The Happiness Hour with Ashu Khanna Season 1

In this thoughtful episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna is joined by Ross Swan leadership coach, author, and mentor for a quiet, honest conversation on happiness and how it shows up in everyday life. Drawing from decades of experience, Ross shares why happiness is not something to chase but something to consciously return to, especially during uncertainty and challenge. From leadership stories to personal habits that build optimism, this episode explores how happiness becomes a way of being when we learn to listen to the voice of our heart, and make choices with awareness.

What if happiness is not something we chase, but something we remember? In this deeply moving episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna is joined by psychotherapist, grief coach, and lifelong student of the human spirit, Dr. Katie Eastman. With over four decades of experience and mentorship under the legendary Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Dr. Katie Eastman brings a rare blend of warmth, wisdom, and lived truth to the conversation. Together, they explore how loss is not the opposite of happiness, but often its doorway. From grief as a hidden teacher, to joy as a conscious choice, this episode gently reminds us that happiness lives beneath the noise, waiting to be reclaimed through compassion, presence, and meaning. A soulful conversation for anyone navigating change,healing old wounds, or seeking joy that lasts beyond circumstances.

Amy Elizabeth Fox is one of the founders and Chief Executive Officer of Mobius Executive Leadership, a global transformational leadership firm. In this magical conversation, Amy shares her profound journey of healing and leadership, blending trauma-informed wisdom with deep love and service. She affirms how inner peace transforms not just individuals, but entire organisations. Together, we reflect on the courage to be vulnerable, the power of emotional connection, and the beauty of opening our hearts to true happiness.

In this thoughtful episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna speaks with Janet Harvey,  a master certified coach, author, and CEO of InviteCHANGE, on how awareness shapes the way one lives and leads. Janet shares how conscious choice, self-responsibility, and authenticity form the foundation of lasting happiness. The episode explores how a simple pause and mindful reflection open the door to greater joy, purpose, and growth. Her work inspires individuals to gain transformation as a lifelong practice rooted in conscious living and meaningful change. A gentle reminder that happiness grows from awareness and a life lived in alignment.

In this powerful episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna talks with transformational coach Stephen McGhee a transformational coach, an entrepreneur, author and film-maker, about the art of leading through stillness. Together, they explore how conscious living, presence, and surrender can transform not just how we lead, but how we live. A deep, honest reflection on leadership, happiness, nature and the quiet strength that shapes lasting change.

In this episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna speaks with Zia Mody, the Founder and Managing Partner at AZB & Partners, a well-respected Indian corporate lawyer, about being honest, succeeding, and having fun. Zia discusses how she was able to maintain her integrity, be present, and maintain her equilibrium while working in the highly stressful field of corporate law, and why she believes that being authentic, spending time with family, and keeping things simple are more important than accomplishments or labels.

In this deeply touching episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna explores how to discover happiness through love, gratitude and purpose with Niren Chaudhary, Former Chairman/CEO Panera Brands, shares how the loss of his daughters altered his perspective on success, leadership and life. Niren shares how personal loss reshaped his view of success and happiness, teaching him that true fulfilment lies in serving people, living with purpose, and creating impact beyond profit. His reflections on gratitude, resilience, and conscious living reveal that the greatest leadership begins with the heart. He values compassion, gratitude, and inner strength as the true markers of success. Being present and being authentic.

In this episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna talks to Elizabeth Hamilton Guarino, who is a writer, coach, and founder of the Best Ever You Network. Elizabeth opens up about how she went from working in finance to building a global platform focused on gratitude, authenticity and joy. She recommends you to pause and listen to your gut, and be brave enough to accept change. A profound yet fun conversation that reminds you that being true to yourself is the first step toward living joyfully.

In this episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna talks with Shaheen Mistri, the Founder and CEO of Teach For India, about courage, service, and happiness. Shaheen chose a path of purpose at the age of 18, dedicating her life to changing education for children from low-income backgrounds. She thinks about how hard it is to work in a place where hope is hard to find and why building communities is important for real change. Shaheen also talks about how love, not power, has guided her as a leader. Her journey reminds us that real happiness comes from helping others and leaving a legacy of kindness, not from getting ahead.

In this significant episode of "The Happiness Hour," Ashu Khanna speaks with Ajay Piramal, a prominent industry leader and philanthropist. He is the Chairman of the Piramal Group and is recognized for creating a worldwide business empire. In this conversation, Ashu talks to Ajay about his spiritual beliefs and his view on how business serves as a platform for providing services rather than merely generating profit. Ajay is deeply spiritual and promotes a philosophy of trusteeship, in which leaders act as stewards of resources responsible for serving employees, customers, and society. He additionally discusses how spiritual insights from the Bhagavad Gita and Radhanath Swami have assisted him in maintaining balance during life's difficulties.The central theme of the episode is that true happiness comes from generosity. It's a dialogue rich with practical insights for those looking to combine achievement with a feeling of purpose and honesty.You'll gain insights on:1. True happiness comes from giving and being grateful for what we have. 2. A business can and should be more than just a tool for profit.3. Leadership is a form of stewardship, not just ownership.4. Balancing Life with Wisdom.

Walid Malouf is a transformation coach, writer, and entrepreneur who helps first-time startup CEOs shift from survival mode to empowered leadership. We highly recommend tuning in to this episode of The Happiness Hour, where Ashu Khanna engages in a compelling conversation with Walid Malouf, who shares insights on transforming significant challenges into unexpected sources of joy. Walid's journey underscores the notion that joy is not about circumventing pain but rather about navigating through it to emerge more strong, more complete and more expansive. His reflections highlight the potential for finding a deeper sense of purpose amidst struggles. This conversation is authentic and insightful, encouraging listeners to reflect deeply on how to embrace pain and cultivate happiness personally.

This episode of The Happiness Hour features an inspiring conversation with Izabella Niewiadomska. With three decades of experience, Izabella has become an award-winning leader, coach, speaker, and bestselling author in the fields of wellness and mindset. Her path to becoming a wellness coach emerged from overcoming personal hardship and a strong drive to live with wholeness. At 23, a severe panic attack prompted Izabella to look at nutrition for the mind, body and soul. She shares how well-being is beyond diet and exercise, and our mindset, emotions, and self-love contribute to overall health. She discusses the science behind gratitude, the power of joy, the importance of being present, and the simple yet impactful question: "What's good about this?" Here's what you'll gain from this episode:• Strategies for turning fear and past trauma into personal strength.• Understanding the link between what you eat, your mindset, and your happiness.• Learning to acknowledge all emotions as valid and how to transform them.• A fresh perspective on happiness, defining it as a sense of wholeness and self-worth.• The significance of curiosity, joy, and feeling truly alive, no matter your age. Whether you're navigating tough times or simply looking to enhance your joy, this episode offers a comforting message: healing is achievable, and genuine happiness starts from within. Get ready to be uplifted by Izabella's infectious optimism and profound wisdom.

Join Ashu Khanna on a moving episode of "The Happiness Hour" as she talks with Amit Chandra, the Chairperson of Bain Capital’s India office and co-founder of the ATE Chandra Foundation. They explore the powerful connection between giving, personal values, and finding your true calling. Amit shares the spiritual beliefs that have guided him throughout his life, from the teachings of Guru Nanak to lessons learned from Chuck Feeney and Jamshedji Tata. This conversation moves beyond simply being successful to focus on deep satisfaction, living with intention, and making service a fundamental part of your being. Whether you're someone seeking more meaning or just interested in how to lead with purpose, both in business and public service, this episode will definitely inspire you to start your own path toward inner harmony. You'll gain insights on:1. Why giving brings a unique sense of fulfilment.2. The benefit of living a life of purpose.3. What genuine leadership truly involves.4. How fulfilling relationships add to our happiness.

In this soulful episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna sits down with Leon VanderPol — master transformational coach, founder of the Center for Transformational Coaching, and author of A Shift in Being — to explore the deeper layers of human consciousness, personal purpose, and inner transformation.Leon shares how true happiness isn't found in success alone but in becoming — the courageous path of shedding conditioned identities, embracing our shadows, and awakening to our highest self. The dynamics of collapse and emergence like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to butterfly, this conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your essence.If you've ever wondered:What lies beneath your daily busyness?Why success doesn’t always equal happiness?Or how to live from your soul, not your plan……this episode is your guide.Key Themes: Deep coaching, inner transformation, authentic leadership, sustainable joy, spiritual connection, and the heroic journey of becoming.Tune in to remember who you truly are — and why your happiness matters.

What does it truly mean to be happy?In this episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna sits down with renowned Columbia professor, leadership expert, and mystic seeker Hitendra Wadhwa, author of Inner Mastery, Outer Impact. Together, they explore the evolving nature of happiness - not as a fleeting emotion but as a soul-aligned state of being.From studying Maths at St. Stephen’s to founding Mentora Institute, Hitendra shares how his journey has shaped his view of conscious leadership, self-realization, and the five core energies that form the foundation of his leadership philosophy. They dive into:* Why material success can’t define happiness* The role of mysticism in modern leadership* How Eastern spiritual frameworks like Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga connect to personal mastery* What it means to live from your inner core* How selfless service leads to sustained joyThis episode is a reflection on the integration of science, spirit, and self-awareness—and how the pursuit of happiness begins with inner alignment, not external achievement.Perfect for leaders, seekers, and anyone navigating the path from success to significance.

In this soul-stirring episode of Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna is joined by her spiritual teacher and guide, Swami Swatmananda of Chinmaya Mission, to explore the profound yet misunderstood concept of surrender.What does it truly mean to surrender in today’s world? Is it a form of weakness or a gateway to inner strength?Swamiji shares timeless wisdom through vivid metaphors and real-life applications — from ego and insistence to independence and authenticity — explaining how surrender is not about giving up, but about giving in to something deeper.Together, they unpack:* Why ego blocks our true potential* How insistence + resistance = sorrow* The spiritual difference between escapism and surrender* What real independence means in a hyper-individualistic world* A powerful formula for happiness through acceptance and inner freedomThis episode is a powerful invitation to rediscover joy not by adding more — but by letting go.Tune in and take the first step toward a lighter, more liberated self.

In this heartwarming and reflective episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna is joined by Harish Mehta — a pioneer of India's tech ecosystem, founding member of NASSCOM, author of bestseller The Maverick Effect, and founder of Onward Technologies.Together, they explore the ever-evolving idea of happiness, touching on how it shifts with time, and perspective. Harish shares his belief in savoring life’s simple moments — from laughing with his grandchildren to drawing inspiration from nature. He emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, letting go of seriousness, and living in the present with joy and intention.Ashu and Harish also reflect on his personal journey — from a successful career in the U.S. to his return to India driven by a desire for simplicity, familial connection, and the entrepreneurial spirit. His story is a powerful reminder of how purpose and personal truth shape a meaningful life.Tune in for an episode that blends lightness, wisdom, and authenticity — an invitation to rediscover happiness in the everyday.#AshuKhanna #LiveInPresent #HappinessHour #Happiness

In this illuminating episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna is joined by the profoundly insightful Gauranga Das—leadership coach, spiritual teacher, and director at ISKCON's Govardhan Eco Village. Together, they explore a timeless yet urgent question: What is true happiness, and how can we sustain it in a chaotic world?Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic wisdom, Gauranga Das discusses two broad categories of happiness—temporary pleasures and enduring, spiritual bliss. He shares how his journey from IIT Bombay to monkhood was guided by a profound question that haunted him: Is death a solvable problem?From the essence of Krishna Consciousness to the role of rituals, and from the soul's journey beyond death to the layered dimensions of pleasure—this conversation will challenge what you think you know about happiness, purpose, and the soul’s pursuit of peace in Kaliyug.Whether you’re a seeker, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective into the deeper dimensions of life and leadership.#AshuKhanna #HappinessHour #Prayer #Leadership

In this deeply engaging episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna sits down with Ashwin Damera, Executive Director at Emeritus and a passionate entrepreneur driven by purpose. Together, they explore the meaning of happiness, the journey of finding purpose through impact, and how Ashwin’s pivot into entrepreneurship led him to revolutionize access to education for adult learners globally.Ashwin shares how his definition of happiness is rooted in positively touching the lives of others — whether it's through small everyday moments or the transformative impact of helping over 250,000 learners through Emeritus. From turning down a McKinsey offer to launching Travel Guru, and ultimately co-founding a billion-dollar ed-tech platform, Ashwin reflects on the conscious choices that shaped his path.Listeners will be inspired by his perspective on values based entrepreneurship, the real motivations behind building a company, and why solving meaningful problems is the key to long-term fulfillment. Whether you’re a founder, lifelong learner, or someone simply reflecting on what happiness means to you — this episode offers thoughtful insights and heartfelt inspiration.#AshuKhanna #HappinessHour #Purpose #Profit

In this enlightening episode of Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna sits down with Swami Swatmananda, a revered spiritual teacher from Chinmaya Mission, to explore the essence of happiness through Vedantic wisdom. Swamiji shares his transformative journey from commerce and software engineering to dedicating his life to spirituality. They discuss the myths surrounding spiritual practice, the right time to embark on a spiritual journey, and how Vedanta provides a logical and profound understanding of the self. Swamiji emphasizes how true happiness is not found in external achievements but in recognizing our supreme nature. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on overcoming stress, the impact of early spiritual teachings, and how renouncing ego and desires—not the world—leads to lasting peace.#AshuKhanna #Spirituality