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
Move Happier: Clear the Decks for September with 26 Quick Tasks (Bonus)
It's time to clear the decks for September. Here are 26 quick tasks to get you moving while you refresh your space for fall.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Move 26 in ‘26 Challenge: https://gretchenrubin.com/move26in26/
Connect with Us:
Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Website: gretchenrubin.com
Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft
Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies
More Happier: What Tattoo Would You Get? Plus How to Give Yourself Permission to Play
When relaxing feels like wasting time, you can trick yourself into enjoying it anyway. Plus, 16 things to try for happier, calmer parenting.
Episode highlights:
Something Making Us Happier: Gretchen shares Chuck's tip for an ultra-quiet desk fan, plus more things we didn’t know [00:00]
I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You: We don’t personally like tattoos, but what would we get?[00:00]
Ep. 600: 600 Episodes of Happier! Listeners Share the Ideas that Stuck
Listeners share the insights and suggestions that have resonated with them most over the past 600 episodes.
Mentioned in this episode:
Power Hour (Apple, Spotify)
Ta-Da Lists (Apple, Spotify)
Outer Order, Inner Calm (Amazon, Bookshop)
Reframing (Apple, Spotify)
The Strategy of Pairing (Apple, Spotify)
Half-Way Day (Apple, Spotify)
Why Scheduling is Life (
Little Happier: Why NBA Star Jalen Brunson Values Persistence over Pyrotechnics
NBA star Jalen Brunson gives a surprising answer to the question, “What play best embodies this entire title run?”
Connect with Us:
Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com
Website: gretchenrubin.com
Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft
Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz
Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listene
More Happier: Take Better Care of Yourself—Treat Yourself Like a Toddler, Dog, Teenager, and Professor
We revisit one of our favorite happiness ideas: Treat Yourself Like a _____. Over the years, we've explored many variations on this theme, including treating yourself like a toddler, a dog, a teenager, and a professor. Sometimes it's easier to recognize what we need when we imagine we're taking care of someone else.
Revisited Highlights:
Episode 7: Treat Yourself Like a Toddler
Episode 2
Ep. 599: Treat Your Home Like a Hotel, Plus a Common Relationship Blindspot
Why you should treat your home like a hotel, and a common blindspot that can lead to unnecessary conflict. Plus a relationship hack.
Episode highlights:
Try This at Home: treat your home like a hotel—declutter, fix small annoyances, and add small touches of luxury. [03:10]
Happiness Hack: A listener shares a tip on making helpful introductions [11:14]
Happiness Stumbling Block: Ar
Little Happier: Are You a Clutch Player or a Fast Starter?
Many players and teams struggle during clutch time—but not every player or team faces that challenge. Never assume that your problems are the same as other people’s.
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.
More Happier: Have You Ever Felt Anonymous? Plus a Lesson for Upholders
Gretchen shares a recent insight on feeling "anonymous" versus "present." We also discuss a lesson for Upholders and gift-worthy pop-up books.
Episode Highlights
Something Making Us Happier—Elizabeth's new Wordle streak milestone and Gretchen’s favorite pop-up books [00:36]
I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You— Gretchen’s insight on feeling “anonymous” vs. “present.” And a lesson for Upholders
Ep. 598: Spy on Your Own Habits, and Discover Your Empty-Nest Personality
“Treat yourself like…a person of interest” and try a month-long “self-stakeout” to track your habits. We also share an easy way to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit in your head. Plus we discuss three broad categories of empty nesters.
Episode highlights:
Try This At Home— Do a "self-stakeout": Imagine you're a detective and tail yourself for a month. What will you find? [06:43]
Hap
Little Happier: Why People Don't Ride Horses If They Can Take a Bus
George Orwell’s observation about work performed by machines is very relevant to our discussions of AI.
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 ra
More Happier: Introduce Whimsy, Schedule a Personal Playdate, and Embrace Fun Plans
We revisit listener-favorite hacks for cultivating summer fun. If you want to make the most of the weeks ahead, these practical ideas can help you add more fun, adventure, and whimsy to everyday life.
Revisited Highlights:
Episode 146: Introduce a note of whimsy
Episode 178: Schedule a weekly playdate with yourself
Episode 98: Give yourself a quest
Episode 477: Embrace fun plans
Me
EP. 597: Celebrate "Dogust," Plus a Special Challenge for Upholders With Little Kids
August is “Dogust,” so we talk about celebrating the dogs in our lives. Plus, we answer a listener question about our reading habits.
Episode Highlights:
Try This at Home: Celebrate "Dogust" with five easy ways to celebrate your dog [06:10]
Four Tendencies Tip: We share strategies for helping a parent Upholder who is struggling to maintain her habits [15:23]
Happiness Hack: Why a bac
Little Happier: Have You Ever Felt Like the Little Red Hen?
A classic children’s fable is very relevant to the work of adults.
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 liste
More Happier : Easing Painful Moments with Humor, Plus, Are Coasters Outdated?
A viral clip shows two NBA stars turning a painful mistake into a moment of friendship through humor. We also discuss a surprisingly divisive topic: coasters.
Episode highlights:
Something Making Us Happier: Running a mile in under 12 minutes, and weird soda flavors [00:41]
I've Been Meaning to Tell You: How "joshing" and affectionate teasing helped two Knicks teammates reframe a painful p
Ep. 596: How Do People Learn the Things Everyone Already Knows? Plus a Ladder Warning
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 fac
Little Happier: The Challenge of the “Help-Rejecting Complainer”
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 App
More Happier: Reading Hacks, Book Recommendations, and Finding Your Perfect Summer Read
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
Ep. 595: Always RSVP, & Why We Should Stop Over-delivering
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.
Little Happier: Why the King Paid Just as Much for Three Books as He Would Have Paid for Nine
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
Move Happier: Tips for Regular Exercise, How Walking Helps You Think, Plus Can Your Garden Be an Accountability Partner? (Bonus)
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 m
More Happier: Design Your Summer & Why a Teammate's Touch Can Change an Outcome
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
Ep. 594: Try Becoming a Fan, Plus Tips for Dealing with Travel Bores
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
Little Happier: You Don’t Have to Be Good at Basketball to Be Good at Basketball
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
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]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1ad0666a-34f4-11f1-8af6-c3c0317e607e/image/05d895399bc3565f539712bcf65f17dd.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
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
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