

Emily Esfahani Smith
Writer and psychologist known for exploring meaning and well-being; author of The Power of Meaning and speaker on cultivating purpose, belonging, and resilience.
Top 5 podcasts with Emily Esfahani Smith
Ranked by the Snipd community

164 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 39min
Why pursuing happiness makes you ... less happy | Emily Esfahani Smith
Emily Esfahani Smith, writer and psychologist who studies meaning and well-being, speaks about why meaning outlasts fleeting happiness. She contrasts happiness with purpose and belonging. She outlines four pillars of meaning and offers small daily practices. She discusses how transitions, mortality, and storytelling can clarify values and anchor life.

43 snips
Jan 12, 2024 • 51min
Flip the Script
Time management expert Laura Vanderkam, non-profit CEO Aisha Nyandoro, environmental data scientist Hannah Ritchie, and writer Emily Esfahani Smith talk about managing time, balancing work and personal life, finding time for what matters, financial planning, shifting perspectives on climate change and sustainability, achieving sustainability, decline in CO2 emissions, and the power of finding fulfillment in life.

33 snips
Nov 10, 2023 • 46min
How to Craft a Meaningful Life with Emily Esfahani Smith
Emily Esfahani Smith, author of "The Power of Meaning," discusses the art of crafting a meaningful life through four essential pillars: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence. She highlights the difference between happiness and meaning, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from contributing to something greater than oneself. The conversation delves into how personal narratives shape our understanding of self, the importance of community, and adapting our purpose as life evolves. Smith provides insights on integrating these pillars into daily living for deeper connections.

6 snips
Apr 6, 2024 • 13min
There's more to life than being happy | Emily Esfahani Smith
Emily Esfahani Smith, a writer focused on the nature of meaning, argues that life is more about finding purpose than chasing happiness. She discusses how happiness is fleeting, while true fulfillment arises from belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling. Smith shares personal stories highlighting how relationships and experiences can deepen our sense of meaning. She challenges the cultural obsession with happiness and encourages listeners to seek a more profound, lasting fulfillment in their lives.

4 snips
Jul 10, 2022 • 50min
Episode #2: The Importance of Meaning for Flourishing
Discover the importance of finding meaning in life with Emily Esfahani Smith. Explore the 'four pillars' of meaning, the role of storytelling, spirituality, and belonging in human flourishing. Learn how to embrace a mindset centered around purpose and significance in everyday experiences.


