What is the Secret to Happiness?

Everyone wants to be happy. But for so many, it seems so out of reach. What's the secret? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss on our latest episode.

References and resources

Definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness

 

Less than half of Americans are happy: https://news.gallup.com/poll/610133/less-half-americans-satisfied-own-lives.aspx

 

Philosophers on happiness: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2016/06/13-great-philosophers-on-the-secret-of-happiness/

 

Scientists on happiness: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/01/magazine/happiness-research-studies-relationships.html

 

Americans say career over committed relationship: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/02/14/more-than-half-of-americans-say-marriage-is-important-but-not-essential-to-leading-a-fulfilling-life/

 

Americans spending less time with friends: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/america-decline-hanging-out/677451/

 

Mental state or well-being: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/happiness/#MeaHap

 

Macronutrients of happiness: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/20/arthur-c-brooks-the-3-macronutrients-of-happiness.html

 

Global Flourishing Study: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/05/global-flourishing-study-good-life/

Websites

The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com