Today, we’re continuing our exploration of the fascinating intersection between positive psychology and travel and I couldn’t be more excited to have one of the leading minds in the field with us. 

Shige Oishi is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and one of the most cited psychologists in the world. With over 200 journal articles and books to his name — including his latest book, Life in Three Dimensions — Shige has spent decades researching happiness, meaning, and cultural influences on well-being.

In today’s episode, we unpack what psychological richness really means, how it differs from happiness and meaning, and how travel is one of the very best ways tap into this powerful dimension of life. 

If you’ve ever felt that travel enriches your life in unexpected ways, this episode is for you. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of curiosity and perspective shifts with one of the foremost experts on the subject.

Listen to hear:

• 02:22 – What travel memory shifted his perspective
• 06:30 – How psychological richness differs from happiness and meaning
• 12:29 – Where we can develop psychological richness
• 17:12 – Why cognitive complexity matters
• 21:51 – If we are born with curiosity and openness
• 25:47 – About cultivating the psychological richness in early childhood
• 31:50 – How the cultural background shapes how people pursue or experience psychological richness
• 34:11 – Why travel can foster psychological richness
• 42:25 – How you can intentionally pursue change in perspective
• 51:40 – About a few tips from Professor Oishi
• 55:07 – What you will learn about the world by approaching experiences with curiosity