Episode 2: The Surprising Science to Happiness

March 24, 2025•4 min read

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Episode Summary

In this eye-opening episode of The Pursuit of Happywell, hosts Scott and Kristen explore the groundbreaking findings from Harvard's 75-year study on happiness. Contrary to popular belief, the true sources of happiness aren't found in wealth, status, or achievement. Drawing from their own experiences as former high-achieving entrepreneurs, Scott and Kristen unpack why chasing external success often leads to what they call being "sad sick" rather than "happy well." They reveal the five key factors that actually predict happiness and wellbeing according to Harvard's research, challenging listeners to reconsider what they're pursuing in life.

Key Takeaways

The Illusion of the "Emerald City"

Scott and Kristen share how they previously pursued what they call the "Emerald City" – the belief that success, wealth, and achievement would automatically bring happiness
Both hosts admitted falling into the trap of "if-then" thinking: "If I can just get this job/make this much money/achieve this goal, THEN I'll be happy"
Despite reaching many traditional markers of success, they experienced a "rude awakening" when these achievements didn't deliver the promised fulfillment

Harvard's 75-Year Study on Happiness

Harvard conducted an unprecedented 75-year study tracking individuals through physiological measurements, interviews, and blood work. The research has now extended to a second generation. The study identified five key factors that contribute to being "happy and well":

Physical Health
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Regular movement (particularly 30 minutes of daily walking)
Emotional Adaptive Skills
- The ability to turn life's challenges into opportunities
- Responding to setbacks without excessive rumination
- Building frustration tolerance
- Not just positive thinking, but the capacity to respond effectively to difficulties
Lifelong Learning
- Maintaining humility about what you know
- Never seeing yourself as "the master" of anything
- Staying open to new ideas and perspectives
- Avoiding the "I know, I know" mentality that closes us off from growth
Strong, Meaningful Connections
- Quality relationships at 50 are a better predictor of health at 80 than cholesterol levels
- Loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes daily
- Has a higher comorbidity rate than alcohol abuse, obesity, and heart problems
- Relationships increase life satisfaction by 60%

The Loneliness Epidemic

The World Health Organization declared loneliness a health crisis even before COVID
Scott and Kristen discuss the difference between being "lonely" (feeling unseen and disconnected) versus being "alone" (healthy solitude)
The hosts share their personal experience of isolation during their entrepreneurial journey and post-COVID reintegration

Quotable Moments

"I got to the Emerald City and then I met the wizard who's an old man behind a curtain pulling a bunch of buttons. And I'm like, I've been bamboozled."

"The endless hustle for the never-ending goalpost is a recipe for burnout and chronic exhaustion."

"Everything on the outside can't fix what's happening on the inside."

"The quality of your relationships at 50 is a better predictor of your health at 80 than your cholesterol levels."

"Your money doesn't get you through hard times. I believe your people do."

Action Steps for Listeners

Take inventory of your current relationships and community connections
Don't wait for a crisis to build community – start now
Be the initiator – send a text, voice message, or note to reconnect with someone
Think twice before canceling social plans (remember: isolation equals "smoking 15 cigarettes")
Recognize that while relationships aren't efficient, they are essential for happiness

Join the Movement

Ready to redefine what success and happiness look like for you?

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
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Watch full episodes on YouTube
Join the conversation on Instagram
Share with friends who are also questioning the standard success narrative

Remember, you're not just here to exist—you're here to thrive. Keep going, keep growing, and join us next time on The Pursuit of Happywell.

About Your Hosts

Scott and Kristen built a $20+ million business before realizing that traditional success metrics weren't telling the whole story. They've coached thousands through both business and life transformations, learning firsthand that the path to fulfillment isn't what social media portrays. Based in Colorado with their two kids and two dogs, they bring authentic conversations about what actually creates a well-lived life in today's complex world.