THE SHOW
Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, Harvard-trained psychologist and author of multiple bestsellers including Happier, joins Lisa to explore the psychology and habits that lead to happiness in modern times. He uncovers the myths that keep successful people miserable and why our pursuit of the next achievement isn’t the answer. He shares his personal journey from academic achievement to profound unhappiness, breaks down the difference between experiencing emotions and being consumed by them, and offers a counterintuitive approach to emotional health through passive observation. The conversation covers everything from the achievement trap and social media’s impact on happiness to practical parenting strategies and the future of leadership in a post-pandemic world.
Behind His Brilliance: Curiosity and Passionate Effort
Say hi to Tal on X/Twitter: @talbenshahar
THE GUEST
DR. TAL BEN-SHAHAR | PSYCHOLOGIST + BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is an internationally renowned teacher, speaker, and author in the fields of happiness and leadership. With academic roots at Harvard, Columbia, and Centenary University, and a broad global reach through his writing and teaching, Tal has shaped conversations on wellbeing, education, and human flourishing across sectors. He is the cofounder of the Happiness Studies Academy and creator of both the Certificate and MA in Happiness Studies programs, as well as the Happier School initiative for educators and students. Tal holds a PhD in Organizational Behavior and is widely recognized for integrating rigorous science with practical tools for everyday life. As Dr. Martin Seligman has said, “Tal Ben-Shahar is the Master teacher of Happiness.” A certified yoga instructor and former U.S. Intercollegiate and Israeli National squash champion, Tal’s work bridges ancient wisdom and modern research, the humanities and the sciences, theory and practice. His books have been translated into more than thirty languages, and have appeared on best-seller lists around the world. His latest books are “Happiness Studies” and “Happier, No Matter What.”
TOPICS COVERED
- Why successful people often feel secretly empty
- The myth of constant happiness and toxic positivity culture
- Passive observation: witnessing emotions without being consumed by them
- The psychology of “enough” and escaping achievement addiction
- Why fighting your feelings makes them persist
- The role of curiosity in emotional wellbeing and personal growth
- Social media’s impact on perfectionism and life satisfaction
- How to create space between stimulus and response during overwhelming moments
- The difference between hard work and effort in personal development
- Turning emotional dissatisfaction into positive life changes
- Modern loneliness epidemic and the paradox of digital connection
- Building authentic relationships based on values rather than demographics
- The symbiotic relationship between leadership and management
- Why power and control are ineffective leadership tools
- Parenting strategies for raising emotionally intelligent children
- The importance of modeling emotional regulation for kids
- How to develop discipline without relying on motivation or willpower
- Why retirement isn’t the answer to work dissatisfaction
- The value of experimentation and changing periods to question marks in life
- And much more!
THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Tal Ben-Shahar
- Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar
- 27 Club
- Hedonic treadmill
- Bhutan
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- Between Parent and Child by Haim Ginott
- The Good Enough Parent – Donald Winicott
- The Joy of Leadership by Tal Ben-Shahar
- Warren Bennis
- Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch
- The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden (Tal’s book pick)
- The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky (Tal’s book pick)
- The Marva Collins Way by Marva Collins and Alex Haley (Tal’s book pick)
