What if the key to a longer, healthier, and more successful life isn’t found in a diet or workout plan, but in what you believe, where your faith itself could help you live longer and thrive?
In this compelling episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Dr. Harold Koenig, a preeminent scholar from Duke University's Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health. With over four decades of research, Dr. Koenig shares powerful, evidence-based insights on the undeniable connection between religious faith and well-being.
He reveals how faith, on average, leads to greater happiness, better mental health, and even a longer lifespan by 7-14 years. The mechanisms are clear: faith provides meaning, fosters strong social support, and encourages healthier behaviors. But what about non-believers? Dr. Koenig discusses his book, Spiritual Readiness, explaining that anyone can achieve similar benefits by cultivating a positive belief system, a strong community, and moral habits, though he notes this is often easier within a religious framework.
The conversation also explores the practical application of this research in leadership and healthcare, highlighting how faith-inspired leaders often create more inclusive and productive workplaces. This episode is a fascinating look at how nurturing our spiritual core can be a profound asset for personal and professional success.
Key Takeaways
Faith and health are scientifically linked: Decades of peer-reviewed research show that religious or spiritual belief correlates with greater happiness, longer life expectancy, and better mental health.
Non-believers benefit too: A positive belief system, moral habits, and strong social connections can provide similar health outcomes though sustaining them without a faith tradition can be challenging.
Global evidence: Studies in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism consistently reveal similar patterns of improved health and resilience.
Healthcare opportunity: Despite overwhelming evidence, most healthcare systems neglect patients’ spiritual needs, though medical schools are slowly integrating this dimension into training.
In This Episode:
[00:01] Opening remarks and research overview
[00:22] Non-believers and health benefits
[00;57] Podcast introduction and guest background
[03:55] Dr. Koenig’s center and research mission
[05:04] Approaching the religion-health connection
[06:45] Personal motivation for teaching
[07:36] Center’s and personal research objectives
[08:19] Most compelling recent research
[09:28] Epidemiological evidence and health outcomes
[10:03] Mechanisms behind health benefits
[11:29] International research and consistency
[12:14] Health behaviors among the religious
[13:34] Human nature and self-control
[15:34] Global interest in spirituality-health research
[17:36] Acceptance and accessibility of research
[18:11] Resources for further learning
[19:23] Spirituality in the workplace
[20:22] Religious faith and leadership qualities
[21:52] Communicating research to business leaders
[22:58] Application in healthcare leadership
[25:33] Trends in healthcare spirituality
[26:30] Optimism for future integration
[27:39] Religion and optimism
[29:18] Where to learn more
[30:13] Closing remarks
Resources and Links
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast
Dr. Harold Koenig
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-koenig-5a1544283
Books by Dr. Harold Koenig: The Healing Power of Faith, Spiritual Readiness: A Guide for Non-Believers, and Handbook of Religion and Health (3rd Edition, 2024)
Andrew Cohn
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills
As Director of The Men’s Clinic at UCLA, Dr. Jesse Mills has spent his career helping men understand their bodies, their hormones, and their health. Now he’s bringing that expertise to The Male Room — a podcast where data-driven medicine meets common sense. Each episode separates fact from hype, science from snake oil, and gives men the tools to live longer, stronger, and happier lives. With candor, humor, and real-world experience from the exam room and the operating room, Dr. Mills breaks down the latest health headlines, dissects trends, and explains what actually works — and what doesn’t. Smart, straightforward, and entertaining, The Male Room is the show that helps men take charge of their health without the jargon.