Frontiers in Health & Happiness

Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
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  • Science
  • Updated Biweekly

The Frontiers in Health & Happiness Podcast features the discoveries and perspectives of experts in the fields of positive health, happiness, and well-being.

  1. 4d ago

    Finding Awe with Dr. Demond Hill

    In the final episode of our Virtues for Well-being series, host Ayla Fudala speaks with Dr. Demond Hill, Assistant Professor of Health Equity at Tufts University, about the science of awe—and why we may be able to find it in places we least expect. Awe is often associated with mountaintops, breathtaking landscapes, or extraordinary experiences. But Dr. Hill’s research asks us to look closer. Drawing on his work with Black and Brown high school students in Boston, he explores how awe can emerge in everyday neighborhoods, relationships, art, play, and even spaces that might initially seem overlooked or “awful.” The conversation also examines how awe may support mental health, social connection, belonging, and human flourishing, while challenging us to think about what these ideas mean in communities facing structural inequality. Dr. Hill shares lessons from his youth participatory action research and explains why listening to young people may be essential to creating healthier, more equitable communities. In this episode, you’ll learn: What awe is—and how it differs from joy and gratitude Why you don’t need a dramatic natural landscape to experience awe How awe can influence stress, connection, belonging, and well-being What Black and Brown youth in Boston are teaching researchers about everyday awe How overlooked spaces—from bus stops to neighborhood parks—can become sources of wonder and possibility Why centering youth voices can transform health equity research How educators, practitioners, and community leaders can help cultivate awe and flourishing Learn more about Dr. Demond Hill and his research at Tufts University:https://as.tufts.edu/epcshd/people/faculty/demond-hill Stay connected with the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness: Website: https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/health-happiness/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/harvard-chan-health-happiness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvardchan_healthhappiness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvardCenterHealthHappiness/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ095u5aSCFD8Wv0zxcGs5A Frontiers in Health & Happiness is the official podcast of the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, exploring the science of health, happiness, and well-being.

    Finding Awe with Dr. Demond Hill

  2. Aug 3

    The Big Joy Project with Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas

    Can small daily actions meaningfully improve happiness and well-being? In this episode of Frontiers in Health & Happiness, host Ayla Fudala speaks with Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Science Director of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, about the science of happiness, positive emotions, gratitude, compassion, awe, laughter, and social connection. Dr. Simon-Thomas shares findings from the Big Joy Project, a global citizen science initiative that invites participants to try seven brief “micro-acts” designed to support well-being. She explains why different practices work for different people, how financial strain can make participation more difficult, and what researchers are learning about the connection between repeated practice, prosocial values, and a greater sense of agency over one’s happiness. The conversation also explores lessons from UC Berkeley's Science of Happiness online courses, which have reached more than one million learners worldwide. Discover why expressing gratitude is more powerful than simply feeling it, why meaningful relationships are essential to health and happiness, and how small, intentional acts of kindness, generosity, and connection can create lasting change in our lives.

    The Big Joy Project with Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas

  3. Jul 20

    Born to Flourish with Dr. Richard Davidson

    What if happiness, compassion, and resilience were not fixed traits, but skills you could train? In this episode of Frontiers in Health & Happiness, Dr. Richard Davidson, founder and director of the Center for Healthy Minds, explains how simple practices like meditation and mindfulness can help reshape the brain and support a healthier, more meaningful life. Dr. Davidson shares some of the most fascinating findings from his decades of neuroscience research, including what he discovered while studying the brains of monks and long-term meditation practitioners. Their brains showed striking differences from those of untrained people, including patterns linked to deep awareness—and evidence suggesting their brains may even age more slowly. The conversation also brings the science down to earth, exploring how anyone can build well-being through small daily practices. Dr. Davidson discusses the Healthy Minds Program app and its four pillars—awareness, connection, insight, and purpose—showing how even a few minutes a day can help reduce stress, strengthen compassion, and support human flourishing. Along the way, Dr. Davidson reflects on his friendship with the Dalai Lama, whose warmth, curiosity, and questions about the mind helped inspire a lifetime of research. Join us for an accessible conversation about mindfulness, meditation, happiness, compassion, brain health, and what it means to care for the mind in everyday life. Resources discussed in this episode: Center for Healthy Minds Humin Healthy Minds Program app Born to Flourish Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness

    Born to Flourish with Dr. Richard Davidson

  4. Jul 6

    Raising Caring Children with Richard Weissbourd

    In this episode of Frontiers in Health and Happiness, host Ayla Fudala speaks with Richard Weissbourd, senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and director of the Making Caring Common Project, about what it means to raise caring, moral, and thriving children in today’s world. Weissbourd explains why moral development is not just about beliefs, but about capacities like empathy, perspective-taking, justice, and caring for people beyond our immediate circles. He discusses how parents and schools can help children develop these capacities, why achievement and happiness often crowd out caring, and how an over-focus on children’s moment-to-moment emotions can unintentionally undermine their well-being. The conversation also explores Making Caring Common’s work with families and schools, the Turning the Tide initiative to reform college admissions, the impact of social media and public life on children’s moral growth, and why caring for others is essential not only for children’s happiness, but for the health of our communities and democracy. Resources related to Richard Weissbourd's work: Making Caring Common Project: https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/ Resources for families: https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/resources-for-families Resources for educators: https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/resources-for-educators Turning the Tide / college admissions work: https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/resources-for-colleges Stay connected with the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness: Website: https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/health-happiness/ Newsletter: https://harvard.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=35add2adf1&u=3ea9a13653576b4d74c77a0dc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/harvard-chan-health-happiness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvardchan_healthhappiness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvardCenterHealthHappiness/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ095u5aSCFD8Wv0zxcGs5A

    Raising Caring Children with Richard Weissbourd

  5. Jun 22

    The Science of Giving with Dr. Sara Konrath

    What if the path to a happier, healthier life starts with a simple act of kindness? In this episode of Frontiers in Health and Happiness, social psychologist Dr. Sara Konrath—one of the world’s leading researchers on empathy and generosity—explores the surprising science behind giving. Drawing on decades of research and insights from the 2025 World Happiness Report, she explains how generosity can boost mental well-being, strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and even contribute to longer life. She also shares why many people underestimate the benefits of giving, and why helping others often brings more lasting happiness than spending money on ourselves. Dr. Konrath answers questions such as: What’s the difference between healthy and unhealthy empathy? Are there economic benefits to kindness? Do younger and older people benefit from generosity in different ways? And how can we give sustainably without sacrificing our own well-being? Along the way, she offers practical strategies for cultivating empathy in everyday life, introduces the “three Cs” of sustainable giving, and shares the personal experiences that inspired her life’s work. Whether you're looking to deepen your relationships, improve your well-being, or make a greater difference in the lives of others, this conversation offers powerful, evidence-based insights into the transformative impact of empathy and generosity.

    The Science of Giving with Dr. Sara Konrath

  6. Jun 8

    Finding Your Purpose with Dr. Victor Strecher

    We're excited to launch the third season of Frontiers in Health, Virtues for Well-being. In the first episode, Dr. Victor Strecher discusses the power of purpose—how having a clear sense of meaning can improve health, well-being, resilience, and motivation, and how people can cultivate purpose in their daily lives.

    Finding Your Purpose with Dr. Victor Strecher

  7. 05/20/2025

    Environmental Impacts on Childhood Development with Dr. Lindsey Burghardt

    In this episode of Frontiers in Health and Happiness, Dr. Lindsey Burghardt, pediatrician and Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, explores how environmental factors like extreme heat, air pollution, and climate change uniquely impact young children's physical, mental, and social development. With real-world examples and compelling research, she discusses how science can inform policy and drive meaningful change—from designing child-friendly cooling centers to supporting caregivers and communities in building resilience. Dr. Burghardt also shares practical tips for families and a heartfelt message about the power of unconditional love in early childhood. Whether you're a parent, policymaker, or early childhood professional, this episode offers eye-opening insights and actionable ideas for creating healthier environments where all children can thrive.

    Environmental Impacts on Childhood Development with Dr. Lindsey Burghardt

  8. 05/06/2025

    Health & Happiness in Cities with Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford

    In the third episode of our “Environments for Health and Happiness” series, Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford delves into the powerful role cities play in advancing public health and happiness. By focusing on the connections between urban policy and health, Dr. Boufford highlights the crucial influence of mayors in driving environmental initiatives and fostering sustainability within cities. She sheds light on critical issues such as the impact of urban environments on social isolation and the importance of community engagement to enhance well-being. Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr. Boufford provides valuable insights and guidance for policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders aiming to build healthier, more connected urban environments. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that underscores the potential of cities to be vibrant hubs for health and happiness, and learn how collaborative efforts can create lasting positive change.

    Health & Happiness in Cities with Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford
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About

The Frontiers in Health & Happiness Podcast features the discoveries and perspectives of experts in the fields of positive health, happiness, and well-being.

Information

  • Creator
    Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024, Frontiers in Health & Happiness
  • Show Website
    Frontiers in Health & Happiness

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