In this episode, I discuss how Austen's Persuasion invites us to consider our experiences of happiness. I engage with various scholars, artists, and writers to explore Austen's concept of happiness, some of the challenges of happiness in our contemporary lives, and the ways in which our work in the humanities may promote a more complex and rich understanding of happiness. In addition, I take up the pervasive mental health crisis amongst our college and university students, the pressures for young people to succeed, and their uncertainty about the future--an uncertainty that Austen may prefigure in Persuasion.

My guests, in order of appearance, include--

• Dr. Natasha Duquette, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
• Dr. Inger S. Brodey, Peter T. Grauer Distinguished Professor in the Department of English and Compa ...