Be Happy Deep Dive Discussion with Will Perez
from JOYrific Hosted by Jamie Braithwaite
Deep Dive Podcast Notes: Introduction to Will Perez: His background in American Religious History, Institute Director role, and family life. Defining Happiness: Moving beyond the idea of happiness as a fleeting feeling and into the concept of eudaimonia (human flourishing). Cultural Baggage of Happiness: The pressure to perform happiness vs. truly pursuing it. Happiness & Church History: Thomas Jefferson’s "pursuit of happiness" and its philosophical roots. Parenting & Happiness: The challenge of allowing children to experience all emotions without forcing them into a happiness script. The Story of Oliver Granger: Why sacrifice is more sacred than success. Happiness & Holiness: Viewing happiness as a state of becoming rather than a state of feeling. Jesus Christ & Happiness: How Christ exemplified happiness in ways that were deeply connected to sacrifice and holiness. Final Takeaways: Encouraging listeners to pursue happiness through service, faith, and personal growth.
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What this episode covers
Happiness—what does it really mean? Is it a fleeting feeling, a destination, or a lifelong pursuit? In this thought-provoking episode of JOYrific, Jamie Braithwaite sits down with Will Perez, a PhD candidate in American Religious History and Director of the LDS Institute at FSU, to redefine happiness as something far deeper than mere emotion. Together, they explore the historical and spiritual roots of happiness, from Thomas Jefferson’s “pursuit of happiness” to the Greek concept of eudaimonia—human flourishing. Through research, personal stories, and faith-based insights, they discuss how happiness is intricately tied to holiness, virtue, and personal growth. Listen in as they challenge cultural scripts of happiness, embrace the messiness of raising teenagers, and discover how the pursuit of happiness is ultimately a pursuit of Christ. Why happiness is often misunderstood The surprising connection between happiness and holiness Lessons from Church history: Joseph Smith’s search for happiness Parenting, emotional surveillance, and allowing children to flourish The story of Oliver Granger: Why sacrifice matters more than success Join us as we shift the focus from feeling happy to being happy—a journey of becoming and embracing the sacred process of life.
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