Well-Being Science: From Despair to Hope and Happiness with Carol Graham, PhD

Are people with more discretionary income happier than those who live paycheck to paycheck? Maybe some, but not all. As it turns out, more is not always better or the prescription for a happy life. Ultimately, it seems that attainable dreams and hope are the true keys to long-term well-being and happiness, regardless of income level. According to research in well-being science, it’s the belief in a better future that truly fuels contentment.

To explore the science of well-being, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Carol Graham, a senior scientist at Gallup, author, and a senior fellow in the Economic Studies program at Brookings, where she delves into well-being science.

Carol analyzes income disparities between the affluent and impoverished, examining their happiness levels through the lens of what she terms ‘the happy peasant and the miserable millionaire paradox.’ She also presents statistics on the decline of mental well-being among US teens and how a loss of hope contributes to despair.

Original Air Date Wednesday, June 25, 2025

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Meet Our Guest:

Well-Being Science From Despair to Hope and Happiness with Carol Graham PhD

Carol Graham is a distinguished senior fellow in the Economic Studies program at Brookings, a College Park Professor at the University of Maryland, and a senior scientist at Gallup.

An expert in well-being economics, she has authored influential books such as The Power of Hope: How Wellbeing Science Can Save Us from Despair (2023) and Happiness for All?… Unequal Lives and Hopes in Pursuit of the American Dream (2017). Her extensive research explores the links between well-being, inequality, and economic development, with publications in leading journals like Science and Health Affairs. Her work heavily incorporates concepts from well-being science to understand inequality.

Book: The Power of Hope: How the Science of Well-Being Can Save Us from Despair

Carol Graham PhD — Well-Being Science:

The happy peasant and the miserable millionaire paradox. {3:10}
How to find hope and optimism when despair seems imminent. {12:31}
A lack of hope contributes to a decline into the well-being of teenagers. {20:59}

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“When we do something to try and make a difference that is an incubator for hope.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Sufficient income is necessary to healthcare, particularly in this country.” — Carol Graham PhD on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “The least happy people care most about money and need more money to make them happy.” — Carol Graham PhD on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Kids are having a much harder time finding hope.” — Carol Graham PhD on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships and well-being science as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships, supported by well-being science, have a big influence on this journey.