The Frontiers in Health & Happiness Podcast features the discoveries and perspectives of experts in the fields of positive health, happiness, and well-being.
Publisher
Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Social and Collective Well-being with Dr. K. "Vish" Viswanath
In this special episode of Frontiers in Health & Happiness, Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath explores how social well-being, relationships, community, trust, inclusion, and social determinants of health shape our happiness and overall well-being. He discusses loneliness, social media, social capital, and collective well-being—and explains why healthier, happier communities require opportunities for everyone to belong, participate, and flourish.
17 Aug 2026
Finding Awe with Dr. Demond Hill
The final episode in our Virtues for Well-being series features Dr. Demond Hill, Assistant Professor of Health Equity at Tufts University in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development. Dr. Hill explores the power of awe—a transcendent emotion that can foster connection, healing, and flourishing, even in communities and spaces too often overlooked or marginalized.
3 Aug 2026
The Big Joy Project with Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas
Join us for a conversation with Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Science Director of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, where she reveals how gratitude, compassion, and social connection can measurably improve mental health, well-being, resilience, and longevity. Learn the surprising research behind the Big Joy Project, and simple evidence-based habits that can boost happiness, reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and help you flourish.
20 Jul 2026
Born to Flourish with Dr. Richard Davidson
Neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson joins Frontiers in Health & Happiness to explore the science of well-being, meditation, mindfulness, compassion, and how training the mind can physically reshape the brain. He shares fascinating insights from studying the brains of monks, discovering how long-term meditation may make them different from untrained people, and reflects on his decades-long friendship with the Dalai Lama and its influence on his work.
6 Jul 2026
Raising Caring Children with Richard Weissbourd
In this episode, Richard Weissbourd explores why raising caring, moral children may be one of the most urgent challenges of our time. He reveals how parents, schools, and society can help young people thrive—not just by chasing achievement or happiness, but by learning to care for others and the common good.
22 Jun 2026
The Science of Giving with Dr. Sara Konrath
What if the secret to greater happiness, better health, and stronger relationships isn’t what you do for yourself—but what you do for others? In this episode, leading empathy researcher Dr. Sara Konrath shares the surprising science behind generosity, revealing how small acts of kindness can reduce stress, deepen connection, and even help us live longer.
8 Jun 2026
Finding Your Purpose with Dr. Victor Strecher
We're excited to launch the third season of Frontiers in Health, Virtues for Well-being. In the first episode, Dr. Victor Strecher discusses the power of purpose—how having a clear sense of meaning can improve health, well-being, resilience, and motivation, and how people can cultivate purpose in their daily lives.
20 May 2025
Environmental Impacts on Childhood Development with Dr. Lindsey Burghardt
In this episode of Frontiers in Health and Happiness, Dr. Lindsey Burghardt, pediatrician and Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, explores how environmental factors like extreme heat, air pollution, and climate change uniquely impact young children's physical, mental, and social development. With real-world examples and compelling research, she discusses how science can inform policy and drive meaningful change—from designing child-friendly cooling centers to supporting caregivers and communities in building resilience. Dr. Burghardt also shares practical tips for families and a heartfelt message about the power of unconditional love in early childhood. Whether you're a parent, policymaker, or early childhood professional, this episode offers eye-opening insights and actionable ideas for creating healthier environments where all children can thrive.
6 May 2025
Health & Happiness in Cities with Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford
In the third episode of our “Environments for Health and Happiness” series, Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford delves into the powerful role cities play in advancing public health and happiness. By focusing on the connections between urban policy and health, Dr. Boufford highlights the crucial influence of mayors in driving environmental initiatives and fostering sustainability within cities. She sheds light on critical issues such as the impact of urban environments on social isolation and the importance of community engagement to enhance well-being. Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr. Boufford provides valuable insights and guidance for policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders aiming to build healthier, more connected urban environments. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that underscores the potential of cities to be vibrant hubs for health and happiness, and learn how collaborative efforts can create lasting positive change.
22 Apr 2025
Healthy Buildings with Dr. Joe Allen
In the second episode of our “Environments for Health and Happiness” series, Dr. Joe Allen discusses how the buildings where we live and work can significantly affect our health. He reveals how often-overlooked factors like indoor air quality can impact mental and physical well-being. Dr. Allen shares insights from his work with Harvard's Healthy Buildings Program, emphasizing the importance of designing buildings that are both environmentally friendly and healthy for occupants. He encourages listeners to advocate for changes in building standards that promote better health outcomes. Tune in to discover how improving our indoor spaces can lead to healthier communities and what role you can play in this important effort.
8 Apr 2025
Climate Change and Well-being with Dr. Gaurab Basu
In the first episode of our new "Environments for Health and Happiness" series, we sit down with Dr. Gaurab Basu, a leading expert in the intersection of climate change and health. As the Director of Education and Policy at Harvard Chan School's Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment, Dr. Basu shares his insights into the profound effects of climate change on our well-being. This episode delves into the critical need for sustainable practices, the role of education in addressing climate issues, and innovative strategies for fostering resilient communities. Join us to explore how our environments shape health and happiness and discover how we can all play a part in creating a healthier future.
14 Jan 2025
From Loneliness to Social Connection with Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad
Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad discusses how social connections impact health and mortality, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and effective policies to combat loneliness and promote global social connection.
10 Dec 2024
Social Connection and Equity with Dr. Ichiro Kawachi
Dr. Ichiro Kawachi, a Professor of Social Epidemiology, explores the correlation between loneliness, socioeconomic status, and race, highlighting the importance of social connectedness for health equity.
26 Nov 2024
Loneliness and Social Media with Dr. Jeffrey Hall
Dr. Jeffrey Hall, a Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Kansas, explores the connection between social media use and loneliness, revealing how excessive screen time can exacerbate feelings of isolation.
13 Nov 2024
Loneliness and Health Equity with Dr. Koichiro Shiba
In this episode of Frontiers in Health & Happiness, I explore the intersection of loneliness and health equity with Dr. Koichiro Shiba, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Boston University. Dr. Shiba discusses the significant effects of social isolation on mental, physical, and cognitive health, particularly among marginalized communities. He advocates for population-level interventions to promote social connectedness and reduce health disparities.
29 Oct 2024
Loneliness and the Need for Belonging and Trust with Dr. Louise Hawkley
In this episode of Frontiers in Health & Happiness, join me as I delve into the critical issue of loneliness with an expert in the field: Dr. Louise Hawkley, a Principal Research Scientist at the National Opinion Research Center. Dr. Hawkley discusses the profound impacts of loneliness on mental, physical, and social health, particularly among older adults; and offers actionable strategies to foster meaningful social connections in our communities.
15 Oct 2024
Finding Connection through Creativity with Dr. Jeremy Nobel
Our Loneliness and Well-being theme kicks off with an interview featuring world-renowned scholar Jeremy Nobel, M.D., MPH. Dr. Nobel is a primary-care physician, public health practitioner, and award-winning poet with faculty appointments at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Harvard Medical School. He is the founder and president of The Foundation for Art & Healing, whose signature initiative, Project UnLonely, addressing the personal and public health challenges of loneliness and social isolation, has gained national visibility. In this episode, Dr. Nobel discusses his recently published book, Project UnLonely: Healing our Crisis of Disconnection, which serves as a guide to using the arts to address loneliness on both individual and societal levels.
7 Oct 2024
Podcast Trailer
In this podcast trailer, Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness Communications Coordinator and Podcast Host Ayla Fudala interviews Center Director Dr. K. "Vish" Viswanath. Director Viswanath explains the Center's mission, what listeners can expect to learn from this podcast, and why our first six episodes will explore the issue of loneliness.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
54
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Guest appearances
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