PODCAST · education
How To Be Happy
by BU Happiness College and Ripple Podcasting
There's no goal more universally desired than living a happy life. But these days, happiness can seem pretty hard to reach.That's why this podcast exists. To serve as a compass in your pursuit of happiness.Built on over 10 years of studying the science of happiness and 7+ years of coaching people across 5 countries, join your host & Happiness Researcher - Declan Edwards as he brings you:- evidence-based strategies for mastering your mind and emotions. - inspiring interviews with individuals who have transformed their lives- and practical tips and techniques to help you do the same.
Episodes
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Turning Moments Into Movements: Vulnerability, Community, and Making a Difference with Luke "Cookie" Cook - Founder of Cuppa.
Happiness isn’t just about how we navigate life when everything is running smoothly. It’s about how we respond when things don't go to plan and we are faced with unexpected challenges. In this episode of How to Be Happy, I sit down with Luke "Cookie" Cook, the founder of Cuppa TV and the Cuppa...
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The Wellness Paradox: Why More Self Care Isn't Making You Feel Any Better - Interview with Amy Green
Have you ever ticked every single box of success—earned the degrees, smashed your goals, and meticulously followed every hot wellness trend—only to wake up feeling completely exhausted, disconnected, and hollow inside? We live in a society obsessed with peak performance, 5 AM morning clubs, and...
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How to Experience More Purpose in Your Life
Have you ever woken up on a Tuesday morning, looked at your stable life, and felt a bit of an ache open up in your chest? You are ticking every box society handed you, yet you still find yourself asking: “Is this it? ” We live in a world obsessed with keeping us occupied, but it rarely keeps us...
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The Hardiness Effect: Using Stress as a Catalyst for Growth with Dr Paul Taylor
When the going gets tough, the tough get going—or so the old saying goes. But in a modern world where chronic, low-grade stress has officially become our most commonly cited daily feeling , why aren't we all naturally coming back stronger? The truth is that standard self-help culture has…
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Compensation: Let's Talk Money & Workplace Happiness
I want to have a conversation about a topic that a lot of corporate self-help spaces conveniently choose to ignore: Money. Throughout this season of the podcast, we have been breaking down the 7 Cs of employee happiness; dissecting concepts like Culture, Connection, and Celebration. But let’s be...
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Embracing Life's Changing Paces: Slow Times & Go Times
Do you constantly criticise yourself for not being 100% productive every single day? In our hyper-accelerated world, we have built an impossible expectation that we should always be performing at maximum optimisation. But trying to maintain a peak level of output 24/7 isn't sustainable. It’s a...
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Business for Good - A Conversation with B1G1 Founders Paul Dunn and Masami Sato
What if simply showing up to work and doing your day-to-day job could give you a profound sense of meaning, contribution, and joy? In a world where so many people feel like their work completely lacks a core purpose, we often default to a dangerous corporate mindset: “One day, when we are large…
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Celebration & Recognition at Work
Are you running an organisation or managing a team that is constantly hitting milestones, only to immediately sprint toward the next KPI without a single moment of pause? In today’s high-pressure corporate world, we have institutionalised an endless treadmill of "more"—and it is driving our best...
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Why Your Environment Affects Your Mood
Have you ever walked through your front door after a long day, looked at the mess, and felt instantly overwhelmed? You are not alone. Our homes have become overcrowded warehouses for our stress . In this episode of How to Be Happy, happiness researcher Declan Edwards explains how your living…
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How Annelise McCarthy Became Her Happiest Self
Have you ever ticked every single box of success—earned the degrees, smashed your goals, and worked yourself to the bone—only to realise you’ve completely forgotten how to relax? It is incredibly easy to fall into a cycle of perfectionism, chronic people-pleasing, and hustle culture, running your...
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What 250 Million Data Points Reveal About Happiness at Work - Interview with Matt Phelan; co-founder of The Happiness Index
We spend a massive chunk of our waking hours at our jobs, yet millions of people drag themselves through the week feeling completely unseen, disconnected, and burnt out. As organizations, we pour millions of dollars into flashy HR software, task-tracking apps, and corporate wellness initiatives....
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Hygge: The Danish Secret to Wintering Well
How many times over the last few weeks have you looked out the window at a grey, freezing morning and felt your mood instantly take a nosedive? As human beings, we have a bad habit of becoming "weather hostages"—holding our happiness ransom until the sun graciously decides to return . We treat...
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Special Episode: Inside How to Be Happy (Ami Rankin Interviews Declan Edwards About His New Book)
If you opened up Google right now and typed in “how to be happy,” you would be hit with over eight billion different results. That is roughly one opinion for every single person alive on the planet today. In a world flooded with that much noise, it is completely normal to feel confused,...
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Movement is Life: How Rod & Jeni Cooper Blend Psychological & Personal Growth with Physical Fitness
Have you ever found yourself trapped in the frustrating "yo-yo" cycle of starting a strict new fitness routine, burning out after six weeks, and completely stagnating? We often look at physical health as a clinical chore; a prescribed block of time where we force ourselves to "exercise" to fix a...
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Beyond the Paycheck: Why Top Talent Needs to Feel Valuable, Not Just Valued
This episode of How to Be Happy: At Work explores the fourth of the 7 Cs of Workplace Happiness: Contribution. Declan Edwards dives into why "top talent" needs more than just a fair paycheck and recognition; they need to know that their work actually matters to another human being. Declan breaks...
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Seasonal Self-Care: Why Your Routine Needs to Change with the Weather
This episode of How to Be Happy addresses a common frustration many of us face as the temperature drops and the days get shorter: the "winter slump." If you’ve been judging yourself for losing consistency with your morning walks or feeling a dip in your motivation, Declan Edwards is here to tell...
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The $10 Trillion Wake-Up Call: Lessons from the 2026 Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report
In this second part of our deep dive into the state of the world's wellbeing, Declan Edwards and Ami Rankin shift their focus from the global happiness rankings to the frontline of our daily lives: the workplace. We spend a massive portion of our existence at work, yet the latest data from the...
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Paul Watkins: The Link Between Happiness and Hard Things
We live in an era obsessively designed for comfort, convenience, and hacking our way out of effort. But what if our non-stop pursuit of ease is actually rotting our resilience and long term happiness? In this episode of How to Be Happy, Declan Edwards sits down with Paul Watkins; a man described…
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How Andy Danesi Re-Prioritised His Life for Happiness
"We check all the standard boxes of success—the director title, the high corporate salary, the beautiful home—but what happens when you reach the top of that ladder and realise you’re still going to bed stressed and unfulfilled?" In this episode of The Ripple Effect, host Declan Edwards sits down...
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Beyond Gratitude: The Secret Trio of Sustainable Fulfilment
"Happiness isn't a solo emotion. It’s a mix. It’s a blend. It’s a cocktail." In this episode of How to Be Happy, Declan Edwards challenges the myth that we are only supposed to feel one thing at a time. He introduces the concept of emotional complexity; the science-backed ability to hold and...
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The Connection Crisis: Lessons from the 2026 World Happiness Report
For decades, Australia has been known as the "lucky country," but the latest data suggests that the luck might be running out when it comes to our collective wellbeing. In this month's episode of The Ripple Effect, Declan Edwards and Ami Rankin dive deep into the newly released 2026 World…
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Ending Body Burnout with Filipa Bellette
This episode explores the critical link between mental health and physical health in the form of Body Burnout. While burnout is often treated as a mental issue, Declan Edwards and functional medicine expert Filipa Bellette discuss why your body "keeps the score" of chronic stress, perfectionism,...
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The Antidote to Micromanagement: Why Autonomy is a Business Requirement
"People don’t leave workplaces; they leave managers." In this episode, Declan Edwards tackles one of the biggest pain points in the modern office: micromanagement. We often hire capable, functional adults because we trust their skills, only to accidentally treat them like children the moment they...
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The Science of Motivation: What Actually Drives Us?
This episode of How to Be Happy tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in personal growth: Motivation. We’ve all felt that spark of excitement that disappears the moment things get difficult or boring. In this deep dive, Declan Edwards moves past the "just do it" clichés to explore the…
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The Ripple Effect - Lessons & Insights from the 2026 Happiness Immersion Retreat
"The price of happiness is effort, and the price of genuine connection is inconvenience." In this special monthly edition of The Ripple Effect, Declan Edwards and Ami Rankin are back from the BU Happiness College Immersion Retreat in the Blue Mountains. This episode serves as a "taste test" of…
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How James Tanner Became Happier
This episode of How to Be Happy is a deep dive into the "human" side of the science of happiness. I’m joined by my long-time friend and BU Happiness College graduate, James Tanner, to explore how his approach to fulfilment has shifted over a fifty-year journey; from chasing external "wins" to...
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Connection: Loneliness at Work is a Silent Crisis, Let's Talk About it
This episode of How to Be Happy: At Work tackles one of the most significant, yet overlooked, challenges in the modern office: the "silent crisis" of workplace loneliness. While we often think of loneliness as a personal issue, research shows it is a deeply embedded workplace experience that...
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The Happy Balance Between Structure and Freedom
"Structure gives our life a sense of rhythm, but freedom gives our life a sense of soul." We’ve all had those "free" days that look great on paper but end with us feeling drained, aimless, and stuck in a Netflix scroll. In this episode, I want to challenge the idea that structure and freedom are...
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The Ripple Effect: Emotional Regulation, Exhaustion, and a Big Announcement
What does it look like to practice the science of happiness when life feels heavy and uncertain? In this special "Ripple Effect" edition of How to Be Happy, Declan Edwards is joined by Ami Rankin, Head of Personal Happiness Coaching at BU Happiness College, for an honest look at the reality of...
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Osher Gunsberg on Mental Health, Identity, and the Search for Happiness
In this episode of How to Be Happy, host Declan Edwards sits down with the legendary Osher Günsberg for a conversation that moves past the media scripts to look at the daily practice of living well. While many know Osher from the screen, this chat focuses on the philosophies and "micro-actions"...
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Clarity: Why Confused Employees Can't Thrive - S2 E6
"Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind." In this episode of How to Be Happy, I’m diving deep into the first of the 7 Cs of Happy Employees: Clarity. Through my work at BU Happiness College, I’ve seen that the biggest barrier to a thriving team isn't usually a lack of talent; it’s a lack of clear...
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How to Build Habits Without Relying on Willpower - S2 E5
"Willpower is like a phone battery; it drains over the course of the day, and once it’s flat, it’s flat." If you’ve ever started a new habit with high hopes only to watch it fizzle out two weeks later, this episode is for you. In this second instalment of our goal-setting series on How to Be…
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The Ripple Effect: Answering Your Questions with BU Head of Personal Happiness Coaching - Ami Rankin
Important announcement: The ‘How To Be Happy’ book is coming and preorders are now open! PRE-ORDER THE BOOK: Get your copy of How to Be Happy here: https://amzn.to/3OieywQ What does it look like to practice happiness skills in the middle of life’s biggest transitions? Join me and Amy Rankin (Head...
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Expert Interview: How to Raise Happier Kids, Parenting Wisdom from Dr Justin Coulson - S2 E3
Parenting is one of life’s biggest adventures and its biggest challenges. In this conversation with Australia’s trusted parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson, we explore what it really takes to raise happy, resilient children while also looking after yourself as a parent and partner. Dr. Justin…
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The 7 Things That Create Happy Employees - HTBHAW - S2 E2
What actually makes people happy at work? And what keeps great people engaged, energised, and performing at their best? In this episode, Declan introduces the seven core ingredients of happy employees. This framework is grounded in wellbeing science, real workplace experience, and years of…
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How To Set Goals That Actually Make You Happier - HTBH - S2 E1
Not all goals are created equal. Some leave us stressed, stuck, or chasing someone else’s idea of success. In this episode, we explore how to set goals that genuinely boost your wellbeing. You’ll learn what the research says about goal setting and happiness, the common traps to avoid, and how to...
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How To Be Happy 2025 Wrapped
As the year comes to a close, Declan Edwards and Ami Rankin are sitting down together to reflect, reset and celebrate everything we’ve learned on the How To Be Happy journey. In this special end-of-year wrap-up, we look back at the biggest lessons, the most powerful moments, and the standout...
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How to Enhance Focus and Performance - HTBHAW #23
Are your people busy, but not productive? In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work, we explore why focus is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage in today’s workplaces. From the rise of “bullshit jobs” to the epidemic of false urgency, Declan unpacks how modern work culture is sabotaging...
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How to Stop Stressing So Much - HTBH #23
Feeling overwhelmed, tense, or stuck in constant overdrive? This episode is your reset button. In this science-backed deep dive, happiness researcher Declan Edwards unpacks the psychology of stress, explores why Australia and New Zealand rank among the top 3 most stressed populations globally…
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Communicate So Your Team Listens - Archive Interview with\ Chris Huett - HTBAW #22
Can better communication transform workplace culture? In this episode from the archives, I interview Chris Huet; a former fighter pilot, award-winning poet, and master of leadership communication. Chris combines military precision with poetic insight to help leaders cut through noise and truly...
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How to Stop Being Such a Control Freak - HTBH #22
Ever feel like you're constantly fighting against life? Trying to control people, outcomes, or the future and it's exhausting you? In this episode of How to Be Happy, we're diving into why trying to control everything is making you less happy; and how to finally let go without giving up. Learn...
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How to Foster Effective Collaboration in the Workplace - HTBHAW #21
Struggling with silos, miscommunication, and a lack of cross-team connection? You’re not alone, collaboration breakdown is one of the biggest barriers to productivity, performance, and wellbeing in today’s workplace. In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work, happiness researcher and workplace...
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How to Embrace Imposter Syndrome - HTBH #21
Feel like a fraud? You’re not alone. In this episode of How to Be Happy, we’re unpacking the truth about imposter syndrome, and why that uncomfortable voice in your head might actually be a sign that you're on the right track.🎙 Join Declan Edwards, happiness researcher and founder of BU…
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Avoid Being A Terrible Leader - Archive Interview with Hamza Khan - HTBAW #20
What causes burnout, and how do we fix it at a systemic level? In this powerful conversation from our Working Well podcast archive, I sat down with Hamza Khan: award-winning keynote speaker, best-selling author of Leadership Reinvented, and globally recognised expert on burnout prevention, toxic...
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How Laura Frahm Became Happier - HTBH #20
What happens when you decide to make your happiness a priority, even when life feels impossible? In this deeply inspiring conversation, Declan Edwards sits down with Laura Frahm, one of BU Happiness College’s very first scholarship graduates. After a tragic accident left her unable to work and...
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How to Provide L&D That Your Team Cares About - HTBHAW #19
Let’s face it; most workplace training feels like a chore. It’s too often a box to tick, not a meaningful experience. But what if training could actually boost engagement, performance, and retention? In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work, we explore what separates forgettable training from...
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How to Unlock Your Strengths - HTBH #19
What if the key to being happier wasn’t fixing what’s “wrong” with you but doubling down on what’s right with you? In this episode, we explore how discovering and using your character strengths can transform your happiness, performance, and relationships. You'll learn how to shift away from the...
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Create Happier Workplaces - Archive Interview with Dr Happy (Tim Sharpe) - HTBHAW #18
What really makes us happy at work, and why do so many people struggle to find it? In this special archived episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Sharp (aka Dr. Happy); one of Australia's leading voices in positive psychology, and a true pioneer of the science of happiness. Founder of The Happiness...
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How to Uncover Your Values - HTBH #18
Ever feel like you’re drifting through life without a clear direction? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore a popular but underutilised happiness skill; uncovering your values. Values aren’t just words you put on a wall. They’re your internal compass; shaping your decisions, your...
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How To Get Buy In From Your Team - HTBAW #17
It’s one thing to communicate your organisation’s goals it’s another to make your team care about them. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to gain genuine buy-in from your people. Not through cheesy gimmicks or corporate jargon, but by making meaning matter. Because let’s be honest,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
There's no goal more universally desired than living a happy life. But these days, happiness can seem pretty hard to reach.That's why this podcast exists. To serve as a compass in your pursuit of happiness.Built on over 10 years of studying the science of happiness and 7+ years of coaching people across 5 countries, join your host & Happiness Researcher - Declan Edwards as he brings you:- evidence-based strategies for mastering your mind and emotions. - inspiring interviews with individuals who have transformed their lives- and practical tips and techniques to help you do the same.
HOSTED BY
BU Happiness College and Ripple Podcasting
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does How To Be Happy have?
How To Be Happy currently has 57 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is How To Be Happy about?
There's no goal more universally desired than living a happy life. But these days, happiness can seem pretty hard to reach.That's why this podcast exists. To serve as a compass in your pursuit of happiness.Built on over 10 years of studying the science of happiness and 7+ years of coaching people...
How often does How To Be Happy release new episodes?
How To Be Happy has 57 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to How To Be Happy?
You can listen to How To Be Happy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts How To Be Happy?
How To Be Happy is created and hosted by BU Happiness College and Ripple Podcasting.
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