Best Gretchen Rubin The Onward Project Podcasts (2025)

Gratitude is a key to happiness, and while gratitude journals work for some, alternative practices also work—such as one simple approach suggested by author Kurt Vonnegut's uncle. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and th…

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More Happier: The Joy of Giving Away Toys, the Pleasure of Parasocial Relationships & TV Tourism 26:01

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5d ago26:01

26:01

We talk about the energy (and space) gained from giving away items that others will appreciate, and we explore the surprisingly positive aspects of parasocial relationships with podcast hosts and TV personalities. Plus, we dive into the phenomenon of TV tourism. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the Since You Asked with Lori Gott…

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Ep. 554: Take the Trip, Get Something Valuable for Free, and Listeners Talk about Their “One Big Thing” 29:49

8d ago29:49

29:49

We discuss the value of taking the trip. We also reveal something very valuable that is available for free, if you know where to look, and we share listeners’ thought-provoking responses about the “one big thing” they’ve successfully tackled. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and…

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Little Happier: Good Idea or Bad Idea? Do I Regret My Experience, or Not? I Can’t Decide. 3:25

10d ago3:25

3:25

A simple childhood memory of jubilation raises a lasting question: Is it better to persist with activities we dislike and struggle with, or pursue what comes naturally? Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier a…

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More Happier: Introducing “Since You Asked with Gretchen Rubin and Lori Gottlieb” 35:27

12d ago35:27

35:27

Introducing my new podcast: Since You Asked! This is the first episode of my new show with my friend, the therapist and author Lori Gottlieb. Each week, we tackle the daily problems of living—the pet peeve that’s annoyed you for years, the question you’re too embarrassed to ask, or the dilemma you just can’t solve. If you enjoy this episode, follow…

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Ep. 553: Ask for Clarification, an Easy Way to Unclutter & a “Use It Up” Epiphany 31:56

15d ago31:56

31:56

We talk about why asking for clarification is so important—yet it’s an easy step to skip. We also mention a listener’s great hack for nudging her kids to unclutter, and we discuss the urge to “use it up.” Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin Elizabeth is reading: …

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Little Happier: Andy Warhol, Woolworth’s, Air Conditioning, and Roasted Peanuts 3:21

17d ago3:21

3:21

Our five senses constantly make adjustments and compromises—an observation that explains a cryptic comment by Andy Warhol. Get in touch: [email protected] 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 th…

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More Happier: For Travel, Familiarity or Novelty? Plus a Flossing Hack & the Pleasure of Routine 23:56

19d ago23:56

23:56

We explore whether it's better to seek out new experiences or enjoy familiar favorites when traveling. Plus, we share a surprising hack about alternatives to flossing, and how we’re approaching fall routines. Resources & links related to this episode: Learn your Tendency and learn more about the "Four Tendencies" framework "Dentists know you hate f…

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Ep. 552: Start Your 100-Day Countdown, Try Substack & the Power of Engaging 32:56

22d ago32:56

32:56

There are about 100 days left in the year, and we discuss why starting your 100-day countdown can make you happier. We also explore a hack that will help you read, learn, and get entertained, and we share interesting responses from listeners about the power of engaging. Resources & links related to this episode: For the Happier Podcast Book Club: A…

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Little Happier: A Surprising and Subtle Way to Change Your Habits: Consider Texas 4:06

24d ago4:06

4:06

Texas’s extremely successful anti-littering campaign illustrates an important principle about habit change: Sometimes changing our habits requires us first to change our identity. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and th…

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More Happier: Returning to Routine? 7 Strategies to Make it Easier [Revisited] 28:00

26d ago28:00

28:00

Feeling the end-of-summer slump? In this revisited episode, we share 7 practical strategies that can help you rebuild your routine for fall—especially if you're dragging your feet. September is the other January, and this “starter kit” for habit change will help you reset without forcing it. Resources & links related to this episode: Better Than Be…

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Ep. 551: Question Assumptions, College Drop-Off Hacks & Rebelling Against an Unappreciative Family 31:43

29d ago31:43

31:43

We talk about why it can be very valuable to question our assumptions, and we also share hacks for helping a child moving into a college dorm. Plus we discuss a listener’s feelings of Obliger-rebellion due to the unacknowledged work she does for her family. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lo…

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Little Happier: Why Is Making Partner in a Law Firm Like Winning a Pie-Eating Contest? 3:01

1M ago3:01

3:01

A teaching joke from the legal world captures an important lesson: Sometimes the reward for an achievement is simply a bigger helping of the same challenge. Get in touch: [email protected] 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…

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More Happier: Listen In! Recording from Our Reading Retreat (and Closet Clearing) 35:44

1M ago35:44

35:44

During our recent Reading Retreat 2025, we made voice memos to record our sisterly adventure. We talk about our reading, plus we also report on the evening we spent clearing out a very crowded closet. Listen in and follow along as we report from Los Olivos and Encinco, California. Resources & links related to this episode: Read 25 in '25 Elizabeth'…

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Ep. 550: Very Special Episode: Now Is the Time to Tackle That One, Big, Hard Thing 32:13

1M ago32:13

32:13

Sometimes, to be happier, we need to confront one enormous, daunting goal that we would really prefer to avoid. We discuss what those kinds of intimidating goals might be, offer suggestions for how to approach them, and share many encouraging examples from listeners. Resources & links related to this episode: Are you a marathoner or a sprinter, in …

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Little Happier: Sometimes, Life Feels Like Art. Recently I Felt Like Reciting Poetry to a Crowd 4:29

1M ago4:29

4:29

Sometimes life achieves the formal perfection of art, or a moment can seem so transcendent that only art can allow us to express what we feel. Get in touch: [email protected] 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 fo…

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More Happier: Get Ready for Fall in Just 30 Minutes [Revisited] 24:24

1M ago24:24

24:24

Clear the Decks! We revisit one of our most popular episodes to help you prepare for the return to routine after summer—or anytime you’re gearing up for a change. Resources & links related to this episode: Sign up for the "5 Things Making Me Happy" newsletter. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gret…

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Ep. 549: Make a Love List, Back-to-School Hacks & How to Learn Someone’s Real Opinion 29:50

1M ago29:50

29:50

We explore the power of creating a "love list" to help us stay connected with the people who matter most. We share a clever way for getting someone’s honest opinions, plus, we dive into listeners' most practical back-to-school tips. Resources & links related to this episode: Order my new book Secrets of Adulthood Request a signed bookplate here Eli…

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Little Happier: A Happiness Lesson from the Friends’ Central Perk Coffee Shop 2:33

2M ago2:33

2:33

A touch of levity can help us navigate awkward or painful situations by making it easier for people to hear difficult things—as illustrated by a funny moment from the popular TV show Friends. Resources & links related to this episode: The One Where Monica and Richard Are Friends Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to le…

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More Happier: Talking Romance Writing with Stacey Abrams and Lori Gottlieb 36:43

2M ago36:43

36:43

In this Roundtable discussion, we explore the role of romance in fiction and real life. Author and political leader Stacey Abrams explains how she weaves it into her suspense novels by focusing on authentic human connection, while therapist Lori Gottlieb brings her perspective on love off the page. Together, we look at how romance is imagined, expe…

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Ep. 548: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Surprising Fun & Solving Rebel Resistance to Something Desirable 31:48

2M ago31:48

31:48

We explore how we can signal dedication to an aim by putting our money where our mouth is—though it’s important to note that merely spending money isn’t enough. We also share listeners' delightfully surprising answers about what they do for fun. Plus we tackle a fascinating Rebel dilemma: having a spirit of resistance against something she actually…

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A Little Happier: Mega-Star Taylor Swift Chooses the Right Tool to Suit Her Work 2:18

2M ago2:18

2:18

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: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more …

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More Happier: Gretchen Joins the Podcast “10% Happier with Dan Harris” 1:06:11

2M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

From Dan Harris’s podcast, 10% Happier—a conversation about how to remember and use what truly makes us happier. We talk about why it’s so easy to forget helpful ideas, what to notice when you’re hiding something, and a simple habit that can strengthen your relationships. Resources & links related to this episode: Dan and I talk Secrets of Adulthoo…

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Ep. 547: Beware the Impulse to Disengage, Planning Themed Retreats & How to Know Yourself Better. 29:45

2M ago29:45

29:45

We discuss why we should beware of the impulse to disengage when we feel lonely, purposeless, or overwhelmed by bad news. We also share listener responses about creative themed-retreat ideas, such as a heal-the-heartache getaway. Plus we discuss an interesting know-yourself-better question. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to episo…