Harnessing People Around us to Feel Happier (Live with Ethan Kross)

This podcast episode features a conversation between Laurie and psychologist Ethan Kross about how other people influence our emotions and behaviors. They discuss emotional contagion, social comparison, and the chameleon effect, illustrating how these phenomena can both negatively and positively impact our feelings and actions. Kross emphasizes the importance of consciously choosing who we interact with and how we frame our experiences, suggesting techniques like reframing negative social comparisons and selecting supportive "emotional advisors." The episode concludes with practical advice on how to leverage social interactions for improved emotional well-being, including the importance of mindful communication and perspective-broadening conversations. Listeners learn how to identify and utilize positive social influences to enhance their emotional regulation.