The Oprah Podcast Discover AWE Daily with Oprah and Dacher Keltner
Feb 3, 2026
Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychology professor and author who studies awe, discusses how everyday experiences of wonder pop up in nature, music, moral beauty and shared events. Short stories and research explore the eight common triggers, awe walks, links to health and healing, and how awe can bridge divisions and transform daily life.
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Awe Defined And Why It Matters
- Awe is an emotion triggered by encountering vast things that are mysterious and provoke wonder.
- A brief daily dose of awe can reduce depression, calm the body, and increase social connection.
Brother's Death Became A Turning Point
- Dacher Keltner recounts his younger brother Rolf's death and the transcendent sensations he experienced during grief.
- That loss reshaped his view of other dimensions and the cycle of life.
Moral Beauty Is The Most Common Awe Source
- The most universal source of awe across cultures is moral beauty: witnessing courage, kindness, justice, or humility.
- Stories of ordinary people helping others often trigger tears and a sense of transcendence.
