Claim OwnershipLive Happy Now
Subscribed: 5,972Played: 98,154
Subscribe
© Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
Description
Bringing you scientifically proven tips and ideas to live a happier and more meaningful life through interviews with authors, positive psychology experts and well-being thought leaders.
The editors of Live Happy magazine bring you best-selling authors and happiness gurus that share their knowledge on topics such as wellness, gratitude, well-being and mindfulness. Interviews are conducted with people like Shawn Achor, Michelle Gielan, Dr. Christine Carter, Margaret Greenberg, Dr. Drew Ramsey, Gretchen Rubin, Barbara Fredrickson, Tal Ben-Shahar, Deepak Chopra, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Stacy Kaiser, Darin McMahon, Michelle McQuaid, Fred Luskin, Shani Robins, Kristin Neff, Dr. Rick Hanson, and many more.
The editors of Live Happy magazine bring you best-selling authors and happiness gurus that share their knowledge on topics such as wellness, gratitude, well-being and mindfulness. Interviews are conducted with people like Shawn Achor, Michelle Gielan, Dr. Christine Carter, Margaret Greenberg, Dr. Drew Ramsey, Gretchen Rubin, Barbara Fredrickson, Tal Ben-Shahar, Deepak Chopra, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Stacy Kaiser, Darin McMahon, Michelle McQuaid, Fred Luskin, Shani Robins, Kristin Neff, Dr. Rick Hanson, and many more.
614 Episodes
Reverse
As we look toward the new year, it’s the perfect time to look at how to make lasting change. In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Madi Murphy — author of In the Cosmic Zone and host of the CosmicRX Podcast — to explore how astrology, neuroscience, spirituality, and practical tools can help us ignite our purpose as we step into a new year. Madi shares her personal journey of transformation, the lessons she’s learned from leaving her comfort zone, and how we can all activate our purpose rather than simply search for it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why leaving your comfort zone is essential for growth — and how to recognize when it’s time.
How to activate your purpose through alignment, rather than waiting to “discover” it.
Practical tools and mindset practices to overcome blocks and live in flow more often.
This is the season for giving back, which makes it the perfect time to talk to a Holiday Happy Activist! In this episode, host Paula Felps talks with Lindsay Morehead-Oates, a Dallas-based graphic designer who has turned her passion for giving into meaningful action. Lindsay shares how her early experiences with volunteering shaped her values, why she continues to dedicate time to both people and animals, and how she recently fulfilled a long-time dream by cooking and delivering Thanksgiving meals to those in need.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How childhood traditions like the Angel Tree inspired Lindsay’s lifelong commitment to giving.
Why volunteering at a wildlife refuge and serving her community bring her joy and perspective.
How she and her best friend turned a simple idea into a Thanksgiving feast for 50 people, proving that generosity can be both affordable and transformative
The holidays are a time for togetherness — so why do so many people feel lonely during this time of year? This week, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Jody Carrington to talk about why loneliness feels worse during the holiday season, the role modern technology plays in increasing loneliness, and how we can navigate holiday loneliness and rediscover joy through authentic connection. You’ll also learn about the Live Happy Holiday Loneliness Toolkit, filled with resources to support anyone who is navigating feelings of isolation during the holiday season.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why loneliness is not just a mental health issue but a human epidemic shaped by modern life.
How emotional regulation practices — like simple body cues — can help restore connection and reduce stress.
Practical ways to build depth in relationships, embrace chosen family, and find community during the holidays.
As the holidays approach and everyone gets busier than ever, feelings of goodwill can give way to stress and anxiety. This week, host Paula Felps sits down with licensed mental health counselor Travis McNulty, clinical director and founder of McNulty Counseling and Wellness, to explore how we can reduce holiday stress and emotional overwhelm. Travis explains why the season often triggers old family roles and patterns, how expectations can set us up for disappointment, and what practical tools we can use to stay grounded. From breathing techniques to boundary-setting, he shares strategies to help us move through the holidays with more calm, intention, and joy.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why holiday environments can trigger old emotional roles and stress responses.
Simple tools like exercise and diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system.
How setting boundaries and redefining expectations can make the holidays more enjoyable.
As the holidays approach, it’s time to plan family gatherings — and that can often mean stress and conflict. In this episode, host Paula Felps welcomes mother-daughter duo Leslie and Lindsey Glass, authors of the Mother Daughter Relationship Makeover Workbook to explore the emotional complexities of family dynamics during the holidays. Drawing from their personal journey and professional work in recovery and relational healing, they unpack why the season often amplifies unresolved tensions — and how to navigate them with compassion, boundaries, and grace.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to set loving boundaries before holiday gatherings to reduce conflict and anxiety.
Why childhood memories can distort present-day interactions — and how to reframe them.
Tips for navigating grief, crisis, or estrangement during the holiday season.
Unhappiness at work is a growing problem, but reconnecting with purpose can change everything. Join host Paula Felps as she sits down with WorkHappy founder Greg Kettner to explore why so many people feel unfulfilled at work and what steps they can take to discover their passion and use purpose to fuel resilience — even on the hardest of days.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why lack of communication — not workload — is often the biggest source of workplace unhappiness.
How living with purpose makes it easier to navigate setbacks and stay motivated, even in uncertain times.
Simple, daily practices to cultivate more happiness and meaning — without needing to quit your job.
November is National Gratitude Month, and that makes it a great time to talk about what new research says about gratitude. Host Paula Felps welcomes social media manager Michelle Palmer Jones for a heartfelt conversation about the power of gratitude in everyday life: From personal stories of resilience to emerging research on how gratitude supports mental and physical health, this episode explores how intentional practices can transform our well-being. Paula and Michelle also highlight new studies on gratitude’s impact across generations, including college students and older adults, and invite listeners to share their own gratitude stories for a chance to win Live Happy merch.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How gratitude improves mental health in young adults through tech-based interventions.
The link between gratitude and increased longevity in older adults.
How to practice “gratitude in disguise” during difficult times and emotional challenges.
We’ve heard a lot about the dangers of loneliness, but how is loneliness different from solitude? In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Robert Coplan to discuss his new book, The Joy of Solitude. Rob shares insights from decades of research on how intentional alone time can foster emotional clarity, creativity, and well-being — and how it differs profoundly from loneliness. From childhood development to adult relationships, he reveals why solitude is a vital part of a balanced life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The surprising benefits of spending just 15 minutes alone each day.
Myths about loneliness and solitude, including why living alone doesn’t mean being lonely.
The science of “aloneliness” — the longing for solitude — and how it impacts mental health.
We’re getting ready to turn back our clocks this weekend, and for some people, the shorter days can spark mental health challenges. In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Hannah Nearney, a clinical psychiatrist and medical director at Flow Neuroscience, about the mental health challenges that arise during seasonal changes — particularly the onset of winter. Dr. Hannah explains how shorter days and reduced sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter balance, then discusses the importance of proactive strategies like light therapy and changes in lifestyle to better manage symptoms.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How seasonal changes affect brain chemistry and mood regulation.
The difference between winter blues and clinical seasonal depression.
Practical tools and practices to protect your mental health as the days get shorter.
Halloween might be all about ghosts, costumes, and candy—but science says it’s also a powerful happiness booster. In this episode of Live Happy Now, host Paula Felps and social media manager Michelle Palmer Jones explore the surprising research behind why the spooky season lifts our spirits. From the nostalgia of childhood traditions to the thrill of a safe scare, Halloween taps into the emotions that help us feel more playful, connected, and calm — just when we need it most.
In this episode you’ll learn:
How nostalgia and play during Halloween boost joy and reduce stress.
Why even a small piece of candy can trigger big feelings of happiness.
How safe scares — like haunted houses — can actually make us less anxious afterward.
If you’re dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety, you’re not alone! But this week, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Seth J. Gillihan to explore his latest book, Your Daily Reset: 366 Practical Exercises to Reduce Anxiety and Manage Stress Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Designed as a daily companion, the book offers bite-sized, actionable practices rooted in CBT and mindfulness to help you gently reset your emotions and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and compassion. Find out how embracing anxiety, practicing self-compassion, and tuning into the present moment can transform your mental health — one small step at a time.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why “just this” might be the most powerful phrase for calming overwhelm.
How to restart your mental health habits without guilt or judgment.
A simple framework for embracing anxiety instead of fighting it.
One of the most universal struggles today is a feeling of disconnection, so this week host Paula Felps talks with Anna Runkle — better known as the “Crappy Childhood Fairy” — about her new book Connectability: Heal the Hidden Ways You Isolate, Find Your People and Feel (At Last) Like You Belong. Anna shares how her own journey from childhood trauma to building genuine, sustaining friendships shaped the practices she now teaches to thousands. With humor and heartfelt insight, she explains why connection is essential yet elusive — and how we can all start creating it for ourselves.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why disconnection is often a hidden symptom of early trauma and how it affects our ability to build relationships.
Practical, non-therapy tools from Connectability to regulate your nervous system and begin forming authentic bonds.
How letting go of unhealthy relationships and practicing new social skills can help you “find your people” at any age or stage of life.
What if everything you believe about mental health is wrong? In this episode, host Paula Felps chats with psychotherapist and author Joe Nucci about his myth-busting new book, Psychobabble: Viral Mental Health Myths & the Truths to Set You Free. Joe dives into the wild world of mental health misinformation — especially the kind that spreads like wildfire on social media. From self-diagnosis pitfalls to the overuse of therapy-speak, he offers a refreshing reality check and empowers listeners to better understand their emotional lives.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why not every tough emotion equals a mental illness — and why that distinction matters.
How social media can distort mental health conversations (and what to watch out for).
The difference between emotional intelligence and just “sounding like a therapist.”
What if practicing happiness was as simple as learning your ABC’s? This week, host Paula Felps talks with work psychologist and certified Chief Happiness Officer Klaudia Mitura, author of The Alphabet of Happiness. After a series of life challenges during the pandemic, Klaudia embarked on a hands-on happiness experiment, testing evidence-based practices and transforming them into accessible, everyday tools. That led to a podcast and her new book, which helps us cultivate happiness through small, intentional habits. From cold showers to gut health, Klaudia offers a fresh, practical take on what it means to thrive.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to create your own happiness experiments using science-backed micro-habits.
Why cold showers can boost dopamine and improve mood for hours.
How gut health directly influences emotional well-being and resilience.
We talk a lot about how trauma affects our mental health, but have you thought about what it does to your body? In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Aimie Apigian, author of The Biology of Trauma, to explore how trauma is stored not just in our minds but in our bodies — and how that impacts our physical health, relationships, and overall well-being. Drawing from her experience as a physician and foster parent, Dr. Aimie shares how traditional talk therapy often misses the mark, and why understanding trauma as a biological process opens the door to more effective healing.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How trauma differs from stress — and why trauma, not stress, is what makes us sick.
Why stored trauma shows up in physical symptoms, emotional patterns, and relationship dynamics.
How somatic self-practices can help shift your nervous system and begin healing —even when energy is low.
Labor Day is behind us, so that means we’re putting the lid on summer and getting ready to roll into fall. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take our lighthearted summer vibe with us. This week, on the heels of our Summer of Fun campaign with Mike Rucker, PhD, we’re telling you how to start planning now to use what we’ve learned from this campaign to make it a fun-filled fall.
What you’ll learn:
Why it’s so important to commit to fun during the fall and winter.
Tips for incorporating more fun into life’s busy seasons.
How scheduling fun adds joy to more areas of our life.
In this episode, host Paula Felps talks with psychotherapist and author John Tsilimparis about his transformative approach to grief. John shares insights from his new book, Magic in the Tragic: Rewriting the Script on Grief and Discovering Happiness in our Darkest Days, offering a that blends emotional healing with beauty, purpose, and resilience. Drawing from personal loss and clinical experience, John introduces powerful concepts like “constructive aching” and “painful joy,” encouraging listeners to move toward their grief rather than away from it. He also shows how grief can become a gateway to growth, meaning, and even happiness.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to use “inspiration exposure” to activate healing and emotional resilience.
Why pairing grief with beauty can transform your experience of loss.
Practical tools to reframe painful memories and foster personal growth.
This week, meet Happy Activist Gabri Blankson, who is using film to illuminate teen mental health. Her award-winning short film MIME, created through the Black Girls Film Camp, explores the emotional impact of pandemic isolation through a fantasy lens, using mimes as metaphors for internal struggles. Drawing from personal experience and inspired by Inside Out, Gabri crafted a visually expressive story that resonates deeply with young audiences. She also developed a downloadable viewers guide to help audiences interpret emotional cues and access mental health resources — proving that storytelling can be both healing and transformative.
What you'll learn:
How Gabri used metaphor and fantasy to express complex emotional experiences.
What led her to focus on the challenges of mental health and isolation during the pandemic.
How she developed her viewers’ guide — and how it enhances emotional awareness and encourages open dialogue.
If you’re looking to lose the stress in your life, this week’s guest has a spoiler alert: The only people without stress are dead. But the good news is, you can learn to turn that stress into a powerful ally for change and growth. This week, host Paula Felps talks with stress physiologist Dr. Rebecca Heiss, whose new book, Springboard: Transform Stress to Work For You, explains how to make the most of it. She offers tips on how to harness stress and look at it in a whole new way to help you change your relationship with it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why self-help practices often fall short in managing stress and what to do instead.
How transforming your physiology allows stress to serve you rather than causing you to spiral into fear.
What the FEAR(less) Stress Formula is and how it can help you manage stress effectively.
Many people today feel unfocused or overwhelmed, and that’s not just a challenge for our heads; it could be harming our hearts. Join us as host Paula Felps talks with cardiologist and health psychologist Dr. Alan Rozanski, who offers a groundbreaking look at how our mindset influences our heart and overall well-being. He explains how chronic stress, emotional negativity, and mental clutter can physically impact your heart function and increase disease risk. Then, he shares how to shift your thinking and cultivate energy, optimism, and a sense of purpose to thrive in today’s distracted world.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How mental clutter and chronic stress trigger harmful physical effects like inflammation and heart dysfunction.
Why focusing with intention and nurturing emotional vitality are key to sustained well-being.
How the Six Domains of Health can guide you toward a more balanced, purpose-driven, and heart-friendly lifestyle.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
really influential
.
Great, honest conversation on honesty! Got a lot of affirmation as to how the things that were done by me were actually productive in regards honesty. thank you!
who is talking? I'm from Dublin . Love your vibe
Wow what an amazing guest..she is all meat n content. no fluff at all..quality guest.. she left me wanting want more...
I don't know if she meant it this way, but the hosts comments at the end about millennials seemed pretty snide. It's strange because this podcast is usually pretty positive. I'm not a millennial, but joking about how millennials don't like to work is a pretty tired stereotype, that actually gets used historically against each youth generation (not that many millennials are youth anymore), people of color, women, and other disenfranchised groups. The millennials I know are actually really hard workers, passionate and dedicated, but their work style can be different from previous generations. Because it's different, previous generations look down on them and think they aren't as good. I would really encourage this podcast, which is usually so positive, to examine their unconscious beliefs and biases, so they can continue to be a force for good in the world. I would like to add that the rest of the podcast is great, and important! The brain science of resiliency and happiness is fascinati