Podcasts

Christians around the world have just entered the season of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and voluntary sacrifice. However, this practice isn’t limited to Christianity, or even to those who are traditionally religious. In this episode, Arthur and Ceci explore the positive side effects of sacrifice and share some Lenten strategies and best practices for gaining these happiness benefits, whether we are religious or not.

We’d love to hear from you! Write to us at arthur@arthurbrooks.com or ceci@arthurbrooks.com with your happiness questions.

References and further reading:

What You Gain When You Give Things Up | Arthur Brooks

Evidence shows that there’s more loneliness and isolation in the United States than ever before. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has even said that we have an epidemic of loneliness in this country. How do we turn back this trend? In this episode, Arthur is joined by thought leader and author of The Lonely Century: How to Restore Human Connection in a World That’s Pulling Apart, Noreena Hertz. Together, they discuss some practical solutions to combat the loneliness epidemic and help those we love who may be suffering.

We’d love to hear from you! Write to us at arthur@arthurbrooks.com or ceci@arthurbrooks.com with your happiness questions.

References and further reading:

The Lonely Century: How to Restore Human Connection in a World That’s Pulling Apart | Noreena Hertz

How Loneliness Is Tearing America Apart | Arthur Brooks

A happy life requires a mix of enjoyment and purpose. How can you achieve this balance in your own life? In this episode, Arthur is joined by founder of The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday, who discusses how we can apply the wisdom of ancient Stoic philosophy to our modern lives. They share some key lessons for building a life of virtue, moderation, and most importantly, flourishing and true happiness.

We’d love to hear from you! Write to us at arthur@arthurbrooks.com or ceci@arthurbrooks.com with your happiness questions.

References and further reading:

There Are Two Kinds of Happy People | Arthur Brooks

Lives of the Stoics | Ryan Holiday

The Daily Stoic | Ryan Holiday

There’s a simple three-part formula for improving your happiness: understand the science behind it, apply that information to your life, and share that knowledge with others. In this episode, Arthur is joined by Bishop Bill Byrne, bishop of Springfield, MA, and author of 5 Things with Father Bill: Hope, Humor, and Help for the Soul. They discuss lessons from Bishop Bill’s new book, and Arthur shares some advice on how you can practically and simply lead a happier, better life and share those lessons with those around you.

We’d love to hear from you! Write to us at arthur@arthurbrooks.com or ceci@arthurbrooks.com with your happiness questions.

References and further reading:

5 Things with Father Bill: Hope, Humor, and Help for the Soul | Bishop William Byrne

What’s your new year’s resolution? Is it the right one? Research shows that between one-third and one-half of Americans make new year’s resolutions. However, research also shows that fewer than half of resolutions are still successful by June. What’s the secret for a successful resolution? In this episode, Arthur and Ceci share the habits that make resolutions stick. Also, Arthur explains how to set the right resolution in the first place—that is, one that will bring you happiness directly—and he has two suggestions for you.

This episode is brought to you by The Jordan Harbinger Show, Skillshare, and Feetures.

We’d love to hear from you! Write to us at arthur@arthurbrooks.com or ceci@arthurbrooks.com with your happiness questions.

Special Event: If you enjoy the show, you won’t want to miss an exclusive event on leadership and happiness that I’m doing with a very special guest as part of my popular Harvard Business School class. The event will be livestreamed on my Facebook page on January 16, so be sure to “Follow” me on Facebook or signup for my newsletter here to be among the first to hear the details.

References and further reading:

New Year’s Resolutions That Will Actually Lead to Happiness |Arthur Brooks

Auld lang syne: success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year’s resolvers and nonresolvers |Norcross, J., Mrykalo, M., & Blagys, M.

Cigarette Advertising to Counter New Years Resolutions | Basil, M., Basil, D., & Schooler, S.

Tiny Habits | Fogg, B. J.

Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life | Emmons, R. & McCullough, M.about:blank

Intervention Studies on Forgiveness: A Meta‐Analysis | Baskin, T. & Enright, R.