How Cities Can Make Space for Awe
The first episode of *Cities of Awe* chronicles how a 2005 guerrilla‑style parklet in San Francisco turned a single parking space into a temporary public park, sparking a citywide parklet program. Host Dacher Keltner and urban designer Blaine Merker explain the "stickiness" metric, which measures how many people linger versus just pass through, and show how simple seating and greenery can transform an intersection. The conversation expands to research linking green public spaces to lower stress, better air quality, and slower traffic. Anthropologist Setha Low highlights how inclusive plazas underpin democratic dialogue and social resilience.
Your Happiness Calendar for Educators for April 2026
The Greater Good Science Center released its April 2026 Happiness Calendar for Educators, offering daily tips to build courage and resilience in schools. The calendar is available as a free PDF download and is designed to foster kinder, more inclusive learning...
How Old Is Diversity as an Idea?
Berkeley law professor David B. Oppenheimer’s new book, *The Diversity Principle*, chronicles two centuries of the idea that mixing varied backgrounds improves decision‑making. It traces origins from Wilhelm von Humboldt’s 1810 University of Berlin to modern research showing diverse teams...
What Happens in the Brain When We Improvise
Recent neuroscience research shows that improvisation quiets the brain’s inner critic while activating networks tied to exploration, play, and reward. Studies with musicians and children reveal reduced default‑mode activity and heightened dopamine release during spontaneous creation. The concept of a...
What Happens When Faith Leaders Try to Force Forgiveness?
Amanda’s experience of being pressured by a biblical counselor to apologize to her abusive father highlights how some faith‑based counseling programs prioritize doctrinal conformity over survivor safety. Researchers document that coercive forgiveness often arises from unequal power dynamics within churches,...
Happiness Break: A Meditation For Connecting In Polarized Times
The Science of Happiness podcast released a "Happiness Break" episode featuring author Scott Shigeoka leading a guided visualization that trains listeners to approach contentious conversations with curiosity. The practice combines breathwork, mental rehearsal, and vivid imagination to reframe tense moments,...