Harvesting Happiness Podcasts

Many have come to believe that AI is a universal solution for managing repetitive tasks and a panacea for improving productivity. But is it realistic to think that machines can replace humans in a world built on connection and belonging? Our soul, or life force, is the essence of who we are and cannot be replicated by a machine; instead, it relies on human connectivity and interdependence to thrive and flourish. As we navigate this new era, the question of human-machine coexistence looms. We are living in rapidly changing times in which AI is altering the way we learn and work, but it cannot replace the magic of human-to-human relational engagement.To explore the boundaries of machine learning and achieve emotional intimacy, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen interviews Dr. Allison Pugh, a professor of sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 vice president of the American Sociological Association.Allison discusses the research that led to her latest book, The Last Human Job, inc

How open are you to new experiences? Have you found that with age comes a fear of learning new things? Research finds that being willing to admit that we may be wrong about truths we previously held while maintaining confidence is a central tenet of resilience. The inherent capacity for neuroplasticity within our brains means that even with age, our minds remain capable of forming new connections and adapting. This fosters mental agility, allowing us to pivot from outdated notions and integrate fresh perspectives without feeling threatened.For insights on how to keep our mindset flexible, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with cognitive psychologist and author, Dr. Elaine Fox.Dr. Fox shares her research about the psychological talents, or tools, required to boost neuroplasticity and promote a growth mindset from her book, Switch Craft: The Hidden Power of Mental Agility. She also explores the concept of intellectual humility and emotional intelligence.This episode is proudly sponsored

Listening is a fundamental tool for learning from one another and fostering a more inclusive and harmonious world. By truly hearing and understanding others, we lay the groundwork for effective communication and peacemaking. When we actively listen, we validate others' experiences and perspectives, which builds trust and empathy. This creates an environment where differences can be explored constructively rather than defensively.For insights on how to hone our peacemaking abilities, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center, Kjersti Fløgstad.Kjersti shares the inspiration behind the “Power of Dialogue Project” and the book that was born from it, Those Who Listen, Change the World. Kjersti also offers timely tips on how to convert discourse into dialogue. Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on

Are people with more discretionary income happier than those who live paycheck to paycheck? Maybe some, but not all. As it turns out, more is not always better or the prescription for a happy life. Ultimately, it seems that attainable dreams and hope are the true keys to long-term well-being and happiness, regardless of income level, because it's the belief in a better future that truly fuels contentment.To explore the science of well-being, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Carol Graham,a senior scientist at Gallup, an author, and a senior fellow in the Economic Studies program at Brookings.Carol analyzes income disparities between the affluent and impoverished, examining their happiness levels through the lens of what she terms 'the happy peasant and the miserable millionaire paradox.' She also presents statistics on the decline of mental well-bei Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus

Attempting to gain dominance over others rarely benefits everyone involved. Instead, embracing diversity as a superpower — not as a tool to enforce artificial equity, but as a genuine celebration of varied strengths and perspectives — can unlock a quiet joy. This joy comes from the natural harmony that arises when differences are valued for their unique contributions, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives organically, leading to an increase for all.To connect with an Indigenous perspective, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with researcher, senior lecturer, and author Tyson Yunkaporta.Tyson shares wisdom gleaned from his research of indigenous cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. His humanistic approach to fearless conversations solidifies connections and aims to change the world by moving away from individualism and toward communal ideologies. In his book, Right Story, Wrong Story: How to Have Fearless Conversations in Hell, he lays the groundwork for a universal

The demanding nature of their work often puts the well-being of caregivers at risk. Just as it offers healing, therapy can be a vital medicine for professional healthcare providers and direct caregivers, providing them with a safe space to process their experiences and maintain a healthy mind. Medical training often minimizes self-care, but prioritizing one's well-being is essential for professionals to effectively help others.For a dose of mental health medicine for mental health professionals, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System and author, Jessi Gold, MD. As a mental health advocate, Jessi upends the conventional notions of well-being, asserting it is far more than just showing up for work. She highlights the needless stigma surrounding mental health therapy, often exacerbated by traditional medical training, and the problems that arise when emotions are suppressed. This perspective formed the inspiration for her b

There are many misconceptions and overblown promises when it comes to AI. The reality is that Artificial Intelligence is a useful tool that’s here to stay. When it’s done right, AI seamlessly becomes part of our everyday life systems but when poorly programmed or intentionally misused by human intelligence, it easily becomes the ‘snake oil’ of our time. How do we decipher fact from fiction when it comes to AI and how do we protect children from possible long-term adverse impacts?To glean strategies for reducing unknown or harmful influences of AI, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Senior Fellow at Mozilla, Sayash Kapoor.Sayash draws on his book, AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference, to guide us in critically evaluating AI claims and understanding its true capabilities and limitations. He offers insights about how to be practically skeptical in an AI-driven world and uncover the truth behind the hype.This episode is pro

Many people in the US have grown weary of the non-stop political discord that permeates every aspect of their lives. Some of the information is so polarized that it begs to be agreed with or opposed to, often leading to online fighting and further fracturing societal cohesion. Managing this pervasive tension requires understanding the underlying frameworks that shape our sense of morality. For tips on engaging in amicable civil discourse, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with social psychologist and author, Kurt Gray.Kurt shares real-world stories about discovering shared values with others regardless of their political or moral views. He reveals the studies and conversation methods outlined in his book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground.WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on

We live with a symphony of inner voices. Some are critics, and others are cheerleaders. The chatter in our minds is not adversarial, even though it might feel that way at times. The diverse aspects of our personality equip us with compassion in times of need and offer different perspectives for problem-solving. Achieving internal harmony hinges on peacemaking within our minds and soothing the inner critical voices. But, how do we take the reins and slow down the overwhelm when it takes over? To discover how to turn on the peacemaking channel in our minds, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with clinician, speaker, trauma specialist, and author, Britt Frank, LCSW. Britt shares insights and brain hacks from her newest book, Align Your Mind. Her “micro-yeses” process moves us past the why of why we do things and springs us into the action of doing something else.WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusi

To effectively unwind from the demands of modern life, we can tap into our body's internal chemistry. Overcoming the fatigue induced by constant technological stimulation is achievable by recognizing our need for rebalancing and actively changing our habits. The solution lies in getting a daily dose of nature, whole foods, physical exercise, and minimizing screen time.To introduce practices that activate and boost our natural stress defence, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with neuroscientist, best-selling author, and founder of The DOSE Lab, TJ Power.TJ empowers us with brain boosting tips from his book, The DOSE Effect: Optimize Your Brain and Body by Boosting Your Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Buffy Bedding — Offers a new standard of rest and nightly self-care ritual. Visit buffy.co to get 20% off your first order using promo code HHTR.Quince—Offers high-quality essentials, home decor, and furnishings at radically low prices.Vi

A lack of emotional literacy often lessens our ability to face life's storms. As a result, many women resort to self-medicating behaviors to cope. In a more compassionate world, addiction recovery would nurture human needs and prioritize genuine healing. As many global strategies are evolving beyond abstinence, in the US, it is time to recognize that harm reduction programs offer a safe alternative to crisis care. To highlight some more humanistic and lesser-known strategies of harm reduction and healing, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with clinician, author, and consultant Dr. Stephanie Covington. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough book, Hidden Healers: A Woman’s Way through the Twelve Steps, Dr. Covington shares recently revealed research and the latest statistics that dispel old beliefs about coping mechanisms, harm reduction strategies, addiction treatment, and healing.WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happ

Feeling purposeful is a fundamental driver of self-worth and a powerful antidote to despair at any age. To increase a sense of purpose, children and adults can leverage strength-based interventions to significantly reshape learning behaviors in a variety of situations. And, considering the pervasive mental health challenges in the United States today, social-emotional learning (SEL) emerges as a critical tool for fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive relationships.For compelling examples of how SEL impacts behaviors, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with school psychologist, therapist, and author Dr. Steven Baron. Dr. Baron offers a glimpse into the concept of social-emotional learning based on individual strengths. In his book, Teaching with a Strength-Based Approach: How to Motivate Students and Build Relationships, Steven provides examples of how empowering children to take control of their behavior can maximize learning, engagement, and social interactions.WA

At some stage in life, most people will be charged with caring for someone else. During a health crisis, caregivers, especially those with children, face intense demands on time and personal resources. If you are tasked with a caregiving role, prioritizing self-care is vital for your well-being and ability to provide care. If someone you love is a caregiver there are simple ways to support their journey including offering practical help and emotional understanding.To better understand self-support amidst selflessness, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen interviews caregiver and author Sarah Cart.Sarah Cart shares the intimate details of her caregiving journey. Her book, On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey Through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope, is a chronicle of the profound impact of illness on a relationship, resilience, and how she kept herself healthy during her family’s health crisis.WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting H

In 2025, the United States is experiencing a troubling downward trend in its ranking on The World Happiness Report. This is a significant departure from its usual position within the top 20 globally. The exact causes are complex, but emerging evidence suggests that various psychosocial stressors are leading to a decrease in life satisfaction among US citizens, a trend that should concern us all.Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with social psychologist and co-editor of The World Happiness Report, Lara Aknin, PhD, to explore what manifests as happiness and life satisfaction in the US and worldwide.Dr. Lara Aknin shares specific findings from The World Happiness Report and provides valuable insights into the global cultural factors that contribute to life satisfaction. She particularly emphasizes the role of generosity, volunteerism, and donations as significant sources of happiness, shedding light on these often overlooked contributors to our well-being. WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPE

The United States ranked 43rd out of 146 countries for gender equality in the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Gender Gap Report. In addition to that staggering result, the current administration is eliminating DEI efforts to further erode progress toward social justice for women. How can we empower girls and women to ensure their voices are heard and their contributions are valued at all levels of society?To explore gender bias and the generational transmission of sexism, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD.Jo-Ann highlights emotional labor as a generationally transmitted unfair bias against females. She offers guidance on promoting equality within the home and explores how social conditioning might influence empathy in males. Her book, Sexism & Sensibility, emphasizes the importance of fostering five specific female voices and provides practical tips for reducing negative bias in women and advancing overall gender

Navigating the emotional challenges of modern secular living can be eased by cultivating inner peace of mind. Mindfulness practices, though sometimes challenging to adopt, can ground us in gratitude. How can we actively seek out the everyday magic and truly appreciate each mindful moment as a source of relief?To explore strategies that increase our capacity to deal, and heal, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author and mindfulness educator Susan Kaiser Greenland.Susan shares her wisdom of secular mindfulness from her latest work, Real-World Enlightenment: Discovering Ordinary Magic in Everyday Life. She offers simple techniques that quiet the monkey mind, alleviate the emotional toll of modern life, and cultivate peace of mind. The three-part practices are so easy that adults and children can do them. WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Nature offers a profound secular and sacred sanctuary that presents a landscape of opportunities for spiritual awakening beyond traditional walls. The divine exists within the cathedral of the earth, sea, and sky. It is at the core of every human soul. It is not confined to the walls of a physical structure, nor does it exist under the guise of any specific religion. The divine is everywhere—around us and within us. Spending time in nature offers a sacred path to individual and collective healing, but are we curious enough to discover its solace when we need it most?For a deeper understanding of how to ground ourselves in nature, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Celtic teacher and author Dr. John Philip Newell.Dr. John Philip Newell describes humanity’s spiritual yearnings and offers insights into the quest for spiritual awakening through Celtic wisdom. In his book, The Great Search, he thoughtfully draws upon the teachings of revered prophets of the past, gently leading us towa

Benjamin Franklin's "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today" sounds simple, yet for many, it's a monumental challenge. Well-intentioned individuals often find their to-do lists perpetually lingering, not from laziness or a lack of motivation, but from a more complex, underlying struggle. This persistent inaction isn't a matter of willpower; it often stems from deeper issues like fear of failure, perfectionism, or an overwhelming sense of responsibility.To better understand what lies at the core of procrastination and how to overcome it, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with psychologist, coach, and author Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona, aka Dr. Z. Dr. Z’s research goes beyond the surface of procrastination and perfectionist behaviors. In her book, Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors, she lifts the veil of procrastination demonstrating that it is not laziness but the fear of failure that inhibits people from completing tasks.WANT MORE

Humans inherently have a negativity bias. Our brains prioritize negative stimuli as compared to positive stimuli. And while it may have served us well in the past, today, it only serves to increase anxiety and worry. Research shows that we can rewire our brains to acknowledge the negative and change our perception of it, but it takes practice. To guide us through the practice of positively changing our minds, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Neuroscientist and organizational consultant Nicole Vignola. Nicole shares strategies for transforming negative habits into positive perspectives from her book, Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts, and Create Lasting Change. She describes the benefits of a growth mindset and the importance of emotions and gratitude.WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Sometimes, navigating our next steps can be complicated, and discernment is not always easy. Approaching problems from a different perspective can help us to gain clarity on a situation and when done so with intention, can become a sacred journey of self-discovery. Through discernment, we listen to the desires of the soul, allowing them to guide us toward choices that resonate with our authentic selves. This inner listening is crucial for identifying our true needs and values, ensuring that our next steps are not merely practical but deeply aligned with our core being, ultimately honoring the integrity of our whole self. To guide us through navigating decisions and discerning the next steps of our journey, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of six books and podcast host, Emily P. Freeman. Emily describes the journey of discernment that allows our inner guidance system to separate our decision-making process from external influences. She o