Gretchen Rubin is HAPPIER, and she wants you to be happier too. The #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before gets more personal than ever as she brings her practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this lively, thought-provoking podcast. Gretchen’s cohost and guinea pig is her younger sister, Elizabeth Craft, a TV writer and producer living in Los Angeles, who (lovingly) refers to Gretchen as her happiness bully. Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Sep 28, 2026 · 4:04
Remembering the gracious words Dolly Parton used to decline a statue in her honor—and how that moment captured her humility, her love for Tennessee, and her commitment to doing…
Sep 26, 2026 · 39:59
We revisit some of our most useful Four Tendencies conversations about Rebels, including listener advice for navigating school and ADHD, what actually motivates Rebels, and…
Sep 23, 2026 · 34:26
We discuss why we should make an effort to leave the house. Plus, a stumbling block related to “having a take,” and a simple hack for reconnecting with people. Episode…
Sep 21, 2026 · 8:18
Whether through science, personal observation, or humor, short statements of these human “laws” help us understand that world we live in. Connect with Us: Email:…
Sep 19, 2026 · 30:34
What reality TV can teach us about miscommunication, plus a simple tool for dealing with shared work based on your tendency. Episode highlights: Something Making Us Happier:…
Sep 16, 2026 · 35:25
Clear clutter fast with a courtroom-inspired trick, and we discuss how Upholders might set boundaries for unwanted accountability partners. Episode highlights: Try This at Home:…
Sep 14, 2026 · 3:55
As the World Cup illustrated, in the happy moments of scoring a goal or celebrating, we may find it hard to stay focused on our aims. Connect with Us: Email:…
Sep 13, 2026 · 1:08:33
Not sticking to a habit that’s important to you? Dan Harris and Laurie Santos join Gretchen to share how to spot what's holding you back — and get moving again. Mentioned in This…
Sep 12, 2026 · 38:32
We revisit some of our most useful Four Tendencies listener questions, including how to help a Rebel stick to exercise, work with a Questioner boss, and keep Obliger…
Sep 9, 2026 · 32:37
We talk about how to avoid the mental trap of the “sunk-cost fallacy.” Plus, why it’s so hard to plan for emergencies and the biases that keep us from preparing for risk. Episode…
Sep 7, 2026 · 3:17
Even after a person has died, we can continue to understand them in new ways. Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram:…
Sep 5, 2026 · 26:05
We discuss how people know what to do in certain situations. Plus why you might–or might not–make friends at the gym. Episode highlights: Something Making Us Happier: Elizabeth…
Sep 2, 2026 · 36:45
Why you might consider spending your vacation money on a home experience that you’ll enjoy for years, and why delegating tasks is more important–and harder–than it may seem.…
Aug 31, 2026 · 3:22
With a simple answer of “Zero-zero,” Jalen Brunson communicated the attitude of his team as they pushed toward the NBA Championship. Connect with Us: Email:…
Aug 29, 2026 · 33:44
September is the other January. We revisit seven of our favorite habit strategies to help you get back into your routines after summer and build habits that actually stick.…
Aug 26, 2026 · 33:34
A counterpart to No-Spend February, "Do-Spend September" helps us spend what we have. We also share a five-senses hack for planning vacations that are much more fun. Episode…
Aug 24, 2026 · 6:05
An exchange between Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart illustrates the fact that sometimes, we’re better off treating a painful subject with lighthearted humor rather…
Aug 23, 2026 · 33:12
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…
Aug 22, 2026 · 26:27
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…
Aug 19, 2026 · 34:27
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…
Aug 17, 2026 · 5:45
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:…
Aug 15, 2026 · 33:11
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…
Aug 12, 2026 · 32:51
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…
Aug 10, 2026 · 4:12
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…
Aug 8, 2026 · 31:18
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…
Aug 5, 2026 · 34:56
“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.…
Aug 3, 2026 · 4:38
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:…
Aug 1, 2026 · 35:00
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…
Jul 29, 2026 · 37:17
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:…
Jul 27, 2026 · 5:24
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 |…
Jul 25, 2026 · 24:27
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:…
Jul 22, 2026 · 35:29
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…
Jul 20, 2026 · 4:34
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…
Jul 18, 2026 · 34:31
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.…
Jul 15, 2026 · 31:17
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…
Jul 13, 2026 · 3:01
A haunting story from ancient Rome remains relevant to our lives today. Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin |…
Jul 12, 2026 · 36:58
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.…
Jul 11, 2026 · 32:13
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…
Jul 8, 2026 · 36:01
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…
Jul 6, 2026 · 4:37
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:…
Jul 4, 2026 · 30:37
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…
Jul 1, 2026 · 38:15
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…
Jun 29, 2026 · 4:48
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:…
Jun 27, 2026 · 29:12
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…
Jun 24, 2026 · 39:25
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…
Jun 22, 2026 · 3:35
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…
Jun 20, 2026 · 29:39
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…
Jun 17, 2026 · 39:38
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…
Jun 15, 2026 · 3:31
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…
Jun 13, 2026 · 34:06
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…
Jun 10, 2026 · 37:02
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…
Jun 8, 2026 · 3:49
A crisis involving the design of the 59-story Citicorp Center illustrates lessons in creativity and the value of constant reevaluation. Get in touch:…
Jun 6, 2026 · 26:08
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.…
Jun 3, 2026 · 35:12
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…
Jun 1, 2026 · 3:44
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…
May 30, 2026 · 34:00
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…
May 27, 2026 · 30:03
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)…
May 25, 2026 · 3:55
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…
May 23, 2026 · 48:34
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…
May 20, 2026 · 38:57
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…
May 18, 2026 · 3:43
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…
May 16, 2026 · 33:19
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…
May 13, 2026 · 30:47
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…
May 11, 2026 · 4:53
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…
May 10, 2026 · 36:05
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…
May 9, 2026 · 27:47
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…
May 6, 2026 · 30:13
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…
May 4, 2026 · 4:50
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…
May 2, 2026 · 25:38
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…
Apr 29, 2026 · 34:10
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…
Apr 27, 2026 · 3:40
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:…
Apr 25, 2026 · 35:33
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…
Apr 22, 2026 · 34:23
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…
Apr 20, 2026 · 2:50
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…
Apr 19, 2026 · 46:12
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…
Apr 18, 2026 · 29:21
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…
Apr 15, 2026 · 35:22
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…
Apr 13, 2026 · 10:36
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…
Apr 11, 2026 · 26:30
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…
Apr 8, 2026 · 34:10
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…
Apr 6, 2026 · 5:53
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…
Apr 4, 2026 · 30:34
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.…
Apr 1, 2026 · 35:45
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…
Mar 30, 2026 · 3:48
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:…
Mar 28, 2026 · 36:19
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…
Mar 25, 2026 · 33:57
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…
Mar 23, 2026 · 4:04
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…
Mar 21, 2026 · 31:09
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…
Mar 18, 2026 · 34:36
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…
Mar 16, 2026 · 3:34
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…
Mar 14, 2026 · 32:03
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…
Mar 11, 2026 · 33:41
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…
Mar 9, 2026 · 3:57
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…
Mar 8, 2026 · 43:04
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…
Mar 7, 2026 · 32:25
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…
Mar 4, 2026 · 31:11
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…
Mar 2, 2026 · 3:00
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…
Feb 28, 2026 · 42:19
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…
Feb 27, 2026 · 38:02
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.…
Feb 25, 2026 · 36:15
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 in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Your podcast? Get the Podli badge for your site
