187: Happy Hacks: 101 Ways To Improve Happiness
Podcast Guest: Dr. Dave Schramm
June 29th, 2026
Listen to the Show:
In this Episode
What if happiness isn’t something you wait for, but something you build? In this special episode, the tables are turned as Liz Hale and producer Rex Polanis interview Dr. Dave Schramm about his new book, Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Dave shares practical, research-based strategies for improving well-being, strengthening relationships, increasing resilience, and finding more joy in everyday life. Learn how small intentional habits can create lasting change and why happiness matters for individuals, couples, and families.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Chapters
0:00 – Why Dave Wrote Happy Hacks
3:00 – Choosing Happiness Daily
5:15 – Why A Book Of Hacks
9:23 – How The Hacks Work
13:32 – Favorite Happiness Hacks
18:06 – Surprising Happiness Foundations
20:19 – Happiness Through Hard Times
21:45 – Happy Hacks Worth Watching
24:57 – Finding Purpose Beyond Yourself
28:12 – Happiness For Busy People
29:12 – Writing A Letter Forward
32:25 – Text Two Before Ten
35:24 – Happiness And Relationships
38:05 – Future Happy Hacks Books
40:03 – People Over Problems
44:18 – Stronger Marriage Connection Key
45:11 – Happiness Is Built Daily
Insights
- Dave Schramm: Happiness isn’t something that happens to lucky people—it’s something we build through small, intentional choices made consistently over time. You don’t need a different life to be happier; you simply need to start with one small step today.
- Liz Hale: Hard things don’t have to cancel happiness. Life is messy and imperfect, but our perspective and the story we tell ourselves can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
- Rex Polanis: Misery is optional. Even in difficult circumstances, happiness remains possible when we remember that people are more important than problems and choose a healthier perspective.
About Dr. Dave Schramm
Dr. David Schramm is an award-winning professor of Family Life at Utah State University, where he has spent more than two decades researching happiness, well-being, relationships, and human flourishing. Passionate about translating research into practical tools for everyday life, he has helped thousands of individuals and families apply evidence-based principles to improve their happiness, strengthen relationships, and build greater resilience.
Dr. Schramm is the co-host of the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast and a frequent speaker on topics related to positive psychology, family relationships, and personal growth. His work has been featured in academic journals, media outlets, podcasts, and conferences throughout the United States.
In Happy Hacks, Dr. Schramm combines decades of research with practical wisdom to provide 101 simple, science-backed strategies that help readers reduce stress, increase happiness, and create a more meaningful life.
Dr. Schramm and his wife, Jamie, are the parents of four children and proud grandparents. They live in North Logan, Utah.
Dr. Dave Schramm's Resources:
Website: https://www.drdaveschramm.com/
Speaking: https://www.drdavespeaks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSU
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdaveschramm/?hl=en&g=5
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUgmEM9eheDC5AbNYUB3ENA
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Dr. Dave Schramm:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSU
Facebook Marriage Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579
Facebook Parenting Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/542067440314642
Dr. Liz Hale:
http://www.drlizhale.com/
Rex Polanis:
https://www.drawn-in-media.com/