Arthur C. Brooks: How to Find the Meaning of Your Life (From Harvard's #1 Happiness Expert) episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 26, 2026 · 1H 13M

Arthur C. Brooks: How to Find the Meaning of Your Life (From Harvard's #1 Happiness Expert)

from The Tamsen Show · host Tamsen Fadal

Arthur C. Brooks is a happiness expert, Harvard University professor, and best-selling author and is on a quest to discover the meaning of life. You live a good life, but you still feel unhappy. You put yourself out there, but every relationship seems to fail. You have your dream job, but something feels off. What is going on? In today's episode of The Tamsen Show, Arthur Brooks joins Tamsen Fadal to unpack why millions of people struggle with purpose, anxiety, loneliness, and emptiness, and what to do about it. Drawing on decades of research in happiness and behavioral science, Arthur reveals the six pillars you need to discover your deepest purpose and live a more meaningful life. Arthur and Tamsen discuss: - How modern life negatively impacts your brain, happiness, and sense of purpose - Why midlife is the perfect opportunity to start a new chapter - How suffering is a powerful advantage for growth - The six pillars that lead to long-term happiness and fulfillment - Three rules for a happy marriage - Why we feel lonely and how to change that - Small shifts that can deepen your connection with others - Why we choose the wrong partners and what to look for instead By the end of this episode, you will have the confidence to ask “What is the meaning of my life?” and the tools, framework, and habits to help you answer that question in a way that’s specific to your true purpose. Get Arthur's book, The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness If you like this episode, then you will love:  The 4 Shifts You Need to Start Your Next Chapter  Stay connected with Tamsen: Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  This show is sponsored by Midi Health. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/tamsen today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Midi. The Care Women Deserve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arthur C. Brooks is a happiness expert, Harvard University professor, and best-selling author and is on a quest to discover the meaning of life. You live a good life, but you still feel unhappy. You put yourself out there, but every relationship seems to fail. You have your dream job, but something feels off. What is going on? In today's episode of The Tamsen Show, Arthur Brooks joins Tamsen Fadal to unpack why millions of people struggle with purpose, anxiety, loneliness, and emptiness, and what to do about it. Drawing on decades of research in happiness and behavioral science, Arthur reveals the six pillars you need to discover your deepest purpose and live a more meaningful life. Arthur and Tamsen discuss: - How modern life negatively impacts your brain, happiness, and sense of purpose - Why midlife is the perfect opportunity to start a new chapter - How suffering is a powerful advantage for growth - The six pillars that lead to long-term happiness and fulfillment - Three rules for a happy marriage - Why we feel lonely and how to change that - Small shifts that can deepen your connection with others - Why we choose the wrong partners and what to look for instead By the end of this episode, you will have the confidence to ask “What is the meaning of my life?” and the tools, framework, and habits to help you answer that question in a way that’s specific to your true purpose. Get Arthur's book, The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness If you like this episode, then you will love:  The 4 Shifts You Need to Start Your Next Chapter  Stay connected with Tamsen: Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  This show is sponsored by Midi Health. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/tamsen today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Midi. The Care Women Deserve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Arthur C. Brooks: How to Find the Meaning of Your Life (From Harvard's #1 Happiness Expert)

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This episode was published on March 26, 2026.

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Arthur C. Brooks is a happiness expert, Harvard University professor, and best-selling author and is on a quest to discover the meaning of life. You live a good life, but you still feel unhappy. You put yourself out there, but every relationship...

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