Beyond Thanksgiving: The Science of Gratitude with Todd Olson

Hosts Luke and Dave are joined in this episode by Todd Olson as they explore the deeper power of gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. Back by popular demand, trauma and nervous system specialist Todd Olson is back. Rather than treating gratitude as a simple holiday platitude, the conversation uncovers how expressing thankfulness can transform the brain and shift our everyday well-being. The episode blends cultural tradition with modern science, offering a new look at how something as small as writing down what you appreciate can change your brain chemistry.

Todd brings insight from both research and lived experience. Through stories and scientific explanations, this episode highlights gratitude as a practical, free, and deeply accessible mental fitness tool.

Chapters
[Start] Why Gratitude Works: A conversation with reflections on the importance of slowing down and the power of gratitude.
09:02 Mental Health Benefits of Gratitude: Todd shares powerful research on how gratitude gives us mental health benefits that mirror the effects of antidepressants.
17:14 Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, and Childhood Stories: Stories and real-world examples explaining how empathy fuels gratitude and shapes emotional development.
26:56 The Gratitude Visit: Todd outlines the “gratitude visit” exercise and invites listeners to write and read a heartfelt gratitude letter. 
38:39 A Thanksgiving Challenge: Todd gives a challenge for listeners to be an example of gratitude, not just during the Thanksgiving season, but every day.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan
• Circles of Grace - Todd’s therapy practice