What Makes a Good Life? Lessons From the Longest Study on Happiness
About this episode
<p>This one study will change how you think about your entire life.</p><p>Today, you’re getting the definitive answer to this powerful question:</p><p>What makes a good life?</p><p>There is nothing more important than this conversation. Because by the time you are done listening, your life won’t be the same. </p><p>In this episode, you’re getting the research, the secrets, and some very surprising takeaways from an 86-year-long study at Harvard. The Harvard Study of Adult Development began in 1938 and is the longest study that has ever been done on happiness, relationships, and the human experience. </p><p>Joining Mel today is the director of that study, Dr. Robert Waldinger, MD. Dr. Waldinger is a medical doctor, professor at Harvard Medical School, and a zen priest. He is here to share all of the groundbreaking research and, more importantly, give you the answers to what you need to do starting today in order to live a good life.</p><p>You’ll learn the best life advice and lessons from 100-year-olds, the surprising question of whether you can predict if you’ll be healthy at age 80, the simple daily habit that leads to lasting happiness, and more—all backed by decades of research.</p><p>For more resources, including the link to Dr. Waldinger’s fantastic book, The Good Life, <a href="https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-161" target="_blank">click here</a> for the podcast episode page. </p><p>This episode is a companion to Mel's brand new free training, <a href="https://www.melrobbins.com/makeithappen" target="_blank">Make It Happen</a>. </p><p>This training is designed to help you make your next 6 months extraordinary. It includes a 29 page workbook and 2 video trainings that use the latest research to help you get clear about what you want and create a plan to make it happen.</p><p>And the cool part? It takes less than a minute for you to get started. Just sign up at <a href="https://melrobbins.com/makeithappen" target="_blank">melrobbins.com/makeithappen</a></p><p>Connect with Mel:</p><p> </p><ul><li><a href="https://www.melrobbins.com/makeithappen" target="_blank">Get Mel’s brand new free course Make It Happen</a> (which comes with a 29 page workbook and 2 exclusive video trainings)</li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/45OWCNr" target="_blank">Watch the episodes on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3QfG8bb" target="_blank">Follow Mel on Instagram </a></li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/49bg4GP" target="_blank">The Mel Robbins Podcast Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/46Kpw2v" target="_blank">Mel's TikTok </a></li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/46PVnPs" target="_blank">Sign up for Mel’s newsletter </a></li><li><a href="https://www.melrobbins.com/disclaimer" target="_blank">Disclaimer</a></li></ul><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
Listen to this episode in English to learn English
Podcast episodes are one of the highest-density ways to absorb English at native pace. What Makes a Good Life? Lessons From the Longest Study on Happiness from The Mel Robbins Podcast gives you natural dialogue, unscripted speech, and vocabulary that actually appears in real conversations.
In the Hinto app, every word in the transcript is tappable. Tap an unknown word, see the translation in your language instantly, and keep listening without breaking flow.
Episodes to Learn English
- How to Protect Your Focus, Motivation, & Mental Health: The $17.1 Billion Wake-Up Call Sep 14, 2026
- Stanford Psychologist: 7 Small Things That Make a Huge Difference in How You Feel Sep 10, 2026
- This One Episode Will Motivate You to Change Your Entire Life Sep 7, 2026
- Give Me 60 Minutes and I'll Eliminate Your Self-Doubt Forever with Benny Blanco Sep 3, 2026
- A Doctor’s Gut Reset: 4-Part Protocol to Stop Bloating, Boost Energy, & Feel Better Now Aug 31, 2026
- Stop Wasting Your Time: How to Deal With People Who Won’t Change & What to Do Instead Aug 27, 2026
- 30 Years of Marriage: 3 Things About Relationships I Wish Someone Told Me Sooner Aug 24, 2026
- If Someone You Love Is Having a Hard Time, Listen to This Aug 22, 2026
- The ADHD Doctor: How to Focus, Stop Procrastinating, Manage Your Emotions, & Feel in Control Aug 20, 2026
- Former CIA Spy: How to Read Anyone, Think Clearly, and Protect Yourself Aug 17, 2026
- If You Feel Overwhelmed, Stressed, or Stuck, Listen to This Aug 13, 2026
- World Leading Psychologist: How to Manifest Anything & Create the Life You Want Aug 10, 2026
- How to Feel Better Fast: 5 Tricks That Give You More Energy Instantly Aug 8, 2026
- Organize Your Life & Home: The Simple System That Gives You More Time, Energy, & Control Aug 6, 2026
- If You Only Listen to One Podcast This Week, Make It This One Aug 3, 2026
- MIT Longevity Expert: Do These 3 Things Now to Stay Young, Live Longer, & Keep Your Freedom Jul 30, 2026
- 9 Small Things That Will Help You Feel Amazing Again Jul 27, 2026
- #1 Women’s Hormone Doctor: Take Control of Your Body, Balance Hormones, & Feel Amazing Jul 23, 2026
- The Manipulation Expert: 4 Hidden Signs You’re Dealing With a Toxic Person Jul 20, 2026
- How to Master Your Emotions & Never Get Angry or Bothered by Anyone Jul 16, 2026
- Feeling Lost or Behind in Life? The #1 Happiness Expert Explains How to Find Your Purpose Jul 13, 2026
- How to Get More Out of Life: Make More Money & Build Something That Matters with Seth Godin Jul 11, 2026
- 8 Simple Reminders You Need to Hear Right Now Jul 9, 2026
- How to Master Any Conversation, Communicate With Confidence, and Deal With Difficult People Jul 6, 2026
- Create a Happier Version of Yourself: Redirect Your Energy for Positive Thinking Jul 2, 2026
- #1 Brain Surgeon: What Your Dreams Are Trying to Tell You About Yourself Jun 29, 2026
- Change Your Body at Any Age: The Diet & Exercise Plan For a Longer Life Jun 25, 2026
- Try it For 1 Week: Small Ways to Make Your Life Fun & Exciting Again Jun 22, 2026
- How to Become the Most Confident Version of Yourself & Step Into Your Power Jun 20, 2026
- The Best Relationship Advice That Everyone Needs to Hear (From the World’s #1 Love Researchers) Jun 18, 2026