Rabbi Pinchas Landis joins us on the show today to talk about belief systems. Can belief systems really make you happy? Is it limited to religion? Why do some people find comfort in a belief system they can rely on while others do not? Today we will discuss these questions as well as far more important matters concerning Thanksgiving and how best to top your sweet potatoes. Note: This episode was recorded before the next episode, so you will hear us reference my interview with Ari Gunzburg, which will be released as episode 4.

Table of Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:55 Guest Interview begins
02:00 What Makes You Happy?
10:15 I don’t like rabbis
12:45 Two truths and a lie
18:15 Why do belief systems foster happiness?
23:00 Cults
23:30 Emotional security in a belief system
25:30 Spiritual Leaders
27:45 Misconceptions about belief
39:20 Atheists
39:50 Question Lighting Round (Thanksgiving edition)
46:45 Rabbi Landis’ plug
48:30 Happiness Fact (1)
49:22 Happiness Quote (2)
51:20 Weekly Challenge
52:55 Closing Statement

Sources Cited:

1. Certain types of food can create at least quick boosts of happiness. Foods like milk, chicken, and nuts contain tryptophan, which increases the production of serotonin, a chemical linked to feelings of calm and happiness. (Holmes, Lindsay. “27 Things You Need to Know About Happiness.” Huffington Post. March 20, 2014. Accessed: January 19, 2016)
2. “I do not miss childhood, but I miss the way I took pleasure in small things, even as greater things crumbled. I could not control the world I was in, could not walk away from things or people or moments that hurt, but I took joy in the things that made me happy.” – Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

For more What Makes You Happy?, read our blog, www.wmyh.com
What Makes You Happy? is a project by Cleveland Creative Outlet, a video production company. You can learn more and see their work at www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com. You can reach out to them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ClevelandCreativeOutlet

Guest: Rabbi Pinchas Landis
Hosted By: Dovid Stern

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