The Science of Happiness

• David Byrne on How Music Connects Us

  Music helped former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne come out of his shell and connect with others—and research shows he's not alone. We explore the science behind how music shapes our social lives.Summary: Musician and artist David Byrne reflects on how music opened his world as a shy kid, offering both an outlet and a sense of belonging. We delve into the science behind music's social power and how it can offer both personal transformation and collective healing.How To Do This Practice: Tune Into What Moves You: Think back to the first songs or sounds that made you feel something—excitement, belonging, or wonder. Create a playlist that reflects those emotions or moments. Create Space to Listen Deeply: Put away distractions and really listen. Whether it's on a walk, lying down, or with headphones. Let the rhythm, lyrics, or mood take you somewhere new. Use Music as a Mirror: Notice how the music reflects your mood, identity, or desires. Ask yourself: What is this music helping me feel or understand about myself? Make Music, Even Imperfectly: Play an instrument, sing in the car, hum along. Do whatever feels natural. Self-expression through music doesn’t require perfection, only sincerity. Share It With Others: Invite someone to listen with you, send a favorite song to a friend, or sing with a group. Social connection strengthens when we engage in music together. Let Music Move You Into Action or Insight: Reflect on what the music stirs in you. Does it inspire creativity, protest, healing, or joy? Let that feeling guide how you show up in the world. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today’s Guests:DAVID BYRNE is an artist, writer, filmmaker, record producer, and frontman and guitarist for the band Talking Heads.Visit David Byrne’s official website here: https://whoisthesky.davidbyrne.com/PATRICK SAVAGE is an associate professor in the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies at Keio University in Japan.Learn more about Patrick Savage here: https://tokyo.mutek.org/en/speakers/patrick-savageRelated The Science of Happiness episodes:  The Science of Awe Series: https://tinyurl.com/3jz8rnevThe Science of Singing Along: https://tinyurl.com/4nbb3v76The Science of Humming: https://tinyurl.com/4esyy6ndHow Music Can Hold and Heal Us: https://tinyurl.com/49svzn4vRelated Happiness Breaks:Music to Inspire Kindness in Kids: https://tinyurl.com/yjk344rdA Humming Technique to Calm Your Nerves: https://tinyurl.com/mr42rzadTell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/24ajj7xr

  --------  

  24:38

  --------

  24:38
• Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam

  Cultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam.How to Do This Practice: Reflect on an area of your life that brings you joy—whether it’s a small moment, an activity, or a connection. Imagine experiencing that joyful moment. Feel the smiles, peace, and lightness it brings. Let yourself fully connect with the positive emotions. As you reflect, silently say to yourself, “May my joy and my happiness increase.” Allow this intention to sink into your heart. Bring to mind someone in your life who is experiencing happiness or success. Picture them in their joyful state. In your mind, say to them, “May your joy and happiness increase.” Or, “I’m happy for your happiness. May your happiness continue.” Remind yourself that joy is limitless, like the stars in the universe. Celebrating the joy of others enhances your own happiness. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today’s Happiness Break Guide:Spring Washam, is a meditation teacher based in Oakland, California. She is also the author of the book, The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground. Learn more about Spring and her new book: https://www.springwasham.com/Follow Spring on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/springwasham/Check out Spring’s YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/22njyd29Related Happiness Break episodes:Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You: https://tinyurl.com/2pb8ye9xWishing Others’ Well, With Anushka Fernandopulle: https://tinyurl.com/jrkewjs8A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4yRelated Science of Happiness episodes:Where to Look for Joy: https://tinyurl.com/5n7thrh4Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2hWhy We Should Seek Beauty: https://tinyurl.com/yn7ry59jFollow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/24c7t4cf

  --------  

  10:07

  --------

  10:07
• Bonus: Zakiya Used to Be So Fun (Proxy podcast)

  The case of the people person who fell out of love with people. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Summary: On this episode of The Science of Happiness, we’re featuring an episode from the Proxy podcast, hosted by Yowei Shaw. The episode follows Zakiya Gibbons, who also appeared on our show recently to explore science-based ways of connecting with her intuition. In this Proxy episode, Zakiya shares a personal reflection on how the pandemic altered her social life and sense of identity, offering an honest look at how our personalities can shift in response to major life changes.Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/d7vd44j4

  --------  

  38:34

  --------

  38:34
• The Science of Trusting Your Intuition

  What if burnout isn’t a breaking point, but an invitation to slow down, tune in, and hear the intuition you have been trying to say all along?Summary: When we’re deep in burnout, even the simplest decisions can feel overwhelming. This episode of The Science of Happiness explores the difference between urgency and intuition, and what it takes to rebuild trust in your inner knowing. It’s a conversation about slowing down, listening inward, and finding clarity on the other side of exhaustion.How To Do This Practice:  Pause the noise: Set aside 5–10 minutes without screens, music, or conversation. Let yourself settle into stillness, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Feel your body: Bring your attention inward. Notice physical sensations—tightness in your chest, a flutter in your gut, warmth in your hands—without trying to change them. Breathe and soften: Take a few slow, gentle breaths. With each exhale, invite your body to soften and release any tension. Ask a simple question: Bring to mind something you’re unsure about. Ask yourself softly, “What do I really know about this?” or “What feels true right now?” Notice what arises: Pay attention to the first felt sense—not the loudest thought, but the quiet feeling underneath. It might show up as a word, image, emotion, or subtle pull in the body. Close with trust: You don’t need a final answer. Just acknowledge what you noticed, thank yourself for listening, and carry that quiet knowing with you as you move forward. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today’s Guests:ZAKIYA GIBBONS is an award-winning journalist. She is a host, story editor, podcast producer, writer, and voice actor based in Brooklyn.Learn more about Zakiya here: https://www.zakiyagibbons.com/Follow Zakiya on Instagram: @zak_sauceJOEL PEARSON is a Psychologist, Neuroscientist and public intellectual, keynote speaker, working at the forefront of science, innovation and agile science.Learn more about Joel here: https://www.profjoelpearson.com/Follow Joel on Instagram: @profjoelpearsonRelated The Science of Happiness episodes:  How Awe Helps You Navigate Life’s Challenges: https://tinyurl.com/2466rnm4How Exploring New Places Can Make You Feel Happier: https://tinyurl.com/4ufn2tpnRelated Happiness Breaks:Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You: https://tinyurl.com/2pb8ye9xPause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/4hbknadj

  --------  

  17:51

  --------

  17:51
• Happiness Break: Smiling From The Inside Out

  Just a soft smile and a few minutes of breath can shift your mood, lower stress, and deepen your sense of connection.How To Do This Practice:  Settle In: Find a comfortable seat, rest your hands gently, and soften your gaze or close your eyes. Breathe and Soften: Take a few slow, deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth, relaxing your face, jaw, and neck. Form a Gentle Smile: Let a soft, effortless smile form at the corners of your mouth. Think of something or someone that makes you smile. Turn the Smile Inward: Imagine that smile radiating inside your body, through your face, throat, and chest. Send the Smile Through Your Body: With each breath, guide the smile to your heart, lungs, digestive system, and spine, acknowledging and appreciating each part. Close Gently: Let the smile spread throughout your whole body, take one final deep breath, and slowly open your eyes, carrying the smile into the rest of your day. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today’s Happiness Break Guide:DACHER KELTNER is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast and is a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center’s popular online course of the same name. He’s also a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.Related Happiness Break episodes:Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5A Meditation on Original Love: https://tinyurl.com/5u298cv4Embodying Resilience: https://tinyurl.com/46383mhxRelated Science of Happiness episodes:Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2hMake Uncertainty Part of the Process: https://tinyurl.com/234u5ds7Why We Should Seek Beauty: https://tinyurl.com/yn7ry59jFollow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at [email protected] or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/s4wk4x4y

  --------  

  5:31

  --------

  5:31

Więcej Nauka podcastów

Trendy w podcaście Nauka

O The Science of Happiness