PODCAST · society
The Happier Hour
by Monica McCarthy
Equal parts philosophy and self-help (with a dash of humor thrown in for taste), The Happier Hour aims to make philosophy useful for the rest of us. Each episode explores a modern-day dilemma, via the lens of the greatest philosophers of all time, and often with special guests in the hot seat who know about stuff. Like the joy that comes from a strong drink at half the price, this show is for curious minds who want to know more about philosophy, without going back to school. Join your host Monica McCarthy, because it's time to get happier!
Episodes
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#054 Humility Q&A: Self-Care, Self-Promotion, And The Myth of Being Self-Made
Welcome to the third and final episode on the topic of humility! In this episode you'll hear the audience Q&A portion of the event with guests A.J. Jacobs and Dr. Serene J Khader. Topics discussed: The relationship between humility and artists, one way to change our approach to self-promotion for...
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#053 Losing My Religion With Auguste Comte and AJ Jacobs
In this episode you'll learn what the French philosopher and eccentric, Auguste Comte can teach us about the relationship between faith, humanity, and humility. You'll also hear what the bestselling author A.J. Jacobs has learned about gratitude and luck via his many personal quests for knowledge...
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#052 Speaking Up With Audre Lourde and Serene J Khader
In this episode you'll learn what the poet and feminist icon Audre Lorde can teach us about identity and the importance of speaking up for the oppressed. You'll also hear why philosophy professor Dr. Serene J Khader believes we should rethink the way we empower women, and why humility is not one...
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#051 Design Q&A: Designing Our Dreams With Derrida and Kant
In this episode you'll hear the audience Q&A from the live Happier Hour event with Debbie Millman (design expert and host of Design Matters), Dr. Kathleen Wallace (professor of Philosophy at Hofstra University), and host Monica McCarthy. You'll learn how Immanuel Kant and Jacques Derrida can help...
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#050 Moral By Design With Immanuel Kant and Kathleen Wallace
Is it possible to design a universal moral code? Is it ever acceptable to lie? Hear what the philosopher Immanuel Kant had to say about ethics and his influence in philosophy today. You'll hear from Hofstra philosophy professor Kathleen A Wallace about Kant's Categorical Imperative, and whether…
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#049 Designing Your Life With Debbie Millman and Jacques Derrida
In this episode you'll hear how designing our lives can help us be happier. You'll learn what the award winning design expert and podcast host Debbie Millman has to say about pursuing success and fame, and what the philosopher Jacques Derrida can teach us about meaning and giving voice to the...
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#048 Doubt Q&A: On Skepticism, Cynicism, and Optimism
In this episode you'll hear how a 14th century Franciscan friar can teach us to make better choices, and what cynicism, skepticism, and optimism have in common with science, Socrates, and musical theater. This is the audience Q&A portion of the event on DOUBT featuring philosophy professor Nick...
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#047 Weird Science With Karl Popper and Maryam Zaringhalam
In this episode you'll learn the difference between science and pseudoscience and how the philosopher Karl Popper radically changed how we view both. You'll also hear from molecular biologist turned science advocate, Maryam Zaringhalam, about why diversity is imperative for progress, and how all…
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#046 Doubt With Socrates and Nick Pappas
In this episode you'll hear the philosophical history of "doubt" and learn why a healthy dose of skepticism can help us face our fears in work and life today. Philosophy professor Nick Pappas and host Monica McCarthy chat about Socrates' contributions to the topic of doubt and how we can apply…
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#045 Failure With Jean-Paul Sartre and Olivia Goldhill
Kicking off Season 3 of The Happier Hour, is guest Olivia Goldhill, a journalist who specializes in philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience as we explore the topic of FAILURE. You'll learn what Jean-Paul Sartre and the Existentialists can teach us about failure, and why so much of the current...
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#044 Reflecting On The Year That Was
Celebrating the one year anniversary of the Happier Hour by looking back at 2018 through the lens of each guest and philosophy featured on the show. From Resolutions to Love to Rebellion to Money to Creativity to Discovery to Revelry to Legacy, in this episode you'll hear the best of philosophy…
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#043 Legacy Q&A: On Sacrifice, Success, and Selfies
In this episode you'll hear from all three guests (Scott Barry Kaufman, Barry Lam, and Mary Pilon) in the series on LEGACY as they answer questions from the audience on topics including: success, American culture, religion and spirituality, and the psychological concept of The Dark Triad....
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#042 Achievement With Friedrich Nietzsche and Mary Pilon
In this episode you'll learn what the controversial German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche can teach us about taking charge of our own legacies. You'll also hear from author and investigative reporter Mary Pilon about Olympic athletes, our culture's obsession with winners, and why we should…
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#041 Storytelling With David Hume and Barry Lam
When is fiction more important that fact? In this episode with Vassar philosophy professor and host of the Hi-Phi Nation podcast, Barry Lam, you'll learn what the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume can teach us about the importance of emotions and storytelling in a…
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#040 Practice With William James and Scott Barry Kaufman
What does it mean to leave a legacy and how can we practice being better people starting today? In this episode you'll learn how the American philosopher and leader of the Pragmatism Movement, William James, can teach us about habits, and what psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman has discovered in…
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#039 Revelry Q&A: On Beauty, Bacchae, and Becoming
In this episode you'll hear what all three guests on the topic of REVELRY have to say in the audience Q&A. From beauty to movies to dancing to immigration and Latinx culture, revelry has a role to play. You'll also learn what the ancient Greek tragedy The Bacchae can teach us today. Woa, that...
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#038 Sexy Time with Michel Foucault and Jezebel Express
Are we too repressed? In this episode you'll learn what the philosopher historian Michel Foucault had to say about oppression, resistance, and power, and what NYC burlesque dancer and instructor Jezebel Express can teach us about taking ownership of our own bodies. #TheHappierHour Website:...
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#037 Fiestas & Solitude With Octavio Paz and Daniel Campos
Are fiestas an answer to combating loneliness? In this episode you'll learn what the poet and diplomat Octavio Paz can teach us about belonging and why philosophy professor Daniel Campos believes partaking in revelry is especially important for immigrant communities. #thehappierhour Show notes:...
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#036 Nostalgia With Svetlana Boym and Not Your Average Cotton
Can nostalgia help us be happier? In this episode you'll learn the difference between good and bad nostalgia according to Russian philosopher Svetlana Boym, and how a toy cotton candy machine became a side hustle for the founders of Not Your Average Cotton. #thehappierhour Website:...
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#035 DISCOVERY Q&A: On Cruises, Knowledge, Books, and Brains
In this Q&A episode with all three guests on the topic of DISCOVERY you'll learn: Does taking a cruise count as traveling? What does consciousness have to do with social media? What knowledge is needed to discuss philosophy? What is luck? Which books have had the biggest impact? #thehappierhour...
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#034 Your Brain On Avicenna and Shannon Odell
In this episode with neurologist and comedian Shannon Odell, you'll learn how your brain shapes your experiences and how your brain processes social media. You'll also learn about the parallels between self-discovery in neuroscience and the ideas posed by the ancient Islamic scientist and...
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#033 It's All Relative With Albert Einstein and Dr. Elise Crull
In this episode with professor Elise Crull, you'll hear what just what the heck metaphysics is, how Einstein's inter-disciplinary education and interests improved his scientific discoveries, how his view of science inspired his dedication to civil rights, and the relationship between philosophy…
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#032 Bonus Episode: Well-Placed Travels with Jessica Parker
In this Happier After Hours Bonus Episode you'll learn about travel through the lens of the destination with travel public relations consultant Jessica Parker. How does a place become a "brand" and how does one get to the essence of a destination? This is a follow up episode to #031 with travel...
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#031 The Road Less Travelled With Santayana and David Farley
This episode kicks of The Happier Hour Season 2 as well as our conversations on DISCOVERY. You'll learn how travel writer David Farley and the philosopher George Santayana can help us find more meaning in our lives by looking at how and why we travel. You'll also hear unconventional advice about...
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#030 Lessons Learned: On Podcasting & Philosophy
In this series finale of The Happier Hour: Season 1, creator and host Monica McCarthy shares some of the lessons she's learned so far about podcasting and about philosophy. If you've ever thought about creating a show, or wondered how philosophy can help in today's world, you'll want to listen to...
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#029 CREATIVITY Q&A: On Art, Madness, and the Middle East
In this final episode of our series on Creativity, you'll hear from all three guests: Amber Baldet, Gwena-lin Grewal, and Adam Valen Levinson as they answer audience questions. From how to define creativity, to the relationship to art and madness, to authentic culture around the world....
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#028 Facing Our Fears With Montaigne and Adam Valen Levinson
In this episode in our series on CREATIVITY with the writer Adam Valen Levinson you'll learn how overcoming our fears can lead to a more creative life. You'll also learn what Levinson and the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne have in common and why humor can help us creatively connect with...
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#027 Reflections In Wonderland with Gwenda-lin Grewal
In this episode you'll learn about creativity as a way of revealing and reflecting our true selves. The guest, Dr. Gwenda-lin Grewal, is a professor of philosophy, a writer, and a fashion designer who specializes in ancient Greek philosophy. By the end of this episode you'll discover what...
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#026 The Third Way With Émilie Du Châtelet and Amber Baldet
What does it mean to be creative? In this episode you'll hear what Blockchain expert Amber Baldet can teach us about authenticity, corporations, and challenging assumptions. You'll also learn what Amber has in common with the 18th century French philosopher Émilie du Châtelet and why most of us…
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#025 And The Tree Was Happy: A Story of Generosity
In this bonus episode you'll learn how the worldview of generosity has changed over the years and how you can support the future of The Happier Hour. Also, you'll hear Monica cry when she described one of her favorite children's books, but not to worry because all's well the ends well!...
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#024 Money Q&A: The Value of Currency
In this audience Q&A episode, you'll hear from all three guests in the series on MONEY about a shocking statistics regarding money and civic responsibility, followed by a question about meaning in work, and concluding with a question about universal basic income. #thehappierhour Facebook:...
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#023 Making Money Work With Voltaire And Jill Schlesinger
In this episode with financial expert Jill Schlesinger you'll learn how most of us are making mistakes when it comes to our finances, and what you can do to empower your financial prowess. You'll also learn why you shouldn't leave your fortune to fate and instead, in the words of the philosopher...
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#022 Act II: Existential Angst and Career Change
What happens when your dream career is no longer the dream? How much of what we do is who we are? In this bonus episode, Monica shares the secrets for successful career change that she learned from interviewing actors who left acting behind, and successfully pivoted into completely different...
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#021 Moral Money With Adam Smith and Jennifer Morton
Does morality have a role to play in economics? In this episode you'll learn what philosophy professor Dr. Jennifer Morton has to say about the ethical costs of upward mobility, and how Adam Smith changed the way we think about economic distribution and decision making today. #thehappierhour...
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#020 Do The (Side) Hustle With Epicurus and Chris Guillebeau
This episode of The Happier Hour kicks off a two-week series on MONEY. Hear what Epicurus (the non-conformist philosopher) has in common with Chris Guillebeau (the non-conformist author, entrepreneur, and world traveller) and how both fellas can help you rethink the way you value, earn, and spend...
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#019 The Write Life With Jenny Blake
In this bonus episode you'll hear how author, podcast host, and coach, Jenny Blake deals with writers block, organizes her writing projects, and overcomes her inner critic. You'll also learn how her outlook correlates with principles in Buddhism. Whether you're writing a book or writing emails,...
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#018 Rebellion Q&A: I'll Have What She's Having
In this audience Q&A episode of The Happier Hour, you'll hear from all four guests on the latest topic of REBELLION as they answer questions ranging from racism to menstruation to incarceration. This wraps up two weeks of rebel-rousing conversations with the reminder that wherever there is...
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#017 Making A Racket with Hypatia and Simone de Beauvoir
How can changing the narrative of shame around women's bodies change the way society impact the identities of all people? In this episode we'll hear from the founders of Racket, as well as what the philosophers Hypatia and Simone de Beauvoir can teach us about non-conformity. #thehappierhour Show...
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#016 Labor Of Truth: Ain't I A Woman
In this Labor Day weekend bonus episode, you'll learn how the how the courage of former slave Sojourner Truth helped shape the rights of African Americans and the rights of all women. You'll also hear about ten current organizations led by women who are changing the lives of women and society in...
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#015 Sinners and Saint Teresa of Avila with Dr. Christia Mercer
What can a Catholic Saint teach us about contemplation and grace? What is the correlation between illiteracy and crime? Will women ever get the credit they deserve? All this and more in today's episode with Dr. Christia Mercer of Columbia University and the work of St Teresa of Avila. Show notes:...
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#014 Radical Resistance With Hannah Arendt and Genesis Be
This episode kicks off two weeks on the topic of REBELLION. What does it mean to participate in civic engagement? Why are public discussions of opposing views so important? Hear what the rapper/activist Genesis Be has to say about conceptual resistance and why Hannah Arendt's political philosophy...
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#013 Embracing The Amateur
In this bonus episode you'll hear why Monica believes we should embrace our inner amateur. You'll also hear about examples of amateurs throughout history; from the fields of sports to science to art, who greatly changed their field of study or work. Speaking of work, by the end of this episode...
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#012 LOVE Q&A: Love, Loss, and Loving More
What can impermanence teach us about love? Can breakups lead to break throughs? In this episode, our previous guests on the topic of LOVE respond to a question asked by a member of the audience: "When it comes to love, what has been your biggest blessing in disguise?" TheHappierHour.org…
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#011 Commit To A Character with Aristotle and William Beteet
In this episode we'll explore how Aristotle and improvisation can help us navigate dating in the Age of the App; or at least how to stay sane in the process. Stand-up comic and men's dating coach William Beetet shares what he's learned about committing to a character and acting "as if" in order…
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#010 Getting To The Good Place
In this Happier Ever After Hours Bonus Episode, you'll hear why the creator of the popular television show The Good Place developed specific rules for the writers for each episode, and how defining our own rules can help us clarify our personal values. You'll also hear the rules Monica created…
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#009 Soulmates, Sartre, and Beauvoir with Skye Cleary
In this episode we explore how the Existentialists view the concepts of soul mates and marriage. Our guest, philosopher and author of Existentialism and Love, Dr. Skye Cleary shares her insights about Sartre, de Beauvoir, and whether or not we should really promise, "till death do us part." Show...
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#008 Your Love Blueprint and Sigmund Freud with Terri Cole
In this episode of The Happier Hour we'll hear from psychotherapist Terri Cole about how Sigmund Freud and the unconscious mind can help us navigate the murky feelings of LOVE. Whether calming the monkey mind with meditation, unearthing our unconscious mind with psychotherapy, or trying to not go...
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#007 Ancient Wisdom For Modern Anxiety with Jules Evans
How can philosophy help us navigate social anxiety? In this interview with Jules Evans, you'll learn about Stoicism, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the problem of "peak experience addicts," and Evans' current research into "ecstatic experiences" and "spiritual emergencies." This off-the-cuff…
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#006 Resolutions Q&A: Plato, Seneca and Camus Walk Into A Bar
In this episode you'll hear what the Stoics and Existentialists have in common, the difference between belief and truth, and why having a word of the year can help us focus on our goals. This audience Q&A episode wraps up two weeks of exploring philosophy and Resolutions. Resources:...
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#005 Just Your Imagination with Albert Camus and Rita J King
How can we find meaning in a meaningless world? In this episode on Albert Camus with futurist Rita J King, we explore the idea of absurdity and how the imagination can be our greatest resource for accomplishing our goals and resolutions. #TheHappierHour Show notes: TheHappierHour.org...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Equal parts philosophy and self-help (with a dash of humor thrown in for taste), The Happier Hour aims to make philosophy useful for the rest of us. Each episode explores a modern-day dilemma, via the lens of the greatest philosophers of all time, and often with special guests in the hot seat who know about stuff. Like the joy that comes from a strong drink at half the price, this show is for curious minds who want to know more about philosophy, without going back to school. Join your host Monica McCarthy, because it's time to get happier!
HOSTED BY
Monica McCarthy
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Happier Hour have?
The Happier Hour currently has 54 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Happier Hour about?
Equal parts philosophy and self-help (with a dash of humor thrown in for taste), The Happier Hour aims to make philosophy useful for the rest of us. Each episode explores a modern-day dilemma, via the lens of the greatest philosophers of all time, and often with special guests in the hot seat who...
How often does The Happier Hour release new episodes?
The Happier Hour has 54 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Happier Hour?
You can listen to The Happier Hour on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Happier Hour?
The Happier Hour is created and hosted by Monica McCarthy.
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