The 7

You can read today’s edition of The 7 newsletter here. While The 7 podcast takes a break today, we wanted to share this episode from The Optimist. It’s all about if it’s possible to choose happiness.Are you happy? How would you answer that question if a stranger with a camera asked?Five years ago, filmmaker Atdhe Trepca quit his job and drove across the country with a camera, asking hundreds of people that question.His videos reach millions on TikTok and Instagram, and now he’s made a documentary.Today, Optimist reporter Maggie Penman shares what Trepca has learned – and the research that backs up his observations.If you want to hear more stories like this, please let us know. You can reach the whole team at [email protected] or email Maggie at [email protected]’s episode was reported and produced by Maggie Penman, with help from Ted Muldoon, Emma Talkoff, Reena Flores, and Sean Carter, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Allison Klein. The Optimist has a newsletter! Subscribe here.And, subscribe to The Washington Post here.

You can read today’s edition of The 7 newsletter here. In the meantime, we’re sharing something else you can listen to now or over the holiday weekend. It’s the second and final “class” of the recent Try This series on giving.Donating money can induce anxiety if you’re not sure how to afford it or feel pressured into doing so by the people around you. Host Cristina Quinn talks to Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary about how to give back, whether it’s through money or time. Singletary reminds us that there’s always a way to give. She explains how to think through where you want to give, how to afford it and how to commit to giving year-round. Michelle Singletary also shares her personal experiences and passion for why she gives, how to make sure you’re giving to a legitimate charity, and what you will experience when you give back. For more of her work, sign up for her Color of Money newsletter and follow her on Instagram. Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.

Tuesday, December 30. The seven stories you need to know today. Read today's briefing.If you're not a subscriber, click here to start.

Monday, December 29. The seven stories you need to know today. Read today's briefing.If you're not a subscriber, click here to start.Tell us what you think! Take our podcast survey: washingtonpost.com/podcastsurvey

You can read today’s edition of The 7 newsletter here. In the meantime, we’re sharing something else you can listen to now or over the holiday weekend. It’s the first “class” of the recent Try This series on giving. What’s really going on inside the brain of an altruist? Why do altruists care so much more for a stranger who needs help? Why are they so willing to give away a kidney?In this episode, host Cristina Quinn explores what it means to be an altruist with Abigail Marsh, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Georgetown University. Together, they break down how altruists view their own actions and how others can become more altruistic too.Marsh offers insight into what scientists know about altruists and shares surprising findings from her own research. She also tells us how you can build the muscle of giving more in simple steps that fit your lifestyle.Read more about Marsh’s work on altruism here. Also, read Washington Post Brain Matters columnist Richard Sima’s story on how doing good is good for you.Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.