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