
Elmo and Friends Visit The Happiness Lab Podcast
A special episode featuring host Dr. Laurie Santos, Sesame Workshop CEO Steve Youngwood, Kay Wilson Stallings, Sesame Workshop's Executive V.P. and Chief Production and Creative Development Officer – and a furry friend
Sesame Workshop’s Steve Youngwood and Kay Wilson Stallings met up with Happiness Lab creator and host Dr. Laurie Santos at the 2023 ASU + GSV Summit, where their live session was recorded for this special episode of the hit podcast. The three discuss the importance of supporting emotional well-being for kids, the value of “starting early,” to help children lay a foundation for lifelong mental health, and the ways media and technology can help, including the content and resources found in Sesame Workshop’s new Emotional Well-Being initiative.
Dr. Santos, Professor of Psychology at Yale University, envisions adapting her collegiate curriculum for the preschool set and shares strategies that parents and caregivers can use to help children – and themselves – feel happier. Everyone’s favorite furry three-and-a-half year old stops by in a surprise appearance to help demonstrate mindfulness techniques including deep, calming belly breaths.
In fall 2023, a three-episode series on The Happiness Lab will spotlight effective happiness strategies to help parents and their children feel better – with the help of the beloved characters and songs of Sesame Street.

Episode 1 - Ask an Expert: Choices
In the first episode of this six-part series, hear from an expert about how daily decision-making plays a role in family digital well-being.

Episode 2 - Ask an Expert: Notice
In episode two of a six-part series, explore strategies your family can use to build awareness about feelings, choices, and behaviors related to technology and media use.

Episode 3 - Ask an Expert: Making Connections
In episode three of this six part series, explore ways that families can use media and technology to connect and strengthen their relationships with one another.

C is for Choice
A game about making choices, big and small.

“Celebrating Choices” Collage
Celebrate the ways you choose to spend time together as a family!

Making Healthy Choices Around Digital Media: A Conversation with Vikki Katz, Ph.D.
Learn strategies for making good choices for your family's digital well-being from expert Vikki Katz, Ph.D.

Paws & Notice
Wes, Elmo, and their dads, Elijah and Louie, practice being aware of how they feel when using media and how they know it’s time to take a break.