logo
episode-header-image
Aug 18
2m 18s

A Little Happier: Mega-Star Taylor Swift...

Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project
About this episode

Super-star musician Taylor Swift has three categories of imaginary pens that she uses to write her songs. Having the right tools helps to make work a joy—and in Taylor Swift’s case, even imaginary tools help to make work a joy.

Resources & links related to this episode:


Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
Ep. 555: Invest in Tools, an Orange Theory Hack & a Sobering Fact about Books
We discuss why investing in the right tools can boost both happiness and productivity—when it's worth spending money, and when it’s not. We share an easy happiness hack for finding accountability and community to keep up a good habit, and talk about a startling calculation that m ... Show More
30m 7s
Oct 6
Little Happier: A Happiness Lesson from Author Kurt Vonnegut’s Uncle
Gratitude is a key to happiness, and while gratitude journals work for some, alternative practices also work—such as one simple approach suggested by author Kurt Vonnegut's uncle. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best ... Show More
4m 4s
Oct 4
More Happier: The Joy of Giving Away Toys, the Pleasure of Parasocial Relationships & TV Tourism
We talk about the energy (and space) gained from giving away items that others will appreciate, and we explore the surprisingly positive aspects of parasocial relationships with podcast hosts and TV personalities. Plus, we dive into the phenomenon of TV tourism. Resources & links ... Show More
26m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2
Firelight (Taylor Swift)
This week The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers start off with a shocking update for one of their members. Don’t worry he’s okay...more or less. But despite the jokes…it is very serious and we all wish him well. IN ADDITION they talk about the 2009 Twilight-inspired digital short sta ... Show More
1h 12m
Sep 29
Kristen Bell & Justine Lupe
Kristen Bell & Justine Lupe (Nobody Wants This) join the Armchair Expert to discuss the incredibly involved, long-game prank pulled on set, how this season of their show is a love story between her their characters, and why wanting to evolve into a better person is so aligned wit ... Show More
2h 11m
Jun 2025
How To Draw Outside the Lines
Drawing isn’t just child’s play. It’s a shortcut to joy, presence, and connection—all things we could use a lot more of these days. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on artist, graphic journalist, and founder of DrawTogether Wendy MacNaughton to explain how every ... Show More
38m 8s
Apr 2025
Living Through Grief, Finding Wonder, and Becoming Whole Again | Suleika Jaouad
Take Our Podcast Listener Survey! How would you transform life's greatest challenges into inspiring works of art? Suleika Jaouad shares her journey of "creative alchemy," turning her battles with leukemia into the acclaimed memoir Between Two Kingdoms and her new book The Book of ... Show More
59m 34s
Oct 2021
Big Sister Hotline: HOW WE LOVE EXCERPT
CN: This episode contains very fleeting references to body image, eating disorders and fatphobia. It is the recollections of a teenage girl.Welcome to a very special episode of the hotline! This week's episode features just me, reading an excerpt from my SO SOON TO BE RELEASED bo ... Show More
56m 38s
Sep 25
Candace Bushnell On Modern Dating, Sex & The City, & Evolving Gender Roles In Society
#889: Join us as we sit down with Candace Bushnell – best-selling novelist, TV producer, & most recently the star of her own one-woman show, the critically acclaimed True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and The City. A cultural icon who redefined a generation, Candace shares her pe ... Show More
1h 13m
Jun 2024
#2720 - Q&A: “I’m a professional makeup artist…”
In this episode, we help a professional makeup artist turn her expertise into a thriving teaching side hustle. Learn how to structure classes, choose valuable topics, and market your workshops!Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of ... Show More
5m 6s
Apr 2024
#2663 - Q&A: “How do I launch a successful educational podcast for kids?”
In today's episode, we dive into the world of educational storytelling through podcasting. Discover how to blend entertainment with learning, and find the best ways to reach and engage your audience.Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case stud ... Show More
4m 24s
Sep 18
Emily of New Moon: The Book of Yesterday - Classic Sleep Story
Drift off to sleep tonight with the continuation of Emily of New Moon by L.M Montgomery. Support the podcast and enjoy ad-free and bonus episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts. For other podcast platforms go to https://justsleeppodcast.com/supportOr, you can support with ... Show More
42m 17s
Sep 21
Diary of a Provincial Lady
Fall asleep fast to the Diary of a Provincial Lady by E M Delafield. Support the podcast and enjoy ad-free and bonus episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts. For other podcast platforms go to https://justsleeppodcast.com/supportOr, you can support with a one time donation ... Show More
45m 39s