Why doing good feels great

In the third and final episode of our three-part course on cultivating joy, host Cristina Quinn dives into the connection between spreading kindness and experiencing happiness. Steven Petrow, author of “The Joy You Make,” shares compelling research on the “helper’s high” and how you can bring joy to others and yourself — whether it’s through volunteering, helping a neighbor or even sharing a simple moment with a stranger. Steven also challenges listeners to reconnect with lost traditions, such as handwriting letters, and shows how something as simple as picking up the phone can deepen relationships and spread joy. For more on spreading joy, read about “kindness contagion” and how to build connections in adult life. Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.