Claim OwnershipHappier with Gretchen Rubin
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© 2026 Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project
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Gretchen Rubin is HAPPIER, and she wants you to be happier too. The #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before gets more personal than ever as she brings her practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this lively, thought-provoking podcast. Gretchen’s cohost and guinea pig is her younger sister, Elizabeth Craft, a TV writer and producer living in Los Angeles, who (lovingly) refers to Gretchen as her happiness bully.
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In honor of No-Spend February, we talk about why it’s a good time to turn in your coins and to use up your gift cards. We also talk about the juggler vs. aerialist distinction, and how the Four Tendencies framework can illuminate an experience of family estrangement. Resources & links related to this episode: Coinstar Wall Street Journal article by therapist Rachel Glik Elizabeth is reading: Strangers by Belle Burden (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is reading: Pnin by Vladimir Nabokov (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1The traditional Russian practice of “sitting on suitcases” is an excellent ritual for anyone setting off on a trip. 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.
![More Happier: Start and Stick to Anything using the Four Tendencies [Revisited]](https://s3.castbox.fm/ce/ca/98/810ffdfc7003eaab6e2dbe740a6bbfc5e2_scaled_v1_400.jpg "More Happier: Start and Stick to Anything using the Four Tendencies [Revisited]")
Why is it so hard getting yourself to do what you want to do? This overview of the Four Tendencies explains why motivation works differently for different people and how understanding how you respond to expectations can make follow-through easier. Resources & links related to this episode: Four Tendencies Framework Take the Four Tendencies quiz here Order The Four Tendencies here 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.
We share our plans for our next “No-Spend February”—our rules, our exceptions, and what we hope to learn. We also share a more elegant term for “squats” and discuss an interesting self-knowledge question related to the makeshift. Resources & links related to this episode: Join us for No-Spend February Shop the sale in The Happiness Project Shop Listen to Episode 466 here Listen to Episode 475 here Elizabeth is reading: Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is rereading: Gray Divorce: What We Lose and Gain from Mid-Life Splits by Jocelyn Elise Crowley (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A modern fable is an excellent illustration of a very popular loophole used to justify breaking good habits. 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.
We talk about the impulse to save things, such as stationery or fine china, even when it makes no sense. And we also talk about the puzzling popularity of coffee-table books. Resources & links related to this episode: Check out my new LinkedIn Learning course on the Four Tendencies How to Write Your Own Personal Commandments Join the "Move 26 in '26" challenge Electric throw blanket 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.
In this episode, we talk about the recent death of our beloved father, Jack Craft—what we’ve experienced, what we’ve learned. We also share many tender, practical suggestions from listeners about how to manage this kind of a profound loss. Resources & links related to this episode: Raymond Carver’s last book, A New Path to the Waterfall (Amazon, Bookshop) One last reminder to sign up for The Happiness Project Revisited course I Want You to Know: My Portrait of You Obituary of John Charles Craft Elizabeth is reading: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is rereading: American Gods by Neil Gaiman (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We worked for several days on this obituary for my father. We wanted to capture his extraordinary spirit. 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.
We talk about a hack from the world of the Real Housewives that makes party-giving easier and more fun. We also discuss the question, “What’s an ordinary food that most people seem to like—but not you?” Plus the pleasure of a better tennis bag. Resources & links related to this episode: Sign up to be a Super-Fan! 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.
We explore the value of the German custom of the Stammtisch as a fun and easy way to strengthen friendships. We also share dozens of compelling one-word themes chosen by listeners for 2026—plus a strategy for elevating everyday life. Resources & links related to this episode: Learn more about Move 26 join us here Elizabeth is reading: The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop by Fannie Flagg (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is rereading: Christmas in Austin by Benjamin Markovits (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we lose our wallet, we think finding it would make us happy forever, but once found, we quickly start taking it for granted again. Colette said of her life, "What a beautiful life. It's a pity I didn't notice it sooner." But we don’t have to lose our wallet to note the joy of possessing it. 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.
Already exhausted by the new year? In this conversation on the "Lazy Genius" podcast, host Kendra Adachi and I explore why “fresh start” culture creates so much anxiety—and how being “lazy” about some things can help you focus on what truly matters in January. Resources & links related to this episode: The Lazy Genius Collective 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.
![Move Happier: How to "Get It Done" and Finally Complete Your Dream Project [Bonus]](https://s3.castbox.fm/15/76/58/54390eeaf1fe842a0b32e689c3eaecc692_scaled_v1_400.jpg "Move Happier: How to \"Get It Done\" and Finally Complete Your Dream Project [Bonus]")
You have a big project you want to finish. So why can’t you get it done? In my new Audible Original audiobook “Get It Done: How to Complete Your Dream Project,” I share a practical, research-backed approach to help you break a big project down, stay focused, and keep moving forward in a way that fits how you actually work. This episode is part of the Move 26 in ’26 Challenge. Each month, I’m releasing a special bonus episode with audio you can listen to during your 26 minutes of daily movement. For this month, you’ll hear the first chapter of “Get It Done.” Find the full audiobook—plus the downloadable PDF workbook—at audible.com/getitdone. It’s included in the Plus Catalog for Premium and Plus members. Audible membership is $14.95 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime. Produced by AT WILL MEDIA 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.
As one of the three “Design Your Year” exercises, we each wrote a list of 26 things we want to accomplish in 2026. Some repeats, some new. Resources & links related to this episode: Design Your Year hub One last reminder to sign up for The Happiness Project Revisited course I Want You to Know: My Portrait of You Elizabeth is reading: Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company by Patrick McGee (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is rereading: The English Understand Wool by Helen Dewitt (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In his speaking, Winston Churchill often deliberately made mistakes. He understood that an imperfect speech would be more persuasive and moving than a perfect speech, and he chose to make his performance better by making it worse. 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.
Just in time for January, I joined NPR’s “Life Kit” to talk about New Year’s resolutions, why they fail, and a more effective way to build better habits and make real progress in 2026. 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.
We talk about a thought-provoking, helpful exercise to help prepare for the upcoming year. We also share an easy hack for making parties more fun, reflections on #Read25in25, and re-visit a whimsical know-yourself-better question. Resources & links related to this episode: Home cotton-candy machine Listen to episode 355 Simon Haisell's Footnotes and Tangents on Substack Last chance to sign up for The Happiness Project Revisited course Elizabeth is reading: Full Tilt by Janet Evanovich (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is reading: The Rim of Morning by William Sloane (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With his characteristic skill, and with a powerful metaphor, Warren Buffett makes the point that even talented people won’t succeed if they’re working in very unfavorable conditions. 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.
We talk about a whimsical way to take better photographs, a useful question for making a hard decision, and the joy of field trips. Resources & links related to this episode: Join the "Happiness Project Revisited" before prices rise on January 1st Bandolier Order your 2026 Moment of Happiness Calendar 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.
We talk about why the realization “I could this this task better myself” can help us identify possible opportunities. We also talk about how to give a bad review in a nice way, and share imaginative accountability strategies. Resources & links related to this episode: Obituary for John Charles Craft Take the "Four Tendencies" personality quiz Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill In Our Time podcast by the BBC Elizabeth is reading: Full House by Janet Evanovich (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is reading: Possession by A. S. Byatt (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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Truly beautiful- the love comes through loud and clear. 💗
Chickens have feelings too.
I understand rewatching Mad Men- I do not get the appeal of Girls at all, one of my least favorite shows. Lena Dunham's continued success is surprising for someone so persistently mediocre.
Sounds fake to me
My favorite podcast. If it gets political, I have to leave. I know I am just one in a million and might be the only one who feels this way. This has been a fun and positive zone for me for years. Divisive issues are everywhere else. That's not what I need here. Thank you.
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I feel so smart- I already do most of these travel hacks. And shout-out to my Mom, who was organized enough to coordinate a hotel bag for our family growing up. 🧳
The highest compliment would be, "I love you like Stanley loves Pretzel Day." 🥨🤣
interesting... your quince ad is 💯 (or dang close) to a housewives ad. ugh.... won't consider because of either one...
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This brought a tear to my eye as well. Thank you!
Thank you, Gretchen, for posting this today!
Amazon is a destroyer.
Amazon is a destroyer!
Amazon is a destroyer!
In this update, More Happier focuses on movies that represent important concepts, such as Groundhog Day, which explores themes of repetition and personal growth. The episode also delves into the quirky ways people approach their meals, showcasing unique eating habits. Additionally, there's a discussion on the benefits of using a paper planner, emphasizing how it can help organize daily tasks and improve overall productivity. Resources and links related to this episode, like The Happier app, are provided for listeners to explore further.
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