The road to purposeful work is paved with good intentions; but for many, happiness at work can feel like a hopeless cause. What if the secret to happiness at work has less to do with our extrinsic motivations—money, rewards, and personal gain—and more to do with our intrinsic motivations—the meaningful relationships we build, and the ability to be in service ... Show More
Nov 2021
How to Build a Happy Life: Live When You’re In Pain
As we wind down this series, a paradox remains in our pursuit of happiness—joy comes to those who have known pain. In order to overcome struggle—breakups, illness, even death—we must first accept and acknowledge its inevitability. Exploring the darkness of our suffering may seem ... Show More
49m 54s
Nov 2021
How to Build a Happy Life: Identify What You Enjoy
In adulthood, many of us are forced to recalibrate our relationship with joy. As responsibilities multiply exponentially, time grows limited, and challenges mount, it becomes harder to make time for fun, let alone remember what it feels like. As we explore the key components of h ... Show More
42m 24s
May 2022
Trailer: How To Start Over
In this series, Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan analyzes what it takes to change our relationships, our work, and our perspective—with a practical approach to one of life’s greatest mysteries: how to start over. Change can be really hard. Inertia is powerful, mortgages and marr ... Show More
2m 46s
Feb 2023
Mashup: How to Create Real and Lasting Happiness in Your Life
Most of what we do in life relates to our happiness in one way or another. In this episode, get inspired by different approaches you can use to create true, long-lasting happiness. “One of the best drivers of growth isn’t your job, isn’t your goals, it’s your friendship circle.” ... Show More
57m 21s
Aug 2025
6 Science-Backed Ways to Raise Happiness (and Success) at Work
Welcome back to Office Hours with Arthur Brooks. In this episode, I turn to a place where many of us spend most of our waking hours: the workplace. Whether you’re an employee, a manager, or leading an organization, happiness at work is not just a nice-to-have; it is a proven driv ... Show More
49m 43s
Jul 2024
How to craft the work-life balance you deserve
Most of us would like to find meaning in the work we do, but many of us are burnt out or stressed at our jobs. In this episode, an international mental wellness educator, a former journalist turned meditation advocate, and the author of the literal book on millennial burnout shar ... Show More
14m 30s
Aug 2023
Ep. 445: Have a Happier Labor Day, Nominate Someone, and Manage the Line Between Work and Leisure
We reflect on two questions that can help us make our work lives happier, more productive, and more creative. We also talk about why it’s a good idea to nominate people for awards, and how to manage the breakdown of the line between work time and leisure time. Get in touch: podca ... Show More
33m 37s
