The secret to a long and happy life | Dr. Robert Waldinger (Harvard)
In today’s episode of The Future is How, I explore the topics of relationships and happiness with Dr. Robert Waldinger. He is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development at Massachusetts General Hospital, and co-founder of the Lifespan Research Foundation.
He is also a Zen priest and co-author of the book, The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.
In our conversation today, we talk about the following topics:
• The surprising finding from Dr. Waldinger’s research about connection’s impact on longevity
• What social fitness is, and advice on how to practice it
• Why you should try talking to a stranger and tips for getting started
• Dr. Waldinger’s daily practices that promote health and happiness
• Tips for building better relationships and the best way to make new friends
• How to maintain connection and stay positive in our polarized world
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Where to find Robert Waldinger:
• X: https://x.com/robertwaldinger
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-waldinger-90012169/
• Website: https://www.robertwaldinger.com/
• Substack: https://robertwaldinger.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertwaldingermd/
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Where to find Frederik Pferdt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
• Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(02:28) Dr. Waldinger’s future bio
(03:47) How our connections keep us healthier and living longer
(04:47) How to keep your relationships strong
(08:55) A case for talking to strangers
(10:52) Tips for connecting with strangers
(13:20) Why you should join a group activity doing something you like
(16:01) Quality vs. quantity in friendship—and the type of relationships you’re better off without
(18:13) How Zen has influenced Dr. Waldinger’s idea of happiness and relationships
(19:55) Dr. Waldinger’s daily practices that help him live his best life
(23:04) Challenges Dr. Waldinger faces
(25:10) The importance of not trying to fix everything about yourself or others
(27:57) How Dr. Waldinger dealt with a colleague who gave painful feedback
(32:04) A moment of presence
(35:32) Ways Dr. Waldinger is sharing his mission of happiness and connection
(36:57) Top ways to nurture our current relationships and happiness
(40:40) Closing
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Music: Andreas Horchler
Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich
Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein
