Podcast 52: Ask, “What Happens If I Ignore This?” a Conversation with Whole30’s Melissa Hartwig, and Elizabeth Talks Reality TV.

It’s time for the next installment of  “Happier with Gretchen Rubin.”

Update: In episode 14 and elsewhere, Elizabeth has spoken about her love of mugs, and for that reason, we decided to do a Happier mug! If you want to order one for yourself, order one here (scroll down). We're very excited about these!

Try This at Home: Ask yourself, "What would happen if I ignore this?" I give credit for this terrific question to my friend, the brilliant Michael Melcher (I can't resist giving a plug for his book, The Creative Lawyer: A Practical Guide to Authentic Professional Satisfaction, which is an invaluable resource about achieving career happiness as a lawyer.) If you want to read about our group MGM, I talk about it in The Happiness Project.
Interview: Melissa Hartwig. Melissa is co-creator of the Whole30 program, which, for many people, is a super-powerful tool for changing eating habits. Melissa describes the program as "pushing the re-set button with your health, your habits, and your relationship with food" -- for 30 days, you eliminate foods that many people have trouble with.  We talk about the difference between Abstainers and Moderators here and in episode 2; we also talk about the Four Tendencies here and in episode 43.

Gretchen’s Demerit: Let's just say I didn't deal well with Jamie's desire to get a new duvet cover for our bed. I mention being an under-buyer.

Elizabeth’s Gold Star: Elizabeth gives gold stars to her favorite reality-TV-related podcasts: Emma Gray and Claire Fallon's Here to Make Friends: A Bachelor Recap Show; Casey Wilson and Danielle Schneider's Bitch Sesh: A Real Housewives Breakdown; and Heather Dubrow's World.