HealthierU | What is Ikigai, and Can It Make Me Happy?

HealthierU

In this episode, Alexa Espinosa explores the science of happiness, from ancient Greece to Japan and beyond. A TikTok creator shares his experience using the Japanese concept of Ikigai to enhance life satisfaction; science suggests it might even help people live longer. Later, Emory’s “purpose professor” discusses the importance of aligning one's life with a meaningful mission. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration into the multifaceted science of happiness and practical strategies for leading a more fulfilling life.
Featured Guests:

• Dr. Christine Whelan is Emory University’s “Purpose Professor,” as well as a professor of consumer science in the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also a bestselling author and the creator of the lecture series Finding Your Purpose.
• Jonah Reynolds makes social media content focused on happiness and longevity. Find him on TikTok @Jonahreynolds

Student Highlight: Alexa Espinosa is a dedicated senior at Emory University pursuing her B.A. in Human Health. Born and raised in Dallas, Alexa brings a passion for health and wellness to the engaging conversations on HealthierU. She is set to graduate in 2024.
Studies and sources mentioned in this episode:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35141667/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666606522000104
• https://www.thoughtco.com/eudaimonic-and-hedonic-happiness-4783750
• https://www.worldometers.info/demographics/japan-demographics/#life-exp

HealthierU's theme music is by TimTaj; additional audio from BenSound and Pixabay.
About HealthierU
Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:
The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.
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