Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 585: A Simple Way to Spark Better Conversations, Plus the End-of-History Illusion May 06, 2026

Show notes

We explore how asking paired questions can lead to more open, engaging conversations. We also discuss the “end-of-history illusion”; we keep changing more than we expect. Plus we share a simple hack for using photos to reduce worry.

Resources & links related to this episode:

Michael Melcher Writes Substack newsletter
The House by the Sea by May Sarton (Amazon, Bookshop)
Sign up for the "5 Things Making Me Happy" newsletter
Elizabeth: Liars by Sarah Manguso (Amazon, Bookshop)
Gretchen: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (Amazon, Bookshop)

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.

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Little Happier: How Do You Cure a Fear of Flying? Try a Hangover. May 04, 2026

Show notes

A massive hangover cured someone of her fear of flying. What’s the lesson?

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.

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More Happier: When Does a New Place Feel Like Home? Plus an Excellent, Easy April Fool’s Prank & Lena Dunham May 02, 2026

Show notes

We discuss the happiness of connecting with childhood friends and the reemergence of Lena Dunham. We also discuss an easy yet effective April Fools’ prank, and how long it takes to feel at home in a new place.

Resources & links related to this episode:

Check out Spring Bingo in Happier App

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.

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Ep. 584: Why It’s Helpful to Search for a Solution, Plus an Easy Hack for Staying Productive Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

We discuss why it’s helpful actually to search for a solution, and we share an easy hack for giving yourself accountability. Plus, we explore an insight about how long it takes to feel at home in a new place.

Resources & links related to this episode:

Watch my ⁠Home Makeover video with Clutterbug⁠ and check out the resources we created for viewers
⁠Armrest covers⁠
⁠Face Washing Wrist Bands⁠
⁠Ikea Shoe Cabinet⁠
Wall Street Journal article: ⁠Has your dream renovation become a nightmare? Maybe you need a ‘house therapist'⁠
Elizabeth: Famesick by Lena Dunham (⁠Amazon⁠, ⁠Bookshop⁠)
Gretchen: Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple (⁠Amazon⁠)

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.

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A Little Happier: Do You Agree: Pregnancy and Volcanoes Seem Anachronistic Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Even though it’s absurd to say, there are features of everyday life that do seem oddly anachronistic.

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.

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How to Stop Fighting with Your Family About Clutter Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

We talk about why clutter causes so much conflict at home—and how thinking about Clutter-Blindness, the Endowment Effect, and the Four Tendencies can help you handle it more effectively. Plus, practical strategies for living with a messy family member and saying goodbye to sentimental clutter.

Resources & links related to this episode:

Visit my Organization Hub for 9 practical tips for deciding what to keep

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 583: Too Much Clutter? Searching for Lost Items? Try These Hacks. Plus a Self-Knowledge Question. Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

We talk about a specific, easy way to reduce the unworn clothes in your closet, and we also share a listener’s clothes-related hack for keeping track of lost items. We explore an interesting distinction: are you a nostalgic person or an expectant person?

Resources & links related to this episode:

Take the "Four Tendencies" quiz

Check out my book Outer Order, Inner Calm

Check out the I Want You To Know journal for a Mother's Day Gift

Elizabeth: Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg (Amazon, Bookshop)

Gretchen: Nonesuch by Francis Spufford (Amazon, Bookshop)
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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Little Happier: Don’t Look Before You Take That Bite Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

An ancient teaching story from the Sufi tradition is a good illustration of the fact that sometimes, it’s a good idea to examine a situation closely—and sometimes it’s a good idea to look away.

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Move Happier: What’s Your “Organizing Style?” Gretchen Rubin on the Clutterbug Podcast Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

I talk with professional organizer Cassandra Aarssen, creator of the viral Clutterbug “Organizing Styles” (Bee, Butterfly, Ladybug, Cricket). In her work, she sees the same problem over and over: people can get organized, but they can’t keep it that way. We explore why—and how the Four Tendencies can help.

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More Happier: Ever Feel Like You Don’t Matter? A Conversation with Jennifer Wallace Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

At the World Happiness Summit meeting at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, we talk to author Jennifer Wallace about her new book, “Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.”

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices