One Happy Thing

Today we’re diving into a question that sounds, and feels, important: what does it mean to live with purpose? And how do we go about doing that? As we discovered in this conversation, all three of us  have slightly different ways of thinking about the idea, but really we’re all talking about the same thing in the end: finding something in your life that calls to you, brings you joy, and benefits others along the way. There’s a lot more to be said on the subject, but we hope that our thoughts will get your own brain firing and we’d love to hear your ideas, insights, and stories. Drop us a comment or send us an email at onehappythingpodcast@gmail.com.

If you've ever had the experience of not being able to seesomething that was right there in front of your eyes, you'll relate to this lively and wide ranging conversation. From invisible Wordle letters to missing recipes and elusive plot points, we're brainstorming ways to look at problems with different eyes. Download and listen now, because you never know what fabulous opportunity or long lost object has been right in front of you all along.

Sleep. We all know it's good for us, but most of us have unhelpful sleep habits or hangups—or even, like Maddie Dawson—outright sleep avoidance.What to do? And how important is sleep anyway?Join us for a lively discussion about what works for us and what doesn't, and why we're all on a quest for more refreshing and rejuvenating sleep.The app Maddie mentions where you can listen to Matthew McConaughey read you a boring bedtime story is the Calm app. We'd love to hear about YOUR sleep stories! Drop us a comment or email us at onehappythingpodcast@gmail.com

We've all been there—on the edge of going after a big dream, but scared to take the leap. In this inspiring conversation (hey, we inspired ourselves!) we talk about some of the things, beliefs, and well-meaning people that can get in the way of us pursuing our dreams. We also talk about why dreams matter and the joy of doing what we feel called to do.If you want to check out the book we referenced that talks all about zones of comfort, excellence, and genius, it's called The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks. Check it out here on Bookshop.org.Whether you're thinking about pursuing a big dream, or you've already taken the leap, we'd love to hear about it. Drop us an email at onehappythingpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, singer, songwriter, and radio host LindsayLawler joins us with a story about numbers and synchronicity that made us all gasp (literally!) in awe and wonder. Kerry confesses to a little hang up about the number 7, Jennifer shares about her own special number that keeps on showing up everywhere, and Maddie discovers that she already has number synchronicities in her life.Whether you have a special number of your own or are wondering what the heck we're talking about now, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Download or stream now. And remember, we'd love to hear your thoughts and stories! Email us at onehappythingpodcast@gamil.com or hashtag us#onehappythingpodcast on socials.Watch Lindsay's Highway Angel video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/XtD16Y2OP8I?si=yb_qp74tGNsM08dNListen to her single "I'm Okay" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/44m1Hj4yYLIL7MEZqTj7tgCheck out The Badass books by Jen Sincero on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Sincero/author/B001H6RV9O?Find Lindsay on Instagram: @weshouldwrite or@itslindsaylawleryallAbout Lindsay: Lindsay Lawler is a singer, songwriter, radio host, and Nashville-based entrepreneur. She spent several years performing inLos Angeles along the Sunset Strip before making her way to Nashville where she was a featured performer at the famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Lawler spent many years as the national spokesperson of the Highway Angel program in thetrucking industry, and her song "Highway Angel'' has become an anthem for truck drivers everywhere. She founded the Highway Angel Truckstop Tour and performed free concerts for truckers at truck stops across the country. Lindsayhas performed multiple years at our nation's capital in DC for the lighting of the Christmas tree, and at Arlington Cemetery for the laying of the wreaths. Her multiple albums are available at TA/Petro truck stops across the country as well as streaming everywhere. In addition, she has released the single “I’m Okay” featured in People Magazine and the duet “Crazy Girls” with 80’s icon Tiffany.  Lindsay and her husband Seamus, who works in the TV/film industry, live in Franklin, TN with their 6 year old daughter Freya who they adopted from the Marshall Islands.

In this episode, we're diving into the idea that we can shape our own reality by choosing our thoughts and our focus. Curating social media, limiting exposure to the news, and consciously starting the day with things that bring us joy are a few of the suggestions we discuss. We also talk about deliberately choosing joy even when the world is suffering, including a discussion about the contagious nature of emotions. Here's the link to the TedX talk we reference on research that demonstrates the infectious power of a genuine smile. We'd love to hear from you—even if you're an eye roller on this topic! And if you have reality creation practices of your own, we really want to hear about those too. Drop a review, or email us at onehappthingpodcast@gmail.com.

Maddie Dawson has got a humdinger of a story to share with ustoday, all about a necklace that brings good luck to her writing life.  Does her lucky writing pendant really have magicalpowers? Can our brains create miraculous transformations? Or is it all in the way we're looking at things? Listen in for a lively discussion about the amazing power of mindset to bring joy and good things into our lives. And don't forget to share your stories with us! Email us at onehappythingpodcast@gmail.com or tag us on socials with #onehappythingpodcast.

In today's laughter-filled episode, we're talking about the small things (or big ones in the case of Bruno!) that bring magic and happiness into our everyday lives. Listen in as we exchange stories about the little happinesses that light us up—and then drop us a comment and let us know what small things are making you happy right now. Happy things are even happier when shared with somebody else!

In this episode we're diving deep into the woo woo magic zone. Maddie shares a fun story about her father, a logical man who was full on skeptical about anything even close to what he called "kooky behavior" — but then managed to pull off an absolutely improbable feat of manifestation. We talk about the magic of love, making lists of what we really want—and carrying those desires lightly. Listen now - and be sure to let us know if you've ever manifested anything wonderful! We want to hear about it.

💖Who is your favorite book boyfriend, book girlfriend – or book bestie? Do you have one true love or do you love them ALL? From old flames and childhood literary friends to falling in love with the latest thing (um, person?) – we’re talking our favorite characters in this episode. Chime in—we’d love to hear yours! Drop a comment or tag uson socials as #onehappythingpodcast or drop an email to onehappythingpodcast@gmail.com.

Sometimes, it is your circus... and those wild, rampaging monkeys? Yep, they’re yours too.We’re talking about what happens when your emotions go haywire—grief, rage, anxiety, overwhelm—and all the "positive thinking" in the world just isn't cutting it. Kerry shares how our brains and bodies get hijacked in fight-or-flight mode, why it's not your fault, and what to do when you can't think your way into feeling better.✨ You'll learn: •    Why trying to control your thoughts sometimes backfires•    How calming your body can unlock emotional peace•    Simple tools to regulate your nervous system (no toxic positivity required!)•    What a hot bath, a deep breath, and a gentle stroll all have in common•    The magic of breathing, walking meditations, and honoring your emotions + more. If you’ve ever felt like a tornado of feelings has taken over your brain, this episode is your permission slip to stop fighting the storm—and start grounding yourself in something that actually works.Links to the resources we mentioned:The Tapping SolutionDr. Sue Morter's Body Awake Yoga

What if you could reconnect with old friends—and see the past in a whole new light—just by sharing one memory at a time? In this heartwarming episode, Maddie, Kerry, and Jennifer explore how shared memories can bring unexpectedhealing, laughter, and even re-energize long lost friendships.Maddie tells the touching story of reconnecting with her childhood best friend—not by catching up on the present, but by exchanging one memory at a time from their shared history. What began as a simple email experiment turned into a rediscovery of happiness long forgotten. Her story sparks a richconversation between the hosts about how our memories can be colored by time, loss, and pain—and how sharing them with others can bring surprising perspective and warmth. You’ll leave this episode feeling inspired to shine a new light on your own memories—and maybe even reconnect with someone who once helped you feel like your best self.

Welcome back to One Happy Thing! In today’s episode, we’re getting real about something that sneaks up on all of us—those pesky blame, complain, and shame loops. You know the ones.Kerry Schafer gets vulnerable with a powerful personal epiphany: she realized she was resistant to taking full responsibility for her own happiness... because she was too busy being responsible for everything (and everyone) else. Ever been there? Yeah, us too.This episode dives into:The sneaky ways we hand over our joy by blaming othersor ourselvesKerry’s tongue-in-cheek family motto: “I don’t knowwhat happened, but it sure wasn’t my fault”How automatic negative thoughts (ANTs!) can hijack yourmindset – and your joySimple, practical ways to shift toward more empowering,positive thinkingPlus, we play a round of the Blame, Complain, and Shame Game—because sometimes laughter is the best way through our most humbling moments.🎯 Takeaway: Your happiness? It’s yours. And reclaiming it starts with one small thought shift at a time.We'd love to hear about one way you catch yourself giving away responsibility for your happiness -- and what you do (or plan to do) to take back your power.

In today’s empowering episode, we’re talking about switching up the story you’re telling about your own life—becauseyou are the main character, and it’s time to tell a bigger, bolder,brighter tale.💌 We’d love to hear from you! What’s one way you can revise your life story this week?Drop us a line at onehappythingpodcast@gmail.comor share your thoughts on social media using #OneHappyThingPodcast.Until next time: Keep writing. Keep dreaming. And never forget—you’re the author of something truly wonderful.

🎉 We have our very first guest on the One Happy Thing Podcast, and we couldn’t be more excited! Today, we’re joined by Jeannette Maw, the Good Vibe Coach, podcast host of LOA Recon, and a true expert in finding joy—no matter the circumstance.Jeannette shares a heartwarming story about volunteering at an animal adoption fair—where she found unexpected happiness while scooping litter boxes.🐾✨This episode is all about how joy can show up in the most unexpected places and why giving back isn’t just about service—it’s about connection, fulfillment, and a whole lot of love.💡 Key Takeaways:🔹How even the “unglamorous” tasks can bring deep joy🔹The life changing power of showing up for a cause you care about🔹Why kindness—big or small—always makes a difference🎧Tune in now and let’s celebrate the magic of giving back! And don’t forget to check out Jeannette’s podcast, LOA Recon, for even more good vibes. You can find out more about Jeannette at www.goodvibeuniversity.com and if you want that free core values ebook we talked about, you’ll find it at www.identifycorevalues.com👉Tell us—what’s one way you love to give back? Share your story with us in the comments or tag us using #OneHappyThingPodcast! 💛

Sometimes, life hands us challenges that feel overwhelming—those moments when we think, This will never get better or Why does this always happen to me? But what if we could shift our perspective and see thingsdifferently? In this uplifting episode of One Happy Thing, Maddie, Jennifer, and Kerry explore the magic of reframing—how small mindset shifts can transform how we experience life’s ups and downs. Kerry shares a personal storythat highlights how one small perspective shift changed her mood and outlook.Listen in as we discuss:🌟 How reframing isn’t about toxic positivity🌟 Practical ways to break free from negative thought loops🌟 Asking your brain questions that set it on a mission to find good things - instead of the other kind!💛 Your challenge: The next time you’re stuck in a negative thought, pause and ask—Is there another way to see this? What’s one happy thing in this moment?🎧 Tune in now! And don’t forget to share your own reframing stories with us using #onehappythingpodcast. We’d love to hear how shifting your perspective has changed your outlook! 💫

What if boredom isn’t something to avoid and escape—but something to embrace? In this episode of One Happy Thing, Jennifer, Kerry, and Maddie dive into the surprising joy of boredom.Tune in to discover:✨ Why boredom isn’t the enemy—it’s actually a hidden gift✨ How letting your mind wander can spark creativity and insight✨ Simple ways to embrace moments of stillness without rushing to fill the silenceSo, when was the last time you let yourself be bored? Instead of reaching for your phone or turning on the TV or even picking up a book—what if you paused and leaned into the quiet?🎧 Listen now and join the conversation! Share your thoughts using #OneHappyThing and tell us how you’ve embraced boredom in your life. 💛

Perfection—it’s the impossible illusion so many of us chase. But what if the real joy is in the imperfections? In this uplifting episode ofOne Happy Thing, Kerry, Maddie, and Jennifer dive into the myths of perfection and the freedom that comes with letting go of the pressure to have it all together.If you’ve ever felt like you’re justnot good enough or thought,“I’ll be happy when I finally have it all together,” this episode is for you. Because the truth is—life is messy, and that’s where the magic happens.Tune in to hear stories, laughter, and encouragement to embrace the perfectly imperfect moments in your own life. And remember, your ‘ducks’ don’t have to be in a row—they can be wild, quirky, and uniquely yours.🎧Listen now and join the conversation! Share your thoughts using #OneHappyThing and tell us how you’re embracing your own imperfection. 💛

This episode includes a special heart-opening meditation led by Kerry—a gentle, practical way to invite light, love, and connection into your life—especially during times when you feel heavy, anxious, or overwhelmed. Jennifer, Maddie and Kerry reflect on their own personal experiences and the healing power of breathing and leaning into love. Listen in to discover how this simple practice can help you find peace and resilience, even during life’s busiest or heaviest moments.

Maddie, Kerry, and Jennifer dive into a challenge every creative person knows all too well—feeling stuck. Whether you’re struggling with writing, art, or any creative project, that frustrating sense of being blocked can make you want to give up. But what if being stuck isn’t the problem we think it is? Maddie shares a refreshing perspective on why creative blocks might actually be a good thing and reveals her personal go-to strategy for moving forward when inspiration feels out of reach. Kerry and Jennifer open up about their own experiences with creative frustration and how shifting their mindset has led to unexpected breakthroughs. Join us as we explore how embracing the pause can unlock new ideas and how getting stuck might be the first step toward something amazing.