logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2023
1h 8m

The Surprising Science About Relationshi...

Jonathan Fields / Acast
About this episode

What if the key to living a good life is actually a lot closer than we all realize? Whether you're a long-time listener of the podcast or this is your first time tuning in, I bet some part of you is searching for the answers to living a good, meaningful life. You've probably wondered what the keys to happiness or good health, or fortune are. In our last episode, I shared a simple model for a really good life that I call the Good Life Buckets. If you haven’t listened, be sure to tee that up next. 


Today, we’re diving even deeper into the role that relationships and people play in our ability to feel human, to feel alive, and to flourish in all parts of life with a very special guest, someone passionate about uncovering and sharing the keys to living a good life, Dr. Robert Waldinger. 


He's a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and director of the longest-running study on human flourishing ever conducted, now spanning over 80 years. The insights that have come out of it are profound, and also, for many, surprising, especially in the context of the importance of relationships on our ability to be happy, no matter what else comes our way.


Bob is also the co-author of the book The Good Life: Lessons From the World's Longest Scientific Study on Happiness, and I'm excited to dive deeper today into some of the insights shared in his book. In this conversation, Dr. Waldinger reveals some myths about happiness and living a good life that some of us cling to, what the data says actually matters and what doesn’t, and how to invest more effectively in the pursuit of happiness. 


You can find Robert at: Website| LinkedIn | TED Talk


If you LOVED this episode: you’ll also love last week’s episode about a simple model for a really good life.


Check out our offerings & partners: 



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
How to Turn an Emotional Transition Into a Beautiful Celebration | Tembi Locke
When New York Times bestselling author Tembi Locke faced sending her only child to college, she created what she calls a "college moon" - a transformative journey through Sicily that offers fresh wisdom for anyone navigating major life transitions.In her new audio memoir, Someday ... Show More
55m 46s
Oct 6
Simple Food & Lifestyle Choices That Protect Your Brain | Austin Perlmutter, MD
Every choice you make today is rewiring your brain, shaping not just how you think and feel, but who you become.In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Austin Perlmutter, author of Brain Wash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationships, and Lasting Happiness, reveal ... Show More
1h 9m
Oct 2
Harness the Power of Deep Listening to Transform Your Relationships | Emily Kasriel
Former BBC executive Emily Kasriel reveals eight practical steps to transform any conversation through the art of deep listening, from healing family relationships to bridging seemingly impossible divides.Drawing from research across boardrooms and conflict zones, she shares surp ... Show More
55m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2023
How To Live the Good Life - Lessons From The Longest Study On Happiness | Dr. Robert Waldinger
While there are no secrets to living the Good Life, Dr. Robert Waldinger is one of the most - if not THE most - qualified individuals to speak on what living the Good Life really means and how we can all build more meaningful connections.This conversation is so meaningful. Pullin ... Show More
1h 12m
Jun 2024
Transform Your Life at Any Moment: The Surprising Science of Happiness
Today, you’ll learn the surprising science of what creates a meaningful life, based on 8 decades of research.  This conversation is so profound that you might need to take a second listen. Prepare to laugh, cry, and leave feeling empowered to find and create the happiness and con ... Show More
1h 2m
May 2023
Lessons From The World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness with Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz #364
By the end of today’s episode, I’m pretty sure you’ll feel inspired to reconnect with an old friend, phone that family member you don’t see enough, or make plans for a face-to-face get-together. You’ll feel happier, and even be healthier if you do, because the quality of our rela ... Show More
2h 5m
Sep 2023
Moment 129: Life Changing Lessons From The World's Longest (85 Years) Study On Happiness: Dr Robert Waldinger
In this moment, the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest study of humans ever, Dr. Robert Waldinger gives the answers to some of the most important questions in life. Most people don’t know what they want are very bad at knowing what will make them happ ... Show More
19m 6s
Apr 2024
The Science Of Building The Life You Want | Arthur Brooks
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. --- Professor and writer Arthur Brooks on his recent book (co-authored with Oprah Winfrey): Build The Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier. Arth ... Show More
1h 17m
Mar 2023
The Secret To A Happy Life w/ Dr. Robert Waldinger
This is the most REMARKABLE study on HAPPINESS IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD! AN 85-YEAR DETAILED STUDY!This week's show is easily one of the most fascinating of my lifetime!I doubt anyone has studied the subject of HAPPINESS AND WELL-BEING more than this week’s guest, DR. ROBERT W ... Show More
58m 13s
Jan 2023
Lessons From The World’s Longest Study on Happiness with Dr. Robert Waldinger
What are the essential ingredients for achieving a happy and healthy life? It’s common to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle. But to live a Limitless life, it’s important to invest your time and resources into making sure that you aren’t simply surviving—but thriving. I ... Show More
20m 47s
Jan 2023
Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness | Dr. Robert Waldinger
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. Today’s guest is the man in charge of the world’s longest scientific study of happiness, a study that has been running since 1938.  Dr. Robert Waldinger is a pro ... Show More
1h 2m
Dec 2023
3010: The Happiness Formula: Do More of What You Like by Jay Harrington with A Life in Progress on Self-Awareness
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 3010:Jay Harrington emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with personal desires, rather than societal expectations, ... Show More
11m 24s