Do most of us, no matter our circumstances, generally land at about an 8 (out of 10) on the proverbial happiness scale? Does the human tendency to ruminate and reflect lead us toward or away from that happiness? What sort of person should we aim to be, particularly if something overwhelming and life-changing is going to happen?

In this final, retrospective episode of “The Upside of Down,” Dan and fellow social psychologist Paul Bloom examine the critical features that lead some people to give up when faced with extreme challenges, and others to persist. They also discuss why Dan chose to take on this project altogether, and how it could be an essential step toward deeply understanding the mechanisms of resilience.

Credits:

• Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
• Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
• A podcast by DDC International and Newfruit Media, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
• Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
• Theme Song: “A Okay” by Kayjez
• Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
• Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

What does it take to get used to a new life situation – what can accelerate acceptance, and what can slow it down? Would we rather bluntness or optimism from our doctors? How might it help to be stoic, as well as to have a purpose or wish to accomplish something in life? Can a challenging circumstance or diagnosis lead to actual improvement of life quality, and how?

Dan talks in this episode with the stoic and exemplary construction-worker-turned-college-history-professor Jack Every about much more than Jack’s Diabetes-caused blindness.

Credits:

• Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
• Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
• A podcast by DDC International and Newfruit Media, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
• Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
• Theme Song: “A Okay” by Kayjez
• Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
• Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

What are the personalities, social supports, environmental factors, etc., which have some people able to see the dark side only, losing the joy of life, versus what allows others to be able to feel hope and joy still sometimes, even through immense pain and loss? How to decide whether to go back to doing what we used to love, or to pick something new that won’t remind us of how things used to be? When to choose the comfort of having others help us, and when to try to do whatever it is ourselves – how important is it to keep some degree of control?

Dan talks in this episode with the athletically and sports-activist-minded Ryan DeRoche about much more than Ryan’s quadriplegia.

Find out more about Ryan DeRoche:

ryanderoche.com

Credits:

• Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
• Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
• A podcast by DDC International and Newfruit Media, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
• Additional sound editing: Jordan Baese
• Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
• Theme Song: “A Okay” by Kayjez
• Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
• Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com