DaysToHappy

In this episode, we visit with Brittany Bennion—a board member of The Sharing Place—whose life was forever changed by a traumatic loss in her early adulthood. After her close friend was kidnapped in a nationally covered case, Brittany was thrust into years of uncertainty, grief, and emotional turmoil without the support systems many need to heal. Her story reveals the often unseen weight of unresolved loss and the long road to processing it. What makes Brittany’s journey so powerful is not just the pain she endured, but how she transformed it into purpose. Through her work supporting grieving children, she now helps create the very space she once needed—one rooted in community, honesty, and shared experience. This conversation explores the realities of grief, the role of anger and time in healing, and why being truly seen by others can be the most powerful step toward recovery.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

College is often portrayed as the best time of life—but for many students it can also be one of the most isolating and stressful seasons they experience. Rising levels of student loneliness, anxiety, and mental health challenges have pushed universities to rethink how they support student wellbeing.In this episode, we sit down with Heather Siaki, a Master’s student in Public Health and the SWELL Course Administrator at Brigham Young University, to explore how the BYU SWELL program is transforming the college experience for nearly 6,000 students each semester.Heather shares how wellness-focused classes—ranging from sports and fitness to meditation and skill-based activities—help students build community, resilience, confidence, and meaningful friendships while navigating the pressures of university life.We also discuss: • The growing loneliness epidemic among college students • How physical activity and social connection improve mental health • Why belonging is one of the most powerful tools for student wellbeing • The role universities can play in supporting holistic wellness—physically, emotionally, socially, and spirituallyIf you’re a student, parent, educator, or university leader, this conversation offers a powerful look at how intentional wellness programs can help students not just survive college—but truly thrive.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this episode Maurice sits down with Shelby Hansen, a speech pathologist, mother of four, kidney transplant survivor, and life coach whose journey redefines resilience. Diagnosed with stage four kidney failure at 31, Shelby faced life-threatening complications, a high-risk pregnancy, and a “sleepy” transplanted kidney that wouldn’t function. Through faith, nervous system awareness, radical mindset shifts, and learning to receive support, she transformed survival into healing. This conversation explores the mind-body-spirit connection and what it truly means to move from fear to safety, isolation to connection, and victimhood to empowered resilience.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this episode, we sit down with Sanjay Gogate, a retired U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, to explore the powerful role of human connection in resilience, mental health, and life transitions. Drawing from more than two decades in high-stress military environments, Sanjay shares what happens when structure, identity, and routine suddenly shift—and how faith, family, friendships, and staying present help rebuild purpose. Whether you’re navigating retirement, career change, or a personal transition, this conversation offers practical perspective and meaningful reminders about what keeps us grounded when life changes.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this episode we visit with DaysToHappy’s friend John Dornik, who shares his transition from chronic physical pain to mental clarity. Raised in a culture where mental health was rarely discussed , John faced years of debilitating nerve pain and a "fight-or-flight" cycle triggered by physical injuries and internet self-diagnosis.John shares his journey and his shift from Western medicine—which left him frustrated by conflicting diagnoses —to Eastern philosophies discovered during a solo trek through Asia. He eventually embraced the concept of psychosomatic illness, realizing his brain was misinterpreting internal signals as constant threats. Today, John leverages AI tools as a "positive coach" and practices silent meditation to regulate his nervous system and help others navigate their own healing journeys.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

Join us as we speak with Kennedy Littledike, who shares her incredible journey of resilience after being thrown from a car and left hanging from a power line in 2021. Kennedy recounts the horrific details of the crash, resulting in the amputation of her leg and paralysis of her arm. She reflects on the higher power that saved her from bleeding out and how this life-altering trauma paradoxically pulled her out of a pre-existing dark mental space, depression, and an eating disorder. Kennedy discusses how she harnessed her innate stubbornness to embrace life, find humor, start a successful social media career, and even find love—marrying an individual who loves her for exactly who she is. Her powerful message is about choosing your hard and finding purpose through struggle.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this episode of The DaysToHappy Podcast, Coach and attorney Kraig Smikel opens up about the experiences that shaped him — from surviving childhood trauma and loss to finding healing through vulnerability, therapy, and purpose.Kraig shares how his journey through pain built the foundation for his success as a rugby coach and leader, emphasizing that true strength comes from self-awareness and compassion.This powerful conversation reminds us that growth isn’t about perfection — it’s about courage, healing, and the choice to keep showing up for yourself and others.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Steph Roveti, a former Team USA Rugby Sevens player and bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics. From her days as a Division I basketball standout to making the leap into rugby and competing on the world’s biggest stage, Steph shares a remarkable story of resilience, identity, and transition.We explore the mental health challenges of elite sports, the importance of building an identity beyond athletics, and the lessons learned through failure, injury, and ultimately triumph. Now a clinical leadership educator with Strata Intel, Steph offers powerful insights on resilience, workplace wellbeing, and how the same principles that helped her succeed on the field can transform teams and organizations off it.Whether you’re an athlete, coach, leader, or simply navigating life’s transitions, this episode will inspire you to embrace your “why,” build resilience, and celebrate the power of community.#DaysToHappy #Podcast #StephRoveti #Olympics #Rugby7s #MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #AthleteJourney #IdentityBeyondSports #Leadership #StrataIntel #WellbeingAtWorkDisclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Holgreen, Executive Director of Bridle Up Hope. What began as a small neighborhood riding program in honor of Rachel Covey has grown into an international nonprofit dedicated to building hope, confidence, and resilience in girls and women through horses and the timeless principles of the 7 Habits. Nicole shares her personal journey of heartbreak and healing, the power of community, and how even the smallest steps can lead to life-changing transformation. This episode will leave you believing in the beauty of resilience and the gravity of hope.#DaysToHappyPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience #HopeAndHealing #BridleUpHope #WomenEmpowerment #EquineTherapy #7Habits #SelfGrowth #CommunityMattersDisclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this episode of we welcome Jeff Perry—partner at Hire Aligned, consultant, facilitator, and author of The Intentional Engineer—to explore how mental wellness in the workplace is deeply tied to purpose, culture, and alignment.From addressing burnout and “quiet quitting” to tackling workplace trauma and disengagement, Jeff shares strategies leaders and employees can use to create environments where people thrive. Together, they uncover how intentionality, root cause analysis for people problems, and the four pillars of happiness—faith, family, friends, and meaningful work—can unlock greater fulfillment and resilience.If you’ve ever felt misaligned in your role or wondered how to support mental wellness in your team, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways to help you and your workplace flourish.#WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthAtWork #DaysToHappy #EmployeeEngagement #BurnoutPrevention #QuietQuitting #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerFulfillment #WorkplaceHappiness #CoachingForGrowthDisclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this episode of DaysToHappy, we sit down with Heather Nemelka—founder of Elavare, board member, community leader, and true trailblazer. Heather opens up about her journey from divorce and rejection in the job market to rediscovering her worth, earning her MBA, and helping women return to the workforce with confidence.From battling discouragement and finding hope through faith, to raising five kids as a single mom, Heather’s story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and purpose. She shares her “secret sauce” for rebuilding self-confidence, how small daily actions can change your life, and the power of asking others to reflect back the qualities they see in you.Whether you’re navigating career setbacks, family challenges, or your own inner critic, Heather’s message is clear: sometimes we need to borrow confidence until we can build it for ourselves.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

Welcome to another episode of Days of Happy! Today we’re diving into the powerful connection between laughter, resilience, and mental health with Karen Manthey, founder of Motivational Leadership, as well as a speaker, trainer, and improv expert who blends humor, heart, and expertise to spark positive change in communication, connection, and leadership. In this episode, we explore why laughter is legit and how it can transform stress into connection, turn challenges into shared experiences, and help us find light even in life’s darkest moments.#DaysOfHappy#LaughterIsLegit#HumorHeals#ComedyAndConnection#ImprovMindset#YesAndLife#ResilienceThroughLaughter#LaughThroughTheHardTimes#ConnectionIsTheCure#MentalHealthAndHumor#FindTheFunny#StressReliefThroughLaughter#SharedExperiences#MotivationalLeadership#KarenManeyDisclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

We’re joined by Jordan Friesen—Founder of Mindset Mental Health Strategy and a leader in workplace mental health. Jordan shares his personal journey with depression, how it shaped his career, and what he’s learned from helping organizations across Canada build healthier work cultures. We dig into why most companies get mental health wrong, what’s really stressing employees out, and simple steps leaders can take to create a work environment that supports everyone. If you care about building a more human, healthy workplace—you’ll want to hear this one.#MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #Leadership #EmployeeExperience #JordanFriesen #DaysToHappy #OrganizationalCulture #HRLeadershipDisclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this episode of Days to Happy, I sit down with longtime friend and mentor Al Landry—a West Point graduate, retired Army Colonel, and lifelong leader. Al shares how he’s faced cancer (twice), a near-fatal car accident, and personal challenges not with despair, but with unwavering optimism, humor, and purpose.Through powerful storytelling, Al reveals how choosing your attitude—the one thing you can control 100% of the time—can transform suffering into strength and struggle into service. This conversation is packed with wisdom, raw honesty, and the kind of warmth that stays with you long after the episode ends.Topics include:Navigating cancer with humor and graceMental resilience in the face of the unknownThe power of mentorship and meaningful human connectionWhy kindness is the best medicineWhat it really means to show up for othersWhether you’re in the middle of a storm or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder that you matter, your presence matters.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Julie Triepke of BPA Health, a leading Employee Assistance Program provider. Julie unpacks the true power of EAPs — from tackling everyday stressors to providing crisis response when it matters most. We explore why these programs are so underutilized, how stigma still blocks access to mental health services, and what organizations can do to normalize help-seeking behavior in the workplace. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply a human dealing with life, this episode is your roadmap to understanding — and using — the benefits already available to you.#EmployeeAssistanceProgram#MentalHealthAtWork#WorkplaceWellness#MentalWellness#MentalHealthSupport#EAPAwareness#EmployeeBenefits#HRSupport#WorkplaceMentalHealthDisclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

This episode of DaysToHappy dives deep with the incredible September Frogley, founder of Connection is the Cure. After losing her brother to suicide, September turned personal tragedy into a powerful mission to fight isolation, promote mental wellness, and teach others how to reach in when loved ones can’t reach out. You’ll hear real talk about grief, connection, suicide prevention, and how asking a simple, direct question can literally save a life. September's energy is magnetic, her honesty is refreshing, and her message is life-changing.Whether you’re struggling, supporting someone who is, or just want to be more aware—this episode is for you.Let’s talk about the power of connection.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

What if falling down was the key to mental resilience? Cole Parkinson, Executive Director of Carry On, joins us to share how skateboarding is transforming youth mental health. From toddlers to adults, discover how embracing failure, building community, and learning to fall is helping people rise stronger—in and out of the skatepark.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In this heartfelt and energizing conversation, Tanisha Crowder of TriNet joins the podcast to explore what mental health really looks like in today’s workplace. From navigating stress, social media comparison, and burnout to the power of being seen and heard at work, Tanisha shares personal stories, leadership lessons, and practical insights. Whether you’re a manager, a parent, or simply trying to stay afloat, this episode will leave you inspired to create space for wellness — for yourself and those around you.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.

In Episode 1 of The DaysToHappy Podcast, founder Corey Davis shares the story of how a flower, a text, and a mission to help a billion people be happy sparked a global movement for well-being.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.