In this episode you’ll learn what the French philosopher and eccentric, Auguste Comte can teach us about the relationship between faith, humanity, and humility. You’ll also hear what the bestselling author A.J. Jacobs has learned about gratitude and luck via his many personal quests for knowledge and self-improvement. This episode is part two in a three part series on HUMILITY. #thehappierhour
Read MoreIn this episode you’ll hear how designing our lives can help us be happier. You’ll learn what the award winning design expert and podcast host Debbie Millman has to say about pursuing success and fame, and what the philosopher Jacques Derrida can teach us about meaning and giving voice to the voiceless. #thehappierhour
Read MoreIn this episode you’ll hear how a 14th century Franciscan friar can teach us to make better choices, and what cynicism, skepticism, and optimism have in common with science, Socrates, and musical theater. This is the audience Q&A portion of the event on DOUBT featuring philosophy professor Nick Pappas and molecular biologist turned science advocate, Maryam Zaringhalam. #TheHappierHour
Read MoreIn this episode you’ll hear the philosophical history of “doubt” and learn why a healthy dose of skepticism can help us face our fears in work and life today. Philosophy professor Nick Pappas and host Monica McCarthy chat about Socrates’ contributions to the topic of doubt and how we can apply his lessons in order to live more well-examined lives. #TheHappierHour
Read MoreCelebrating the one year anniversary of the Happier Hour by looking back at 2018 through the lens of each guest and philosophy featured on year one of the show. From Resolutions to Love to Rebellion to Money to Creativity to Discovery to Revelry to Legacy, in this episode you'll hear the best of philosophy to help life suck less. Happy New Year! #TheHappierHour
Read MoreIn this episode you’ll learn what the controversial German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche can teach us about taking charge of our own legacies. You’ll also hear from author and investigative reporter Mary Pilon about Olympic athletes, our culture’s obsession with winners, and why we should welcome the long road to success. #TheHappierHour
Read MoreWhen is fiction more important that fact? In this episode with Vassar philosophy professor and host of the Hi-Phi Nation podcast, Barry Lam, you’ll learn what the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume can teach us about the importance of emotions and storytelling in a polarized world. #TheHappier Hour
Read MoreWhat does it mean to leave a legacy and how can we practice being better people starting today? In this episode you’ll learn how the American philosopher and leader of the Pragmatism Movement, William James, can teach us about habits, and what psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman has discovered in his research on self-actualization. #TheHappierHour
Read MoreIn this Q&A episode with all three guests on the topic of DISCOVERY you’ll learn: Does taking a cruise count as traveling? What does consciousness have to do with social media? What knowledge is needed to discuss philosophy? What is luck? Which books have had the biggest impact? #thehappierhour
Read MoreIn this episode with professor Elise Crull, you’ll hear what just what the heck metaphysics is, how Einstein’s inter-disciplinary education and interests improved his scientific discoveries, how his view of science inspired his dedication to civil rights, and the relationship between philosophy and technology. #thehappierhour
Read MoreIn this series finale of The Happier Hour: Season 1, creator and host Monica McCarthy shares some of the lessons she’s learned so far about podcasting and about philosophy. If you’ve ever thought about creating a show, or wondered how philosophy can help in today’s world, you’ll want to listen to this episode. #thehappierhour
Read MoreIn this final episode of our series on Creativity, you’ll hear from all three guests: Amber Baldet, Gwena-lin Grewal, and Adam Valen Levinson as they answer audience questions. From how to define creativity, to the relationship to art and madness, to authentic culture around the world. #thehappierhour
Read MoreIn this episode you’ll learn about creativity as a way of revealing and reflecting our true selves. The guest, Dr. Gwenda-lin Grewal, is a professor of philosophy, a writer, and a fashion designer who specializes in ancient Greek philosophy. By the end of this episode you’ll discover what philosophy, fashion, and “Alice and Wonderland” can teach us about creativity in our everyday lives. #thehappierhour
Read MoreIn this episode with financial expert Jill Schlesinger you’ll learn how most of us are making mistakes when it comes to our finances, and what you can do to empower your financial prowess. You’ll also learn why you shouldn’t leave your fortune to fate and instead, in the words of the philosopher Voltaire, “cultivate your garden.” #thehappierhour
Read MoreDoes morality have a role to play in economics? In this episode you’ll learn what philosophy professor Dr. Jennifer Morton has to say about the ethical costs of upward mobility, and how Adam Smith changed the way we think about economic distribution and decision making today. #thehappierhour
Read MoreIn this Labor Day weekend bonus episode, you'll learn how the courage of former slave Sojourner Truth helped shape the rights of African Americans and the rights of all women. You'll also hear about ten current organizations led by women who are changing the lives of women and society in contemporary America, inspiring each of us to do something for the greater good. #thehappierhour
Read MoreThis episode kicks off two weeks on the topic of REBELLION. What does it mean to participate in civic engagement? Why are public discussions of opposing views so important? Hear what the rapper/activist Genesis Be has to say about conceptual resistance and why Hannah Arendt's political philosophy is still relevant today. #thehappierhour
Read MoreIn this episode we’ll explore how Aristotle and improvisation can help us navigate dating in the Age of the App; or at least how to stay sane in the process. Stand-up comic and men's dating coach William Beetet shares what he's learned about committing to a character and acting "as if" in order to improve his love life, and life in general. #TheHappierHour
Read MoreIn this Happier Ever After Hours Bonus Episode, you'll hear why the creator of the popular television show The Good Place developed specific rules for the writers for each episode, and how defining our own rules can help us clarify our personal values. You'll also hear the rules Monica created for The Happier Hour and why she believes we must "curate to make space to create." #TheHappierHour
Read MoreHow can philosophy help us navigate social anxiety? In this interview with Jules Evans, you’ll learn about Stoicism, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the problem of “peak experience addicts”, and Evans’ current research into “ecstatic experiences” and “spiritual emergencies.”
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