Live Happy Now

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you practice. And this week’s guest is here to walk us through how we all can build this skill. In this episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff shares the powerful message behind her bestselling book The Confidence Habit: 7 Core Practices to Transform Self-Doubt to Self-Belief and opens up about a TEDx moment that reshaped her understanding of self‑belief. She explains why women and Gen Z are struggling most with confidence today, and teaches practical tools to silence the inner critic and bounce back from setbacks. Her insights are warm, actionable, and perfect for anyone ready to build confidence as a daily habit. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why confidence fluctuates — and how to rebuild it daily. A simple three‑step tool to recover quickly from mistakes. How to create a “dream team” that strengthens your confidence.

What if feeling calmer, kinder, and more grounded didn’t require long meditation sessions or major lifestyle changes? This week, psychologist Eli Susman joins us to share the science behind micropractices — tiny, 30‑second well-being tools that can make a real difference. He shares research from his new book that shows how just 20 seconds of self‑compassionate touch can improve stress and emotional wellbeing. Eli also explains how movement, breath, touch, and everyday awareness can help you build habits that actually stick. If you’ve ever felt “time poor,” this episode is your new favorite shortcut to feeling better. In this episode, you'll learn: Why tiny practices work better than long sessions — and why consistency beats duration. How micropractices regulate your nervous system through movement, touch, breath, and everyday awareness. Simple ways to make well-being habits stick, using cues, rewards, and repetition to build practices you’ll actually keep.

Examining our beliefs can transform the way we see the world — and even change how we relate to the people we care about. This week, bestselling author Nir Eyal talks about his new book, Beyond Belief, and explains how our beliefs quietly shape our behavior, our happiness, and our ability to persist through life’s challenges. He explains how beliefs influence our motivation, our emotional responses, and the suffering we unintentionally create for ourselves. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by your own patterns, this episode offers a fresh, science‑backed way forward. In this episode, you'll learn: How examining our beliefs allows us to approach relationships with more clarity and compassion. How to identify limiting beliefs that increase suffering and sabotage motivation. A simple, evidence‑based technique for transforming painful beliefs into empowering ones.

Teen girls today are navigating a world that’s full of therapy‑speak, social media diagnoses, and labels that often replace real emotional language — and it’s leaving many parents unsure how to truly understand what their daughters are feeling. This week, Dr. Suzanne Garfinkle‑Crowell joins us to break down what’s really going on, why these patterns are showing up, and how simple “small acts of translation” can help families connect beneath all the jargon. In this episode, you'll learn: Why girls are increasingly using diagnostic labels instead of emotional language. How social media influences identity, belonging, and self‑diagnosis. A simple two‑step tool parents can use to translate therapy‑speak into real connection.

What if sensitivity was actually your greatest strength? In this episode, psychiatrist and author Dr. Sasha Hamdani explains the often‑misunderstood world of sensitivity — what it is, why it shows up the way it does, and how it can become one of our greatest strengths. Listen as she breaks down the science behind deep feeling and offers a fresh perspective on why sensitive people often thrive once they understand their wiring. In this episode, you’ll learn: How sensitivity enhances perception, intuition, and emotional attunement. Why sensitive individuals often excel at empathy, discernment, and nuanced communication. Practical ways to harness sensitivity as a source of resilience, clarity, and personal power.

Back‑to‑school season isn’t just a transition for kids; it’s a major emotional and logistical shift for parents and other caregivers, too. In this episode, therapist Robin Hamilton talks about the invisible mental load caregivers carry, why this time of year feels so overwhelming, and how to create calmer, more intentional routines for yourself and your family. Whether you’re juggling schedules, managing stress, or navigating school‑related challenges, this conversation offers grounded, compassionate guidance to help you breathe easier and feel more supported. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why back‑to‑school transitions feel so stressful — and how to make them smoother. Guilt-free ways to regulate your emotions and communicate your needs. What to do when your child is anxious, overwhelmed, or reluctant to return to school.

Back‑to‑school season looks fun in commercials, but for many kids and teens it brings anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional strain. In this episode, Dr. Bonnie Mitchell, clinical director of the Mental Health Treatment and Stabilization Center of Sacramento, explains why the transition is so challenging and what families can do to help children feel grounded and supported. From clinginess and sleep disruptions in younger kids to academic pressure and social fears in teens, she breaks down the signs parents should watch for and offers practical ways to make the shift into a new school year calmer and more connected. In this episode, you’ll learn: How back‑to‑school anxiety shows up differently across age groups. Conversation starters to help children feel seen, supported, and understood. Simple grounding habits that make the transition smoother for the whole family.

This week, Live Happy Now visits the mountains — not to climb them, but to learn from them. Alpinist and award-winning author Michael Schauch joins us to explore how nature, intuition, and the practice of “non‑self” can help us navigate a world that feels increasingly fast, loud, and divided. His stories from the Himalaya and his new book Anatta: Heart of Wisdom offer a grounded, hopeful way to move through troubled times with more clarity and compassion. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why understanding “non‑self” helps us reduce conflict and polarization. How nature reveals our true patterns — and helps us reconnect with others. Practical ways to quiet the mind, dissolve reactive habits, and respond with compassion.

Even in a world overflowing with tension, we are biologically wired for cooperation and connection. This week, Dr. Jeremy Pollack, a leader in conflict resolution and author of Wired for Peace, shares how we can keep disagreements from escalating and learn to regulate our nervous systems even during the most challenging discussions. Listen in to discover his practical tools for regulating our nervous system, staying curious, and building trust even in difficult relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your brain reacts to social conflict the same way it reacts to physical danger. How curiosity and cognitive empathy open the door to real conflict resolution. A five‑step, 60‑second brain hack to regulate yourself during an argument.

In this season‑closing episode, Paula Felps and Michelle Jones recap one of the busiest seasons yet for Live Happy Now and look at what’s coming. Tune in to learn about our new content offerings, including research‑based reports launching this fall, and an upcoming Substack. You’ll also learn about the Wake Up Happy weekly text series designed to help you start the week with humor and encouragement, and get a look ahead to Season 12, which will explore how to maintain well-being in chaotic times. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Live Happy is expanding its content offerings and store. Why Season 12 will focus on thriving during turbulent times. New ways to connect with Live Happy.

If you like your mindfulness served without BS, you’re going to love this week’s episode! Join us as mindfulness coach and yoga teacher Oneika Mays shares insights from her book, Sit with Me: A No-BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation. Oneika explains how yoga helped her reclaim her sense of self; why teaching mindfulness inside Rikers Island transformed her understanding of compassion, justice, and human connection; and how loving‑kindness (or metta) can help us navigate a world that feels heavy and chaotic. In this episode, you’ll learn: How mindfulness helped Oneika move from reactivity to response — and why that shift changed her life. Why loving‑kindness (metta) is a powerful antidote to fear, hate, and overwhelm in difficult times. What meditation is really for — and why it’s not about feeling good.

As we close out our Summer Reading Program, host Paula Felps sits down with cognitive and behavioral neuroscientist Dr. Sydney Ceruto to walk through her book, The Dopamine Code: How to Rewire Your Brain for Happiness and Productivity, which explores one of the most misunderstood forces shaping our motivation, mood, and modern wellbeing. Sydney explains why today’s overstimulated world leaves so many of us feeling restless, stuck, or burned out — and how understanding the true role of dopamine can help us reclaim clarity, satisfaction, and forward momentum. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why dopamine isn’t the “pleasure chemical” but is the “molecule of motivation” that shapes everything from restlessness to burnout. How modern life overstimulates your reward system, making everyday joys feel flat and pushing you toward unhealthy dopamine defaults. How to build your own “dopamine menu” to help you shift from cheap dopamine spikes to meaningful, sustaining rewards.

In this week’s episode of Live Happy Now, Paula Felps sits down with author Angelica Glass to explore her remarkable book, Scavenging Beauty: A Memoir in Walks, which chronicles her decision to walk every street in Santa Cruz County. What began as a stress‑relief habit unfolded into a profound journey of awe, healing, forgiveness, and rediscovery. Angelica shares how intentionally seeking beauty — one photograph, one street, one quiet moment at a time — opened the door to long‑buried memories, deeper self‑understanding, and renewed connection with her siblings. Through nature, silence, and curiosity, she learned to reframe her past with tenderness and compassion, ultimately transforming her internal landscape and her relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn: How awe, silence, and slow travel can unlock emotional healing and neuroplasticity. Why seeking beauty — even in life’s “wreckage” — reshapes how we see ourselves and our past. How sharing personal stories with loved ones can strengthen connection, change perspectives, and open new conversations.

This week, as part of the Live Happy Summer Reading Program, host Paula Felps sits down with Elizabeth Margulis, a professor of music at Princeton University and director of the Music Cognition Lab, to talk about her book, Transported: The Everyday Magic of Musical Daydreams.  Elizabeth explains why our minds naturally wander when we listen to music, how those imaginative journeys shape our sense of self, and why these experiences are far more meaningful — and scientifically important — than we realize. Listen as she reveals how reconnecting with this simple, often overlooked way of listening can deepen our relationships, boost our mental health, and bring us back to the joy that first made us fall in love with music. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why unfamiliar songs can trigger similar imagery across listeners. How music helps us process memories. Why daydreaming to music may be essential for creativity and emotional well‑being.

The Live Happy Summer Reading Program continues this week as host Paula Felps sits down with author and activist Deborah Santana to talk about Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom, her powerful memoir about identity, courage, reinvention, and choosing a life aligned with your spirit. In this episode, Deborah candidly shares how she found the strength to leave a life that no longer reflected who she was, the spiritual practices that guided her, and the generational resilience that shaped her path. Listen as Deborah shares how stepping into your truth can transform not only your life, but the lives of those around you. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Deborah found the courage to leave a life that no longer aligned with her spirit. The role generational strength, family history, and activism built her identity — and continue guiding her work today. What it means to “walk through the fire” in your own life, and how to recognize misalignment, reclaim your voice, and choose a path rooted in integrity and self‑reflection.

For Week 2 of the Live Happy Summer Reading Program, award‑winning journalist and author Donna Jackson Nakazawa sits down with host Paula Felps to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Mind Drama: The Science of Rumination and How to Outwit Your Inner Defeatist. Donna explains that rumination is an evolution‑wired survival response that has gone rogue in modern life, trapping us in negative “mental movie reels” fueled by the brain’s default mode network. Using neuroscience, personal insight, and research‑backed tools, she shares how we can transform rumination into clarity, creativity, and a renewed sense of belonging. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why rumination happens and how the brain creates vivid “movie reels” of old stories, future fears, and intense emotional and physical reactions. How the MIST framework works — and how to use it to interrupt rumination and reduce stress chemistry. How to turn rumination into insight, using neuroscience‑based strategies that help you rewrite outdated beliefs, reclaim your voice, and use your mental energy for more meaningful, joyful pursuits.

This week on Live Happy Now, we launch our Summer Reading Program with Jodi Wellman, whose book You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets invites us to rethink how we spend our days and start living with fewer regrets. Jodi joins host Paula Felps to explain how embracing the reality of our limited time can actually make life feel richer, more vibrant, and more meaningful. Drawing from personal experience, positive psychology research, and her signature humor, she explains why we’re so prone to postponing our lives — and how small, intentional choices can help us feel more “astonishingly alive” every day. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the concept of memento mori can be a powerful motivator for living more fully. How Jodi’s personal wake‑up call shaped her mission to help others stop postponing their lives. Simple, accessible ways to feel more alive — without a dramatic life overhaul.

Summer is here, and so is our very first Live Happy Summer Reading Program. In this episode, Live Happy Now Host Paula teams up with Senior Happiness Editor Chris Libby to unveil six weeks of books designed to inspire, uplift, and spark real‑world joy. From science‑backed guides to deeply personal memoirs, they walk through each pick, explain why it made the cut, and tell you how to join the fun. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the Live Happy Summer Reading Program works — and how to follow along each week What’s on this year’s reading list and why these books were chosen The new book‑lover goodies coming to Live Happy, including Shelf Care and Shelf Care for Kids

This week on Live Happy Now, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Sherry Hamby, a leading researcher on trauma and resilience and author of Stronger Than You Think: Building Lifelong Resilience. Drawing from more than three decades of studying violence, healing, and human strengths, Dr. Hamby explains why our biggest misconception about trauma recovery is believing we must “push through” alone — and why resilience is not a trait but a multidimensional journey. She introduces her four-part resilience portfolio, shows how nature and supportive relationships can accelerate healing, and shares why even those with heavy trauma histories can still move toward thriving. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why resilience isn’t about toughness but about building a diverse portfolio of strengths. The four domains that shape your resilience — and how to use the ones you already have. How nature, meaning-making, and connection can support healing just as powerfully as regulation strategies.

In a world where fake news and misinformation is rampant, what role does honestly play? This week, Wake Forest philosopher Christian B. Miller dives into the ideas behind his new book The Honesty Crisis, revealing why honesty is far more complex — and essential — than simply telling the truth. In this thoughtful conversation with host Paula Felps, Christian explores why honesty feels harder in today’s world and what’s at stake for our relationships, our well-being, and our society when we abandon it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why honesty means more than just telling the truth. How modern technology makes dishonesty easier, more tempting, and harder to detect — especially in classrooms and workplaces. How honesty supports trust, reduces stress, and allows for genuine connection.

This week on Live Happy Now, Paula sits down with Dr. Korie Leigh, an internationally recognized expert in childhood bereavement and author of When Everything Changes: Parenting Through Loss and Grief. Drawing from her work in pediatric palliative care and thanatology, Dr. Leigh explains why children grieve differently than adults and why honest, concrete communication matters when helping them navigate loss. She also shares how parents can support their children even while managing their own grief, and why resilience is a muscle families can build together. In this episode, you'll learn: Why euphemisms around death can confuse children and increase fear or guilt. How children “puddle jump” through grief and why their processing looks so different from adults. How parents can support a grieving child even while grieving themselves — and why “good enough” parenting truly is enough.

On this Mother’s Day episode of Live Happy Now, Paula Felps sits down once again with mother‑daughter duo Leslie and Lindsey Glass to explore how mental health patterns, coping strategies, and emotional habits are passed down through generations. Drawing from their own lived experience — including estrangement, reconciliation, and years of therapeutic work — Leslie and Lindsey share practical, compassionate tools for breaking unhealthy cycles, setting boundaries, rebuilding trust, and creating new family patterns rooted in safety and connection. In this episode, you'll learn: How generational patterns of anxiety, emotional suppression, and coping get passed down — and how to interrupt them. What healthy reconnection looks like, from “baby‑step conversations” to shared activities that rebuild safety and trust. How to navigate estrangement, boundaries, and forgiveness when one person is ready to heal and the other isn’t.

This week on Live Happy Now, Paula Felps sits down with University of Virginia professor and author Leidy Klotz to explore a topic we rarely think about: how the spaces around us are quietly shaping our well-being. He explains why our homes, workplaces, and everyday environments can either nourish or drain our basic psychological needs for agency, competence, and connection. From choosing where you sit to spark creativity to reclaiming small freedoms in spaces you can’t control, Leidy shows how simple shifts in how we interact with our environments can profoundly change how we feel. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your physical spaces influence your happiness more than you realize — and how they feed (or starve) your core psychological needs. How to use your surroundings intentionally to boost creativity, strengthen family connection, and reclaim a sense of control — even in places you can’t redesign. A simple practice for experiencing more awe in your daily life by noticing and revisiting the spaces that shift your perspective.

In this joyful episode of Live Happy Now, host Paula Felps sits down with bestselling author, musician, and kids’ mindfulness expert Kira Willey to explore how parents can transform everyday chaos into meaningful moments of connection. Drawing from her new book The Joyful Child, Kira shares simple, playful practices that help families navigate transitions, reduce stress, and build stronger bonds — without adding more to the to‑do list. In this episode, you'll learn: How to turn stressful daily transitions into joyful, cooperative moments. Why children struggle with structure — and how movement, music, and imagination help them thrive. Simple one‑minute practices that calm your child’s nervous system (and yours).

When times get tough, it’s time to play! This week, creativity expert Piera Gelardi — author of the new book, The Playful Way —   joins host Paula Felps to talk about why play is not a luxury; it’s a lifeline. Drawing from her own burnout, creative journey, and even profound grief, Piera explains how shutting down our playful selves limits resilience, narrows thinking, and fuels anxiety. Find out how everyday play can help us navigate heavy times with more creativity, connection, and joy. In this episode, you'll learn: Why play deprivation leads to burnout, rigidity, and increased anxiety. How play can coexist with serious times — and even help you move through grief. Simple ways to build a daily play practice, even if you think you're “not playful.”

April is National Humor Month, so it’s time to dig into the amazing power of humor and laughter. This week, host Paula Felps sits down with comedian, TV writer, and podcast host Chris Duffy, author of the new book, Humor Me, to explore why laughter is more than a mere distraction. Drawing from personal experience, clinical research, and years of teaching and performing, Chris explains how humor strengthens connection, boosts resilience, improves well‑being, and even helps us navigate difficult moments. In this episode, you'll learn: Why humor is essential for emotional and physical well‑being. How self‑deprecating humor increases likability and perceived competence. Simple ways to rebuild your “humor muscle.”

What if we could get to the root of our divides and start bridging them? In this powerful episode of Live Happy Now, Paula Felps sits down with Tom Rosshirt, co‑creator of the Dignity Index, to explore why our public conversations feel so fractured — and how dignity offers a practical path back to connection. Tom explains how contempt, not disagreement, is what drives our divisions, and he shares the ways that dignity can heal what contempt has damaged. Three things you’ll learn: Why contempt is the real source of division — and how to recognize it. How dignity strengthens trust, communication, and problem‑solving. How small, everyday choices can shift the culture around you toward connection.

The latest edition of the World Happiness Report focuses on the effects of social media on well-being. In this episode of Live Happy Now, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Zeynep Özkök and Dr. Jonathan Rosborough, co-authors of one of the report’s chapters, to unpack their research on internet use, trust, social connections, and emotional well‑being. They reveal why social media affects Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers in dramatically different ways, and how online environments are reshaping foundational elements of happiness such as trust, safety, and real‑world social ties. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the impact of social media on well‑being varies sharply across generations. How Internet use is linked to declining trust, social comparison, and reduced in‑person connection. What researchers believe this means for the future — especially for Gen Z and the emerging Generation Alpha.

In this episode of Live Happy Now, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. John La Puma — physician, chef, and author of Indoor Epidemic — to explore how our increasingly indoor lifestyles are quietly harming our sleep, mood, focus, and long‑term health. Dr. John explains why spending 93% of our time inside has become a “biological emergency” and reveals how simple, intentional practices like morning light exposure, green exercise, and reconnecting with nature can dramatically improve our well‑being. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why missing morning light can leave you “wired but tired” and shorten your longevity by up to five years. How green exercise lowers stress hormones, reduces rumination, and boosts immune function. What simple daily habits can counteract indoor toxins and restore your natural biological rhythms.

In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Deepika Chopra to explore what real optimism looks like in a world filled with uncertainty. Drawing from her new book, The Power of Real Optimism, Dr. Deepika explains why optimism isn’t about rose‑colored glasses or pretending everything is fine; it’s a trainable psychological skill rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the belief that challenges are temporary and navigable. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why optimism is a skill — not a personality trait — and how to strengthen it. How your brain processes uncertainty and the small, science‑backed practices that help restore safety and regulation. How tools like visualization, evidence‑collecting, and scheduled “worry time” can shift your mindset and build real resilience.

A new Gallup poll says that Americans are feeling unusually pessimistic about the future, with optimism hitting its lowest point in two decades. This week, host Paula Felps and social media manager Michelle Jones dig into the poll results and explore why so many people are struggling emotionally, and — more importantly — what practical, evidence‑based habits can help us stay grounded, hopeful, and connected during difficult times. They also share what’s ahead for Happiness Month and how listeners can participate in this year’s community‑driven #HappyActs initiative. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Americans are reporting historically low levels of optimism. How negativity bias and nonstop news consumption intensify feelings of gloom. Why balancing heaviness with humor or uplifting content can help regulate emotions.

During chaotic times, our ability to adapt is more important than ever. In this episode, resilience expert and author Anne Grady sits down with host Paula Felps to share how to stay grounded in a world that’s changing faster than our nervous systems can keep up. Drawing on personal experiences and insights from her new book EvolvAbility, Anne explains why adaptability is not a soft skill but a critical survival skill. In this episode, you’ll learn: Anne’s EVOLVE framework and how emotions shape our reactions. How to reduce overwhelm and navigate uncertainty with intention. How simple, science-backed practices — like gratitude, humor, and setting boundaries — build adaptability over time.

Hope isn’t a soft emotion; it’s a powerful, science‑backed strategy for navigating stress, uncertainty, and the challenges of modern life. In this episode, resiliency expert Dr. Robyne Hanley‑Dafoe joins host Paula Felps to discuss strategies from her new book, I Hope So: How to Choose Hope Even When It’s Hard. Dr. Robyne explains how cultivating a hope practice can calm the nervous system, strengthen resilience, deepen connection, and help us show up more fully for ourselves and others, even in difficult times. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why hope is different from optimism — and why it’s a more sustainable tool for resilience. How hope physiologically shifts your brain and body, helping you think more clearly and make better decisions under stress. Simple daily practices to build a “hope habit,” from morning rituals to community‑building conversations that elevate your emotional well‑being.

We know we need friends, but finding “our people” can be hard! In this episode, host Paula Felps talks with therapist and author Anna Runkle about why so many of us struggle to build meaningful friendships, how covert avoidance keeps us from true connection, and what practical steps help us identify the relationships that genuinely support who we’re becoming. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why finding your people matters more than simply having people. How to recognize red flags, energy drains, and covert avoidance. Practical steps and mindset shifts that make adult friendship easier and more authentic.

As we kick off International Friendship Month, it’s the perfect time to talk about what it means to be a friend in a world that often feels disconnected. Join host Paula Felps as she sits down with award‑winning filmmaker and author Barnet Bain to explore the surprising origins of his fascination with friendship, the “bubble” we all live inside, and why genuine connection requires presence, curiosity, and courage. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why friendship is a skill — not something we simply “fall into.” How to create safety, consistency, and presence in your closest relationships. A simple 24‑hour practice that can transform how you see and respond to others.

We all have a deep desire to matter, but do we know why? In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with philosopher and author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein to explore the “mattering instinct” and why it shapes everything from our personal fulfillment to our political divides. She explains our longing to feel significant influences our choices, our relationships, and even our conflicts — and how reframing our own mattering projects can lead to a more meaningful, connected life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the need to matter often drives us more powerfully than the need to be happy. How different “mattering projects” shape our behavior and our relationships. What we can do — individually and collectively — to create a world where everyone feels they count.

If you’ve been hearing everyone talk about the vagus nerve but aren’t totally sure what the buzz is about, this episode is your shortcut to understanding it. Trauma therapist, author, and polyvagal expert Rebecca Kase joins host Paula Felps to break down what the vagus nerve actually does, why it affects everything from your stress levels to your relationships, and how simple daily practices can help you feel calmer, more connected, and more resilient. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the vagus nerve plays such a central role in both physical and emotional well-being. How breathwork and other everyday practices can strengthen vagal tone. What your nervous system has to do with connection, compassion, and healthier relationships.

Are you thriving in life, or merely surviving? This week, host Paula Felps talks with leadership coach Jon Rosemberg, author of A Guide to Thriving, to explore what it truly means to thrive. Jon shares how connection and purpose shape our capacity to flourish, and introduces his AIR framework (Awareness, Inquiry, Reframing) to provide practical, compassionate guidance for building habits that support long‑term thriving. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why thriving is not the same as succeeding. How to recognize when you’re stuck in survival mode. A simple, science‑based formula for increasing your sense of agency.

To kick off the new year, host Paula Felps sits down with Jodi Wellman, author of You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets, to explore how to make the most of the new year. Jodi explains how embracing life’s ultimate deadline can spark astonishing aliveness and help us break free from our comfort zones, rediscover what lights us up, and consciously reprioritize what truly matters. Listen as Jodi tells us how to stop postponing joy and start living like we mean it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why acknowledging life’s “deadline” can motivate us to live more fully. How to recognize signs of feeling “dead inside” and reignite vitality. Practical ways to say yes to experiences that create meaning and aliveness.

As we look toward the new year, it’s the perfect time to look at how to make lasting change. In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Madi Murphy — author of In the Cosmic Zone and host of the CosmicRX Podcast — to explore how astrology, neuroscience, spirituality, and practical tools can help us ignite our purpose as we step into a new year. Madi shares her personal journey of transformation, the lessons she’s learned from leaving her comfort zone, and how we can all activate our purpose rather than simply search for it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leaving your comfort zone is essential for growth — and how to recognize when it’s time. How to activate your purpose through alignment, rather than waiting to “discover” it. Practical tools and mindset practices to overcome blocks and live in flow more often.

This is the season for giving back, which makes it the perfect time to talk to a Holiday Happy Activist! In this episode, host Paula Felps talks with Lindsay Morehead-Oates, a Dallas-based graphic designer who has turned her passion for giving into meaningful action. Lindsay shares how her early experiences with volunteering shaped her values, why she continues to dedicate time to both people and animals, and how she recently fulfilled a long-time dream by cooking and delivering Thanksgiving meals to those in need. In this episode, you’ll learn: How childhood traditions like the Angel Tree inspired Lindsay’s lifelong commitment to giving. Why volunteering at a wildlife refuge and serving her community bring her joy and perspective. How she and her best friend turned a simple idea into a Thanksgiving feast for 50 people, proving that generosity can be both affordable and transformative

The holidays are a time for togetherness — so why do so many people feel lonely during this time of year? This week, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Jody Carrington to talk about why loneliness feels worse during the holiday season, the role modern technology plays in increasing loneliness, and how we can navigate holiday loneliness and rediscover joy through authentic connection. You’ll also learn about the Live Happy Holiday Loneliness Toolkit, filled with resources to support anyone who is navigating feelings of isolation during the holiday season. In this episode, you'll learn: Why loneliness is not just a mental health issue but a human epidemic shaped by modern life. How emotional regulation practices — like simple body cues — can help restore connection and reduce stress. Practical ways to build depth in relationships, embrace chosen family, and find community during the holidays.

As the holidays approach and everyone gets busier than ever, feelings of goodwill can give way to stress and anxiety. This week, host Paula Felps sits down with licensed mental health counselor Travis McNulty, clinical director and founder of McNulty Counseling and Wellness, to explore how we can reduce holiday stress and emotional overwhelm. Travis explains why the season often triggers old family roles and patterns, how expectations can set us up for disappointment, and what practical tools we can use to stay grounded. From breathing techniques to boundary-setting, he shares strategies to help us move through the holidays with more calm, intention, and joy. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why holiday environments can trigger old emotional roles and stress responses. Simple tools like exercise and diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system. How setting boundaries and redefining expectations can make the holidays more enjoyable.

As the holidays approach, it’s time to plan family gatherings — and that can often mean stress and conflict. In this episode, host Paula Felps welcomes mother-daughter duo Leslie and Lindsey Glass, authors of the Mother Daughter Relationship Makeover Workbook to explore the emotional complexities of family dynamics during the holidays. Drawing from their personal journey and professional work in recovery and relational healing, they unpack why the season often amplifies unresolved tensions — and how to navigate them with compassion, boundaries, and grace. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to set loving boundaries before holiday gatherings to reduce conflict and anxiety. Why childhood memories can distort present-day interactions — and how to reframe them. Tips for navigating grief, crisis, or estrangement during the holiday season.

Unhappiness at work is a growing problem, but reconnecting with purpose can change everything. Join host Paula Felps as she sits down with WorkHappy founder Greg Kettner to explore why so many people feel unfulfilled at work and what steps they can take to discover their passion and use purpose to fuel resilience — even on the hardest of days.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why lack of communication — not workload — is often the biggest source of workplace unhappiness. How living with purpose makes it easier to navigate setbacks and stay motivated, even in uncertain times. Simple, daily practices to cultivate more happiness and meaning — without needing to quit your job.

November is National Gratitude Month, and that makes it a great time to talk about what new research says about gratitude. Host Paula Felps welcomes social media manager Michelle Palmer Jones for a heartfelt conversation about the power of gratitude in everyday life: From personal stories of resilience to emerging research on how gratitude supports mental and physical health, this episode explores how intentional practices can transform our well-being. Paula and Michelle also highlight new studies on gratitude’s impact across generations, including college students and older adults, and invite listeners to share their own gratitude stories for a chance to win Live Happy merch. In this episode, you'll learn: How gratitude improves mental health in young adults through tech-based interventions. The link between gratitude and increased longevity in older adults. How to practice “gratitude in disguise” during difficult times and emotional challenges.

We’ve heard a lot about the dangers of loneliness, but how is loneliness different from solitude? In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Robert Coplan to discuss his new book, The Joy of Solitude. Rob shares insights from decades of research on how intentional alone time can foster emotional clarity, creativity, and well-being — and how it differs profoundly from loneliness. From childhood development to adult relationships, he reveals why solitude is a vital part of a balanced life. In this episode, you’ll learn: The surprising benefits of spending just 15 minutes alone each day. Myths about loneliness and solitude, including why living alone doesn’t mean being lonely. The science of “aloneliness” — the longing for solitude — and how it impacts mental health.

We’re getting ready to turn back our clocks this weekend, and for some people, the shorter days can spark mental health challenges. In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Hannah Nearney, a clinical psychiatrist and medical director at Flow Neuroscience, about the mental health challenges that arise during seasonal changes — particularly the onset of winter. Dr. Hannah explains how shorter days and reduced sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter balance, then discusses the importance of proactive strategies like light therapy and changes in lifestyle to better manage symptoms. In this episode, you'll learn: How seasonal changes affect brain chemistry and mood regulation. The difference between winter blues and clinical seasonal depression. Practical tools and practices to protect your mental health as the days get shorter.

Halloween might be all about ghosts, costumes, and candy—but science says it’s also a powerful happiness booster. In this episode of Live Happy Now, host Paula Felps and social media manager Michelle Palmer Jones explore the surprising research behind why the spooky season lifts our spirits. From the nostalgia of childhood traditions to the thrill of a safe scare, Halloween taps into the emotions that help us feel more playful, connected, and calm — just when we need it most. In this episode you’ll learn: How nostalgia and play during Halloween boost joy and reduce stress. Why even a small piece of candy can trigger big feelings of happiness. How safe scares — like haunted houses — can actually make us less anxious afterward.

If you’re dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety, you’re not alone! But this week, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Seth J. Gillihan to explore his latest book, Your Daily Reset: 366 Practical Exercises to Reduce Anxiety and Manage Stress Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Designed as a daily companion, the book offers bite-sized, actionable practices rooted in CBT and mindfulness to help you gently reset your emotions and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and compassion. Find out how embracing anxiety, practicing self-compassion, and tuning into the present moment can transform your mental health — one small step at a time. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “just this” might be the most powerful phrase for calming overwhelm. How to restart your mental health habits without guilt or judgment. A simple framework for embracing anxiety instead of fighting it.