A Cuppa Happy

Today, I'm speaking to my dad, Richard Stoker. Sweetheart? Yes. Savage? Definitely! While I was growing up, he was the yin to my mum's yang and a huge influence in shaping how I think about happiness. Dad has always had strong views on how we should live, make decisions, and think about problems. It's different to most people, but it's got him a long way... And he's a pretty happy guy. We speak about some of the lodgers we had when I was young. How his mindset helped him grow his little market stall to a business employing 40+ people, and why helping others matters. We also get into the weeds about the messy contract negotiations he helped me out with when I was young (sorry about that dad!) *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donna Ashworth’s poems have empowered and comforted thousands during the pandemic. As a Sunday Times Bestselling author, Donna uses her inspiring writing to shed light on complex issues and topics such as womanhood, body image, ageing, grief, self-love, parenting and marriage.  In this profound conversation with Joss, the two discuss Donna’s career, the importance of making friends with women with self-love, how the unconscious messages we give to our children affects them, and how peace is the key to happiness. We even have the exclusive pleasure of listening to Joss singing one of Donna’s heartwarming poems. Donna’s three new Books “Love”, “Love” and “Loss” are out on the 4th of October, so make sure you pre-order here.  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uri Geller has a lifetime of expertise in psychokinesis and telepathy. Famous for his mind blowing performances of spoon bending, Uri has had a very long spanning and rich career as a world-renowned illusionist and magician. In this entertaining conversation with Joss, Uri shares stories about riding a train with Micheal Jackson to Exeter, how he was subject to experiments by the MI5 and the CIA, or how he’s seen the ghost of a dog outside his house. He also gives us a spoon bending demo and all listeners are invited to join in at home. Uri’s latest book Learn to Dowse is available to buy online and make sure you check out his website to read more about his projects and performances: https://www.urigeller.com *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor, writer, illusionist and public speaker Richard Wiseman, is one of the key figures in Britain promoting experimental psychology. From publishing successful books on luck, deception, self-development, illusion and sleep, to finding creative ways for audiences to interact with the discipline, such as no-performer shows and immersive theatre experiences, Richard’s work is both innovative and fascinating. In this casual chat with Joss, the two discuss how to tackle nerves before public performances, being open to change, why we should do the opposite of what we initially aim to do, and being grateful for the “now”. Richard’s latest book Psychology: Why It Matters is out now. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Relationship therapist and television host Laura Berman has spent a lifetime giving advice and writing on relationships, sex and love. During the pandemic, a personal tragedy made Laura and her family cope with what seemed like an impossible time to live through. On her second appearance on A Cuppa Happy, Laura shares her reflections on grief, healing and how to vent emotions and begin moving from grief to grace. Laura’s latest book Quantum Live is a thrilling read on healing, love and health. Make sure you tune into Laura’s own fascinating podcast: The Language of Love *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the space of just six years, comedian and vlogger Arron Crascall went from being a family man working as a bookmaker in Dover, to an internet comedy phenomenon creating a plethora of funny videos, sketches and clips of pranks in public spaces. In this entertaining conversation with Joss, Arron tells us about his incredible career journey, being a parent in a haunted house, how to lose inhibition as a comedian, his passion for art and how to not quit a job. Make sure you follow Arron’s hilarious Instagram account and stay posted for the upcoming launch of Arron’s new digital marketing agency Next Chapter, offering guidance and advice to aspiring online comedians and influencers. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Multi-award winning author and podcaster Gretchen Rubin has spent her career delving into the weird and wonderful world of human nature, habits and happiness. During this conversation, the two discuss Gretchen’s famous ‘Four Tendencies’ framework, and try to understand how we can find our own individual methods to become happier, healthier and more productive. As when we know ourselves and what works for us, we can change our habits and our lives. All of Gretchen’s works are available on her website, and her podcast is ‘Happier (with Gretchen Rubin)’. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian, actress and co-host of the highly acclaimed podcast “Guys We F****d”, Krystyna Hutchinsen uses her quick-witted and clever humour to make poignant comedy about feminism, slut-shaming, abuse and other important cultural topics. During this relaxed and casual conversation, the two discuss the importance of supporting friends in abusive relationships, cancel culture in comedy, open relationships, and how to end relationships well. If you enjoy this chat, make sure you check out new dates for Krystyna’s amazing comedy shows as well as tuning into her own hilarious podcasts: Voices In My Head podcast Guys That We F****d podcast  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pioneering neuroscientist, psychologist and teacher Ethan Kross has spent many years researching how to understand and control our conscious mind. In this enlightening conversation with Joss, Ethan shares how techniques such as speaking to yourself in the third person or mental time travel can help us cope with the anxiety caused by our inner voices.  The two of them also discuss the importance of updating school curriculums so children can learn how to recognise and deal with emotions.  Ethan’s book Chatter is out now. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a qualified hypnobirthing practitioner, Siobhan Miller is on a mission to ensure women go into labour with a positive mindset and confidence in their choices. Through her Positive Birth Company, she teaches women and their partners that a positive birth does not have to be a perfect birth, and aims to dispel the myths around childbirth that lead so many to associate it with fear and pain.  In this episode, she recalls how she was first driven to found her company after having what she describes as a terrifying experience with her first child in 2014. Joss and Siobhan go on to exchange stories about their childbirth experiences, with Siobhan explaining how hypnobirthing enabled her to have much more positive experiences with her second and third children.  C Sections and epidurals are also covered, with Siobhan passionately denouncing the inaccurate portrayals of childbirth she continues to see across popular culture, most specifically on the recent BBC series ‘This Is Going To Hurt’. And we end the episode on some exciting news…  Find out more about Siobhan’s work and hypnobirthing at www.thepositivebirthcompany.co.uk  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Harvard Study of Adult Development is one of the longest running studies of adult life the world has ever seen. In this episode, the study’s director, Professor Robert Waldinger, explains to Joss how it has enabled researchers to track the lives of 724 men - including one former President - since 1938. After sharing some of the study’s findings, Robert explains how he came to be a Zen priest, and just what this entails. Learn more about Robert’s Lifespan Research Foundation at lifespanresearch.org and find further information on his silent retreats and online meditation groups at newtonzen.org  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** See https://jossstone.com/ for my tour dates! A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew McConaughey is a household name, best known for his captivating portrayals on the silver screen, but here we find out that there is so much more to him than his award winning performances and smooth charm. A born storyteller, he reveals a deep love for poetry, writing and spirituality. Digging a little deeper he reflects on a passionate (albeit dysfunctional) love story within his family, whilst we ponder what it is inside us all that truly drives us to be the best person we can possibly be. Sometimes, we just need to slow things down and take a look around. Matthew’s book Green Lights is available on Amazon and all good bookshops. If you want to download the Audiobook version of Green Lights, Matthew narrates it himself, so as you can imagine, it’s an epic listen.  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** See https://jossstone.com/ for my tour dates! A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joss Stone is back with a new season of A Cuppa Happy, the podcast where she speaks to fascinating people about finding happiness. This season she'll speak to a professor running the longest study into happiness, movie stars, comedians, and a whole host of happiness experts as she tries to tie down this elusive emotion. Some of the guests this season include Matthew McConaughey, Krystyna Hutchinson and Gretchen Rubin and so many more.  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author of The Psychobiotic Revolution Scott C. Anderson, joins Joss to chat all things gut microbiome. In an episode jam packed with mind blowing insights, you’ll find how the gut brain axis could be affecting many aspects of your life - from who you choose as a romantic partner, to whether you choose to succumb to that junk food craving. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Edward is a television personality, author and psychic medium, who’s best know for his show Crossing Over. He chats with Joss about energy, the ‘clairs’ and opening up to the idea of the unknown.  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He’s worked in some of the most war torn places on earth, and yet amongst this chaos he’s met the most positive and good humoured people. As a war photographer Paul Conroy was used to experiencing the horrors of conflict a daily basis. In 2012 he entered Syria with journalist Marie Colvin, where they were targeted with artillery by the Assad regime, which sadly Marie did not survive. Paul documented his experience in his book Under the Wire, which was made into a documentary under the same name, as well as a Hollywood movie. Paul’s unique perspective has the power to help us all to be more appreciative of what we have.  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The renowned scientist Professor David Nutt sits down with Joss to talk about the chemicals in our brain, and the drugs that affect them. He’s not just talking about the legal ones either! A true maverick, he was fired as chief advisor on drugs for the Labour after arguing that drugs legislation is not based on science, and has been on a crusade to get society to have a rethink ever since. For more from the Prof, tune in to his podcast The Drug Science Podcast or pickup his new autobiography Nutt Uncut which is available in all good bookshops. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could there really be a formula for happiness? Find out in part 2 of Joss’ chat with author of Solve for Happy - Mo Gawdat. This far reaching discussion ask whether we can separate our thoughts from our identity, how we mix up success and happiness, and what we can learn from rom coms! Mo’s book is available here. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author of Solve for Happy, Mo Gawdat joins Joss for a chat about positivity even in the face of overwhelming tragedy. They discuss his formula for a happy life, divine mathematics, and taking control of our happiness. This episode is part 1 of a 2. Mo's book is available here. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jo Frost has dedicated her life to helping families to lead happier lives, and has been in our homes since the mid noughties with her hit show Supernanny. She talks to Joss about her recent new series, finding your inner child, and of course the famous naughty step.  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check out LinkedIn Jobs - Post a job for free on LinkedIn using the link: https://linkedin.com/cuppa *** A Fascinate Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices