THE HAPPY SCIENCE PODCAST
by 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!
Episodes
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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 optimism extend to everyone – or only to ourselves and the people we like? Tune in to discover what this reveals about hope, fairness, wishful thinking,...
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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 you say you are? Tune in to discover why it may be easier to say you are happy in English than in Swedish, and what that could mean for global...
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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? We all know giving to charity feels good, but what about the opposite? Tune in to discover why doing good boosts happiness and meaning but doing harm...
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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 study using data from over 20,000 people in nine European countries during the U.S.s presidential election 2024 gives the answer. Tune in to discover...
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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 supportive relationships to breakups, impact our wellbeing. Is the pain of a breakup the same for everyone? Can relationships protect our happiness over time? And what does your DNA have to do with any of it? Professor...
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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 are people thinking about when they rate their happiness on global surveys? Is Finland really the happiest country in the world or just the best at climbing metaphorical ladders? Researcher August Nilsson joins us…
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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 life come at the cost of happiness? Associate Professor Jens Fyhn Lykke Sørensen from the University of Southern Denmark shares insights from his...
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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 or relationship conflicts can affect your life satisfaction and whether these life events are just a matter of bad luck, or partly your parents’ fault? Professor Ragnhild Bang Nes of the Norwegian Institute of Public...
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S2:1 Can Winning The Lottery Buy Lasting Happiness?
In this fun episode, we explore what happens when people hit the jackpot. Many of us often dream of the big win, but does life really change when it happens? Will wellbeing improve? Does the rush wear off or can the wellbeing be boosted for years, or even decades? Tune in to hear economist Robert...
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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 how we feel and how we’re perceived. Professor Delin Sun of Duke University has conducted a brain study to uncover the secrets behind happiness and how...
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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 couples less happy, or is unhappiness what drives them to cheat? Professor Olga Stavrova of University of Lübeck shares her research on why this connection...
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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 want to dump the government too? In this episode, Professor Peter Esaiasson of University of Gothenburg shares insights from his multi-country…
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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 more) happiness living deep in the Amazon rainforest, in the mountains of Nepal, or in a desert village? Professor Eric Galbraith from McGill University...
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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 overall happiness. Professor Paul Dolan of London School of Economics shares his surprising findings on how air quality influences well-being, to an...
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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 way around? Professor Olga Stavrova of University of Lübeck shares insights from her research on emotional contagion, revealing how partners affect each...
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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 only impact happiness but also meaning in life. Professor Kathleen Vohs of University of Minnesota shares insights from her research on how people feel when looking at fine and not so fine art. Surprisingly, both can have positive, but…
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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 Paul Dolan of London School of Economics shares insights from his research on how the dynamics of raising boys versus girls can influence parent...
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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 on a few things or vary between more — impact happiness. Professor Jordan Etkin of Duke University shares insights from her research on how what you do can affect happiness on a daily basis (or even by the hours and...
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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 prices impact your happiness, even for stuff you don’t want. Professor Helge Thorbjørnsen of Norwegian School of Economics shares insights from his research on the surprising effects of advertised prices on happiness, friendliness and even...
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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 affect its citizens' happiness, and how did Swedes feel about being ranked fourth? Professor Kristina Heinonen of Hanken School of Economics shares...
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Trailer
Discover the science of happiness, one episode – one study!
About this show
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!
Hosted by
Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics