Many of us rush through our days, weeks, and lives, chasing goals, and just trying to get everything done. But that can blind us to a very simple source of joy that’s all around us. This week, in the fourth and final installment of our Happiness 2.0 series, psychologist Dacher Keltner describes what happens when we stop to savor nature, art, or simply the moral courage of those around us.
This week, we bring you the second part of our conversation on the perils of too much pleasure. Psychiatrist Anna Lembke explains the neuroscience behind compulsive consumption, and how it alters our brains. She also shares techniques she’s learned from her patients to overcome the lure of addictive substances and behaviors.
The Path to Enough Read More »
Psychiatrist Anna Lembke argues that our conception of addiction is far too narrow — and that a broader understanding of it might help us to understand why so many people are anxious and depressed.
The Paradox of Pleasure Read More »
Why are so many of us drawn to horror, gore, and true crime? Why do we crane our necks to see the scene of a crash on the highway? Psychologist Coltan Scrivner says that our natural morbid curiosity serves a purpose. We talk with Coltan about our fascination with tales of murder and mayhem, and what this
If you are a parent or a teacher, you’re constantly wondering: how do I balance play and safety for the kids in my care? You don’t want to put children in danger, but you also don’t want to rob them of the joy of exploration. This week, we talk with psychologist Peter Gray about how this balance has changed – for parents and children alike – and what we can do about it.
Parents: Keep Out! Read More »
There’s a tradition around many Thanksgiving dinner tables that’s as consistent as pumpkin pie: the family stories that get told year after year.
This week, we talk to psychologist Robyn Fivush about the profound impact that family stories can have on our lives.
The Power of Family Stories Read More »
Entrepreneurs typically have no shortage of passion. But there are other elements that may matter more when it comes to whether their projects succeed.
Why Following Your Dreams Isn’t Enough Read More »
What is it about the outdoors that has such a powerful effect on our mood and our minds? We explore how spending time in nature can undo some of the harmful effects of our modern lives.
How Nature Heals Us Read More »
It can be frustrating when people do things we don’t want them to do. A friend cancels plans at the last minute. A child refuses to get dressed for school. Before long, our resentment builds, and we’re tempted to issue more rules, reminders, and consequences. But the techniques we use to get people to alter their behavior are often strikingly ineffective. This week, psychologist Stuart Ablon explains why these methods fail, and offers better ways to help the people we care about make lasting change.
Reframing the Battle of Wills Read More »
For many of us, navigating the end of a relationship is one of the hardest things we will ever do. This week, we look at the most common mistakes we make when it comes to splitting up, and techniques to ease the pain.
Love 2.0: How to Move On Read More »
