Today we’re wrapping up our special series on the intersection of positive psychology and travel, and we’re doing it with one of the most inspiring voices in the field.

James Pawelski is the Director of Education at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He’s also a philosopher, Fulbright Scholar, and the founding director of the Humanities and Human Flourishing Project, which explores how art, music, literature, and sacred experiences can help us live more vibrant and meaningful lives.

James and I first connected through my studies at Penn, where he opened my eyes to the power of the humanities—not as subjects to study in school, but as practices that help us become more whole.

In this episode, we talk about why humans have always turned to art and story, how awe and sacred moments can transform us, and why travel is such a powerful gateway to beauty, meaning, and wonder.

If you’ve ever stood before a masterpiece, heard a piece of music that gave you chills, or felt something shift inside you while traveling, this conversation is for you.

Sit back, relax, and let’s explore how the humanities—and your next adventure—might just add more happiness to your life.

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Luggage Forward.

Listen to hear:

• 02:32 – About a favorite moment from James’ travels that moved him
• 07:43 – How art, music, literature, and spirituality can improve our wellbeing
• 08:33 – What the meaning of positive humanities is
• 11:10 – How these art forms can be helpful to us
• 14:08 – About wholeness and spirituality
• 20:02 – How travel uniquely connect us to the humanities
• 24:46 – Why the context of travel adventures matters
• 30:41 – What awe from a psychological perspective is and its impact on us
• 32:24 – How transcendent or spiritual experiences matter for human flourishing
• 36:22 – Why travel gives spiritual moments that are hard to get at home
• 44:21 – About a few tips for travelers to connect with art and music during travel
• 49:32 – How you can create a space in a hectic world
• 53:21 – Why the humanities can strengthen the bond between relationships
• 55:52 – About James’ personal favorites
• 60:12 – What you will learn about the world by approaching your journeys with openness to art, beauty, and sacred experience