Welcome to the inaugural episode of Office Hours with Arthur Brooks. I’m thrilled to start this podcast with a topic I’ve devoted much of my life to: how we can be truly happier.
This episode draws from my new book, The Happiness Files, a collection of essays from my How to Build a Life column in The Atlantic. But more importantly, it’s grounded in science, drawing on a 2020 study where top researchers ranked the most practical and effective ways to get happier.
Today I discuss:
• The top 5 research-backed ways to improve your well-being
• Why investing in your close relationships is the single most powerful thing you can do to be happier
• How joining a club or values-based community can restore your sense of belonging
• The link between lifelong learning and growing happiness over time
• Why transcending your ego through faith, philosophy, or awe brings clarity and peace
• How physical exercise reduces unhappiness (and why that matters more than you think)
• Why self-esteem alone won’t make you happy—but understanding your emotions might
• The three elements of a real happiness strategy (and how to build your own)
• How to move on from heartbreak (and why sad music really does help)
• And much more!
Since it’s the very first episode, we’d love to hear any feedback you have. Please email us at officehours@arthurbrooks.com. And please leave a review on Apple or Spotify.
Thanks for listening!
