What makes us happy is often misunderstood. And in the age of AI, it's easier than ever to seek quick and easy answers to some of life’s biggest questions.

In this episode, host and licensed therapist Sreela Roy-Greene sits down with happiness expert and Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos. Dr. Santos illuminates the mountains of research about what tends to make us happy (spoiler: it isn’t that fast car). Together, they sift through tips and tricks on how to make each day better and let go of perfection. The two also discuss how happiness is a practice and where AI can assist—or impede—our mental health. 

0:00 Intro: Why Success Doesn't Always Make You Happy

00:53 Welcome & Introducing Dr. Laurie Santos

02:38 AI, Therapy & the Importance of Human Connection

03:26 The Hidden Risks of Using AI for Advice

08:10 Why Relationships Matter More Than We Think

12:23 Vulnerability, Friction & Asking for Help

15:05 Can AI Help Us Be More Vulnerable?

18:07 The Arrival Fallacy & the Science of Happiness

20:52 Gratitude, Presence & Finding Joy in Everyday Life

22:56 Simple Habits That Improve Mental Well-Being

25:28 Why Therapy Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix

28:52 Practical Tools for Anxiety & Depression

33:10 Why Every Emotion Has a Purpose

35:49 Social Media, Comparison & Protecting Your Happiness

40:18 Why High Achievement Doesn't Guarantee Happiness

43:41 Dr. Laurie Santos' Daily Happiness Rituals

44:57 Key Takeaways

46:00 Credits

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.