Arthur C. Brooks: Harvard's #1 Happiness Expert on Why You Feel Stuck (And 6 Things That Fix It)

Arthur C. Brooks is a happiness expert, Harvard University professor, and best-selling author. You live a good life, but you still feel unhappy. You put yourself out there, but every relationship seems to fail. You have your dream job, but something feels off. What is going on? In today's episode of The Tamsen Show, Arthur Brooks joins Tamsen Fadal to unpack why millions of people struggle with purpose, anxiety, loneliness, and emptiness, and what to do about it. Drawing on decades of research in happiness and behavioral science, Arthur reveals the six pillars you need to discover your deepest purpose and live a more meaningful life. Arthur and Tamsen discuss: How modern life negatively impacts your brain, happiness, and sense of purpose Why midlife is the perfect opportunity to start a new chapter How suffering is a powerful advantage for growth The six pillars that lead to long-term happiness and fulfillment Three rules for a happy marriage Why we feel lonely and how to change that Small shifts that can deepen your connection with others Why we choose the wrong partners and what to look for instead By the end of this episode, you will have the confidence to ask “What is the meaning of my life?” and the tools, framework, and habits to help you answer that question in a way that’s specific to your true purpose. Get Arthur's book, The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593545427 MORE FROM THE TAMSEN SHOW: If you liked this conversation, check this out: The 4 Shifts You Need to Start Your Next Chapter: https://bit.ly/tts-yt-reinvention-arthur STAY CONNECTED WITH TAMSEN: Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone: https://bit.ly/tts-youtube-newsletter Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, How To Menopause: https://bit.ly/tts-youtube-book Free Resources from Tamsen: https://bit.ly/tts-youtube-hub Watch all the episodes on YouTube: https://bit.ly/tts-youtube-playlist Follow Tamsen on Instagram: https://bit.ly/tts-youtube-ig2 The Tamsen Show on Instagram: https://bit.ly/tts-youtube-ig1 Follow Tamsen on TikTok: https://bit.ly/tts-youtube-tt 🧡 LEAVE A REVIEW If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... SPONSORS: This show is sponsored by Midi Health. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/tamsen today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Midi. The Care Women Deserve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction 01:58 How to Reinvent Yourself in Midlife Without Starting Over 03:20 Why Your 40s and 50s Unlock a More Powerful Version of You 05:31 How to Navigate Life Transitions Without Feeling Lost 06:53 Why Discomfort and Change Are the Key to Personal Growth 12:40 The Hidden Cause of Depression and Anxiety in Modern Life and How to Fix It 20:40 Going Deep or Going Home 24:49 How Eye Contact and Touch Can Save Your Relationship 38:54 Why We Start Questioning Everything in Midlife 40:42 How to Start a Spiritual Practice Even If You Don’t Know Where to Begin 42:03 How to Find Your Calling and Why It’s Not Your Job 44:24 The Pressure Women Feel to Choose Between Career and Family 46:37 The 3 Rules for a Happy Marriage 54:20 Why You Feel Lonely in Your Relationship and How to Fix It 58:26 How Screens and Distraction Are Stealing Meaning From Your Life 01:02:12 Why Your Life Feels Empty and How to Find Real Connection Again Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. ABOUT TAMSEN: Tamsen is a journalist, NYT best-selling author, podcast host, filmmaker and menopause advocate. As host of The Tamsen Show Podcast, she’s become a powerful voice in the conversation about midlife. She is the creator and producer of The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause and The (M) Factor 2: Before The Pause, groundbreaking documentaries calling for change in how we approach women’s health. Tamsen is also the author of the New York Times Bestseller How To Menopause, the ultimate guide to navigating midlife with confidence. From SXSW to Capitol Hill, Tamsen champions policies that break the stigma around menopause and empower women at work and beyond. After 30 years as a TV anchor, she now leads the charge in midlife health advocacy. Featured in Oprah Daily, GMA, The Today Show, NYT, and more. #happiness #midlifehappiness #arthurcbrooks