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Young and Profiting (YAP) with Hala Taha: Entrepreneurship and Self-Improvement Podcast

Arthur Brooks: Unlock Lasting Happiness With These Science-Backed Strategies | Mental Health | YAPClassic

February 27, 2026·1h 4m

Arthur Brooks spent decades studying the science of happiness, yet at the peak of his career, he felt anxious and unfulfilled. From the outside, he seemed to have everything, but success was not delivering the joy, meaning, or mental wellness he expected. That disconnect pushed him to step away from his role as CEO and finally start living by the principles he had spent years researching. When he did, he became 60 percent happier. In this episode, Arthur breaks down the science-backed habits and mindset shifts that build real, lasting happiness and fulfillment in your daily life. In this episode, Hala and Arthur will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:27) The Science of Building Happiness (09:06) How Build the Life You Want Came Together (12:29) America’s Growing Happiness Crisis (15:55) The Three Macronutrients of Happiness (31:18) Is Happiness a Choice? (35:35) Emotional Regulation and Mental Health (42:12) Escaping the Trap of Social Comparison (49:37) The Four Pillars of a Fulfilling Life (53:45) Building Positivity Through Gratitude (58:31) Why Unhappiness Can Lead to True Happiness Arthur Brooks is a Harvard professor, PhD social scientist, and New York Times bestselling author who has dedicated his career to helping people live happier, more meaningful lives. He writes a widely read weekly column on happiness for The Atlantic and teaches a course on well-being at Harvard Business School. He has authored multiple bestselling books, including Build the Life You Want, co-written with Oprah Winfrey.