Greater Good Science Center Extends the Reach of Forgiveness Science Across Its Happiness-Focused…

In 2024, the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) launched a two-year project, Putting the Science of Forgiveness into Practice, with support from Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF).

The project builds on TWCF’s Discover Forgiveness campaign by sharing important findings from the science of forgiveness in ways people can apply in both their personal and professional lives.

A central focus of the project is reaching mental health professionals, educators, and faith leaders — audiences especially well-positioned to share insights with the broader communities they serve.

Through their work as teachers, guides, counselors, and trusted voices, these leaders can help extend the reach and impact of forgiveness science, serving as "force multipliers." This aligns with how the Discover Forgiveness campaign zeros in on educators, mental health professionals, and faith leaders as “frontline workers” — those especially capable of applying forgiveness research in this way.

As part of this effort, GGSC has created forgiveness-focused episodes for the Science of Happiness and Happiness Break podcasts, featuring stories of cultivating forgiveness alongside guided practices.

Tune in to selected episodes with the below players or listen at Greater Good Magazine.

Listen: The Science of Happiness Podcast — The Science of Letting Go

With Dr. Everett Worthington and Dr. Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas

Discover how forgiveness reshapes the brain, eases the body, and helps us move forward with greater compassion and freedom.

Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing — it’s about releasing the grip of resentment so we can make room for peace. Research shows it also engages empathy, strengthens emotional regulation, and helps us reconnect with what truly matters. This episode of The Science of Happiness, hosted by award-winning psychologist Dr. Dacher Keltner, features Dr. Everett Worthington, one of the world’s leading experts on forgiveness, and Dr. Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, neuroscientist and science director of the Greater Good Science Center. Together, they explore how forgiveness transforms not just relationships, but overall well-being.

More info and transcript here.

Listen: Happiness Break — A Science-Backed Path to Self-Forgiveness

With Dr. Dacher Keltner

Through breath, compassion, and kind words to yourself, this guided meditation helps you forgive yourself, let go, and move forward with love.

Research shows that self-forgiveness can reduce anxiety and depression, lower stress hormones like cortisol, and even improve physical health. It can also help break cycles of rumination and self-criticism. Instead of getting stuck in regret, self-forgiveness allows us to acknowledge our mistakes with honesty and compassion, and then move forward with a sense of growth and responsibility. Dr. Dacher Keltner is the host of The Science of Happiness podcast, a co-instructor of the Greater Good Science Center’s popular online course of the same name, and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.

More info and transcript here.

Listen: Happiness Break — Finding Peace Through Forgiveness

With Dr. Dacher Keltner

A guided practice for working through hurt and betrayal, and taking small steps toward forgiveness, resilience, and peace.

We’ve all experienced hurt and betrayal, and we know how that pain can linger. Forgiveness can help us let go of the hurt that keeps returning when we remember those moments. Research suggests that forgiving activates parts of the brain that support resilience, closeness with others, and the ability to move through pain with greater energy, openness, and connection. Getting there is rarely quick or easy, but there are steps that can help make forgiveness feel more approachable. In this guided Happiness Break, Dr. Dacher Keltner draws on steps developed by Dr. Robert Enright, a leading researcher on forgiveness.

More info and transcript here.

GGSC’s other content and programming for this project include:

• A video and series of articles in Greater Good magazine exploring the science and practice of forgiveness, with an emphasis on practical implications for educators, mental health professionals, and faith leaders;

• Research-based practices on Greater Good in Action and Greater Good in Education designed to help people cultivate forgiveness;

• Forgiveness-themed Happiness Calendars offering short daily well-being and forgiveness tips;

• Additional programming for educators, including a four-month community of practice where participants gather to discuss forgiveness and how it can inform their work; and

• A 90-minute community meeting to introduce the science of forgiveness and offer a short guided practice.

The project’s goal is to help people understand why forgiveness is an important character virtue to teach, model, and encourage, while also equipping them with practical, science-based strategies for nurturing it.

Greater Good Science Center Extends the Reach of Forgiveness Science Across Its Happiness-Focused Media (podcasts)

Listen: The Science of Happiness Podcast — The Science of Letting Go

Listen: Happiness Break — A Science-Backed Path to Self-Forgiveness

Listen: Happiness Break — Finding Peace Through Forgiveness