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The Science of Love (Episode 1)

The Science of Love (Episode 1)

Author: PRX and Greater Good Science Center February 5, 2026 Duration: 25:16
The Science of Happiness
ScienceSocial
In a culture that often reduces love to romance, Geena Davis helps us explore the science of love across the lifespan—revealing how our bonds with parents, friends, partners, and communities shape our health, happiness, and survival. Summary: Love is commonly understood as a feeling, yet scientific research increasingly points to its role as a core biological drive. In this episode of The Science of Love, we explore how love is expressed through caregiving, friendship, romantic attachment, and shared experience, and how these connections leave measurable effects on the brain, body, and even the microbiome.  Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Related The Science of Happiness episodes:   The Science of Love Series: https://bit.ly/TheScienceofLove 36 Questions to Spark Love and Connection: https://tinyurl.com/ktcpz78u How 7 Days Can Transform Your Relationship: https://tinyurl.com/bdh2ezhr Today’s Guests: ANN DRUYAN is an author, activist, and documentary producer. Learn more about Ann Druyan’s work here: https://tinyurl.com/5n8crkev DANIEL LEVITIN is a neuroscientist, musician, and bestselling author. Follow Daniel Levitin on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daniellevitinofficial JESSICA EISE is a social and environmental scientist and is an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health with Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Learn more about Jessica Eise here: https://jessicaeise.com/ ANNA MACHIN is an evolutionary anthropologist who studies the evolution of love. Learn more about Anna Machin here: https://annamachin.com/ FRANCESCO BEGHINI is a computational biologist at Yale University. Learn more about Francesco Beghini here: https://tinyurl.com/knm4du4m ILANA BRITO is a biomedical engineering professor at Cornell University. Learn more about Ilana Brito here: https://tinyurl.com/mtnhw3yd CONSTANCE BAINBRIDGE is a Communication PhD student at UCLA. Learn more about Constance Bainbridge here: http://constancebainbridge.com/ SANDRA LANGESLAG is a cognitive and biological psychologist who studies romantic love. Learn more about Sandra Langeslag here: https://tinyurl.com/523wc9wx Message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Funding for this special was provided by the John Templeton Foundation, as part of the Greater Good Science Center's Spreading Love Through the Media initiative. Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/bfave5wd

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: 50

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The Science of Happiness
Podcast Episodes
Happiness Break: An Affirmation Practice for the New Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:04
This New Year, affirm the wonderful qualities you already possess with this meditative writing practice with Chris Murchison called "I Am." How To Do This Practice: Settle your body and breath: Find a comfortable seat. C…
How Stories Shape Belonging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:18
Learn how the stories we tell and hear shape our relationships, values, and sense of belonging. Summary: Storytelling is more than entertainment. It shapes how we think, feel, and relate to others. In this episode of The…
Happiness Break: A Meditation to Inspire a Sense of Purpose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:17
Take a few minutes to reflect on someone who inspires you, and how you can embody the values you admire in them. You can also listen to this episode in Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/4rjmambm How To Do This Practice:…
The Power of a Collective Pause [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:13
Explore how students are using simple mindful breathing practices to navigate stress, stay grounded, and support their classmates. Summary: Classrooms often are confronted with difficult topics that can leave students ov…
Happiness Break: How Connecting With Ancestors Deepens Belonging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:07
Through a gentle ancestral meditation, discover how grounding in your roots can open the door to healing, meaning, and a deeper sense of belonging. How To Do This Practice: Settle Into Your Body: Notice whether you’re si…
How to Feel Better About Yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:21
Self-compassion reduces our feelings of shame and self-doubt. We explore a practice to help quiet our inner critic with kindness. Summary: What does your inner critic sound like? Many of us carry echoes of past misunders…
Happiness Break: A Meditation for When Gratitude Feels Hard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:00
When gratitude feels distant, gently notice what’s here now— creating space for both heaviness and small moments of appreciation. How To Do This Practice: Get Comfortable: Sit upright or lie down. Whatever feels most sup…
Being Kind Is Good for Your Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:37
Doing good for others benefits our own minds and bodies, as well. We explore the science of kindness. Summary: On this episode of The Science of Happiness we explore how everyday acts of kindness strengthen our sense of…

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