Happier with Gretchen Rubin: Episode 522 Summary
Ep. 522: Tenth Anniversary! Best Try-This-At-Home Ideas, Happiness Hacks, and Highlights
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Celebrating a Decade of Happiness

In this milestone 10th-anniversary episode of Happier with Gretchen Rubin, host Gretchen Rubin and her co-host, sister Elizabeth Craft, reflect on a decade of exploring happiness, habits, and personal growth. The episode commemorates ten years of insightful discussions, listener engagement, and the evolution of the podcast into a beloved resource for those seeking a happier life.

New Beginnings: "Secrets of Adulthood"

Gretchen kicks off the episode with exciting news about her upcoming book, Secrets of Adulthood, slated for release on April 1st. She describes it as a collection of life lessons learned through personal experiences, presented in a series of one-line or one-paragraph observations. Elizabeth eagerly pre-ordered the book, highlighting the strong sisterly bond and support that underpins their collaborative efforts.

Elizabeth Craft [02:20]: "I may be your very first pre order."

A Journey Through Time: Remembering 2015

The hosts reminisce about the world in 2015—the year Happier debuted—marking significant cultural and personal milestones. They mention notable events like Barack Obama’s presidency, Taylor Swift’s 1989 album, the release of 50 Shades of Gray, and the advent of terms like "binge watching."

Gretchen Rubin [04:22]: "Binge watching had just been added to the dictionary."

On a personal level, Gretchen reflects on her children’s ages and significant moments, such as Jamie’s recovery from Hepatitis C and her meeting with the Dalai Lama. These memories underscore the podcast’s role in their lives amidst broader societal changes.

Favorite Segments: Tried-and-True Happiness Hacks

A key highlight of the episode is the discussion of beloved podcast segments, particularly the enduring popularity of "Try This at Home." Since the inaugural episode, segments like the one-minute rule and family updates have resonated deeply with listeners.

Elizabeth Craft [08:08]: "This has been in the podcast from the very first day."

Notable Hacks Discussed:

• One-Minute Rule ([08:45]): Encourage immediate action on tasks that take less than a minute to prevent clutter and maintain organization.

  Elizabeth Craft [08:45]: "It helps my marriage because it keeps the clutter to a minimum."

• Family Updates ([09:27]): Regular check-ins through simple updates to stay connected with loved ones.

  Gretchen Rubin [09:30]: "It's okay to be boring."

• Identify Your Signature ([09:35]): Creative self-exploration through identifying personal colors, scents, or symbols.

  Gretchen Rubin [09:35]: "People found this to be really creative."

• Celebrate Minor Holidays ([10:46]): Finding joy in lesser-known holidays to add fun and meaning to everyday life.

  Elizabeth Craft [10:46]: "Celebrate minor holidays."

• Happiness911 Song Playlist ([11:38]): A curated Spotify playlist to boost moods during tough times.

  Gretchen Rubin [11:38]: "We collected all these song suggestions from listeners."

Happiness Hacks Segment: Practical Tips for Everyday Joy

The episode delves into various happiness hacks, emphasizing their versatility and impact. Examples include:

• Organizing Trinkets ([16:53]): Using decorative jars to store small items, making spaces aesthetically pleasing and functional.

  Gretchen Rubin [16:53]: "Everything looks better on a tray and everything looks better in a jar."

• Packing Cubes ([18:21]): Streamlining travel and organization, a recommendation passionately supported by both hosts.

  Gretchen Rubin [18:24]: "My whole family now is so deep into packing cubes because of you."

• Share Podcast Episodes Easily ([18:24]): Encouraging listeners to share episodes via email or text to spread happiness hacks.

Highlights: Listener Engagement and Memorable Conversations

Gretchen and Elizabeth highlight several standout moments from the past ten years, including:

• Thank You Note Debate ([27:11]): Sparked discussions on the necessity and etiquette of thank you notes, showcasing diverse listener opinions.

  Elizabeth Craft [27:22]: "People have strong opinions."

• Unplugged and Voice Memos from England ([27:59]): Intimate episodes capturing candid sisterly conversations and travel experiences, adding depth to the podcast’s narrative.

• Ped Egg Discussion ([31:06]): A humorous and heartfelt exchange about gifting well-intentioned yet misunderstood items.

  Elizabeth Craft [32:09]: "I want to say, Gretchen, I did end up getting myself both an electric ped egg and a non-electric ped egg."

Very Special Episodes and Themed Decks

The hosts fondly recall "Very Special" episodes, such as the closet clearing montage (Episode 10) and office cleaning (Episode 160), which blend practical organization with personal growth. Additionally, themed "Deck" episodes (e.g., Clear the Decks, Sweep the Decks, Deck the Halls) offer listeners actionable steps to declutter and enhance their environments.

Elizabeth Craft [29:14]: "Clear the Decks, Sweep the Decks, Deck the Halls."

Milestones and Achievements: Expanding Horizons

Over ten years, Elizabeth has launched additional projects, including her own podcast Happier in Hollywood with Sarah Fane, live shows, merchandise, and a book club featuring authors like Ann Patchett and Elizabeth Strout. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sisters maintained engagement through daily Instagram live shows, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Elizabeth Craft [35:27]: "We did an Instagram live show five days a week."

Featured Resources and Anniversary Celebrations

To mark the anniversary, Gehreshen and Elizabeth promote a celebration sale offering discounts on merchandise such as T-shirts, journals, and the Happiness Hacks card deck. They also highlight several resources, including personalized book plates, reading and memorial service suggestions, and a new 10th-anniversary bingo card featuring favorite hacks from the past decade.

Gretchen Rubin [38:36]: "Go to happiercast.com celebration if you want to take advantage of the sale."

Acknowledgments and Gratitude: Gold Stars for Listeners and Team

In a heartfelt conclusion, Gretchen and Elizabeth extend gratitude to their listeners, commending those who rate, review, and recommend the podcast. They also honor Chuck Reed, their executive producer, for his unwavering support and dedication.

Gretchen Rubin [39:41]: "A big gold star to the listeners who join us every week."

Closing Reflections and Looking Forward

The episode wraps with playful banter and reflections on their journey, reinforcing the strong familial and collaborative bond that has sustained Happier through its first decade. The sisters express excitement for the future, anticipating continued growth and new adventures in the years to come.

Gretchen Rubin [41:26]: "Onward and upward for the next 10 years."

Notable Quotes:

• Elizabeth Craft [02:20]: "I may be your very first pre order."
• Gretchen Rubin [04:22]: "Binge watching had just been added to the dictionary."
• Elizabeth Craft [08:08]: "This has been in the podcast from the very first day."
• Elizabeth Craft [27:22]: "People have strong opinions."
• Elizabeth Craft [35:27]: "We did an Instagram live show five days a week."
• Gretchen Rubin [39:41]: "A big gold star to the listeners who join us every week."

Conclusion

Episode 522 serves as both a celebration and a comprehensive reflection on Happier with Gretchen Rubin’s ten-year journey. By revisiting favorite segments, memorable discussions, and significant milestones, Gretchen and Elizabeth offer listeners a heartfelt tribute to the podcast's past while setting the stage for its future. This episode not only honors the enduring quest for happiness but also underscores the importance of community, consistency, and personal growth in achieving a fulfilling life.