The Happiness Expert Making 1 Billion People Happier - Mo Gawdat

Go to shortform.com/deepdive to get 20% off the annual premium subscription.
📚Check out my New York Times Bestselling book Feel-Good Productivity!
Amazon: geni.us/JFhDr5?...
Website: www.feelgoodproductivity.com/...
Some moments in life fundamentally change the way you think about the world - that’s what this conversation with Mo Gawdat did for me and I’m certain it will for you too.
Mo is the former Chief Business Officer of Google X, Google's moonshot factory of innovation, a prolific author on the topic of happiness, and has an incredibly touching story.
In 2014, Mo lost his son Ali unexpectedly during a routine medical procedure, and in an attempt to honour Ali, Mo set off on a mission to spread the message that happiness can be learned and shared with one simple technique: the happiness equation.
For the next 90 minutes I ask you to forget everything you’ve learned about happiness from the modern world until now. In the episode we talk about a lot of things, things that may sit uncomfortably with some people, but also have the potential to be truly life changing.
Season 3 Episode 1
00:00 Intro
2:16 Writing a book about happiness after losing your son
07:37 Battling the negativity bias instinct
10:42 Is happiness a choice?
19:59 The difference between happiness and fun
31:07 Understanding the happiness equation and unhappiness
39:23 Do lower expectations make us happier?
43:01 How should we manage ambitions?
57:00 You are born a millionaire
01:01:31 Is solve for happy the domain of the privileged?
01:09:00 Relationships: life is a question of context
01:15:22 Feminine vs masculine energy
🔗 CONNECT WITH MO
🎥 KZbin Channel - / mogawdatofficial
🐦 Twitter - / mgawdat
📸 Instagram - / mo_gawdat
💻 Website - www.mogawdat.com/
🎙 Podcast - apple.co/3zMl71m
😊 Solve For Happy: Engineer Your Path To Joy - geni.us/4pwM2
🗣 That Little Voice In Your Head - geni.us/l34pdv
🔗 CONNECT WITH ALI
🎥 KZbin Channel - / aliabdaal
🐦 Twitter - / aliabdaal
📸 Instagram - / aliabdaal
💻 Website - aliabdaal.com
👥 Linkedin - / ali-abdaal
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
Derek Sivers' Blog - sive.rs/
Anything You Want by Derek Sivers - geni.us/A9aSqx
How To Not Die Alone by Logan Ury - geni.us/QMbAA
Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl - geni.us/KF8e
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor on Slo Mo Meet the Four Characters of the Brain That Run Your Life - apple.co/3OarfVB
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - geni.us/jxr3a
Matthieu Ricard - www.matthieuricard.org/en/
Men Are From Mars Women are from Venus by John Gray - geni.us/ZHR4S
📙 SPONSORED BY SHORTFORM
This episode is kindly brought to you by Shortform, the world's best provider of guides for non-fiction books. Shortform gives you comprehensive coverage of thousands of books, the key ideas, clearly and simply explained, plus smart commentary and analysis. It’s like your smartest friend teaching you about a book. Go to www.shortform.com/deepdive to get 20% off the annual premium subscription.
📄SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - aliabdaal.com/podcast/
🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
The podcast that delves into the minds of entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people to uncover their journey's towards finding joy and fulfilment at work and in life. My names Ali, and in each episode I chat to my guests about the philosophies, strategies and tools that've helped them along the path to living a life of happiness and meaning.
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🎧 LISTEN FOR FREE
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👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @AliAbdaal with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you've learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏
PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I get a kickback from 😜

[@DeepDivewithAliAbdaal]

Hope you enjoyed the episode, head to shortform.com/deepdive to get 20% off the annual premium subscription 😀

[@SomnathNandi-kd7bd]

Àà

[@AhmedBalfaqih]

When facing depression, I am always reminded by Prophet Muhammad story when he was burying his only son when he died. The prophet was shedding some tears and smiling at the same time. When asked why were you shedding tears and smiling, he said the tears for what happened to my only son, the smile is for accepting God's fate.

[@itsjamesrush]

The greatest gift my mother gave me was was understanding to be happy when we were poor. Appreciating the simple things. When you can achieve happiness with having very little in your life, you can gain a much happier life. My mum also would say to me "You go after money, all you get is money". Great interview Ali, I enjoyed this one.

[@vanessa4truth297]

Absolutely incredible interview! I can’t explain how much I desperately needed to hear this Ali. I’m in a pivotal time in my life and finding it difficult to go after my dreams because I have severe depression that has all but paralyzed me most of my 43yrs of life. This is so inspiring and opened my eyes so I can see that I can choose to be happy and to move forward towards my dreams instead of continuing to tell myself I’m stuck.

[@thatom3684]

May you find peace and happiness Venessa, As long as you remember you were Born and destined for Greatness. Please Heal for us. Sending you love and Joy.

[@ms.savdent]

May God give you peace 😊

[@emeldamoreno]

Blessings 🙏🏻💖

[@amitabhkmitra]

Not gonna lie this podcast absolutrely changed my life in a way I had not expected.

[@zainabilyassa4523]

Absolutely one of the most eye-opening conversations I ever listened to! Thanks, Ali for offering so much value to your audience! Very much appreciated

[@DeepDivewithAliAbdaal]

thanks so much for listening :)

[@shivanshshukla5883]

@@DeepDivewithAliAbdaal why don't you do something about the WhatsApp now scammers that are impersonating you in every video.

[@sidhantpatnaik3867]

@@DeepDivewithAliAbdaal Good Times,Ali a very genuine question that just struck me : many people say,not just in society,but in the self-improvement sphere as well,that regret is the biggest poison....in the long term,I think yes....but I'm inclined to feel that in the short term,shame is a deeper,more potent and more progressive poison. Am I wrong to categorise shame as a poison,& what are your thoughts on this? Love+Respect Sid

[@peteraddison4371]

... Dear, Sid, shame is the experience of feeling guilty. A self lmposed negative emotional condition that exists to be overcome. Welcome to empathy. The single most plain and truthful fact of life is that WE ARE HERE.😅ALL of us were, and are borne by, and are born into a great mystery. Welcome to the business of IS-NESS. Our LOVE is Only Ever Equal To Our Humility and Our Gratitude for the Confidence and the Prowess that will Stabilise Our LOVE ...

[@blondon3726]

I haven't finished the podcast but I can't wait to comment. I totally agree with this statement : "Happiness is a choice". Totally true!!! I'm often asked by people why I'm always happy and why I'm always smiling. The truth is simply because I decided to and also, I don't let anyone take happiness from me. I am also fully conscious of all the blessings I have had in my life.

[@HaHaLooLoo]

When Mo called Ali in a non-white way he did the Arabic prononcuation of it it made me really happy :)

[@humairanaeempasha2362]

I had to literally pause the video halfway through to type this - absolutely love this man's positivity and outlook towards life! Thank you for putting up such amazing content!

[@AlexPresa]

By far my favourite episode so far. Life either teaches you a lesson, or a change in direction.

[@hasnastudies808]

I love the way mo explining that "hapiness is a choice " this is my new fav episode thank you Ali

[@baoanhnguyen4128]

Guys, instead of creating your own network, these podcasts are our saviors (esp for introvert like me)

[@olenavivcharyuk6983]

So wise and beautiful talk. Thank you for keeping the messages fresh.

[@EhsnSuri9]

This is one of the best podcast I've ever listened too

[@HarmonyHeardDifferent]

Waw that intro just hit the spot! Taking things for granted can be so easy to do in an over-stimulated world, but once we take what's essential in our lives than we have more control and likelihood of achieving happiness.

[@varunvarma6028]

Probably the best interview I have seen in a while.

[@kathryneguirnalda9324]

Thank you for this Ali! This is my new favorite episode from your podcast🥰

[@krutikaadatia]

The first time I heard Mo Gawdat was on the Elizabeth Day ‘How to Fail’ podcast and I was in awe of his wisdom. I was compelled to listen to his book Solve for Happy on audible and it was packed full of thought provoking insights that have really helped me during difficult times. Thanks Ali and Mo for a great conversation 🙏🏽

[@KhaledMohamed-tu2cb]

I can't thank you enough bro, really it was amazing episode. God bless you.

[@kieral4098]

I've listened to almost every Deep Dive and this was my favourite so far!

[@96gazal11]

BEST interview so far, on the podcast!!!

[@bhumika5542]

Tell Mo he made me happier, congrats to him for getting closer to his target 🎉

[@vidhiagarwal154]

Wow..This is the best I have ever heard. Thanks for inviting him on the show. I didn't read the book but now I am keen and looking forward to. Thanks Ali and team!

[@zebakhan2720]

Thank you Ali for hosting such incredible people.. hope you get more interesting people here on the podcast ❤️❤️❤️

[@camilleraphael9359]

This is my favorite and by far the best podcast u have ever done

[@josuefonseca5385]

I’ve been following Ali’s mains channel for a couple years now but this was the first time I’ve ever watched one of his podcasts and I gotta say, I’m impressed Ali. Not that I thought you would be bad but I wasn’t expecting you to be this good. The interaction is great, the feedback you give after every answer is just amazing. Keep it up my guy, I’m proud!

[@kinGGG13]

Really interesting interview Ali. I've only listened to the first 20 mins so far. Looking forward to hear the rest when I get home. Mo is good at formulating his perspective!

[@nishab1615]

Thank you so much for this Ali 💫 and Mo , sir you are remarkable ❤️

[@hiiiroobee]

Thank you so much for having this conversation with Mo! I've learned so much, you've asked such good questions Ali. So happy I watched this.

[@bohdanbasenko4092]

Ali, I am very grateful for bringing up this interview. So many insights and realizations. And by the way, you inspired me in many ways and gave some really valuable guidelines to start my own KZbin channel. So thank you very much for that!

[@khoikimlam]

Finally it's here! I listened to the podcast on Slo Mo where Mo Gawdat was interviewing you and I have been waiting like forever for this episode to be released! I really enjoyed it Love Mo Gawdat and his book. I am reading "That Little Voice In Your Head" book - it's amazing so far.

[@NerriPangoCrochet]

This was so valuable! I enjoyed this episode deeply. So many new insights!! Thanks so much to both of you 🙏❤️

[@keshavbalachandar5631]

Subconsciously, when i think and reflect, my productivity, happiness and approach I have towards life right now, all thanks to Ali. Just want to say Thanks a lot man :)

[@ropatandy8577]

Such a compelling topic. If you listen to anything today, make it this episode. I honestly don't think there's a subject more important than this. ❤️ Great work Ali and team

[@zorana8097]

This is the best thing I have ever heard. Thank you.

[@zahrasyed]

Beautiful conversation. Thanks Ali!

[@ihssanalnajm]

I enjoyed this deep dive podcast ☺️ you are both Amazing thank you Ali and mr mo ❤️

[@JapjeetKaurOfficial]

So incredible. Can't put into words how appealing this talk was. Great job by both amazing people...

[@muniramalik313]

Ali the question about depression, abuse and PTSD and the answer 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@moulayderissy5445]

Incredible conversation 👏

[@rushi9154]

It was an absolute joy listening to this!

[@razabadass]

Thank you Mo, Ali, Angus, Elizabeth and others behind the scenes! Raza :)

[@DavieFogarty]

This is your best episode yet Ali. Love it.

[@mashantha]

What an absolutely riveting, insightful conversation!! Thanks so much Mo and Ali!

[@lilu5809]

It's the best podcast I have ever listened to ❤️

[@drdavibonatto]

What an incredible episode! Awesome! I’ve just been able to listen to Ali asking the best questions, followed by the best answers. Thank you very much for providing such valuable content. Sending both of you hugs and the best vibes from Brazil. 🇧🇷✨🙏💫

[@anithamsangi4797]

I found his books through Amazon recommendation on launch day of his third book so i bought 2 books I'm currently reading his first book solve for happiness and listening to this makes so much sense........

[@t3ntube357]

After listening to this amazing podcast, I came to the realization that everything the speaker talked about is already taught in Islam, albeit in different contexts and without any mention of God 🤔

[@PositiveWomenTV]

I love Mr Mo's growth mindset, you can chose happiness.

[@NajiaAlUmri]

I can relate. I cry every time I hear Mo Gawdat read a paragraph about Ali, and I cry every time I hear a story about Aya too. I can feel in his sound that the love that they share is so deep and profound.

[@louisphilip_s]

Unbelievable insights! Just started reading The Little Voice in Your Head and I cannot wait to read the rest. Thank you, Mo! You are incredible.🤩

[@lukaa4559]

God bless this man!!!

[@HeloisaAOliveira]

MO, I appreciate your podcast. I would like to know how exactly you are going to make a billion people happy.

[@sadiaafroz15]

Love this interview ❤️❤️❤️! Absolutely amazing! I've learn so many things....! Thanks to you both for this masterpiece 🎁

[@Meganyeni]

Currently listening to the audiobook. Thanks for the amazing recommendation. Solve for happy is GOLD!

[@reenaranghar8570]

Loved it 😍..awesome interview..so much I learned from this conversation…keep it going 😎

[@Ricebender]

This..was...AMAZING!

[@stuartkuhan]

Amazing episode!

[@prateektembhekar135]

This is incredible podcast....life changing.

[@happierus_]

Amazing interview! Thank you so much! Resonated with my thoughts on happiness. Brilliant! Wrote down 26 thoughts/lessons from the video, will think about them and will find out how it can be applied to me. ❤❤❤

[@sumayyakhan4012]

Outstanding discussion , loved the podcast Ali

[@mindfulmatters3856]

Each and every second of this video was worth watching.

[@jeffjcd]

This is so powerful!

[@kygo]

Ali this is one of the best podcasts I've ever seen / listened to... thank you! On a side note, you need to ask Mo where he's getting this fantastic £5 indian food!!

[@muhammadali-lu9yk]

one of the most interesting conversation

[@ConradBrink]

Thanks Ali

[@nicolegrant7934]

So insightful thankyou

[@lizgichora6472]

Brilliant talk, thank you very much Ali and Mohammed .

[@carolnewlands8630]

Brilliant conversation..

[@mina_ophelia5067]

That's really amazing and life changing . thank you so much for this interview, its so helpful to see how much life could be better with every day little step to the inner part of ourself and find out how to change the bad in good, even when it seems impossible. Thanks again. Love your channel, it's amazing.

[@ndwho]

I am in my first year of med school And I am actually thinking about all of what you guys are talking about Really good episode explained a lot of stuff I was struggling with

[@LindyL]

Thank you

[@Msferedrose]

I find myself constantly pausing this video, taking notes (literal and mental notes) and then playing it again. Thank you for putting this together! I loved the part where he discusses the difference between happiness and excitement. Mind-boggling!!

[@gregoryhirsch4520]

So good!!!

[@MennaElhabbal]

Oh wow!!!!! Mohammad Gawdat from my lovely country Egypt ,l am so proud of you ❤❤❤❤

[@geekvinos]

I'm at 35 mins listening to the wonderful breakdown of the happiness equation. I'd like to add: "Happiness is the difference between what is, and how you think things should be."

[@sahargulzar8657]

1st time on this channel and I must say exceptional conversation... About your idea of domain of the privilege, I am going to drop something I had literally written yesterday, that we hear the rich and successful and privileged people say that these metrics of success don’t make a person happy, but we don’t believe them. Or we believe that it’s just them being ungrateful, when I have all that they have, I am definitely going to be happy. It’s only after chasing goal after goal and achieving them that you realize, that they might be right. But by that time, you have people around you that wouldn’t believe you.

[@ericandmonique]

Top shelf interview, wow!

[@QB-345]

Ali, great thoughts from these! I am a person who does climate law. It's an area where ambition, contentment doesn't always line up easily. I'd have been interested in hearing his thoughts when the goals are both big and survival-based.

[@abseray790]

Amazing listening from Ethiopia made me grateful for the things I have loved the concepts raised here thank you both would love to see another chat with mo if possible cheers.

[@AlesiaArt]

There IS always some pain.....I know this pain. I thank you for writing this from your heart, and ordered it today!

[@aaaxcity]

Enjoyed this thoroughly! Can’t wait to get my copy of the book. Also the last part of the video resonated with me so well. I don’t like categories either! Let’s just be ourselves.

[@jaslewal9034]

Quality content thank you

[@sanazseifnejad3624]

Very good thank you so much

[@project.barbarella]

I don't think I've ever agreed more with anyone else before. I was listening to this podcast on my way to work a few days ago and I just kept saying YES . YES. YES. Happiness is the inner peace. And happiness is a choice. We don't always have control over events that are happening in our lives, but we always have control over how we choose to react to them / deal with them. Will be coming back to this one as a reminder. Thank you so much Mo & Ali xx

[@ReviewsReviews-fr3xs]

Wow this Man 👏🏻

[@sunidollfun]

Loved this interview. I thought it was interesting when somebody on social media thought they were depressed during lockdown because they sat in the park and noticed ants. No, that's not depression.

[@amirawahby2912]

Extremely interesting

[@stellaswancounselling]

Excellent this guy is awesome ❤

[@yusungchoi3099]

35:49 Thank you Ali and Mo for the wonderful conversation. I’m a very “just do it” guy and it made me look back on how it might have affected people. I should definitely start appreciating feminicity more.

[@yusungchoi3099]

1:22:00

[@DownPro1]

Very interesting listening to him, a tragedy that no parent should have to experience

[@blobbins17]

Spirituality is so in

[@nwekemaxwell6595]

takes a deep breath... 🧘

[@The_Southpaw]

Wonderful interview. The balance of masculine and feminine qualities is Ardhnareshwar swaroop of God Shiva in Hinduism.

[@melowndes]

Lovely episode. I found very helpful the distinction between happiness (oxytocin - and I would say sobriety and serenity) and pleasure /excitement (dopamine - and I would say as Mo said we always want more of these things - leading to addiction).

[@sarikavishwakarma6077]

Thnx sir

[@mariavoytinsky9286]

I actually had the urge to close the podcast when I first heard that “happiness is a choose”, but I decided not to, because I wanted to understand how come I agree with most of the things he said, but experience such strong negative reaction to the main thesis. I came to a conclusion that although this idea works as a great support system for yourself, it has completely the opposite effect when you apply it to others. Because it seems to disregard certain crucial differences that can’t be compared. Like, yes, we all have challenges and experience pain, however studies show that some types of problems (such as poverty) recreate themselves. Same goes for the idea of looking down: in many people this Awakens a sense of guilt, which is not a good source of energy. Surprisingly, Mo’s view on relationships really resonated with me. I feel like the more you know someone the more likely you are to feel that you speak different languages. And the hardest yet best paid off work is to learn to be curious and appreciative about understanding it, even when it feels like you have to start all over again no matter how many years you know that person.

[@romoore2094]

I've discovered that when I used to think happiness was knowledge thank happiness was not a choice I realized that my choice was that I was unhappy and I've decided that I was going to be unhappy and I decided that I was a victim so if I decided those things I could decide happiness As well that's when I knew happiness was as much a decision as being unhappy or being a victim the only difference is when you decide to be happy you're grateful I was grateful and I also decided that my ego was getting in the way of my happiness once I started caring about other people and really trying to help them and being part of their lives in a positive way my life improved exponentially

[@IELTS_UK]

my mind keeps swirling with regret and is paralysing the hell out of me right now.

[@samswales1873]

Great podcast, loved listening to it