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THE HAPPY SCIENCE PODCAST

Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics

Discover the science of happiness, one episode – one study! In this podcast, host Professor Micael Dahlen explores groundbreaking research with leading experts, uncovering the science behind what truly makes us happy. Whether it's relationships, work, politics, or daily habits, The Happy Science Podcast brings insights from the field in a fun, engaging and accessible way. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions and practical takeaways on how to live a happier, more fulfilling life—backed by science!

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20 episodes
Avg 15 min
English

Episodes 20

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April 28 · 15 min
Why Your Future Looks Bright (But Your Enemy’s Doesn’t) - with Professor Hallgeir Sjåstad
In this fun episode, we explore why people tend to believe that their future will be happier and more meaningful than their past. But does that opt...
April 21 · 16 min
Is It Easier to Be Happy in Anotther Language? How Language Shapes Happiness Ratings - with Political scientist Sofia Axelson
In this fun episode, we explore whether happiness means the same thing in different languages. Can the language you speak actually change how happy...
April 14 · 15 min
What Happens to Your Happiness When You Take Money from a Charity? - with Assistant Professor Frank Martela
In this fun episode, we dig into a slightly uncomfortable question: what happens to our own happiness when we knowingly do something bad to others?...
April 6 · 15 min
Does the U.S. Election Affect Happiness in Europe? with Assistant Professor Jareef Martuza
In this fun episode, we explore whether an election in one country can shape happiness, optimism, and even trust in democracy in other countries. A...
S2 · E5
Jul 1, 2025 · 17 min
S2:5 From Parents to Partners: How Divorces, DNA and Daily Connections Shape Our Wellbeing
In this fun episode, we look at how our social lives, with everything from supportiverelationships to breakups, impact our wellbeing. Is the pain o...
S2 · E4
Jul 1, 2025 · 17 min
S2:4 Climbing the Wrong Ladder? What Happiness Rankings Might Be Missing
In this fun episode, we dig into a surprisingly overlooked question: What exactly arepeople thinking about when they rate their happiness on global...
S2 · E3
Jul 1, 2025 · 19 min
S2:3 The Urban Happiness Gap: Are City Dwellers Destined to Be Less Happy?
In this fun episode, we ask whether city life is secretly dragging down our happiness.More people than ever are living in cities, but does urban li...
S2 · E2
Jul 1, 2025 · 15 min
S2:2 Born to Worry? How Genes and Life Events Shape Our Wellbeing
In this fun episode, we explore how stressful life events like financial strain orrelationship conflicts can affect your life satisfaction and whet...
S2 · E1
Jul 1, 2025 · 18 min
S2:1 Can Winning The Lottery Buy Lasting Happiness?
In this fun episode, we explore what happens when people hit the jackpot. Many ofus often dream of the big win, but does life really change when it...
S1 · E11
Dec 2, 2024 · 14 min
11. Happiness or Good Looks: Which Comes First? - with Professor Delin Sun
Does happiness make you more attractive, or does being attractive make you happier? In this episode, we explore the intriguing connection between h...
S1 · E10
Nov 25, 2024 · 14 min
10. Cheating and Happiness: What’s the Real Connection? - with Professor Olga Stavrova
In this episode, we dive into a big no-no in relationships: infidelity. What’s the link between happiness and cheating? Does infidelity make couple...
S1 · E9
Nov 18, 2024 · 15 min
9. How Much Does the Government Really Impact Your Happiness? (Spoiler alert: The answer is pretty surprising…) - with Professor Peter Esaiasson
In this fun episode, we find out how people associate their happiness with politics and the government. Could a breakup with your partner make you ...
S1 · E8
Nov 11, 2024 · 15 min
8. Does Having Almost Nothing Make You More or Less Happy? - with Professor Eric Galbraith
In this fun episode, we tackle the age-old question: Do money and material things really buy happiness? Or could you find just as much (or even mor...
S1 · E7
Nov 4, 2024 · 16 min
7. Does Air Quality Affect Your Happiness? - with Professor Paul Dolan
Is the air you’re breathing making you happy, or unhappy? In this episode, we explore how the quality of air can impact your mood, and even your ov...
S1 · E6
Oct 28, 2024 · 13 min
6. Does Your Partner's Happiness (or Unhappiness) Rub Off on You? - with Professor Olga Stavrova
In this fun episode, we explore how happiness - or unhappiness - spreads between couples. Does the happier partner rub off more, or is the other wa...
S1 · E5
Oct 21, 2024 · 15 min
5. Fine Art or Not-So-Fine Art: Which Brings Happiness? - with Professor Kathleen Vohs
In this fun episode, we explore how looking at art can not onlyimpact happiness but also meaning in life. Professor Kathleen Vohs of Universityof M...
S1 · E4
Oct 14, 2024 · 15 min
4. Is opposite or Same Sex Siblings Better for Parents’ Happiness? - with Professor Paul Dolan
In this fun episode, we dive into the surprising impact on parental happiness when having one more kid of the same versus opposite sex. Professor P...
S1 · E3
Oct 7, 2024 · 13 min
3. Focus or Variety, Which Increases Daily Happiness the Most? - with Professor Jordan Etkin
In this fun episode, we explore how your daily activities — whether you focus ona few things or vary between more — impact happiness. Professor Jor...
S1 · E2
Oct 7, 2024 · 13 min
2. Do Price Tags Impact Your Happiness, Even When You Don’t Want the Stuff? - with Professor Helge Thorbjørnsen
In this fun episode, we explore how expensive or cheap pricesimpact your happiness, even for stuff you don’t want. Professor HelgeThorbjørnsen of N...
S1 · E1
Oct 7, 2024 · 14 min
1. Does the World Happiness Ranking Impact the Actual Happiness in a Country? (Spoiler Alert: It Does…) - with Professor Kristina Heinonen
In this fun episode, we dive into what happens to happiness when your country is ranked the happiest in the world. How did Finland’s top spot affec...

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