What defines happiness? And how does that impact the pursuit of achievement, success and a meaningful life? These are some powerful questions no matter where you are in life. On this episode of the Quantum Potential podcast, Provost C. Cybele Raver talks with bestselling author, scholar and thought leader Arthur Brooks, who has spent his career examining the science around our pursuit of happiness. 

Brooks is joining Vanderbilt’s faculty as an endowed professor in the Department of Medicine, Health and Society in the College of Arts and Science beginning July 1. 

Listen and subscribe to the Quantum Potential podcast, available now wherever you get your podcasts. For more information about Quantum Potential, go to vanderbilt.edu/quantumpotential.

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This episode was produced by Vanderbilt University and created through the collaboration of Randolph Infinger, Sydney Jones-Wright, Amber Palmer-Halma, Patrick Sams, Jennifer Stevens, Maisie Wilson, and Amy Wolf, with original music by Steven Matthew Carter.

This episode was edited and mixed by the team at Sound On // Sound Off. You can learn more about their work at SoundOnSoundOff.com. 

Special thanks to Jad Abumrad, Vanderbilt University Distinguished Research Professor of Communication of Science and Technology and the executive producer of the Quantum Potential podcast and video series. 

Copyright 2026, Vanderbilt University.

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Vanderbilt University.

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