We've been chasing happiness the wrong way. Dr. Laurie Santos explains what actually works.

Join Chip Conley and Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale's renowned happiness professor and creator of the university's most popular course, for a thought-provoking conversation on the science of happiness, the opportunities of midlife, and the habits that lead to a more fulfilling life.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why your brain often pushes you toward the wrong definition of success
• The habits that matter more than money, achievement, or status
• How your mindset can shape your happiness, health, and even longevity
• Why midlife is the perfect time to rethink your priorities and invest in what truly matters
• The simple piece of advice Laurie wishes she'd learned much earlier in life

If you've ever wondered whether you're spending your time on the things that really matter, this conversation will change the way you think about happiness, purpose, and the second half of life.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use a fresh perspective on living well.

Timestamps:

(02:10) Meet Dr. Laurie Santos

(03:13) Growing Up and Finding Purpose

(05:19) Studying Monkeys at Harvard

(07:23) What Monkeys Teach Us About Human Thinking

(09:08) The Most Popular Class at Yale

(12:24) The Science of Happiness

(16:40) How Mindset Shapes Longevity

(18:47) Turning 50 and Rethinking Midlife

(21:51) The Power of Midlife Rituals

(25:00) Why Everyone Needs a Sabbatical

(30:44) Giving Back and Building Strong Relationships

(32:50) The Future of Higher Education

(37:04) It Doesn't Matter as Much as You Think

(38:24) Final Thoughts

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#LaurieSantos #ChipConley #HappinessScience #PsychologyOfHappiness #PositivePsychology #Midlife #MidlifeChrysalis #Mindset #HealthyAging #Longevity #SocialConnection #PurposeInLife #Yale #HappinessResearch #LiveWell

Do you ever feel like you're not good enough, even when you're succeeding?

You're not alone. In this Wisdom Wednesday, Chip Conley explores why imposter syndrome follows so many high achievers and, more importantly, how to break free from it.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• Why imposter syndrome doesn't disappear with success
• How to replace fear with curiosity and become an "explorer" instead of an imposter
• Why vulnerability often earns more respect than pretending to be perfect
• A simple mindset shift that makes taking risks feel much less overwhelming
• How embracing beginner status can unlock growth at any stage of life

If you've ever questioned your abilities, avoided new opportunities, or felt held back by self-doubt, this episode offers practical insights that can help you move forward with greater confidence.

Watch now, and if you enjoy the conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs this reminder.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:36) What Is Imposter Syndrome?

(03:28) Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset

(05:21) Use Humor to Quiet Your Inner Critic

(06:27) Curiosity Over Fear

(08:02) Why Vulnerability Builds Trust

(13:05) From Imposter to Explorer

(14:34) Career Transitions in Midlife

(17:36) Above vs Below the Waterline Decisions

(20:39) How AI Helps You Learn

(22:39) The Human Skills AI Can't Replace

(24:21) A Simple Exercise for Imposter Syndrome

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#ImposterSyndrome #SelfDoubt #GrowthMindset #HighAchievers #CareerTransition #Midlife #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Confidence #Vulnerability #FearOfFailure #ChipConley #ModernElderAcademy #MidlifeChrysalis #EmotionalIntelligence

In this eye opening conversation, bestselling author and aging activist Ashton Applewhite challenges everything we think we know about growing older. She reveals why many of our fears about aging come from culture, not reality, and explains how getting older can bring more freedom, confidence, and purpose.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why ageism is one of the last socially accepted forms of prejudice

• Why the conflict between younger and older generations is largely a myth
• How society pressures us to follow a rigid life timeline
• Why confidence and emotional resilience often increase with age
• What the longevity movement gets wrong about living a meaningful life

Watch now to discover a healthier, more empowering way to think about aging, purpose, and the years ahead.

Timestamps:

(02:02) Is America Becoming Ageist?

(08:44) Why Generations Need Each Other

(11:32) Why We Fear Getting Older

(14:39) The Biggest Myth About Aging

(16:47) Midlife and Chrononormativity

(21:54) Ashton Applewhite's Journey

(27:43) What Gets Better With Age

(34:31) The Problem With Longevity Culture

(40:12) Wisdom, Curiosity, and Lifelong Growth

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

#Aging #Ageism #HealthyAging #GrowingOlder #PositiveAging #Longevity #OlderAdults #Midlife #LifePurpose #PersonalGrowth #Psychology #Intergenerational #AgeDiversity #WellBeing #AshtonApplewhite