This is our unabridged interview with Gretchen Rubin.

What does it take to be happy?

Our show is often over-academic in its approach to such questions. But what if there was a way to discover answers that work without bothering too much about definitions, drawn-out studies, and the search for a one-size-fits-all objectivity?

In other words, what if the path to happiness includes some personal experimentation, fueled by good old fashioned trial and error?

In this episode, Gretchen Rubin describes what she called “The Happiness Project,” a year-long process of trying various highly practical methods of increasing her happiness: joining book clubs, giving warm hellos and goodbyes, learning one’s own sleep preferences, reducing clutter, and trying every flavor of ice cream. “Spoiler alert,” she says. “It did make me happier.”

Show Notes:

• Similar episodes
  • What it Takes to Live a Good Life: Meghan Sullivan
• Resources mentioned this episode
  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
  • Neglected Sense Quiz
  • The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
  • Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin
• PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
• Transcription Link for Abridged Episode

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