Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Folgen

• 
  More Happier: Embrace a Party Theme, Plus a Lesson About How to Fight Right 03.10.2026 29Min.

  Turn party-planning stress into fun with a theme, and why one person downplaying can lead the other to overreact. Episode highlights: Something Making Us Happier: Embrace a party theme. [00:40] I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You: Gretchen’s Perfume Party [10:42] I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You: Gretchen’s insight on a comment that Elizabeth’s son, Jack, made about communication [19:41] Mentioned in this episode: Move 26 in '26 bingo card in The Happier app PLOT TWIST by Harlan Coben (⁠Amazon⁠, ⁠Bookshop⁠) Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Learn more about Gretchen's Four Tendencies personality framework and take the free quiz. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify — it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Ep. 606: What We Learned from “Do-Spend September,” Plus What’s Safe in the Microwave & Try a Day Pass 30.09.2026 32Min.

  Here’s what we learned from our own Do-Spend September, and how to get a luxury-resort experience for a fraction of the cost. Plus: really, what can go in a microwave? Episode highlights: Try This at Home— Reflect on Do-Spend September  [03:10] Happiness Hack— Buy a hotel-pool day pass for a luxury "staycation" at a fraction of the cost of a room [11:24] Happiness Stumbling Block: Settling confusion on what can and can't go in the microwave [14:07] Demerits & Gold Stars: Elizabeth's demerit: not talking to friends on the phone enough; Gretchen's gold star: a surprise hoodie [21:33] Mentioned in this episode: Mercer Culinary bread knife Real Simple/Whirlpool guide to what you can microwave Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe (Amazon, Bookshop) Virginia Woolf by Mary Ann Caws (Amazon) Gretchen's free 7-Day Email Challenge, Boost Your Energy Through Movement PLOT TWIST by Harlan Coben Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify — it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Little Happier: Dolly Parton Always Knew Just What to Say 28.09.2026 4Min.

  Remembering the gracious words Dolly Parton used to decline a statue in her honor—and how that moment captured her humility, her love for Tennessee, and her commitment to doing good. Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Learn more about Gretchen's Four Tendencies personality framework and take the free quiz. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  More Happier: Helping Rebel Kids with School—and Other Rebel Questions Answered 26.09.2026 39Min.

  We revisit some of our most useful Four Tendencies conversations about Rebels, including listener advice for navigating school and ADHD, what actually motivates Rebels, and practical habit strategies shared by Rebels themselves. Mentioned in This Episode: The Four Tendencies in Action Workbook The Four Tendencies Quiz Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Ep. 605: Why You Should Leave the House, Plus Why Sometimes You Don’t Need to Have an Opinion 23.09.2026 34Min.

  We discuss why we should make an effort to leave the house. Plus, a stumbling block related to “having a take,” and a simple hack for reconnecting with people. Episode highlights: Try This At Home—Why leaving the house, even briefly, has a big effect on happiness [06:42] Happiness Hack: a tip for reconnecting with people you haven't talked to in a while [15:30] Happiness Stumbling Block— We don't have to have an opinion on everything [21:00] Demerits and Gold Stars: Gretchen’s Demerit: Leaving her shoe in a cab—Gold Star to the cab company! Elizabeth’s Gold Star: Dinner at the Garland Hotel [23:56] Mentioned in this episode: Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft by Harlan Coben — upcoming book club pick  Kate Bowler's "Everything Happens" newsletter  Free 7-Day Email Challenge: Boost Your Energy Through Movement  Blacktail by Scott Hawkins (Amazon, Bookshop)  Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Learn more about Gretchen's Four Tendencies personality framework and take the free quiz. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify — it helps other listeners find the show!Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Little Happier: Some of My Favorite Rules, Paradoxes, Laws, and Razors 21.09.2026 8Min.

  Whether through science, personal observation, or humor, short statements of these human “laws” help us understand that world we live in. Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  More Happier: A Lesson from the Real Housewives, Plus a Tool for Dealing with Shared Work 19.09.2026 30Min.

  What reality TV can teach us about miscommunication, plus a simple tool for dealing with shared work based on your tendency. Episode highlights: Something Making Us Happier: Elizabeth's first-ever September getaway to Nantucket, and Gretchen's trusty sweatshirt [00:33] I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You: A grammar rule Gretchen’s been pondering [08:33] Spotlight on a Tool: 13 strategies for handling shared work based on the Four Tendencies [17:09] A Lesson from Reality TV— How often are conflicts a simple miscommunication? [18:15] Mentioned in this Episode: 13 strategies for splitting chores by Tendency Take the free Four Tendencies quiz Audition by Katie Kitamura (Amazon, Bookshop) Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Ep. 604: Clear Clutter With a Courtroom Hack, Plus How to Decline a Request for Accountability 16.09.2026 35Min.

  Clear clutter fast with a courtroom-inspired trick, and we discuss how Upholders might set boundaries for unwanted accountability partners.  Episode highlights: Try This at Home: A hack for decluttering by issuing an “order to show cause" [04:34] Idea for Do-Spend September— A listener’s Do-Spend September upgrade turns into a housewide "Upgrade Week" [01:57] Four Tendencies Tip: How Upholders might set boundaries with Obligers looking for accountability partners [12:11] Happiness Hack: A clever way to repurpose empty Altoid tins [09:54] Fun with the Five Senses: The nostalgia and whimsy of Jello [20:35] Demerits & Gold Stars: Elizabeth’s Demerit: fallen off on dog-walking duties; Gretchen’s Gold Star: reviewed many books and podcasts [24:26] Mentioned in this episode: Altoid Tin Organizer Insert Take the free Four Tendencies quiz Rest Jump-Start Challenge on the Happier app Dakota Born by Debbie Macomber (Amazon, Bookshop) Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor (Amazon, Bookshop) Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Little Happier: A Lesson from the World Cup: Danger and Temptation Don’t Always Appear When We Expect 14.09.2026 3Min.

  As the World Cup illustrated, in the happy moments of scoring a goal or celebrating, we may find it hard to stay focused on our aims. Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Move Happier: Getting Unstuck: A Fresh Start for Your Move 26 Habit 13.09.2026 1Std. 8Min.

  Not sticking to a habit that’s important to you? Dan Harris and Laurie Santos join Gretchen to share how to spot what's holding you back — and get moving again. Mentioned in This Episode: 10% Happier podcast  10% with Dan Harris app  The Happiness Lab podcast  Move 26 challenge & seasonal bingo card in the Happier app  The Move 26 in ‘26 Challenge Connect with us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft ⁠Learn more about Gretchen's Four Tendencies personality framework and take the free quiz⁠. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify — it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  More Happier: Four Tendencies Solutions to Real-Life Problems 12.09.2026 38Min.

  We revisit some of our most useful Four Tendencies listener questions, including how to help a Rebel stick to exercise, work with a Questioner boss, and keep Obliger people-pleasing from getting in the way of dating. Revisited Highlights: Episode 43: Listener Round-Up of the Four Tendencies Episode 120: Listener Questions about the Four Tendencies Episode 280: Questions from Listeners about the Four Tendencies Mentioned in This Episode: The Four Tendencies in Action Workbook  The Four Tendencies Quiz  Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Ep. 603: Avoid the Sunk-Cost Fallacy, and Why it’s Hard to Plan for Emergencies 09.09.2026 32Min.

  We talk about how to avoid the mental trap of the “sunk-cost fallacy.” Plus, why it’s so hard to plan for emergencies and the biases that keep us from preparing for risk.  Episode highlights: Try This at Home: Avoid the sunk-cost fallacy—the mental trap that keeps us committed because of the time, money, or energy we’ve already spent [04:57] Happiness Hack: Create a personal reading syllabus with deadlines to help you read more [12:58] Happiness Stumbling Block: Six common biases that make it difficult to assess and prepare for rare but serious emergencies [16:03] Demerits and Gold Stars: Gretchen’s Demerit: Turning into a Knicks bore; Elizabeth’s Gold Star: To her friend Mindy for a new exercise experience [24:11] Mentioned in this episode: The Ostrich Paradox: Why We Underprepare for Disasters by Robert Meyer and Howard Kunreuther (Amazon, Bookshop) This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis and Clark by Craig Fehrman (Amazon, Bookshop) Audition by Katie Kitamura (Amazon, Bookshop) Rolling utility cart Happier Labor Day resources Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Little Happier: After His Death, I Can Still Learn More About My Beloved Father 07.09.2026 3Min.

  Even after a person has died, we can continue to understand them in new ways. Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  More Happier: How Do People Know What To Do? Plus Making Friends at the Gym 05.09.2026 26Min.

  We discuss how people know what to do in certain situations. Plus why you might–or might not–make friends at the gym.  Episode highlights: Something Making Us Happier: Elizabeth finds connection to our beloved father through reading history. Gretchen delights in discovering Jamie’s rock-skipping skills [00:48] I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You: How do people know what to do in certain situations? [07:29] Spotlight on a Tool: Check out my free 7-day email challenge designed to help you head into fall with more energy [13:03] I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You: Do you make friends at the gym? [14:40] Mentioned in this episode: This Vast Enterprise (Amazon, Bookshop) Check out Gretchen’s free 7-day movement challenge here Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (Amazon, Bookshop) Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Ep. 602: Spend Your Money at Home Instead of Away, and Why You Should Delegate 02.09.2026 36Min.

  Why you might consider spending your vacation money on a home experience that you’ll enjoy for years, and why delegating tasks is more important–and harder–than it may seem. Episode highlights: Try This at Home: Why you might "spend out" on your space, instead of on vacation, to give yourself fun and comfort at home [02:35] Happiness Hack: A listener's three-system method for documenting daily life and family milestones [13:14] Happiness Stumbling Block: Why we avoid delegating and how to let go, especially during the empty-nest years [17:25] Demerits & Gold Stars: Elizabeth’s Demerit: still need to visit the Encino Mah Jong parlor; Gretchen’s Gold Star: Winsteads! The ice! The lacy burgers!  [25:57] Mentioned in this episode: Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (Amazon, Bookshop) I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (Amazon, Bookshop) Check out Gretchen's free quizzes here Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Little Happier: Why the Knicks Play Basketball with the Attitude of “Zero-Zero.” 31.08.2026 3Min.

  With a simple answer of “Zero-zero,” Jalen Brunson communicated the attitude of his team as they pushed toward the NBA Championship. Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  More Happier: Try These 7 Habit Strategies for a Fresh Start This September 29.08.2026 33Min.

  September is the other January. We revisit seven of our favorite habit strategies to help you get back into your routines after summer and build habits that actually stick. Episode Highlights: Episode 360: Want to Change a Habit? Start with These 7 Strategies Mentioned in this Episode: Back-to-Routine resources The 21 Strategies for Habit Formation Better Than Before Checklist for Habit Change Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Ep. 601: Try "Do-Spend September," Plus a Five-Senses Hack For a Memorable Vacation 26.08.2026 33Min.

  A counterpart to No-Spend February, "Do-Spend September" helps us spend what we have. We also share a five-senses hack for planning vacations that are much more fun. Episode highlights: Try This at Home: Observe a "Do-Spend September," the counterpart to No-Spend February [03:06] Fun with the Five Senses: We share a listener's Five Senses hack for turning a familiar long weekend into a fresh, memorable vacation [15:55] Happiness Hack: The joys of a dolly. [12:28] Demerits and Gold Stars: Gretchen’s Demerit: dust bunnies in the office; Elizabeth’s Gold Star: Marathon Month at Orange Theory [20:08] Mentioned in this episode: Design Your Summer tool & Summer Recap feature Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane by Lindy West (Amazon, Bookshop) Virginia Woolf Diaries, Vol. 4 (Amazon) Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Little Happier: NBA Players on the “Today” Show: When Lighthearted Humor Is Better than Sympathetic Silence 24.08.2026 6Min.

  An exchange between Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart illustrates the fact that sometimes, we’re better off treating a painful subject with lighthearted humor rather than sympathetic silence. Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Move Happier: Clear the Decks for September with 26 Quick Tasks (Bonus) 23.08.2026 33Min.

  It's time to clear the decks for September. Here are 26 quick tasks to get you moving while you refresh your space for fall. Mentioned in This Episode: The Move 26 in ‘26 Challenge: https://gretchenrubin.com/move26in26/ Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Website: gretchenrubin.com Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices