Episode notes
Discover how our sense of smell can transport us back to meaningful memories, shape our emotions, and influence the brain systems involved in memory and mood. Summary: Smell is one of our most powerful and underappreciated senses, with a unique ability to evoke memories and emotions. On this episode of The Science of Happiness, we look at the science behind smell’s close relationship with memory, emotion, and our environment and we explore how paying attention to the scents around us can bring us back into our bodies and help us feel more connected to the present moment. How To Do This…
The Science of Happiness
by PRX and Greater Good Science Center · English · Tech & Science
Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Follow us on Instagram @HappinessPod.
More from The Science of Happiness
-
8 Oct 2026 · 24 minNew
How to Breathe Away Anxiety
Explore how cyclic sighing, a simple controlled breathing technique, can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and bring greater calm to everyday stressful moments. Summary: In this episode of The Science of Happiness, professional surfer and chemistry professor Sarah Gerhardt shares how she uses cyclic sighing to manage anxiety and stress in everyday situations. Then Stanford psychologist David Spiegel explains the science behind the technique and how five minutes of daily practice can improve mood and lower respiratory rate. Together, they explore how controlled breathing can help us…
-
1 Oct 2026 · 9 min
Happiness Break: A Practice In Appreciating Your Friends
Take a moment to appreciate the friends who know you, support you, and make your life richer with their presence, with author Alex Elle. How To Do This Practice: Take a few deep breaths: Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly, relaxing your shoulders and jaw. Bring a friend to mind: Think of someone who has become an important part of your life. Remember how they’ve known you: Reflect on the stories, experiences, and versions of yourself that this person has witnessed. Notice the ordinary moments: Bring to mind a laugh, conversation, meal, road trip, or small gesture that captures your…
-
17 Sep 2026 · 8 min
Happiness Break: A Meditation on the Uniqueness of Your Voice
In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, embrace the beauty of your accent in this self-compassion meditation. Mindfulness and meditation teacher Criss Cuervo invites you to reflect on your history, heritage, and connection to your ancestors. How To Do This Practice: Find a Comfortable Position: Sit in a relaxed yet alert posture, either on a cushion or chair. Gently lower your gaze or close your eyes if that feels comfortable. Focus on Your Breath: Take a deep breath in and slowly exhale. Allow yourself to transition from your daily activities into this moment of reflection. Acknowledge…
-
10 Sep 2026 · 26 min
How to Protect Your Brain as You Age
What if getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your memory? Learn how neuroplasticity, healthy habits, and simple memory exercises can help keep your brain strong at any age. Summary: We often assume that getting older means our memory and brain function will inevitably decline—but emerging science tells a more hopeful story. On this episode of The Science of Happiness, we’ll explore how neuroplasticity, along with practices like memory exercises, stress reduction, sleep, exercise, and finding a sense of purpose, can support brain health as we age. How to Remember Where You Parked: Pause…
-
3 Sep 2026 · 5 min
Happiness Break: Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You
Buddhist meditation teacher, Anushka Fernandopulle, guides us through a practice of Mudita, or appreciative joy, to help us share in the happiness of others. How To Do This Practice: Get comfortable and ground yourself: Sit comfortably, close your eyes if you’d like, and take a few deep breaths. Relax your body: As you exhale, release tension in your face, jaw, shoulders, and anywhere else you feel it. Think of someone whose happiness is easy to celebrate: Bring to mind a friend, child, pet, or anyone who is experiencing joy. Connect with their happiness: Imagine their joy and allow yourself…
-
27 Aug 2026 · 24 min
Talk To A Stranger—It’s Good For You
We often underestimate how much small talk can impact our wellbeing. Research shows that even brief conversations with strangers can boost our happiness and sense of connection, but fear and anxiety often keep us from reaching out. Summary: We often avoid talking to strangers because we assume they’d rather be left alone, or worry the interaction will be awkward. But research shows that our expectations about these interactions are often wrong. Even brief conversations can make us happier and more connected. On this episode of The Science of Happiness, learn how small choices like saying…
-
20 Aug 2026 · 9 min
Happiness Break: A Practice In Moving Through Stress
Join yoga and meditation teacher Jonathan Relucio for a trauma-informed practice combining mindful movement and breathing to reduce tension and build resilience to stress. How To Do This Practice: Get comfortable: Sit or lie down and notice the support beneath your body, keeping your eyes open or closed—whichever feels comfortable. Connect with your body: Bring your attention inward and notice how your body, mind, and heart feel in the present moment. Release tension: Inhale as you gently shrug your shoulders toward your ears, then exhale as you relax and release them. Move with your breath:…
-
13 Aug 2026 · 15 min
Where To Look For Joy
How can we feel more moments of joy? Explore how joy is rooted in connection, gratitude, and paying attention to the people and moments that bring meaning to our lives. Summary: Did you know that joy isn’t just something we feel, but something we practice? On this episode of The Science of Happiness, poet Ross Gay shares how connection and attention can help us cultivate more joy, while psychologist Philip Watkins explains how gratitude can amplify that feeling. Learn how hanging out, noticing moments of connection, and reflecting on joyful experiences can help bring more joy into your life.…
-
6 Aug 2026 · 11 min
Happiness Break: A Body Scan for Calm and Ease
Meditation teacher Spring Washam guides us in a practice of embodied awareness, helping us use the body as an anchor during stressful or overwhelming moments. How To Do This Practice: Find a comfortable position: Sit upright in a relaxed position where you can comfortably notice the flow of your breath. Begin at the top of your body: Close your eyes and bring your attention to your head, neck, face, and jaw. Notice any tightness and allow those areas to soften. Move your awareness downward: Slowly scan through your shoulders, arms, hands, chest, and belly, noticing any sensations, emotions,…
-
30 Jul 2026 · 20 min
Why You Can’t Do It Alone
Can anyone truly succeed alone? We explore how role models, mentors, and strong social support make upward mobility far more possible than grit alone. Summary: What role do the people around us play in shaping our success? Brothers Danny and Gilbert Murillo share how education, mentorship, and their evolving relationship helped them overcome incarceration and systemic barriers to build lives of purpose. Then, Social Mobility Lab founder Bob McKinnon explains why success is never a solo journey and how recognizing our own "dream team" can expand what's possible for ourselves and others. How…
Take it with you
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
