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
Bonus Episode: Who Am I Without Kids at Home? (Gretchen Rubin on “Laugh Lines”)
<p>I joined Kim and Penn Holderness on their podcast "Laugh Lines" for a funny, thoughtful talk about parenting after the kids move out&mdash;a great listen as families come back together for the holidays.</p> <p>Get in touch:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcast@gretchenrubin.com">podca ... Show More
44m 18s
Nov 22
More Happier: Do Holidays Leave You Exhausted, Not Restored? Priya Parker, Francis Lam & Kate Bowler on Celebration
<p>It&rsquo;s easy to get swept up in a cycle of holidays that feels more like a relentless to-do list than a source of joy. In this Celebration Roundtable, we talk about how to embrace the holidays as opportunities for intentional connection and meaning.</p> <p><strong>Resources ... Show More
36m 38s
Nov 19
Ep. 561: Need Some Fresh Ideas for Gift-Giving? Here Are Many Great Suggestions
<p>It can be a real challenge to find new, useful ideas for gifts. We suggest many of our own recommendations, plus we include dozens of ideas from listeners.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Resources &amp; links related to this episode:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://happiercast.com ... Show More
32m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2
Anne of Green Gables: A Good Imagination Gone Wrong
Tonight's bedtime story is the continuation of Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery. In this episode, Anne faces her fears and makes a cake for some guests with remarkable results. Support the podcast and enjoy ad-free and bonus episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts. ... Show More
45m 25s
May 2023
Rani Puranik on 7 Letters to My Daughters, Love, and Legacy EP 297
<p>In this episode of the Passion Struck Podcast, we have a special guest, Rani Puranik, who is a business leader, philanthropist, and author. Rani shares her insights and experiences from her new book, "<a href="https://amzn.to/45ohdt3" target="_blank">7 Letters to My Daughters< ... Show More
59m 29s
Oct 17
535. 7 Success Lessons from Taylor Swift (Even If You're Not a Swiftie)
What if I told you some of your biggest business and life lessons could come from watching Taylor Swift? Whether you're a devoted Swiftie or not, there's no denying her incredible success. And success leaves clues. When someone achieves the level of impact Taylor Swift has, there ... Show More
33m 25s
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
<p>Kristen Bell &amp; 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 alig ... Show More
2h 11m
May 2024
Bronnie Ware on Harnessing Joy in the Little Things EP 449
<p><a href="https://passionstruck.com/passion-struck-book/" target="_blank">https://passionstruck.com/passion-struck-book/</a>—Order a copy of my new book, "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life," today! The book w ... Show More
1h 8m
Oct 22
527 - Visual Journaling: Generate Ideas, Mindfulness and Creative Voice with Samantha Dion Baker
Stay pepped ALL NEXT YEAR with our 2026 Calendar: creativepeptalk.etsy.com --- Visual journaling can unlock your creativity, but it can also enhance your life. If you are struggling to tune into your everyday life and find inspiration there, this is the episode for you! Samantha ... Show More
53m 27s
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
Oct 16
Imagining Taylor Swift's Showgirl Vegas Residency
What if Taylor Swift packed up her typewriter and took over the Vegas strip? In this episode, we design the ultimate Taylor Swift residency: equal parts camp, catharsis, and fringe. We talk setlist, stage design, lighting, costuming and how the theme of 'showgirl' can expand her ... Show More
58m 48s
Apr 2025
Living Through Grief, Finding Wonder, and Becoming Whole Again | Suleika Jaouad
<p>Take Our <a href="http://goodlifeproject.com/survey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Podcast Listener Survey</a>!</p><br><p>How would you transform life's greatest challenges into inspiring works of art? Suleika Jaouad shares her journey of "creative alchemy," turnin ... Show More
59m 34s