{"podcast":{"title":"The Science of Happiness","slug":"the-science-of-happiness-439105","podcast_index_feed_id":439105,"rss_url":"https://feeds.feedburner.com/TheScienceOfHappiness","website_url":"https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/the_science_of_happiness","image_url":"https://f.prxu.org/192/images/dbfbdeab-0935-41a6-8949-49413de5657a/SOH_logo_PRX_3000.jpg","author":"PRX and Greater Good Science Center (shuka@berkeley.edu)","episode_count":345,"summary":"Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Follow us on Instagram @HappinessPod.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-30T20:18:21.027298+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-science-of-happiness-439105"},"episode":{"title":"How Cities Can Make Space for Awe","slug":"how-cities-can-make-space-for-awe","published_at":"2026-04-09T10:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-science-of-happiness-439105/how-cities-can-make-space-for-awe","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-science-of-happiness-439105","url":"https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_192_3857802c-a486-4867-9cff-2922d33ce777&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FTheScienceOfHappiness","audio_url":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/tracking.swap.fm/track/sblTq32fyWAjsHzze2LG/mgln.ai/e/48/dovetail.prxu.org/192/3857802c-a486-4867-9cff-2922d33ce777/SoH_S12E05_CITIES_OF_AWE_Blaine_Merker_SEG_A_mix_3.mp3","summary":"A simple experiment turning a parking space into a parklet reveals how small changes to public spaces can spark connection, belonging, and awe. Summary: What if even the smallest changes to our cities could transform how we feel and connect? In this episode of The Science of Happiness , we visit the site of San Francisco’s first parklet, and explore how reclaiming everyday spaces can invite people to pause, gather, and experience a sense of belonging. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today’s Guests: BLAINE MERKER is an urban designer and public space advocate. He leads Gehl’s Enterprise & Corporations team. Learn more about Blaine here: https://www.gehlpeople.com/people/blaine-merker/ SETHA LOW is an anthropologist and Professor at City University of New York. She’s also the author of the book Why Public Space Matters , as well as many other books examining the social life of cities. Learn more about Setha here: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/people/setha-low This episode is supported by The Gambrell Foundation, who believe a great life grows from strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and moments of awe and wonder. Learn more about their work at gambrellfoundation.org Related Science of Happiness episodes: What Humans Can Learn From Trees: https://tinyurl.com/48te84ps How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself): https://tinyurl.com/5b26zwkx Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h Related Happiness Break episodes: How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3 Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mrutudeh Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPod We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share you…","meta_description":"A simple experiment turning a parking space into a parklet reveals how small changes to public spaces can spark connection, belonging, and awe. Summary: W…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1462,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-science-of-happiness-439105/episodes/how-cities-can-make-space-for-awe/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-science-of-happiness-439105/how-cities-can-make-space-for-awe.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}