EPISODE · Feb 5, 2026 · 21 MIN
The Six Pillars of Happiness: A New Way to Feel Better
from Life Stories Podcast · host Shara Goswick
In this episode of Life Stories, Shara sits down with Australian author, philosopher, and happiness researcher Adam Brownlie, whose book Happypedia challenges everything we think we know about happiness.Adam explains why happiness is not something we can simply choose, but something we must cause, much like how light causes our eyes to adjust. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, Adam introduces the six pillars of happiness—good food, sleep, exercise, social connection, novelty, and hope and shows how they drive the brain chemicals that create emotional wellbeing.He also shares powerful personal stories, including how a childhood medical misunderstanding deeply affected his emotional outlook and led him to seek deeper understanding of stress, fear, and forgiveness.At the heart of Adam’s work is a profound truth: forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools for happiness. When we understand that people, including ourselves, are shaped by experiences, biology, and circumstances, forgiveness becomes easier and emotional freedom becomes possible. This thoughtful and hope-filled conversation will leave you with a clearer understanding of why you feel the way you do and what you can do to gently move toward more peace, energy, and joy.To find out more about Adam and his work, visit https://adambrownlie.com.au/#happiness #happy #choices #life #peoplehelpingpeople #science #health #books #author #sharagoswick #lifestoriespodcast #lifestories #podcast #podcastingWant to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
What this episode covers
In this episode of Life Stories, Shara sits down with Australian author, philosopher, and happiness researcher Adam Brownlie, whose book Happypedia challenges everything we think we know about happiness.Adam explains why happiness is not something we can simply choose, but something we must cause, much like how light causes our eyes to adjust. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, Adam introduces the six pillars of happiness—good food, sleep, exercise, social connection, novelty, and hope and shows how they drive the brain chemicals that create emotional wellbeing.He also shares powerful personal stories, including how a childhood medical misunderstanding deeply affected his emotional outlook and led him to seek deeper understanding of stress, fear, and forgiveness.At the heart of Adam’s work is a profound truth: forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools for happiness. When we understand that people, including ourselves, are shaped by experiences, biology, and circumstances, forgiveness becomes easier and emotional freedom becomes possible. This thoughtful and hope-filled conversation will leave you with a clearer understanding of why you feel the way you do and what you can do to gently move toward more peace, energy, and joy.To find out more about Adam and his work, visit https://adambrownlie.com.au/#happiness #happy #choices #life #peoplehelpingpeople #science #health #books #author #sharagoswick #lifestoriespodcast #lifestories #podcast #podcastingWant to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
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The Six Pillars of Happiness: A New Way to Feel Better
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