I believe that it is possible to experience hope, joy, and meaning, even when life is difficult. And I believe that the best way to do this is to connect—with one another, and with something bigger than ourselves.

My mission, as an author, psychologist, and educator, is to make this easier. To help each of us find our own strength and the courage to lift one another up. To amplify what is good in humanity, and to support the communities that bring out the best in us. 

I believe that science and stories are two of the best ways to inspire self-understanding, empathy for others, and connection with a broader sense of common humanity. Through all my work, I aim to share my own awe about the human condition, whether that’s being amazed by how the brain functions or being elevated by our capacity to transform suffering into meaning.

I am a teacher at heart, and all of my books are based on classes I have taught at Stanford University. THE WILLPOWER INSTINCT was based on my popular psychology course “The Science of Willpower,” and THE UPSIDE OF STRESS began as “Living Well with Stress.” THE JOY OF MOVEMENT, which explores how physical exercise can be a powerful antidote to the modern epidemics of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, is also rooted in my experiences as a teacher—I started leading group exercise classes as a graduate student in psychology, and it continues to be one of the greatest sources of happiness in my life.

My latest book, JOY IS A RISK WORTH TAKING, expands on my online course “The Science and Practice of Joy,” and offers practical strategies for experiencing more meaning, connection, joy, and hope—and for bringing joy to those you love.

Even my 2013 TED talk “How to Make Stress Your Friend,” which makes the case that social connection is both a natural instinct and a source of resilience in times of stress, started out as a lecture for Stanford’s Introduction to Psychology course.

I am passionate about giving back and helping others do so. Through the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism, I helped create the Stanford Compassion Cultivation Training, a course now taught around the world that helps individuals develop greater empathy, compassion, and social connection.

I also take joy in supporting two causes that are especially close to my heart: education and animal rescue. Both of my parents were public school teachers, and my husband and I were married at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Learn more about some of my favorite non-profit organizations and how you can get involved.

As part of my mission to share psychological science with the public, I have enjoyed a wide range of roles, including serving as the psychology consultant for The New York Times Education Initiative, conducting interviews with scientists and authors for Public Radio’s City Arts & Lectures, hosting the How to Think Like a Psychologist podcast, developing programs for schools that integrate psychological science into student wellness and support, creating courses for Sounds True, AARP, and 10% Happier, and appearing on a wide range of podcasts, radio programs, and television shows.