Flourish FM

Dr. Laurie Santos is a Professor of Psychology at Yale University and one of the world’s leading experts on the science of happiness. She is also an expert on the evolutionary origins of human cognition and the ways our minds lie to us about what makes us happy.    Laurie’s course at Yale, “Psychology and the Good Life,” teaches students how the science of psychology can help us make wiser choices and live a happier and more fulfilling life. It’s the most popular class ever taught at Yale, with almost one out of four students enrolled. It has been featured in media outlets including the New York Times, [and] NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, GQ Magazine and Slate. The publicly available online version of the class, called “The Science of Well-Being,” has attracted more than 4 million learners worldwide.   Laurie has won numerous awards, both for her science and teaching. She was recently voted one of Popular Science Magazine’s “Brilliant 10” young minds and was named in Time Magazine as a “Leading Campus Celebrity.” Her podcast, The Happiness Lab, is a top-3 Apple podcast which has attracted over 100 million downloads. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast Links: Website Yale webpage Yale course: “The Science of Well-Being” (publicly available version of the most popular class in Yale’s history) Podcast: The Happiness Lab Google Scholar Recent article: “Laurie Santos’ Pursuit of Happiness,” The New Yorker, March 19, 2025 Instagram LinkedIn YouTube TikTok Facebook Twitter Timestamps: [00:02:46] Definition of happiness. [00:04:09] Balancing affective and cognitive happiness. [00:06:57] Happiness in vs. Happiness with. [00:10:25] Misunderstandings about happiness. [00:12:27] Evolutionary perspective on happiness. [00:16:09] Happiness is within our control. [00:19:08] Pursuing happiness the wrong way. [00:23:14] Misguided happiness metrics. [00:31:40] Social comparison and happiness. [00:35:25] College student mental health crisis. [00:39:05] Changing thought patterns for happiness. [00:45:06] Parenting practices and discomfort. [00:48:10] Practical steps for happiness.

Dr. Judith Joseph MD, MBA is a world-renowned, board-certified psychiatrist and researcher specializing in mental health and trauma. She is the founder and chief investigator at New York City’s premier clinical research base, Manhattan Behavioral Medicine, assistant professor in child and adolescent psychiatry at New York University, and chair of the Women in Medicine Board at Columbia University.    Judith conducted the world’s first peer-reviewed clinical research study on high functioning depression in her laboratories. She recently published her instant national bestselling book based on her findings from this study, High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy (2025). She has become the world’s leading voice on high functioning depression.   Judith received a 2023 Congressional Proclamation from the US house of representatives for her social media advocacy and research in mental health. She has received several awards, including Share Care Awards in 2020 and 2023 for her MedCircle series on PTSD and a Good Morning America investigative special on ADHD. In 2025, Judith was featured as a Mental Health Thought Leader on CNN’s Game Changers series. She has written for or been quoted in media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post and Forbes, and has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Oprah Daily and more.    Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com   Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast   Links: Website NYU webpage Book: High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy (Penguin Random House, 2025) Podcast: The Vault with Dr. Judith High Functioning Depression and Anhedonia quizzes Psychology Today page Google Scholar Instagram LinkedIn YouTube TikTok Facebook     Timestamps:   [00:02:19] Understanding high functioning depression. [00:09:06] High functioning depression explained. [00:14:05] Anhedonia and trauma connection. [00:19:28] Pathologically productive behaviors. [00:20:44] Joy and technology's impact. [00:25:17] Joy vs. pleasure in happiness. [00:28:46] The hedonic treadmill explained. [00:32:45] Awareness of anhedonia in therapy. [00:35:43] Role of gratitude in healing. [00:39:49] Gratitude practices for mental health. [00:42:39] Tapping into your values. [00:45:38] Overcoming hidden depression.

Shigehiro Oishi, Ph.D., is the Marshall Field IV Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, and a leader in the study of happiness, psychological well-being, the experience of a meaningful life and cultural psychology. He has published over 200 journal articles and book chapters with over 100,000 citations. He is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and won the 2017 Society of Experimental Social Psychology Career Trajectory Award, the 2018 Carol and Ed Diener Award from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and the 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award for Advancing Cultural Psychology.    Shigehiro’s research focuses on culture, social ecology, and well-being. His most recent book is Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life (Penguin Random House, 2025). His research lab is particularly interested in investigating questions about the concept of well-being, such as “What is a good life?”, the predictors of well-being, such as “What are the predictors of a good life?”, and the consequences of well-being, such as “Are there benefits to a happy/meaningful/psychologically rich life?”. He is also interested in how the concepts, predictors, and consequences of well-being might differ across cultures.    Shigehiro’s research also explores socio-ecological conditions that are detrimental or conducive to well-being, such as income inequality, residential mobility, and walkability. Currently, he is focusing on the effects of economic inequality and residential mobility on the well-being of individuals and communities.    Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com   Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast   Links: University of Chicago webpage Book: Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life (Penguin Random House, 2025) Article: “A Psychologically Rich Life: Beyond Happiness and Meaning” (Psychological Review, 2021, with Erin Westgate)  Google Scholar LinkedIn Twitter (X)  Timestamps:   00:01:00 - Anticipation for the Conversation Hosts express their excitement about the conversation and discuss the relevance of psychological richness. 00:02:09 - Defining a Good Life Dr. Oishi discusses the empirical consensus on what constitutes a good life, including subjective well-being and meaningful life. 00:07:11 - Psychological Richness Defined Dr. Oishi defines psychological richness and provides examples of experiences that contribute to it. 00:08:49 - Distinguishing Meaning from Richness Discussion on how psychological richness differs from a meaningful life and the role of perspective-changing experiences. 00:11:34 - Personal Experiences and Psychological Richness Hosts share personal experiences that resonate with the concept of psychological richness. 00:13:10 - Values and Psychological Richness Dr. Oishi explains how different value orientations can lead to the pursuit of psychological richness. 00:19:05 - Biological Predispositions and Values Discussion on the role of biological predispositions and upbringing in shaping values and the pursuit of psychological richness. 00:26:39 - Flourishing and Its Relationship with Happiness, Meaning, and Richness Dr. Oishi's perspective on flourishing and how it can be achieved through happiness, meaning, or psychological richness. 00:30:08 - Obituary Study on Flourishing Lives Findings from a study analyzing obituaries to identify lives that were happy, meaningful, and psychologically rich. 00:32:00 - Regrets and Psychological Richness Research findings on how undoing life's biggest regrets could lead to a more psychologically rich life. 00:36:22 - Preference for Security Over Adventure Discussion on why people might prefer security and stability over the adventurous pursuit of psychological richness. 00:41:35 - Criteria for Psychological Richness Dr. Oishi explains the threshold for an experience to be considered psychologically rich. 00:43:35 - Emotional Complexity in Psychological Richness The relationship between psychological richness and the experience of both positive and negative emotions. 00:44:17 - Practical Steps for a Psychologically Rich Life Dr. Oishi shares practical advice for living a more psychologically rich life, including being playful and saying yes to new experiences. 00:48:24 - Flourishing Question Dr. Oishi's advice on flourishing, emphasizing the importance of saying yes to new experiences. 00:49:00 - Conclusion and Contact Information Closing remarks, where to find more about Dr. Oishi's work, and current research focus.  

Paul J. Zak is a professor at Claremont Graduate University, where he directs the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies. He is ranked in the top 0.3% of the world’s most cited scientists, with over 200 published papers and more than 20,000 citations to his research. Paul’s two decades of research have taken him from the Pentagon to Fortune 50 boardrooms to the rainforest of Papua New Guinea. Along the way he helped start a number of interdisciplinary fields including neuroeconomics, neuromanagement, and neuromarketing.    Paul has written four general audience books and is a regular TED speaker. His latest book, The Little Book of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Living Better (2025) aims to show people how to live a longer, happier and healthier life by investing in improved relationships. Zak’s other books are Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and Source of Happiness (2022), Trust Factor: The Science of Creating High Performance Companies (2017) and The Moral Molecule: The Source of Love and Prosperity (2012).    Trust Factor applies neuroscience to efficiently build high-performance organizations by creating a culture of trust. The Moral Molecule received much attention for Zak’s discovery of the key role played by the neurochemical oxytocin to explain virtuous behaviors and happiness. Zak delivered a TED Talk titled “Trust, Morality—and Oxytocin?” in 2011 that has been viewed two million times. He also co-founded the first neuroscience-as-a-service (NaaS) company, Immersion Neuroscience. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast Links: Website Claremont Graduate University webpage Most recent book: The Little Book of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Living Better (2025) Other books Six: emotional fitness app LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Google Scholar “The Neuroscience of Trust,” Harvard Business Review, 2017 Timestamps: [00:05:08] PlaySpan and human flourishing. [00:09:46] Investing in relationships. [00:10:41] Stress and bonding experiences. [00:18:17] Strategies for improving relationships. [00:28:55] Six high value experiences daily. [00:35:35] Optimizing high-value experiences. [00:39:12] Neuroscience of trust. [00:46:27] Trust's role in flourishing. [00:48:27] Strengthening relationships daily.  

Michael Mannino, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist, AI expert, educator, and philosopher, whose work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, neuroscience, and optimal human performance. He holds a Ph.D. in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience, an M.A. in Philosophy, and a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Science. He is an adjunct professor, and has taught AI ethics, cognitive psychology, critical thinking, and applied neuroscience.  Michael has led multiple initiatives focused on the responsible development, education, and application of AI, including serving as the Director of AI Center at Miami Dade College, and the Director of Programs at the Institute for Data Science and Computing at University of Miami. He also served as the Chief Science Officer at the Flow Research Collective, founded by Steven Kotler, where he researched the science that underscores ultimate human performance, flow, and well-being.  Michael’s current work integrates brain science, technology, and systems thinking to optimize team performance. What drives his work is a belief in human potential and consciousness – particularly how science and technology can be used to expand it responsibly. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com   Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast Timestamps: [00:01:15] AI and human flourishing. [00:05:06] Definition of human flourishing. [00:09:01] AI in mental health therapy. [00:14:45] AI as a therapeutic tool. [00:18:34] AI's impact on parenting. [00:21:38] Human flourishing and AI impact. [00:28:37] Cognitive offloading. [00:32:11] Impact of AI on learning. [00:35:25] AI-assisted personal flourishing plan. [00:41:52] AI ethics and responsibility.

David Radosevich, Ph.D., is a psychologist and coach specializing in high performance, leadership, and team culture. He is an associate professor of management for the Austin E. Cofrin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. He is also co-founder of Flow Prone, a flow and high performance training and coaching organization.    David has published peer-reviewed articles in leading academic journals and chapters in #1 international bestselling books. He works with C-suite leaders of Fortune 500 companies, and coaches individuals and leaders to enhance their leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.   Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com   Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast   Links: LinkedIn Academic webpage Flow Lab Publications   Timestamps: [00:02:12] Defining flourishing. [00:07:16] Psychological strengths and flourishing. [00:11:49] Protective and promotive strengths. [00:14:06] Self-efficacy and burnout prevention. [00:19:06] Flourishing and anti-fragility contrast. [00:20:27] Anti-fragility in mental performance. [00:25:04] Self-talk and self-efficacy. [00:28:56] Assessing optimism in individuals. [00:31:48] Importance of optimism for flourishing. [00:33:58] Gratitude-forward exercises. [00:38:39] Flourishing as a daily activity. [00:40:41] Psychological strengths in flourishing.  

Matthew Lee, Ph.D., is a Research Associate at the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, a member of the Global Study of Human Flourishing research team, and Director of the Human Flourishing Program's Flourishing Network. He is Professor of the Social Sciences and Humanities at the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University and a Distinguished Visiting Scholar of Health, Flourishing, and Positive Psychology at Stony Brook University’s Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics, as well as a Visiting Scholar at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.    Matthew’s current research explores topics such as well-being and flourishing, benevolent service to others, and the integration of social science and the humanities. He is co-editor of Measuring Well-Being: Interdisciplinary Perspectives from the Social Sciences and the Humanities and Leadership for Flourishing, both published by Oxford University Press, as well as, Transcending Crisis by Attending to Care, Emotions, and Flourishing (Routledge, 2023).   Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com   Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast     Timestamps: [02:49] Global Flourishing Study overview. [08:18] Understanding flourishing through context. [00:12:43] Flourishing vs. Resilience Debate. [00:17:01] Wholeness amidst adversity. [00:22:20] Harmonizing well-being across outcomes. [00:27:01] Negative relationship between GDP and flourishing. [00:32:08] Japan's unique societal challenges. [00:36:45] Spirituality and community impact. [00:42:06] Lifelong effects of childhood experiences. [00:44:31] Researching human flourishing data.

Dr. Alison Jane Martingano is a social psychologist at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where she leads the Social Research Lab dedicated to investigating empathy and perspective-taking. She has published her research in leading academic journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Social Psychological and Personality Science, and Popular Media.  Alison hosts the fortnightly Psychology & Stuff podcast, chatting with psychologists and Green Bay locals about topics ranging from sports to false confessions. In addition, she blogs for Psychology Today, translating cutting-edge psychology research into clear, relatable insights.  As an immigrant and military wife, Alison appreciates the difficulties and opportunities that communicating with those dissimilar from ourselves can bring. She is a passionate educator and TEDx speaker and hopes to inspire her students, and others, to nurture empathy in a changing world. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast Links: Website Academic webpage Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Google Scholar Psychology Today blog Psychology and Stuff podcast TEDx Talk: “How to train your empathy muscles” Timestamps: 00:01:51 - Defining Empathy and Perspective Taking 00:03:08 - Types of Empathy and Research Disagreements 00:07:07 - Negative Effects of Mirroring Negative Emotions 00:11:01 - Empathy Without Negative Emotional Mirroring 00:15:10 - Is Empathy Always Good? 00:17:47 - The Paradox of Empathy and Helping Behavior 00:18:42 - Compassion as a Buffer Against Burnout 00:20:41 - The Warm Glow of Helping Others 00:25:25 - Chosen Suffering and Antifragility 00:26:15 - The Upper Limit of Compassion 00:27:21 - Empathy and Burnout: Positive and Negative Connections 00:30:27 - Practical Strategies for Developing Empathy 00:32:29 - Recommended Books for Building Empathy 00:34:06 - Summary of Empathy Types and Benefits 00:35:03 - Practical Strategies to Avoid Burnout While Building Empathy 00:35:36 - Controversial Tip: Eavesdropping to Build Empathy 00:36:46 - Children Learning Empathy Through Observation 00:37:14 - Safe Settings for Practicing Perspective Taking 00:42:09 - Role-Playing and Social Networks in Empathy Development 00:42:55 - “Toxic Empathy”: Misunderstandings and Clarifications

We’re delighted to host two guests on today’s show, both of whom are expert psychotherapists and counselling psychologists: Dr. Ritika Suk Birah – AKA “Dr. Ritz” – and Dr. Victoria Uwannah. Ritz is a counselling psychologist specializing in guiding high-performing individuals toward profound self-awareness and transformative growth. She studied neuroscience and psychology at King’s College London and has a Ph.D. in psychotherapeutic and counselling psychology. With over 12 years experience in the clinical field, she delivers sought-after mental health and well-being programs rooted in neuroscience.  Ritz balances her time between individual therapy, giving keynote talks, delivering workshops and developing bespoke programs for workplaces. Her work focuses on mental health, resilience, and the power of reflection, delivering actionable strategies that inspire and motivate.​ Ritz co-hosts the Therapy Floor podcast with our second guest, Dr. Victoria Uwannah. Victoria is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychotherapeutic and counselling psychology. She’s been working in mental health for over 15 years, including for the UK’s National Health Service and in education, providing therapeutic and consultation services.  Victoria is trained in several therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mentalization-based therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. Her experience has covered working with individuals at all stages of life, as well as more specialist areas such as group therapy, relational work with couples and families, schools and corporate environments. Her aim across all these individuals and groups is the same: to bring clarity, compassion and understanding to people to propel them towards change and help them lead fulfilling lives.  Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast Ritz links: Website Reflect with Dr. Ritz Podcast: The Therapy Floor Instagram LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Facebook Victoria links: Website Podcast: The Therapy Floor Instagram LinkedIn Timestamps: 00:01:22 - Welcoming Dr. Ritz and Dr. Victoria 00:01:57 - Main Struggles Preventing Flourishing 00:04:18 - The Role of Authenticity in Flourishing 00:07:03 - The Dark Side of Constantly Striving to Flourish 00:08:32 - Understanding Authenticity 00:10:31 - The Importance of Somatic Awareness 00:12:57 - The Role of Intuition 00:14:21 - Practical Strategies 00:17:04 - Cultivating Trust in Yourself and the Process 00:23:44 - Strategies for Building Resilience and Emotional Regulation 00:34:16 - The Bi-Directional Nature of Emotion Regulation 00:40:47 - Acceptance and Distress Tolerance 00:44:49 - Final Thoughts on Flourishing

Dr. Satchin Panda is a world-leading expert in circadian rhythm research. He’s an Associate Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a Pew Scholar, and a recipient of the Dana Foundation Award in brain and immune system imaging.  Satchin is the author of two best-selling books, The Circadian Code and The Circadian Diabetes Code. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast Links: Website Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Book: The Circadian Code: Supercharge Your Energy and Sleep Well Every Night (2018) On Time Health Timestamps: [00:06:29] Circadian rhythms and health. [00:09:35] Circadian rhythm disruption examples. [00:18:01] Shift work and health risks. [00:27:49] Circadian rhythm and body clocks. [00:34:36] Eating timing and sleep quality. [00:39:05] Balancing social and physical health. [00:45:31] Sleep-wake cycle and caffeine. [00:50:49] Sleep's impact on daily function. [00:54:31] Circadian rhythms and diabetes.

Stephanie Harrison is an expert in the science of happiness, author of the international bestseller New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World that’s Got It Wrong (2024), and creator of the new happy philosophy. In New Happy, Stephanie argues that the secret to happiness is helping others, and that by adopting this philosophy in our lives, we will be able to solve the world's toughest problems. Stephanie leads an international movement devoted to spreading the New Happy philosophy. Her organization, the New Happy, reaches millions of people around the world every month, offering award-winning art, a podcast, a newsletter, articles, and unique tools for building happiness. Stephanie speaks about happiness, culture, and leadership at companies around the world, and has been featured in publications including the New York Times, LA Times, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Forbes, Fast Company, Oprah Daily, Harvard Business Review, BigThink, and more. She is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and has been recognized as one of the top 25 global leaders in mental health. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast Links: Website Instagram LinkedIn Facebook TikTok YouTube Substack Book: The New Happy: Getting Happiness Right In A World That’s Got It Wrong (2024) Timestamps: [03:55] Old happy and its beliefs. [07:21] How worldview shapes happiness. [11:10] Paths to happiness. [18:14] Old happy vs. new happy. [21:28] Helping as the core of happiness. [28:54] Individualism and its consequences. [32:36] Autonomy and social connection. [34:44] Self-acceptance and perfectionism strategies. [38:01] Self-acceptance and personal growth. [42:49] Self-acceptance vs. perfectionism. [46:47] Happiness is shared.  

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and bestselling author who is passionate about helping people with all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. His early educational experiences made him realize the deep reservoir of untapped potential of students, including bright and creative children who have been diagnosed with a learning disability. He is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world for his research on intelligence and creativity. Scott is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He has also been a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and NYU. He hosts The Psychology Podcast which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top psychology podcasts in the world.  Scott’s writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review, and he is the author and editor of 10 books, the most recent of which is Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential, published in April 2025.  Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast Links: Website Instagram LinkedIn Facebook The Psychology Podcast Books  Timestamps: [00:01:34] What is a victim mindset? [00:03:52] Vulnerable narcissism in culture. [00:10:30] Honest love vs. victim mindset. [00:12:54] Victim mindset and self-actualization. [00:17:44] Victim mindset and empowerment. [00:20:43] Victim to self-esteem issues. [00:27:20] Collective victimhood and empowerment. [00:30:24] Malevolent intent in ambiguity. [00:34:07] Victim mindset in everyday life. [00:39:28] Virtuous victim mindset. [00:41:29] Final thoughts on human potential and growth.

Drew Ramsey, MD, is a leading board-certified integrative psychiatrist, best-selling author and leading proponent of nutritional psychiatry and mental fitness. He served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeon for twenty years. He also founded the Brain Food Clinic in New York City, a digital mental health practice, and Spruce Mental Health in Jackson, Wyoming. Using the latest research along with decades of clinical experience, he hopes to help people improve their mental health and build resilient mental fitness. Drew is a sought-after speaker, conducts workshops nationally, and his work has been featured throughout the media. He co-hosts the Men’s Health Magazine series Friday Sessions and has delivered three TEDx talks, a video series with Big Think, and the BBC documentary Food on the Brain. His work and writing have been featured by The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Lancet Psychiatry, TIME and NPR. Drew’s books have helped establish nutritional psychiatry and explore the connection between food and mental health: the international best-seller Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety (HarperWave 2021), now translated into 9 languages; the award-winning cookbook Eat Complete: The 21 Nutrients that Fuel Brain Power, Boost Weight Loss and Transform Your Health (HarperWave 2016); the bestseller 50 Shades of Kale (HarperWave 2013), and The Happiness Diet: A Nutritional Prescription for a Sharp Brain, Balanced Mood and Lean, Energized Body (Rodale 2011). His latest book is Healing the Modern Brain: Nine Tenets to Build Mental Fitness and Revitalize Your Mind (March 2025).  Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Forthcoming book: Healing the Modern Brain: Nine Tenets to Build Mental Fitness and Revitalize Your Mind (March 2025) Podcast Timestamps: [00:03:36] Mental fitness and health. [00:09:53] Mental fitness and modern challenges. [00:10:24] Modern mental health strategies. [00:19:04] Lifestyle medicine and self-awareness. [00:24:05] Connection and mental fitness. [00:31:18] Nature's impact on mental health. [00:38:13] Hedonism vs. Eudaimonia. [00:45:07] Dopamine and pleasure balance. [00:55:03] Goals for mental health.

Dr. Lindsay G. Oades is an internationally acclaimed, multi award-winning well-being scientist, researcher, public policy strategist, educator and author. He is Deputy Dean and Professor of Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne. He has recently worked with UNESCO on the International Science and Evidence Based Education Assessment. He is former Director of Action for Happiness Australia and non-executive Director of the Positive Education Schools Association. He was awarded the Australian Government citation in 2013 for an outstanding contribution to student learning.   Lindsay’s major research contribution has been in well-being and mental health recovery. He developed a mental health recovery model – the Collaborative Recovery Model – which is a positive psychology coaching model, used to assist people with mental illness.    Lindsay is the author of six books, and over 150 journal articles and book chapters related to well-being, recovery and coaching. As a sought after speaker known to provoke thought, Lindsay has given keynote or invited presentations in 14 nations.    Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com   Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast   Links: Website LinkedIn Twitter Google Scholar page Wikipedia page Forthcoming book: The Health and Well-Being Coaches’ Handbook (co-edited with Jonathan Passmore & Badri Bajaj) (Routledge, 2025) Book mentioned in episode: Psychological Recovery: Beyond Mental Illness (co-authored with Retta Andresen and Peter Caputi) (Wiley-Blackwell, 2011) Timestamps:   [02:12] Recovery model stages explained. [04:25] Importance of relationships for well-being. [09:25] Language's impact on wellbeing. [12:18] Well-being literacy framework. [18:31] Organisational language and wellbeing. [21:24] Mental illness vs. well-being. [28:48] Autonomy and agency in recovery. [37:46] Stages of collaborative recovery. [39:57] Collaborative recovery model in practice. [45:17] Human flourishing in education. [50:30] Central purpose of education. [54:29] Wellbeing literacy community.

Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s known for her ability to convey complex ideas – from science to literature to stories from her own life – with levity and clarity. Gretchen is the author of many books, which have sold millions of copies in more than thirty languages, and include five New York Times bestsellers: The Happiness Project, Better Than Before, The Four Tendencies, Happier at Home and Outer Order, Inner Calm. Her most recent book is Life in Five Senses. Gretchen is host of the popular podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, which has more than 220 million downloads, and is founder of the award-winning Happier app, which helps people track their happiness-boosting habits. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Facebook Course: The Happiness Project App: Happier Podcast: Happier with Gretchen Rubin Gretchen’s happiness quizzes Latest book: Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World (2023) New York Times bestseller: The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun (2009) Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Gretchen Rubin 02:09 - Defining Happiness 06:04 - Practical Approaches to Happiness 08:18 - Key Elements for Building Happiness 12:37 - Feeling Good, Feeling Bad, Feeling Right, and Growth 18:13 - The Usefulness of Terms like Flourishing 23:25 - Happiness Doesn't Always Mean Feeling Happy 31:47 - Identifying Key Habits for Happiness 35:56 - Unorthodox Strategies for Happiness 40:06 - The Value of Repetition and Familiarity in Happiness

Oliver Burkeman is a British journalist, author, and speaker whose work focuses on productivity, time management, and finding meaning in our fast-paced world. He graduated from the University of Cambridge, where he studied Social and Political Sciences, informing his critical examination of societal expectations around productivity and success. Burkeman’s focus often centers on rethinking productivity and well-being, as he explores the limitations of traditional time management strategies in his popular book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, which has sparked broad interest for its unique perspective on finding balance in a finite life. His most recent book is Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts (2024), which offers a map for a liberating journey towards a more meaningful life, beginning with where we actually find ourselves, not with a fantasy of where we’d like to be. His unique approach has resonated with readers worldwide, and his regular newsletter, The Imperfectionist, delves into themes of productivity, mortality, and intentional living. Previously, Burkeman was a longtime columnist for The Guardian, where he explored the intersection of psychology and self-help. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links: Website Twitter Most recent book: Meditation for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts (2024)  Previous books: Four Thousand Weeks, The Antidote and Help!  Newsletter: The Imperfectionist Blog Timestamps: [01:57] Finite nature of our lives. [06:40] Imperfectionism as a solution. [09:34] Acceptance of human finitude. [12:51] The limits of optimization. [22:09] Being vs. doing in life. [29:30] Toxic productivity vs. healthy productivity. [30:33] Human discomfort with mortality. [35:27] Burnout and productivity relationship. [39:58] Dysfunctional attempts at spirituality. [43:25] Meaningful life and flourishing. [45:26] Confronting life’s finitude and discomfort. [50:54] The role of discomfort in growth. [53:08] Living a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Dr. Christopher Ryan is a thought-provoking author, researcher, and host of the podcast Tangentially Speaking. He gained international recognition with his New York Times bestseller Sex at Dawn (co-authored with Cacilda Jethá), which reexamines human sexuality through the lens of anthropology and evolutionary biology, challenging conventional views on monogamy and societal norms. His latest book, Civilized to Death, critiques modern society, arguing that progress has often detracted from our well-being.  Chris’s work has been translated into over twenty languages, and appeared on Netflix, HBO, MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, NPR, The New York Times, The Times of London, The Washington Post, Time, Newsweek, National Geographic, and The Atlantic. Chris has been a featured speaker at TED, SXSW. With a Ph.D. in psychology, Chris combines his expertise with wide-ranging experiences from his global travels, where he has lived among diverse cultures and explored alternative lifestyles. Chris’s work explores human nature, questioning the narrative of civilization as inherently beneficial, invites readers to rethink how we live and relate to one another, engaging audiences with a critical yet hopeful perspective on human potential and flourishing. His work bridges the gap between academic theory and practical wisdom, engaging audiences with a critical yet hopeful perspective on human potential and flourishing. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links: Website Substack Twitter Instagram Facebook Podcast: Tangentially Speaking Books: Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What It Means for Modern Relationships (2010, co-authored with Cacilda Jethá); Civilized to Death: The Price of Progress (2019) Civilized to Death Cocktail Party Cheat Sheet (common objections to arguments and Chris’ replies)  Timestamps: [00:02:53] Detrimental effects of modern progress. [00:06:29] Social isolation and community decline. [00:17:21] Cultural differences in lifestyles. [00:20:56] Hunter-gatherer societal values. [00:24:42] Interdependence and community importance. [00:39:47] The importance of "enough." [00:41:47] Wealth and happiness paradox. [00:46:07] Disaster sociology and human resilience. [00:49:10] Pursuing true personal values.

Israa Nasir, MHC-LP, is a psychotherapist, writer, and the founder of WellGuide, a digital community for mental health awareness. She recently published Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World that Always Demands More (November 2024), a book that demonstrates how to challenge the various masks of toxic productivity and societal pressures around managing time by focusing on emotional regulation. A Pakistani-Canadian child of immigrants, Israa has a specific focus on mental health, identity formation and healing for the AAPI first- and second-generation immigrant community. Israa has been featured in major publications including NBC, Vox, Huffpost and Teen Vogue, and has been invited to speak at corporations and institutions such as Google, Meta, and Yale University. Israa sits on the Mental Health Advisory Board for both PopSugar (Vox Media) and the menstrual health product and advocacy brand, August. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto, a Master’s in Counseling from Adelphi University, and certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy.  With over a decade of experience as a licensed therapist in Ontario and New York, Israa specializes in empowering individuals through therapy, workshops, and engaging content that addresses emotional well-being. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Newsletter Recently published book: Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World that Always Demands More  Timestamps: [04:08] Emotional intelligence domains explained. [11:06] Emotional intelligence in society today. [19:02] Emotional intelligence and optimal performance. [23:15] Importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. [29:29] Emotional intelligence and health. [34:39] Emotional intelligence and flourishing. [36:55] Emotional intelligence in education. [41:40] Learning new habits through mindfulness. [47:29] Cognitive control and flourishing. [49:16] Cognitive control's long-term effects. [58:49] Group-level emotional intelligence.

Psychologist and author of Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., has transformed the way the world educates children, relates to family and friends, leads, and conducts business. A frequent speaker on campuses and to businesses of all kinds and sizes, he has worked with organizations around the globe, examining the way social and emotional competencies impact the bottom-line. Ranked one of the 10 most influential business thinkers by the Wall Street Journal, Goleman’s articles in the Harvard Business Review are among the most frequently requested reprints. Goleman has won many awards, including the HBR McKinsey Award for best article of the year. Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences awarded him its Centennial Medallion.    Apart from his writing on emotional intelligence, Goleman has written books on topics including self-deception, creativity, transparency, meditation, social and emotional learning, eco-literacy and the ecological crisis. His latest book, Optimal: How to Sustain Personal and Organizational Excellence Every Day (2024), shows why emotional intelligence can help each of us have rewarding and productive days. Goleman’s online Emotional Intelligence Program offers anyone a deep understanding of the competencies of self-awareness, self-management, empathy and social skill.   Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com   Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast   Links: Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Bestselling book: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ (1995) Most recent book: Optimal: How to Sustain Personal and Organizational Excellence Every Day (2024) Other books Goleman’s online Emotional Intelligence Program Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations Timestamps: [04:08] Emotional intelligence domains explained. [11:06] Emotional intelligence in society today. [19:02] Emotional intelligence and optimal performance. [23:15] Importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. [29:29] Emotional intelligence and health. [34:39] Emotional intelligence and flourishing. [36:55] Emotional intelligence in education. [41:40] Learning new habits through mindfulness. [47:29] Cognitive control and flourishing. [49:16] Cognitive control's long-term effects. [58:49] Group-level emotional intelligence.

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D., is a researcher, author, and speaker specializing in purposeful leadership, mattering, meaningful work, and positive organizational psychology. As author of The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose, Zach has inspired individuals and organizations to discover and leverage their unique purpose to drive engagement and success. He is also a leading expert on workplace culture, helping leaders cultivate environments where people feel valued and motivated. His research on meaningful work has received awards from the Association for Talent Development, the Academy of Management, and the Academy of Human Resource Development.    With a Ph.D. in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change, Zach’s work research and practical insights have been featured in major outlets like Forbes, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review. He works with hundreds of organizations worldwide to forge purposeful leaders who enable mattering, motivation, well-being, and performance.    Zach’s next book is The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025), which reveals how experiencing mattering to others is a fundamental, yet often overlooked, requirement for thriving. Zach’s mission is to help people and organizations realize their potential by unlocking the power of purpose and meaning in their work.   Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com   Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast   Links: Website LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Facebook Forthcoming book: The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance (Harvard Business Review Press 2025) Most recent book: The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose (Advantage, 2017) “How to Create Mattering at Work,” Medium, November 2022. Timestamps: [00:03:06] Importance of mattering to others. [00:11:44] Mattering and self-actualization. [00:15:01] Community and individual well-being. [00:21:25] The power of mattering. [00:22:29] An anti-mattering epidemic. [00:26:30] Resilience in toxic environments. [00:35:01] Feeling irreplaceable in the workplace. [00:38:03] Value of recognizing individuals. [00:44:34] Moments of mattering in work. [00:49:17] Mitigating burnout through social support. [00:56:05] Reskilling to combat loneliness. [00:59:05] Helping others flourish through connection.