Four Tendencies" quiz
Check out my book Outer Order, Inner Calm
Check out the
A Little Happier: Don’t Look Before You Take That Bite
An ancient teaching story from the Sufi tradition is a good illustration of the fact that sometimes, it’s a good idea to examine a situation closely—and sometimes it’s a good idea to look away.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Co
Move Happier: What’s Your “Organizing Style?” Gretchen Rubin on the Clutterbug Podcast
I talk with professional organizer Cassandra Aarssen, creator of the viral Clutterbug “Organizing Styles” (Bee, Butterfly, Ladybug, Cricket). In her work, she sees the same problem over and over: people can get organized, but they can’t keep it that way. We explore why—and how the Four Tendencies can help.
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretc
More Happier: Ever Feel Like You Don’t Matter? A Conversation with Jennifer Wallace
At the World Happiness Summit meeting at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, we talk to author Jennifer Wallace about her new book, “Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.”
Resources & links related to this episode:
Mattering by Jennifer Wallace
World Happiness Summit
Take the Four Tendencies Quiz here
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gr
Ep. 582: Are You Pushing People Away? Plus an Easy Way to Make a Room More Inviting
We discuss the seven deadly sins of disconnection—the habits that push others away. We also share an easy hack for making an environment more appealing, and answer a listener's question about reality TV.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Try my new "Happiness Helpline" on gretchenrubin.com by clicking the icon in the bottom right-hand corner, or find it in the Happier app.
Moder
A Little Happier: How I Found My Way to a Beautiful Piece of Music
By reading a novel, I learned to appreciate a celebrated piece of music.
Resources & links related to this episode:
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 ap
Stop Clutter from Coming Back with the One-Minute Rule
The One-Minute Rule is one of the most popular organization hacks ideas we've ever shared—and if you've used it, you know why. But over the years it's inspired a few other additional rules that are just as useful, including one that kept Elizabeth's closet floor clean for the first time in years. In this episode we bring them all together.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Get in
Ep. 581: Narcissist? Codependent? Panic Attack? Maybe Not. Plus a Quick Cure for Worry
We talk about why it’s a good idea to avoid self-diagnosis. We also suggest an easy hack for people prone to worry, and share our progress on “Design Your Year” aims now that we’ve reached Day 100 of the year.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Visit the Design Your Year hub
26 for 2026 list
Choose your One Word Theme
Join the Move 26 Challenge
Take the Four Tendencies Quiz
Che
A Little Happier: The Met Is My Metaphor
I am the laboratory, I am the notebook, and I am the museum.
Resources & links related to this episode:
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 omnystu
More Happier: What Can the Real Housewives Teach Us About Hope? Plus the New Hollywood Trend
We discuss the Real Housewives and their lessons in time, hope, and perseverance. Plus we explore a new trend sweeping the world of Hollywood, and a hack for spring cleaning.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Join My Color Pilgrimage on Substack
Check out the Declutter Scavenger Hunt I created with Clutterbug
Mating by Norman Rush (Amazon, Bookshop)
Get in touch: podcast@gretch
Ep. 580: Very Special Episode! Ask Us Anything
In this Ask Us Anything episode, we tackle everything from sibling competition to book clubs to our family custom of not saying “I love you.”
Resources & links related to this episode:
How a book club can make you happier
Want to break that good habit, just this once? How to avoid backsliding
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's bes
A Little Happier: The Effort Doesn’t Get Easier, But You Get Stronger.
As an eight-year-old, my daughter Eleanor made a remark that is a reassuring reminder for many challenges we face.
Resources & links related to this episode:
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 episod
How to Reduce Relationship Conflict with the Four Tendencies
Conflict with a sweetheart or a child can be hard to resolve. In this Revisited episode, we share some of our most useful conversations for using the Four Tendencies to stop the same fights from happening again.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Take the Four Tendencies Quiz here
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-s
Ep. 579: Do You Have Trouble Making Plans with Friends? And How to Question a Questioner
We talk about why proposing an anchor date makes it easier to set plans with friends. We also include answers from Questioners about why they don’t like to answer questions—and how to get them to answer questions. Plus helpful ideas for grappling with grief.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Listen to the March 7th episode of More Happier
Take the Four Tendencies quiz
Check out t
A Little Happier: Why Lady Gaga Matters for My One-Word Theme for 2026
Listening to Lady Gaga sing the theme song of iconic children’s TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” made me pay attention to the song’s familiar words. I get choked up every time I hear them.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Colle
More Happier: Do You Expect Too Much? Plus, How to Finish an Important Project
We discuss whether we might be expecting too much these days from the workplace, from marriage, from schools, from family. We also talk about the challenge of tackling a big project—and actually getting it done.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Listen to the Since You Asked podcast here
Listen to my new Audible original, Get It Done: How to Complete Your Dream Project
Get in touc
Ep. 578: Do You Dread Giving a Toast? And You Probably Want the Same Snack
We talk about why proposing a toast can boost our happiness and discuss many do’s and don’ts for making a good toast. We also discuss some funny research about the “diversification bias” that might help you choose better snacks, and the common challenge of plugging in necessary accountability.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Funny TikTok related to the "Four Tendencies"
Download my
A Little Happier: A Happy Story about Queen Elizabeth II and the American Tourists
When Queen Elizabeth II encountered some friendly but clueless American tourists, she revealed her prankish sense of humor.
Resources & links related to this episode:
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 t
More Happier: How to Stick to an Exercise Habit with the Four Tendencies [Revisited]
Why is it so hard to keep an exercise habit, even when we want to? We discuss what the Four Tendencies reveals about finding the approach that works for you—and the single strategy that almost anyone can use to make exercise stick. Spoiler: it's not motivation.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gret
Ep. 577: How Well Do You Know Yourself? Plus Hacks for Staying Warm & Putting Down Your Phone
We talk about the value of self-knowledge and explore some of our favorite online personality quizzes and assessments. We also share listeners’ suggestions for staying warm, and tackle an Upholder’s question about why her Tendency isn’t helping her stop doomscrolling.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Read about the Four Tendencies personality framework and take the quiz
Check out th
A Little Happier: Is There Anything Special About Human Beings?
Is there anything special about human beings? A long list of characteristics—some obvious, some surprising—sets humans apart from other creatures. (Who knew that having a chin was so unusual?)
Resources & links related to this episode:
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collec
Move Happier: How Do You Move On After College Drop-Off? with Author Ben Markovits
As part of the Move 26 in ’26 Challenge, we’re sharing a bonus episode designed to pair with your 26 minutes of daily movement.
In this episode, I talk with writer Ben Markovits about his acclaimed new novel, “The Rest of Our Lives” (available at bit.ly/4lbfDTq). The novel follows the journey and reflections of a father who is driving his daughter to college—and then keeps going.
Reminder: as an
More Happier: Do You Ever Have Post-Party Blues? Plus the Raymond Carver/Chandler Problem
We discuss the fact that when we extend ourselves—when we put ourselves out into the world—we can expect sometimes to feel awkward, remorseful, or frustrated. We also talk about some funny mix-ups that passed unnoticed for years.
Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Activations app at activations.com/happier. These guided
Ep. 576: What Was the Value of Our “No-Spend February?” Plus a Warning About Social-Media Stories
We reflect on No-Spend February—what we didn’t buy, what we did buy, and what we learned. We also share a hack for successfully mixing friendship and business, and talk about how to spot a sneaky social-media practice that can distort our perception of the world.
Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Activations app at act
A Little Happier: What Makes a Face Stand Out from a Crowd?
Seeing my beloved father as a patient in the hospital reminded me of looking at class photos of young children. Among a sea of faces, it’s my love that makes one face stand out from the anonymous crowd.
Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Activations app at activations.com/happier. These guided audios are designed to hel
More Happier: Four Tendencies for Obligers—3 Challenges and How to Handle Them [Revisited]
Some people have no trouble meeting expectations for others but struggle to follow through on what they want for themselves. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. We revisit the Four Tendencies to explore the three biggest challenges Obligers face—shame, exploitation, and rebellion—and what actually helps.
Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FR
Bonus: How to Make Progress on What Matters to You (Even If You Feel Stuck) with Mimi Bouchard
Struggling to make progress on a habit? This episode offers a different approach—get a 14-day free trial of Activations (plus a big discount) at activations.com/happier.
Determination Day, February 28, is a useful time to take stock of your progress (or lack of it) on any change you’re trying to make. In this bonus episode, we talk with Mimi Bouchard, creator of the Activations app, about a pract
Ep. 575: Our 11th Anniversary! Favorite Moments from the Past Year
In honor of our “Steel” anniversary, we share some of our favorite suggestions, insights, hacks, and highlights from the previous year.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Listen to my Audible Original Get It Done
Very Special Episode 540 on Whimsy
Design Your Summer
Simon Haisell's Footnotes and Tangents newsletter
Understanding Obliger-Rebellion
How to Question a Questioner
So
A Little Happier: A Very Surprising Truth that I Learned in Law School
I learned something surprising in law school: To a great extent, we can’t be forced to follow the law; we must decide to follow the law.
Resources & links related to this episode:
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
More Happier: Does Money Stress You Out? Mrs. Dow Jones & Reema Khrais on What Helps
For many people, money is a source of anxiety and guilt. In this Roundtable conversation, we explore why the subject of money is so challenging, and also the small, realistic changes that can make money management feel easier.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Mrs. Dow Jones
Reema Khrais
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's
Ep. 574: Are You Already Falling Behind on Your New Year’s Resolutions? Plus Ideas for “Move 26”
We talk about how we’re using Determination Day (February 28) to reengage with our “26 for ’26” list. We also share listeners’ excellent suggestions for “Move 26 in ’26,” as well as an example of how understanding someone’s Tendency reduces conflict in a marriage.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Are you a Lark or an Owl?
Strategy of Distinctions
Strategy of Pairing
Strategy of A
A Little Happier: When I Called the Emergency Veterinarian, She Asked a Question that Made the Answer Obvious
When I called the emergency vet to ask a question about my dog Barnaby, her answer gave me an important insight into the challenge of decision-making.
Resources & links related to this episode:
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 trans
Move Happier: Why Does Movement Matter? Michelle Obama Weighs In
As part of the Move 26 in ’26 Challenge, we’re sharing a listen-along episode to pair with your 26 minutes of daily movement. Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson discuss the role movement plays in a happier life and share favorite clips from podcasts like IMO and The Second Opinion with Dr. Sharon that explore how movement, discipline, and mental health shape who we become. Great listeni
Ep. 573: Do You Avoid Failure & Rejection? Plus the Joy of a Same-Day Book
We talk why it’s valuable to “go for the no” instead of avoiding rejection and failure. Plus we give our suggestions for excellent same-day books and a hack for making email more efficient.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Get the Winter Bingo card here
Subscribe to my "Five Things" newsletters here
The English Understand Wool by Helen DeWitt (Amazon, Bookshop)
Foster by Claire
A Little Happier: Who Has More Power—You or the Banker to Whom You Owe Ten Million Dollars?
A famous quip illustrates an important point: Small debts burden the borrower; big debts burden the lender.
Resources & links related to this episode:
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 detai
More Happier: Are You Scared by the Sound of a Siren? And a Reflection from “Little Women”
We talk about the power of reframing—specifically, reframing the meaning of a siren. We also talk about a passage from the novel “Little Women” that illuminates our experience of our father’s death.
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Secrets of Adulthood newsletter on Substack
Happier in Hollywood newsletter on Substack
Find tips and hacks for No-Spend February here
Get in touch:
Ep. 572: Want to Make a Little Money and Also Clear Clutter? Plus an Insight About Estrangement
In honor of No-Spend February, we talk about why it’s a good time to turn in your coins and to use up your gift cards. We also talk about the juggler vs. aerialist distinction, and how the Four Tendencies framework can illuminate an experience of family estrangement.
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Coinstar
Wall Street Journal article by therapist Rachel Glik
Elizabeth is reading:
A Little Happier: Do You Get Rattled Before Starting a Journey? Consider This Ritual.
The traditional Russian practice of “sitting on suitcases” is an excellent ritual for anyone setting off on a trip.
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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 episo
More Happier: Start and Stick to Anything using the Four Tendencies [Revisited]
Why is it so hard getting yourself to do what you want to do? This overview of the Four Tendencies explains why motivation works differently for different people and how understanding how you respond to expectations can make follow-through easier.
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Four Tendencies Framework
Take the Four Tendencies quiz here
Order The Four Tendencies here
Get
Ep. 571: Want to Join Us for a No-Spend February? Plus a Better Word for “Squats”
We share our plans for our next “No-Spend February”—our rules, our exceptions, and what we hope to learn. We also share a more elegant term for “squats” and discuss an interesting self-knowledge question related to the makeshift.
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Join us for No-Spend February
Shop the sale in The Happiness Project Shop
Listen to Episode 466 here
Listen to Episo
A Little Happier: Would You Do For Someone Else What You Wouldn’t Do for Yourself?
A modern fable is an excellent illustration of a very popular loophole used to justify breaking good habits.
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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 deta
More Happier: Ever Have a Foolish Desire to “Save” Things? And Why Coffee-Table Books?
We talk about the impulse to save things, such as stationery or fine china, even when it makes no sense. And we also talk about the puzzling popularity of coffee-table books.
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Check out my new LinkedIn Learning course on the Four Tendencies
How to Write Your Own Personal Commandments
Join the "Move 26 in '26" challenge
Electric throw blanket
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Ep. 570: Very Special Episode: How Do We Deal with the Loss of Our Beloved Father? Advice & Insights
In this episode, we talk about the recent death of our beloved father, Jack Craft—what we’ve experienced, what we’ve learned. We also share many tender, practical suggestions from listeners about how to manage this kind of a profound loss.
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Raymond Carver’s last book, A New Path to the Waterfall (Amazon, Bookshop)
One last reminder to sign up for The
A Little Happier: After My Beloved Father Died, My Mother, Sister, and I Wrote This Obituary
We worked for several days on this obituary for my father. We wanted to capture his extraordinary spirit.
Resources & links related to this episode:
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
More Happier: Do You Find It Hard to Plan a Party? And the Problem with “Everybody Likes Salmon”
We talk about a hack from the world of the Real Housewives that makes party-giving easier and more fun. We also discuss the question, “What’s an ordinary food that most people seem to like—but not you?” Plus the pleasure of a better tennis bag.
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Sign up to be a Super-Fan!
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more
Ep. 569: Do You Miss Having Time to Hang Out with Friends? Plus Listeners’ One-Word Themes
We explore the value of the German custom of the Stammtisch as a fun and easy way to strengthen friendships. We also share dozens of compelling one-word themes chosen by listeners for 2026—plus a strategy for elevating everyday life.
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Learn more about Move 26 join us here
Elizabeth is reading: The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop by Fannie Flagg (Amazon, Boo
A Little Happier: Do You Suffer from “Lost Wallet Syndrome?” I Do.
When we lose our wallet, we think finding it would make us happy forever, but once found, we quickly start taking it for granted again. Colette said of her life, "What a beautiful life. It's a pity I didn't notice it sooner." But we don’t have to lose our wallet to note the joy of possessing it.
Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-
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