How Cities Can Make Space for Awe

How Cities Can Make Space for Awe

Author: PRX and Greater Good Science Center April 9, 2026 Duration: 24:22
A simple experiment turning a parking space into a parklet reveals how small changes to public spaces can spark connection, belonging, and awe.  Summary: What if even the smallest changes to our cities could transform how we feel and connect? In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we visit the site of San Francisco’s first parklet, and explore how reclaiming everyday spaces can invite people to pause, gather, and experience a sense of belonging. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today’s Guests: BLAINE MERKER is an urban designer and public space advocate. He leads Gehl’s Enterprise & Corporations team. Learn more about Blaine here: https://www.gehlpeople.com/people/blaine-merker/ SETHA LOW is an anthropologist and Professor at City University of New York. She’s also the author of the book Why Public Space Matters, as well as many other books examining the social life of cities. Learn more about Setha here: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/people/setha-low This episode is supported by The Gambrell Foundation, who believe a great life grows from strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and moments of awe and wonder. Learn more about their work at gambrellfoundation.org Related Science of Happiness episodes: What Humans Can Learn From Trees: https://tinyurl.com/48te84ps How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself): https://tinyurl.com/5b26zwkx Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h Related Happiness Break episodes: How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3 Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mrutudeh Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yr7m2zb5

What if the things that make life feel worthwhile aren't just abstract ideas, but observable, measurable phenomena? That's the territory explored in The Science of Happiness. Each episode moves beyond simple self-help platitudes, grounding itself in the concrete research from psychology and neuroscience. Hosted by the insightful Dacher Keltner, a psychologist whose work often centers on these very emotions, the conversations feel both authoritative and deeply human. You'll hear from people who are actively testing out specific, research-backed practices-from cultivating compassion to finding moments of genuine awe-and then discussing the real, sometimes messy results. This isn't about a constant state of cheer; it's about understanding the building blocks of a resilient and meaningful existence. The podcast, a co-production of PRX and the Greater Good Science Center, translates academic findings into accessible stories and actionable insights. Tuning in feels less like receiving a lecture and more like sitting in on a fascinating experiment about our shared human condition, one where the data points are moments of connection, gratitude, and personal discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Science of Happiness
Podcast Episodes
Happiness Break: A Science-Backed Path to Self-Forgiveness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:17
Through breath, compassion, and kind words to yourself, this guided meditation helps you forgive yourself, let go, and move forward with love. How To Do This Practice: Get Comfortable: Sit upright but relaxed. Close your…
How Gentle Touch Builds Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:45
Research shows that simple practices such as self-hugs, soothing touch, and hand-to-heart can calm the nervous system, supporting caregivers and the children in their care. Summary: From parents to teachers, caregiving c…
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When You Feel Uneasy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:11
In this guided meditation with poet and teacher Henry Shukman, learn how allowing discomfort, rather than resisting it, can open the door to greater calm and self-compassion. How To Do This Practice: Find a Comfortable P…
How To Tap Your Way to Calm and Clarity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:54
There’s a tapping practice shown to ease stress, balance emotions, and support healing. We explore the science behind Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT. Summary: Emerging research shows that a body-tapping technique ca…
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Others Are Suffering [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:55
Witnessing the suffering of others can be deeply painful. In this guided meditation, Anushka Fernandopulle helps you cultivate both compassion and the ability to soothe yourself in the face of that pain. How to Do This P…
David Byrne on How Music Connects Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:38
Music helped former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne come out of his shell and connect with others—and research shows he's not alone. We explore the science behind how music shapes our social lives. Summary: Musician a…
Happiness Break: How to Awaken Joy, with Spring Washam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:07
Cultivate more joy in your life with this practice led by meditation teacher and author Spring Washam. How to Do This Practice: Reflect on an area of your life that brings you joy—whether it’s a small moment, an activity…
Bonus: Zakiya Used to Be So Fun (Proxy podcast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:34
The case of the people person who fell out of love with people. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Summary: On this episode of The Science of Happiness, we’re featuring an episode from the Proxy podcast, ho…
The Science of Trusting Your Intuition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:51
What if burnout isn’t a breaking point, but an invitation to slow down, tune in, and hear the intuition you have been trying to say all along? Summary: When we’re deep in burnout, even the simplest decisions can feel ove…
Happiness Break: Smiling From The Inside Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:31
Just a soft smile and a few minutes of breath can shift your mood, lower stress, and deepen your sense of connection. How To Do This Practice: Settle In: Find a comfortable seat, rest your hands gently, and soften your g…