In this episode of SuperPsyched, hosted by Dr. Adam Dorsay, listeners are introduced to Dr. Laurie Santos, a professor of psychology at Yale and a leading voice in positive psychology. The discussion covers the mental health crises among college students, the impact of social media, and the pressures of modern life. Dr. Santos shares insights from her popular course, 'The Science of Wellbeing,' and her podcast, 'The Happiness Lab.' They explore topics such as the importance of social connections, the benefits of focusing on happiness, and practical strategies for improving mental health. Dr. Santos also talks about her experiences with comparative psychology and shares anecdotes from interactions with celebrities like Rob Lowe and Sesame Street characters. The episode concludes with reflections on fun, time management, and the power of changing our mindsets and behaviors to enhance happiness.
00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched
00:28 The Evolution of Positive Psychology
01:07 Introducing Dr. Laurie Santos
02:21 The Mental Health Crisis in College Students
05:15 Factors Contributing to Mental Health Issues
07:49 The Power of Social Connection
10:53 Laurie's Celebrity Encounters
15:02 Lessons from Mammals on Happiness
19:44 The Importance of Protecting Your Time
24:24 Simulating Future Commitments
24:57 The Science of Fun
27:10 Fun Audit: Discovering Your Joy
35:35 The Importance of Time Affluence
41:54 Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
44:40 Final Thoughts and Insights
Helpful Links:
https://www.drlauriesantos.com/
