The Most Watched TED Talk On Happiness | Dr. Robert Waldinger

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Dr. Robert Waldinger is the leader of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which for the last year has been obsessed with one single question: What makes people happy? I sat down with Dr. Waldinger to talk about what we've learned from this study, what mistakes Harvard has made in implementing it, and learn if there are actual things real people can do to improve their happiness. Turns out... there is!

00:00 Intro
00:49 Misinformation and Snake Oil
04:45 The Happiness Study
10:10 His Massive TED Talk
15:45 How To Measure Happiness
21:59 Study Participants
25:35 Post-Traumatic Growth / Pandemic
40:24 Disagreements With Peers
45:29 How To Make New Relationships
1:01:25 Zen and Mindfullness

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Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Production Director and Editor: Dan Owens
Managing Editor and Producer: Sam Bowers
Editor and Designer: Caroline Weigum
Editor: Juan Carlos Zuniga

* Select photos/videos provided by Getty Images *

** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[IdkIdk-gtej]

You can see how genuinely happy he is just by looking at him❤️

[cynthiamorua]

I love how this guy makes Dr. Mike smile, just by him smiling...so cool. His happiness is almost contagious...❤

[karthikan]

I love the fact how Dr. Robert took a pause before answering every question. Guess his mindfulness practice has become so instinctive that he doesn't have to consciously do it anymore. It kinda makes the person who's talking to him feel like he's really paying attention to them. I never knew how amazing it was, until I watched this interview. He also seems so kind and at peace with himself.
Another great podcast! ❤

[jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

Two highly intelligent people having an enlightening conversation, it is a joy to watch.

[MorganCampbell-qsvr]

I really appreciated the discussion on the over-prescribing of medications. I’m actually a pharmacy technician, and this is something we deal with everyday. As someone who works with medicine, I truly think it can be very beneficial, and we are lucky in the sense that we have access to other alternatives from previous centuries. With that being said, as a patient, I tend to feel invalidated when I’m rushed through an appointment, and given medication as a quick fix for mental and physical issues. I don’t think the provider is at fault because most are passionate about their patients well-being and want to see them thrive. I also think some patients do expect medications to be written and are “let down” when they are told it’s a virus and they won’t necessarily benefit from antibiotic use. It’s a very complex subject that needs to be discussed more to reach the highest potential of patient/provider satisfaction. I enjoyed the video and both insights!

[NickSweilem-lbke]

Hey Mike, please do more of these interviews. As a researcher myself, I find them very intriguing on a personal and professional level!

[nicole-michelle]

I am studying transpersonal psychology and firmly believe in holistic health and the mind, body, and spirit connection. So hearing Waldinger talk about his Zen practice was a breath of fresh air. I am also currently learning about adverse childhood experiences, and his idea of focusing care on infants and children and educating parents is something I would advocate for as well, if anything in the healthcare field could be changed. Thank you for bringing important conversations like these to social media and asking questions that really can make a difference in people's lives.

[chartreux]

Might be a bit random but i work as Historian here in Munich for the IFZ in Germany and work a lot with Family Names originating here, especially around the Alps.
And recently i just happened to look into "Waldinger" which is a Austrian Family Name originating near the Voralberg (Famous Mountain) and to be specific in the Town of "Andelsbuch".
The Meaning of the Name basically means that the Family the Name originates from was taking Care of the nearby Forests (Wald = Forest), checking Wildlife, fighting Poachers etc.
So if Dr Robert Waldinger ever wants to visit the Town his Family originates from in the early 1600s, the Voralberg Area is beautiful and a popular Tourist Spot, especially for Americans.
Prost & Cheers from Munich and keep up the Good Work

[tseringpalmo]

As Buddhist born and raised, I strongly believe in the impermanence and I am so glad the topic on “happiness” was related to Buddhism. I also believe in the prevention as Dr Robert mentioned, starting with early age. At the end it all comes down to our mind play, if we can learn to discipline that from young age, anything is possible and is definitely a biggest investment. Although momentary happiness is inevitable because of impermanence nature of life! Enjoyed this conversation.

[audreybringgold]

Those comments about social media really resonate with me because I have been on both sides. I have been in a place where I felt really less than because other people had all these beautiful pictures of their families and their lives seem so great on social media. But then I started changing how I used it and I started commenting on those posts from family members that looked so perfect and actually engaging with them. It enhanced my friendships with those people and I've learned about of course their lives aren't perfect. I've gotten a lot of joy out of interacting with my friends who have kids and just celebrating each other's families. Some of them still post the very beautiful pictures because they are great photographer, and I am not, but my jealousy is gone.

[ElisseThompson]

With every one of these I watch, I’m more and more impressed at Dr. Mike’s intelligence and articulation. Such a dynamic conversation!

[HirakoKuyo]

As a childhood educator I'm so thankful that Dr Waldinger emphasized the importance of early childhood relationships and work!

[lannaa]

“If men got pregnant, a lot of things would change In healthcare as well” the realest thing I’ve ever heard

[spectre-]

This guy seems really impressed by Dr Mike. And Dr Mike was killing it, not just doctor stuff but therapy and social issues he sounded so so knowledgeable. I know he is, but he shined here I felt.

[justlottie]

I've absolutely enjoyed more academically leaning checkup episodes, like this one, with Dr Matthew Walker and scientists vs doctors! I hope you keep up with these as well, Dr Mike! ❤️

[Connectdiscxnnect]

You always ask such good questions… You find the answers that everyone wants/needs to know. Such an amazing scientist, doctor, and human being we are lucky to have you in these difficult times ❤️🙏

[kendallbeckloff]

That's PTSD. Post Traumatic Growth isn't just a moment, a couple of reels, giving facts about my heat condition. It's a journey. Thanks for teaching me that, Dr. Mike. This is another podcast that I needed.

[sophiaisabelle]

We appreciate Dr Mike's consistency and dedication. God bless him.

[nefptsn]

I thoroughly enjoyed this whole conversation. I feel like Dr. Mike really thrives in conversations with these academic types. Idk if it’s because of his medical background or personality type, but these convos just hit different. He asks follow up questions I wouldn’t think of that end up being valuable information from his guests. As always, great work!

[keilamachin]

Dr. Robert has the most peaceful and calming voice i've ever heard, i've never heard a voice like that.