Happiness Hacks Podcast

August 27, 2026 You Can’t Fake Happiness Explore CreativityMove the Body YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Listen to the Audio Version Show Notes Can you fake being happy? You can smile. You can perform. You can tell everyone, “I’m fine.” But when the noise fades and you’re alone with yourself, you know the truth. In Episode 3 of the Happiness Hacks Podcast, Jim and Janrace sit down with Malaysian jazz and R&B singer, performer, yoga teacher, and wellness advocate Atilia Haron for a deeply personal and joy-filled conversation about what it really means to be happy. From growing up surrounded by music, with a singer mother and a wildly creative grandmother, to building a life that includes singing, performing, teaching yoga, connecting with others, and embracing every creative impulse she can, Atilia has learned that happiness isn’t something you can put on like a costume. Together, they explore creativity, yoga, family, connection, menopause, following your many passions, and the sometimes uncomfortable question at the heart of it all: Are you truly happy, or are you just really good at pretending? If you love Atilia, music, yoga, creativity, wellness, or simply want to become a little more honest about what happiness looks like in your own life, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Because at the end of the day—you can’t fake happiness. In This Episode Why you cannot fake true happiness What really makes Atilia Haron happy Growing up in a family surrounded by music and creativity The influence of Atilia’s mother and grandmother on her life and career Finding your own voice while following in the footsteps of talented family members Why Atilia refuses to limit herself to just one passion The journey from singer and performer to yoga and wellness teacher What yoga really means beyond the physical poses Creativity, music, movement, and the connection between them How Atilia brings her personality and creativity into her yoga classes Why connection with other people is such an important part of happiness Can yoga and religion coexist? What menopause taught Atilia about happiness and taking care of herself Why men need yoga too How to find happiness when life gets difficult The difference between performing happiness and actually feeling it Why, at the end of the day, you always know whether your happiness is real Resources & Links The Happiness Collection on Amazon The Baseline of Happiness Quiz Atilia Haron Instagram Prahara Studios Instagram Featured Guest Atilia Haron Guest Raja Putri Atilia Raja Haron is a Malaysian singer, songwriter, actress and performer whose career has spanned music, television and live performance. Known for her distinctive voice, warmth and expressive stage presence, she has performed on major international stages and remains an active recording and performing artist. Alongside music, Atilia has built a second calling as a yoga teacher and wellness advocate. She began practicing yoga in her 30s after struggling with breathing during performances, eventually discovering how deeply the practice could transform not only her physical strength and breath, but also her mental balance and sense of self. She went on to become a certified yoga teacher and founded yoga communities and studios in Malaysia. Today, Atilia brings the worlds of music, movement, breath and mindfulness together. For her, yoga isn’t just exercise; it is a practice of awareness, balance and connection; principles that continue to shape both the way she performs and the way she lives. Your Hosts Jim Wills Co-host Janrace Prudent Co-host Become the Happiest Person You Know Every episode is a step closer to a happier, more intentional life. Subscribe and we’ll send you new episodes, happiness hacks, and insights straight to your inbox. Subscribe No spam, ever. 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July 10, 2026 The Happiness You Don’t Have to Chase – Rev. Amitha Khema Quiet the Mind YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Listen to the Audio Version Show Notes What if the happiness we’ve been searching for isn’t something we find, but something we stop chasing? In this conversation, Amitha Khema shares the Buddhist perspective on happiness, mindfulness, and the causes of suffering. We discuss why external achievements can never provide lasting fulfillment, how meditation and mindfulness help us respond rather than react, and what it means to develop a deeper sense of peace regardless of life’s ups and downs. If you’re looking for practical ways to live with more awareness, this conversation offers timeless insights that anyone can apply. In This Episode The difference between external pleasure and inner happiness Why chasing happiness often leaves us feeling empty How mindfulness helps us respond instead of react The Four Noble Truths and what they mean in everyday life Why attachment is at the root of suffering Growing up Buddhist in Sri Lanka and attending a Catholic school The value of questioning your own beliefs Meditation as a practical skill, not an escape Finding contentment regardless of circumstances What it really means to live with awareness Resources & Links The Happiness Collection on Amazon Take the Happiness Baseline Quiz Buddhist Meditation Center Featured Guest Venerable Amitha Khema Guest Amitha Khema is a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and Buddhist chaplain who is dedicated to making the timeless wisdom of Buddhism accessible to modern life. Drawing on the Theravāda tradition, he teaches practical mindfulness, compassion, and meditation to help people cultivate greater peace, resilience, and inner happiness. His work bridges ancient teachings with the challenges of everyday living, showing that lasting fulfillment comes not from changing our circumstances, but from transforming the mind. Your Host Jim Wills Host Become the Happiest Person You Know Every episode is a step closer to a happier, more intentional life. Subscribe and we’ll send you new episodes, happiness hacks, and insights straight to your inbox. Subscribe No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime. async function hhpSubmit(e) { e.preventDefault(); const email = document.getElementById('hhp-email').value; const msg = document.getElementById('hhp-msg'); const btn = e.target.querySelector('button[type="submit"]'); btn.disabled = true; btn.textContent = 'Subscribing...'; msg.style.display = 'none'; try { const res = await fetch('https://us7.api.mailchimp.com/3.0/lists/8cf046054e/members', { method: 'POST', headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': 'Basic ' + btoa('anystring:YOUR_MAILCHIMP_API_KEY') }, body: JSON.stringify({ email_address: email, status: 'subscribed', tags: ['HH Podcast Signup'] }) }); if (res.status === 200 || res.status === 201) { msg.textContent = "You're in! Check your inbox for a welcome from us."; msg.style.background = 'rgba(232,160,32,0.15)'; msg.style.color = '#F5C96A'; document.getElementById('hhp-email').value = ''; } else { const data = await res.json(); if (data.title === 'Member Exists') { msg.textContent = "You're already on the list — we'll keep the good stuff coming!"; msg.style.background = 'rgba(232,160,32,0.15)'; msg.style.color = '#F5C96A'; } else { msg.textContent = 'Something went wrong. Please try again.'; msg.style.background = 'rgba(255,80,80,0.15)'; msg.style.color = '#ff9090'; } } } catch(err) { msg.textContent = 'Something went wrong. Please try again.'; msg.style.background = 'rgba(255,80,80,0.15)'; msg.style.color = '#ff9090'; } msg.style.display = 'block'; btn.disabled = false; btn.textContent = 'Subscribe'; }

June 25, 2026 The Happiness Baseline: Why Happiness Doesn’t Last General Happiness YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Listen to the Audio Version Show Notes This first episode introduces the heart of Happiness Hacks. Janrace Prudent and Jim Wills come together to share the story behind the project and the idea that drives it forward: Happiness isn’t something we chase, it’s something we practice. Through small, intentional daily choices, we can shift our baseline experience of life. This opening conversation lays the foundation for the journey ahead, simple, honest, and rooted in lived experience. In This Episode The story behind the Happiness Hacks book and journal What the “Happiness Baseline” is and why it matters Why happiness isn’t a destination but rather a daily practice How small, intentional choices shift your baseline experience of life What listeners can expect from the Happiness Hacks Podcast going forward Resources & Links The Happiness Collection on Amazon Take the Happiness Baseline Quiz Your Hosts Jim Wills Host Janrace Prudent Co-Host Become the Happiest Person You Know Every episode is a step closer to a happier, more intentional life. Subscribe and we’ll send you new episodes, happiness hacks, and insights straight to your inbox. Subscribe No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime. async function hhpSubmit(e) { e.preventDefault(); const email = document.getElementById('hhp-email').value; const msg = document.getElementById('hhp-msg'); const btn = e.target.querySelector('button[type="submit"]'); btn.disabled = true; btn.textContent = 'Subscribing...'; msg.style.display = 'none'; try { const res = await fetch('https://us7.api.mailchimp.com/3.0/lists/8cf046054e/members', { method: 'POST', headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': 'Basic ' + btoa('anystring:YOUR_MAILCHIMP_API_KEY') }, body: JSON.stringify({ email_address: email, status: 'subscribed', tags: ['HH Podcast Signup'] }) }); if (res.status === 200 || res.status === 201) { msg.textContent = "You're in! Check your inbox for a welcome from us."; msg.style.background = 'rgba(232,160,32,0.15)'; msg.style.color = '#F5C96A'; document.getElementById('hhp-email').value = ''; } else { const data = await res.json(); if (data.title === 'Member Exists') { msg.textContent = "You're already on the list — we'll keep the good stuff coming!"; msg.style.background = 'rgba(232,160,32,0.15)'; msg.style.color = '#F5C96A'; } else { msg.textContent = 'Something went wrong. Please try again.'; msg.style.background = 'rgba(255,80,80,0.15)'; msg.style.color = '#ff9090'; } } } catch(err) { msg.textContent = 'Something went wrong. Please try again.'; msg.style.background = 'rgba(255,80,80,0.15)'; msg.style.color = '#ff9090'; } msg.style.display = 'block'; btn.disabled = false; btn.textContent = 'Subscribe'; }