How to be Awesome - With Almost no Effort (with John Green)
In March, I interviewed John for the launch of his new book, “Everything is Tuberculosis.” It was a real “pinch me” moment!
Hello Happiness Lab listeners,
This week’s podcast episode is very, very exciting— it’ll give you a chance to do something totally awesome, something totally life-saving and something totally happiness-inducing with almost zero effort. As a long-time Nerdfighter, I was super excited to have the chance to interview best-selling author and VlogBrother John Green's work about his new book, “Everything is Tuberculous.”
Now, tuberculosis might not seem like that exciting a topic. But what many people don't realize is that tuberculosis isn't just a disease of the past. Despite being curable with antibiotics since the 1950s, tuberculosis remains the world's deadliest infectious disease, claiming 1.25 million lives annually.
The good news? We have the tools to treat tuberculosis. What's missing isn't medical innovation—it's justice and resources.
A groundbreaking study in Brazil found that direct cash transfers to families cut tuberculosis deaths by over 50% — an impact similar to introducing a new drug or vaccine! When people have money, they can afford better housing, nutritious food, transportation to clinics, and can complete their treatment.
And we’re giving our Happiness Lab listeners a chance to help!
How You Can Help (With Double the Impact!)
We’re partnering with GiveDirectly.org/TB to help people in need.
GiveDirectly delivers cash directly to people living in poverty—no middlemen, just dignity and choice. They’ll deliver your cash to the poorest families in countries with very high tuberculosis rates, including Bangladesh, DRC, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, and Uganda.
And here's the exciting news: I'm matching the first $10,000 in donations, and John Green (!) is matching the next $10,000!
Three Happiness Benefits of Taking Action
Why should you take action to help fight TB? Well, in addition to helping to save lives, you’ll also…
Boosts your own well-being — Research shows we get more happiness from helping others than treating ourselves. Even a small donation creates a greater happiness boost than buying something for yourself.
Create more hope by taking action— When we do something concrete about problems we care about, we feel less powerless in the face of difficulty. You can change your sense of optimism by taking action.
Make a ripple effect if your kindness — Remember when our Happiness Lab community raised over $100,000 for GiveDirectly last year? Those funds transformed lives in Rwanda. And our contributions inspired others to join in too.
As John reminded us: Don't forget to be awesome! And there's nothing more awesome than fighting one of the world's most devastating yet solvable health crises.
P.. Do you have a friend that could use a little hope? Suggest they donate the price of a cup of coffee to save a life at:
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