Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Why friendships sometimes end with no explanation, a surprising love of crystals, and a realization about traditions after our father died.

Episode highlights

Something making us happier: Elizabeth makes a surprising discovery about herself [01:00]

I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You: Why do friends ghost? [14:00]

Spotlight on a tool: Add the cities of friends and family to your iPhone Weather app list. [23:00]

I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You—New traditions after loss[25:00]

Mentioned in this Episode

What Did I Do Wrong? What to Do When You Don’t Know Why the Friendship Is Over by Liz Pryor (Amazon, Bookshop)

The Four Tendencies hub

Take the free Four Tendencies quiz

Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett (Amazon, Bookshop)

Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin (Amazon, Bookshop)

Connect with Us:

Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Website: gretchenrubin.com

Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft

Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz

Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show!

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During a recent trip to Dollywood, we recorded voice notes about what Dolly Parton teaches us about ambition, “Dolly droppings,” a travel hack for when you’re meeting people, why we wanted to visit Dollywood, and more.

Episode Highlights

Give a big idea a 24-hour deadline [01:32]

Travel hack: Is it better to check or carry on if you’re meeting someone at the airport? [04:39]

What Dolly Parton’s career shows us about ambition [08:29]

Our tip for how to make the most of a big theme park [15:14]

What Dolly’s consistent style teaches us about self-knowledge [16:00]

Mentioned in this Episode

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics (Amazon, Bookshop)

Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton(Amazon, Bookshop)

Heidi Parton’s A Christmas to Remember

Connect with Us:

Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Website: gretchenrubin.com

Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft

⁠Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz⁠

Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show!

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer Wendy Molyneux put her own quirks to good use, turning a passionate dislike of Entourage into a fundraiser for a cause close to her heart.

Connect with Us:

Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Website: gretchenrubin.com

Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft

Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz

Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show!

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk to Colleen Dennis of CareScout about how to start the tough conversations about aging, care, and family responsibility, and the dos and don’ts of holiday visits.

Episode highlights

How to approach conversations about in-home help with loved ones [03:25]

Long-term care costs and financial readiness [07:47]

Dividing caregiving fairly between siblings [13:30]

Red flags to look for at home during a holiday visit [21:49]

Mentioned in this episode

CareScout, the episode sponsor, helps families understand care needs, plan ahead, find quality care, and think through funding: carescout.com

Connect with Us:

Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Website: gretchenrubin.com

Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft

Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz

Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show!

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re facing a full social calendar, interacting with challenging relatives, or missing a loved one, we share our favorite insights on navigating this sometimes-difficult season.

Episode Highlights:

Say yes to holiday invitations when you can [01:14]

Make room for grief during the holidays[05:28]

Why doing what’s right doesn’t always feel happy [09:26]

Try This at Home: set a realistic holiday intention [11:49]

Mentioned in this episode:

The Eight Splendid Truths of Happiness

The Strategy of Safeguards

Write your own Personal Commandments

Connect with Us:

Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Website: gretchenrubin.com

Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft

Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz

Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show!

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices