Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
- science of human happiness
- neuroscience and behavior
Podcast Focus
- research on happiness
- improving life quality
Publishing Consistency
- 41 episodes produced
- active for 1 year
Platform Reach
- no platforms detected yet
- unknown follower count
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Most discussed topics
Brands & references
Total monthly reach
Estimated from 35 chart positions in 35 markets.
By chart position
- 🇺🇸US · Mental Health#13300K to 1M
- 🇨🇦CA · Mental Health#20300K to 1M
- 🇦🇺AU · Mental Health#31100K to 300K
- 🇬🇧GB · Mental Health#46100K to 300K
- 🇩🇪DE · Mental Health#7830K to 100K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
366K to 1.2M🎙 Daily cadence·41 episodes·Last published 4d ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
1.2M to 4.0M🇺🇸25%🇨🇦25%🇦🇺8%+32 more - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
488K to 1.6M
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 11 epsHost
Recent guests
Recent episodes
How to Stop Dating the Wrong Person
Jun 8, 2026
Unknown duration
The Real Cost of Family Estrangement
Jun 1, 2026
Unknown duration
The Diet Protocols for Happiness
May 25, 2026
Unknown duration
4 Ways to Get Better at Friendship
May 18, 2026
Unknown duration
Stop Trying to be Perfect
May 11, 2026
Unknown duration
Social Links & Contact
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8/26 | How to Stop Dating the Wrong Person | Finding the right person is hard. Being attracted to the wrong one is just as common.In this episode of Office Hours, I explore why some people find themselves stuck in the same dating patterns over and over again, pursuing partners who are unavailable, manipulative, emotionally destructive, or struggling with addiction. I explain why attraction can override good judgment, why certain personality types are especially alluring, and how to learn from past mistakes and create healthier patterns in love.This episode focuses on choosing the right person in the first place. If you haven't yet listened to my episode, 3 Rules to Fall in Love and Stay in Love, I recommend it as a companion to this conversation. Together, they offer a roadmap for both finding love and building a lasting relationship.—Brought to you by:• LMNT—A science-backed electrolyte drink mix that helps you feel and perform your best, without sugar, artificial ingredients, or gimmicks. Get a free sample pack at DrinkLMNT.com/Arthur —Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• In-person Retreats: https://retreats.arthurbrooks.com/ • Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(05:19) Why dating feels so difficult(06:29) Dating Groundhog Day(10:12) Attraction to unavailable people(15:25) Substance abuse(18:29) The Dark Triad(20:56) How the Dark Triad reels you in(25:52) Why we ignore red flags(27:19) Dating strategy #1: Stop relying on others' judgment(28:48) Dating strategy #2: Address your emophilia(30:16) Dating strategy #3: Expand your time horizon(32:10) Dating strategy #4: Don’t focus on looks and status(33:21) Dating strategy #5: Look in the right place(35:15) Dating strategy #6: Stop looking for your ex(37:29) Dating strategy #7: Stop romanticizing doomed love(39:00) Q&A: How to reconcile being on your phone to learn more(40:15) Q&A: The value of fun leisure—Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: themeaningofyourlife.com• Meaning Membership: https://hub.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-membership • Arthur’s newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • The Pursuit of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: https://www.thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur• Nearly Half of U.S. Adults Say Dating Has Gotten Harder for Most People in the Last 10 Years: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/08/20/nearly-half-of-u-s-adults-say-dating-has-gotten-harder-for-most-people-in-the-last-10-years• Groundhog Day: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048• Mate Choice Copying in Humans: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26181063/ • The ability to judge the romantic interest of others: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19076319• ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 6/1/26 | The Real Cost of Family Estrangement | Family estrangement is strangely common—affecting one-third of American adults today. While cutting ties can bring temporary relief, research suggests that, over time, it often resembles grief.In this episode of Office Hours, I explore why family, one of the four pillars of happiness, is central to meaning, what is driving the rise in estrangement, and why conflicts over values and identity have become so difficult to repair. Most importantly, I discuss what it actually takes to mend broken relationships: the difference between healthy boundaries and permanent rupture, and the two qualities that help families overcome deep disagreement and stay connected. —Brought to you by:• David Protein—The most effective portable protein on the planet https://davidprotein.com/arthur• Noble Mobile—With Noble, there is only one plan: The No-Bull Plan. It’s simple. It’s transparent. And if you use less data, you get cash back. Get an exclusive offer at: https://noblemobile.com/arthurbrooks —Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• In-person Retreats: https://retreats.arthurbrooks.com/ • Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(05:09) Why family estrangement feels so painful(15:57) How common is family estrangement(19:30) Why family estrangement happens(27:07) The rise of the “no-contact” movement(31:34) What the data shows about going no-contact (35:07) The two ingredients every family needs(36:20) What tolerance really means(37:43) Why forgiveness is essential in families(39:20) The hidden incentives behind encouraging family division(41:32) Q&A: Finding reciprocity in friendships(43:38) Q&A: Attachment styles and finding love(46:03) Q&A: Meeting a future spouse in person—Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-of-your-life • Meaning Membership: https://hub.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-membership • Arthur’s newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • The Pursuit of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: https://www.thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur• Family Estrangement Is a Tragedy: https://www.thefp.com/p/arthur-brooks-family-estrangement-is-a-tragedy• What Makes Life Meaningful? Views From 17 Advanced Economies: https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2021/11/18/what-makes-life-meaningful-views-from-17-advanced-economies/• Matthew 5:44: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A44• Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them: https://www.amazon.com/Fault-Lines-Fractured-Families-Mend/dp/0525539034• ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 5/25/26 | The Diet Protocols for Happiness | We obsess over diets, fasting, and weight-loss drugs in the name of health. But we rarely ask a more important question: what kind of eating actually makes us happier?In this episode of Office Hours, I explore what the science say about the relationship between food and well-being. Eating gives us pleasure, but meals bring deeper enjoyment when they also combine people and memories. I explore what that means in practice along with seven other practical rules for “happy eating.”In the end, happiness at the table depends less on the food than the company. As my Spanish wife likes to say: the point of eating is not the food—it’s the love.—Brought to you by:• David Protein—The most effective portable protein on the planet https://davidprotein.com/arthur• Noble Mobile—With Noble, there is only one plan: The No-Bull Plan. It’s simple. It’s transparent. And if you use less data, you get cash back. Get an exclusive offer at: https://noblemobile.com/arthurbrooks —Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• In-person Retreats: https://retreats.arthurbrooks.com/ • Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(09:55) Why eating is pleasurable—and why pleasure alone does not create happiness(13:56) Two ways to turn pleasure into enjoyment(17:12) How both positive and negative emotions influence eating(18:43) Why eating moderately often is linked to greater happiness(22:14) Dietary patterns associated with greater happiness(25:19) What the research shows about alcohol and well-being(28:16) Junk food’s impact on mood and well-being(30:08) The pros and cons of a vegetarian diet(32:19) Why crash diets are bad for your well-being and happiness(35:59) Time-restricted eating and GLP-1 drugs(37:13) #1: Balance across a variety of foods(37:46) #2: Emphasize proteins and fats(37:58) #3: Avoid junk food and refined sweets(38:11) #4: Moderate alcohol consumption(38:24) #5: No recreational drinking(38:34) #6: Avoid obesity without starving yourself(38:49) #7: Organized, regular, formal meal times(39:00) #8: Meals in the company of others(40:19) Q&A: The neuroscience behind how books affect our brains(42:53) Q&A: Leisure vs. Sabbath —Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: themeaningofyourlife.com• Meaning Membership: https://hub.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-membership • Arthur’s newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • The Pursuit of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: https://www.thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur• The pleasure of food: underlying brain mechanisms of eating and other pleasures: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13411-014-0029-2• Health, Happiness and Eating Together: What Can a Large Thai Cohort Study Tell Us?: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4802060• ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 5/18/26 | 4 Ways to Get Better at Friendship | We spend much of our lives building our careers. We chase success, recognition, and expansive networks—yet despite all of it, many of us still experience a quiet, persistent loneliness.In this episode of Office Hours, I turn to Aristotle and his work, the Nicomachean Ethics, to ask an age-old question: what makes a good friend? I’ll explore Aristotle’s three types of friendship, and suggest something that sounds counterintuitive: the best of friends are perfectly useless. I also share four practical ways to deepen the friendships you already have, and cultivate more of these useless relationships that create real meaning, deeper happiness, and a life well lived. —Brought to you by:• Noble Mobile—With Noble, there is only one plan: The No-Bull Plan. It’s simple. It’s transparent. And if you use less data, you get cash back. Get an exclusive offer at: https://noblemobile.com/arthurbrooks —Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• In-person Retreats: https://retreats.arthurbrooks.com/ • Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(06:32) Why close friendships are essential to happiness(11:42) What a healthy friendship ecosystem looks like (14:54) Aristotle’s three types of friendship(23:57) Real friends vs. deal friends(31:17) Friendship step #1: Give yourself a friendship checkup(32:39) Friendship step #2: Identify the people who truly know you(35:06) Friendship step #3: Go deep or go home(38:24) Friendship step #4: Make more friends that you don’t need(41:32) Q&A: Adjusting to home after a year abroad (44:12) Q&A: Building better habits —Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: themeaningofyourlife.com• Meaning Membership: https://hub.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-membership • Arthur’s newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • The Pursuit of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: https://www.thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur• Why You Should Want to Be Alone: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/07/hermit-solitude-benefits-happiness/678955• I Matter to My Friend, Therefore I am Happy: Friendship, Mattering, and Happiness: https://experts.nau.edu/en/publications/i-matter-to-my-friend-therefore-i-am-happy-friendship-mattering-a• Friendship and personality as predictors of happiness: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-006-9012-7 •The average American has three best friends: https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/friends-adults-american-how-to-friendship-difficulty-a8906861.html • Social Support, Social Strain, Loneliness, and Well-Being Among Older Adults: An Analysis of the Health and Retirement Study: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-05698-001• ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 5/11/26 | Stop Trying to be Perfect | Sometimes, the most insidious thing someone can tell you to make you feel better is the age-old phrase, “but you’re perfect!” While research suggests this may ease emotional pain temporarily, it might actually be holding you back from growth and, consequently, satisfaction.In this episode of Office Hours, I explore why we avoid uncomfortable truths when feeling down, and why the better path towards fulfillment is honest self-acceptance—embracing your imperfections, and taking on the challenge to improve.—Brought to you by:• Noble Mobile—With Noble, there is only one plan: The No-Bull Plan. It’s simple. It’s transparent. And if you use less data, you get cash back. Get an exclusive offer at: https://noblemobile.com/arthurbrooks —Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• In-person Retreats: https://retreats.arthurbrooks.com/ • Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(06:50) The psychology of self-enhancement bias(10:39) Who suffers most from self-enhancement bias(15:50) Why we protect others with comforting lies(17:16) What the research shows about self-enhancement bias(22:57) #1: You’re not perfect but you’re normal(25:37) #2: Accept yourself(27:05) #3: Work to improve(30:03) #4: Don’t blame other people(32:05) #5: Reframe imperfections as puzzles(35:48) Q&A: People pleasing and happiness(37:33) Q&A: Finding time for happiness in a busy life(39:24) Q&A: Teaching happiness habits to young children—Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: themeaningofyourlife.com• Meaning Membership: https://hub.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-membership • The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • The Pursuit of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: https://www.thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur• I'm OK--You're OK: The Pioneering and Bestselling Self-Help Guide: https://www.amazon.com/Im-OK-Youre-OK-Thomas-Harris/dp/0060724277• Taking time seriously. A theory of socioemotional selectivity: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10199217• Comparative perceptions of driver ability--a confirmation and expansion: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3730094• The Illusion of Moral Superiority: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5641986• Age and the better‐than‐average effect: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-10557-008• The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex is selective for pain: Results from large-scale reverse inference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26582792• ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 5/4/26 | How to Enjoy Your Life✨ | happinesssavoring+3 | — | MEA | Santa Fe | savoringhappiness+3 | David Proteinarthur | 36m 06s | |
| 4/27/26 | How to Manage Grief✨ | griefloss+3 | — | — | — | griefbereavement+6 | David Proteinarthur | 40m 50s | |
| 4/20/26 | Why You Literally Need to Touch Grass✨ | naturemental health+3 | — | Noble | natureoutdoors | touch grassoutdoors+5 | Noble MobileNo-Bull Plan | 33m 01s | |
| 4/13/26 | 6 Big Lessons to Build Your Dream Life with Sahil Bloom✨ | intentional livingpersonal values+3 | Sahil Bloom | The 5 Types of Wealth | — | successvalues+3 | — | 49m 48s | |
| 4/6/26 | How to Create Your Calling✨ | professional callingcareer development+3 | — | The Meaning of Your Life | — | callingcareer+3 | — | 36m 48s | |
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 3/30/26 | 6 Protocols to Find Meaning and Build a Happier Life✨ | meaninghappiness+3 | — | The Meaning of Your Life | — | meaninghappiness+3 | Noble MobileNo-Bull Plan | 40m 03s | |
| 3/23/26 | How the Meaning of Life Affects Your Brain: Part 2 of 3✨ | meaning of lifeanxiety+4 | — | The Meaning of Your Life | — | meaning crisisanxiety+4 | — | 41m 53s | |
| 3/16/26 | Find the Meaning of Your Life Part 1 of 3: Get Better at Boredom✨ | boredommeaning of life+3 | — | — | — | boredommeaning+3 | — | 46m 04s | |
| 3/9/26 | 3 Steps to Embracing Your Fears✨ | fearpersonal growth+3 | — | The Meaning of Your LifeOffice Hours | — | fearcomfort zone+4 | — | 37m 46s | |
| 3/2/26 | How to find your faith✨ | faithspirituality+4 | — | The Meaning of Your Life | — | faithspirituality+6 | — | 38m 13s | |
| 2/23/26 | The Science Behind Being Good at Leisure✨ | leisurehappiness+4 | — | — | — | leisurehappiness+5 | — | 51m 56s | |
| 2/16/26 | How to Live Your Life Like a Start-up with Codie Sanchez | Codie Sanchez (founder of Contrarian Thinking and author of Main Street Millionaire) believes ownership changes lives. Her mission is bold and specific: create one million business owners. But beneath that mission is a deeper argument about how taking control of your life can help you not only be more successful, but happier. In this episode of Office Hours, Codie and I explore her philosophy of happiness, built around three requirements: progress, freedom, and ownership. We explore what those ideas can mean to each of us personally. Why earning your own money shapes your sense of agency. Why responsibility, taken voluntarily, can increase satisfaction. And why ownership is not just about assets, but about how you take responsibility for your life. —Brought to you by:• David Protein—The most effective portable protein on the planet http://www.davidprotein.com/arthur —Where to find Codie Sanchez:• Website: https://codiesanchez.com • X: https://x.com/Codie_Sanchez• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/codiesanchezbiz• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5fI3kxC-ewZ6ZXEYgznM7g• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codiesanchez• Contrarian Thinking: https://www.contrarianthinking.co More from Codie: Codie hosts an annual 3-day virtual workshop to help you find, buy, and build a business… and it’s happening this Feb 20-22! Come learn what Wall Street (and your boss) hope you never learn: https://contrarianthinking.biz/MSML_BDYT26.—Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(04:54) Codie’s current big project(08:47) What Main Street Millionaire is about and why it resonated so widely(10:54) Codie’s pivot away from journalism to finance(14:14) The realization that finance would not bring happiness(17:58) Codie’s mission statement (19:58) Why earning your own money matters (23:50) Why unsexy careers tend to be more profitable (27:53) The case for entrepreneurship(29:10) Why CEOs must love the job (32:14) Codie’s three happiness principles (33:18) The need for progress(40:07) How to maintain future-thinking without sacrificing your happiness (43:07) The case for taking on more responsibility (44:52) Setting the right goals to make progress (51:59) Freedom is a key ingredient(59:40) What to look for in a marriage (1:04:15) The power of ownership(1:10:45) A summary of the three requirements for happiness —Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427• The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses: https://www.amazon.com/Main-Street-Millionaire-Extraordinary-Businesses/dp/0593718615• The Songhurst Matrix: A Game-Changer for Project Management: https://sebastianstrobl.net/2024/08/02/the-songhurst-matrix-a-game-changer-for-project-management/ • ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 2/9/26 | How to Find Love in 2026 | Today’s topic: love. Forget Valentine’s Day—where romance only happens once a year. Try my new book, The Meaning of Your Life, out March 31, where I describe how to make love lifelong.Many people today feel discouraged about love. Fewer people are getting married, fewer are falling in love, and more are opting out of romance altogether. This isn’t just a personal problem—it’s a cultural one.In this episode of Office Hours, I explore what’s happening to romantic love and why it matters so deeply to our sense of meaning in life. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and ancient wisdom, I examine what love actually is, what happens when we fall in love, and why heartbreak is often a necessary part of learning to love well. I also share three practical rules for finding love in a time when many people are afraid to risk it at all.This episode isn’t about dating advice or quick fixes. It’s about understanding love as one of the most powerful paths to meaning, growth, and a life well lived, even when it doesn’t come easily.—Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:34) Arthur and Ester’s love story (06:44) Why entrepreneurial love stories are dwindling(07:44) Data on the decline in love, marriage, and sex(11:10) What happens when you’re falling in love(23:37) Why relationships don’t work out (26:42) The mystical side of romantic love(30:40) What love is and why the English language falls short of explaining it(35:10) Love lessons from the Greeks (40:25) Rule 1: Take more risks(48:01) Rule 2: Look for your complement (52:02) Rule 3: Don’t fear the breakup (55:52) Q&A: Are there different types of decision-makers(57:10) Q&A: The effects of cold plunges —Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427• The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale•Understanding the Science of Love: A Practical Guide: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/love • Don Quixote: https://www.amazon.com/Quixote-Penguin-Classics-Cervantes-Saavedra/dp/0142437239• Oxytocin: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22618-oxytocin • Vasopressin: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/vasopressin• The sociopaths among us: How to spot (and avoid) a Dark Triad: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/podcast/the-sociopaths-among-us-how-to-spot-and-avoid-a-dark-triad • Emophilia: An overlooked (but not forgotten) construct in relationships and individual differences: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886924000114 • 3 Steps to Managing Your Emotions: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/podcast/3-steps-to-managing-your-emotions • ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 2/2/26 | 4 Ways to Be Less Lonely | If you’ve been feeling empty or lonely and are looking for immediate solutions, I hope today’s episode helps—and if you want to go deeper, you can order my new book, The Meaning of Your Life, out March 31.Today’s topic: the loneliness epidemic. We know more people than ever before, but do we actually know them? In a world of constant connection, many people still feel unseen, unknown, and disconnected from those around them.In this episode of Office Hours, I explore why loneliness has become so widespread and how it shows up in our relationships. I talk about the difference between being known and being understood, why feeling understood matters so much for happiness, and how modern habits and technologies can make it easier to stay in touch while avoiding real connection.Change means pushing back against our instincts and doing things that feel like the opposite of what we want. That can sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, I share four simple habits that, with practice, become easier and help lay the groundwork for more meaningful relationships.If you’ve been feeling lonely, this episode explores what happens when we stop waiting for that feeling to fix itself.—Brought to you by:• David Protein—The most effective portable protein on the planet http://www.davidprotein.com/arthur —Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(04:31) What Edgar Allan Poe’s life reveals about loneliness(07:39) The difference between being known and being understood(09:43) Why feeling known is essential for happiness(12:38) What fMRI studies reveal about being understood(15:33) Give what you want to get in relationships(17:01) Why being known by your spouse matters for happiness(18:30) Why loneliness is rising among young people and the role of technology(19:27) How loneliness becomes self-reinforcing(21:08) Strategy #1: The opposite signal strategy(24:15) Strategy #2: Proactively knowing others(27:28) Strategy #3: Asking more questions(30:33) Strategy #4: Putting your phone away(32:15) Why loneliness requires proactive effort(33:16) Q&A: Which times of day matter most for limiting screens?(34:47) Q&A: How can you let go of shame around anxiety?—Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427• The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World: https://www.amazon.com/Together-Connection-Performance-Greater-Happiness/dp/0062913298• “Alone” by Edgar Allan Poe: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46477/alone-56d2265f2667d • New Cigna Study Reveals Loneliness at Epidemic Levels in America: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-cigna-study-reveals-loneliness-at-epidemic-levels-in-america-300639747.html • The Good Life: Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11575524 • ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 1/26/26 | 6 Financial Rules for Greater Happiness with Dave Ramsey | I’ve hinted at this before, but in my new book, The Meaning of Your Life, I explore where meaning actually comes from—one place, for example, is by serving others with our time and treasure. However, you certainly won’t find it in the worldly idols we so often chase. This all brings us to today’s topic—money.Most people assume that having more money will make them happier. The research suggests something more subtle. What matters is not how much money you have, but how you use it.In this episode of Office Hours, I am joined by Dave Ramsey, one of the most influential voices in personal finance, whose work has helped millions of people change their relationship with money. Dave shares his own journey from early financial success to bankruptcy and back, and how his faith shapes his thinking about debt, discipline, and financial peace.—Where to find Dave Ramsey:• X: https://x.com/daveramsey• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramsey-dave• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveramsey• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daveramsey • Website: https://www.ramseysolutions.comWhere to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(05:14) Dave’s early experiences with entrepreneurship and money (07:30) How Dave’s early career success gave way to financial collapse(10:54) Why borrowing money tends to undermine happiness(13:34) Dave’s path back to prosperity (16:43) What financial peace means (18:07) How serving others contributes to long-term happiness(19:45) How hope supports lasting change(21:20) Why intentionality matters most(23:37) Why things won’t bring you happiness (27:12) How the credit system’s lack of guardrails sets people up to fail(29:02) Why credit card debt is especially damaging to well-being(30:00) Why people make poor financial decisions (32:25) Why car debt is usually a poor investment(35:16) How to get an education without taking on excessive debt(38:40) Why mortgage debt doesn’t lower happiness when kept in check(41:25) A framework for thinking about debt and savings (42:21) Why generosity is linked to greater prosperity (48:14) Q&A: How to stop being so stressed about money(50:14) Q&A: How to make a savings plan for college (52:58) Dave’s six big principles for money and happiness —Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427• The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • Good credit, bad credit: The differential role of the sources of debt in life satisfaction: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/joca.12388 • Financial Peace: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Peace-Dave-Ramsey/dp/0963571206• What Is the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility?: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lawofdiminishingutility.asp • Why You’re Better Off Not Borrowing: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/debt-borrowing-happiness/677303• How your bank balance buys happiness: The importance of “cash on hand” to life satisfaction: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-17475-001• ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 1/19/26 | How to Set the Right Goals in Life | Most of us know that we should set goals, but there is a lot of confusion about why they matter and how to choose them well.In this episode of Office Hours, I reflect on the difference between meaning and purpose, and on how the goals we pursue quietly shape the direction of our lives. I talk about why some goals leave us feeling empty even when we achieve them, and what it means to aim our lives toward something that truly matters.My hope is that this episode invites you to pause, think about your goals in life, and consider whether the path you are on is leading you where you want to go.—Brought to you by:• David Protein—The most effective portable protein on the planet http://www.davidprotein.com/arthur —Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(05:00) The three components of meaning(08:14) Big goals, and why most of us are not Mother Teresa(09:55) Proxy goals, and how they can lead us to feel more purpose(13:16) Jung’s philosophy on good goals (14:42) An extrinsic motivation (17:20) Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation(19:14) Goals based in avoidance (21:34) Positional goals (24:33) Focus on love, not things(28:15) Listen to the small voice (31:40) Enjoy the happy journey(34:08) Stay flexible(37:09) Q&A: Fasting vs. a heavy protein breakfast (38:17) Q&A: How to teach your children to be happier (39:44) Q&A: Navigating a big transition—Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427• The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • The Three Macronutrients of Happiness, and How to Measure Yours: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/podcast/the-three-macronutrients-of-happiness-and-how-to-measure-yours • The why to bear any how: Goal self-concordance, meaning, and depressive and anxious symptomatology: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-69173-001 • Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0361476X20300254• Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1971-22190-001 • Evaluation of the Happiness Through Goal-Setting Training: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35084260 • Compared to whom? Inequality, social comparison, and happiness in the United States: https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/publications/compared-to-whom-inequality-social-comparison-and-happiness-in-th • The Confessions of St. Augustine: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3296/3296-h/3296-h.htm • Monkey see, monkey do: Model behavior in early childhood: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/monkey_see_monkey_do_model_behavior_in_early_childhood • ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 1/12/26 | How to Stop Caring What Others Think | Why do we care so much about what other people think of us?In this episode of Office Hours, I explain the science behind why concern about others’ opinions is so powerful in the first place. I talk about the two reasons we are wired to care what people think, how our brains treat social judgment as a real threat, and why this fear can quietly shape our choices, our behavior, and even our sense of self.Once we understand what is happening in our minds and bodies, we can start to loosen its grip. I share three ways to break out of this pattern and begin caring less about other people’s opinions, not by ignoring them entirely, but by relating to them more wisely. My hope is that these ideas help you move with more freedom, show up more authentically, and live with less unnecessary fear of being judged.—Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:20) The two reasons you care what others think about you(13:53) BIS and BAS: why fear of judgment can keep you stuck(19:00) The role of shame and when it turns destructive (23:46) Way #1: No one cares(27:05) Way #2: Rebel against your shame(30:42) Way #3: Don’t judge, and you will not be judged(34:01) Recap of the 3 ways to stop caring so much about what others think of you(35:06) Q&A: Helping someone regulate emotions during conflict(38:53) Q&A: Adapting the morning protocol for late or irregular schedules(40:06) Q&A: What we know about cold therapy and depression—Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427• The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • The sociopaths among us: How to spot (and avoid) a Dark Triad: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/podcast/the-sociopaths-among-us-how-to-spot-and-avoid-a-dark-triad • Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: https://vreeman.com/meditations • Intellectual Trust in Oneself and Others: https://www.amazon.com/Intellectual-Oneself-Cambridge-Studies-Philosophy/dp/0521793• ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 1/5/26 | The 8 Life Lessons that Hoda Kotb Follows | In this episode of Office Hours, I sit down with my friend Hoda Kotb and talk about how we meet change when it shows up uninvited. Hoda has lived through transitions that resist simple narratives. Early rejection in her career. Public reinvention. Serious illness. Grief. Becoming a parent later in life. Each chapter forced a decision about how to move forward when there were no clear answers.Hoda is known to millions as the longtime co-anchor of NBC’s Today Show and as the host of Making Space. In our conversation, those titles matter less than the life behind them. What connects us to Hoda’s story is not her achievements, but the ordinary human moments that shaped her values and continue to guide her choices. I hope this conversation leaves you not only inspired by Hoda’s life but also more willing to meet your own with honesty, courage, and care.—Brought to you by:• David Protein—The most effective portable protein on the planet http://www.davidprotein.com/arthur —Where to find Hoda Kotb:• X: https://x.com/hodakotb • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hodakotb • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HodaKotb• Website: https://www.hodakotb.com • Podcast: https://www.today.com/podcasts/making-space Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:22) Introducing Hoda Kotb(06:03) Hoda’s origin story as a first-generation American(07:27) The inspiration Hoda gets from her mother (08:48) Hoda’s mother’s journey with grief and what it teaches her(11:23) Lesson #1: Reframe tragedy as opportunity(16:25) Lesson #2: Turn constraints into decisions(27:25) Lesson #3: Persistence creates destiny(31:44) Lesson #4: Keep learning(32:40) Hoda’s breast cancer journey(37:55) Lesson #5: Your suffering is your strength(40:39) How Hoda became a parent at 52(46:42) Lesson #6: Choose love(52:20) Lesson #7: Choose a new tree(58:50) Lesson #8: You’re in charge(59:05) A quick recap of the eight lessons—Referenced: • Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Find-Joy-Embracing-Change/dp/B0DZ5BVKH8 • Joy 101: https://www.joy101.com • Joy 101 2026 retreat: https://www.joy101.com/spring-retreat-2026—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 12/29/25 | 3 Ways to Set Smarter New Year’s Resolutions | Every New Year, we set ambitious goals. Unfortunately, most of our resolutions fade faster than we would like to admit.In this episode of Office Hours, I explain why New Year’s resolutions so often fail. This isn’t a question of discipline per se. Instead, our failure occurs because of the way we frame our goals (and how we sometimes set the wrong goals in the first place). I explain how these forces leave us feeling discouraged and stuck.The good news: there’s a better way to set and achieve your New Year’s resolutions. I walk through how to design your goals in the right way, so that progress depends less on force of will and more on positive incentives. I break this into simple steps grounded in what we know about how people actually change.If you are thinking about resolutions this year, this episode will help you choose goals that truly support your well-being.—Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:36) Where New Year’s resolutions come from(04:38) Why New Year’s resolutions often fail(06:50) What the data says about resolution success(08:35) Why positive goals work better than negative goals(11:44) The forces outside you that sabotage your goals(14:50) Step#1: Make your goals positive (19:12) Step #2: Tiny goals(21:34) Step #3: The right way to have negative goals(29:11) Why forgiveness is a powerful happiness goal(31:51) Q&A: Keeping peace without ignoring others’ pain(33:09) Q&A: Letting go of grievances—Referenced: • The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • How to Build a Life: https://www.theatlantic.com/projects/how-build-life/• The Happiness Files: Insights on Work and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Files-Insights-Arthur-Brooks/dp/B0F4MFQ6VN• The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427• The History of New Year’s Resolutions: https://www.history.com/articles/the-history-of-new-years-resolutions • New Year, new you: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/12/31/new-year-new-you • Auld lang syne: success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year's resolvers and nonresolvers: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11920693 • One in five Americans has stuck to their 2018 New Year’s Resolution: https://today.yougov.com/society/articles/21098-2018-new-years-resolutions-update • ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
| 12/22/25 | My 4-Step Method for Making the Holidays Better | Does Christmas never live up to the version you remember from childhood? Or does it bring up painful memories that keep you stuck in the past? Or maybe you’re like I once was, feeling more like a curmudgeon than a bundle of holiday cheer.In this episode of Office Hours, I explain why the holidays so often surface disappointment, sadness, and annoyance, and what research on memory reveals about why this happens. I share ways to reframe difficult memories, and my Christmas protocol, designed to help quiet the noise, focus on what truly matters, and move through the season with more gratitude and peace.—Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:13) Three common holiday mood problems(04:10) Problem #1: Disappointment (13:12) Problem #2: Sadness(18:20) Problem #3: Annoyance (21:36) Christmas protocol step #1: Start before dawn(25:00) Christmas protocol step #2: Go for a walk (26:00) Christmas protocol step #3: Write a gratitude letter(26:39) Christmas protocol step #4: Give back (28:32) Q&A: How a sleep schedule affects happiness(30:21) Q&A: Dealing with burnout as a spiral career type (31:55) Q&A: How to make close friends later in life —Referenced: • The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • How to Build a Life: https://www.theatlantic.com/projects/how-build-life/• Remembering the past to imagine the future: the prospective brain: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17700624/ • Is Nostalgia a Past or Future-Oriented Experience? Affective, Behavioral, Social Cognitive, and Neuroscientific Evidence: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7326063 • Perspectives on episodic-like and episodic memory: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23616754 • Episodic memory: from mind to brain: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11752477 • Not all emotions are created equal: The negativity bias in social-emotional development: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3652533 • Attributions, deception, and event-related potentials: an investigation of the self-serving bias: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18282197• ...References continued at: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. | — | ||||||
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