The Happiness Standard

In this episode, Sarah shares her personal experience with grief—what it’s really felt like, what she’s learned along the way, and the questions people are often too afraid to ask out loud. Covering grief, healing, guilt, faith, and growth, she offers an honest look at navigating loss while still moving forward. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this normal?” during your experience with grief—this episode is for you.

What if the moments you call "failure" are actually the key to your biggest success? In this powerful episode of The Happiness Standard, Dr. Sarah Eileen-Downey Akers gets comfortable being uncomfortable as she explores how to reframe failure, overcome the fear of trying, and turn setbacks into growth.References: Castrillon, C. (2021, December 10). Why failure leads to career success. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2019/11/20/why-failure-leads-to-career-success/Wilson, R. C., Shenhav, A., Straccia, M., & Cohen, J. D. (2018). The eighty five percent rule for optimal learning. bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory). https://doi.org/10.1101/255182Yin, Y., Wang, Y., Evans, J. A., & Wang, D. (2019). Quantifying the dynamics of failure across science, startups and security. Nature, 575(7781), 190–194. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1725-y

Feeling behind in life?In this episode of The Happiness Standard, we break down Social Comparison Theory and why your brain measures your life against other people’s timelines—friends, relationships, careers, and more.You’re not behind… you’re just using the wrong standard. Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts 🎧Reference:Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202

Why do we say “I’m fine” when we’re not?In this episode of The Happiness Standard, we break down the psychology of “saving face”—why we choose approval over authenticity and how it disconnects us from ourselves. Featuring a new show-style format during The Standard segment, with b-roll footage and visual storytelling to bring these concepts to life.References: Goffman, E. (1955). On Face-Work: An Analysis of Ritual Elements in Social Interaction. Psychiatry: Journal of the Study of Interpersonal Processes, 18(3), 213–231.Ting-Toomey, S. (1988). Intercultural conflicts: A face-negotiation theory. In Y. Y. Kim & W. B. Gudykunst (Eds.), Theories in intercultural communication (pp. 213–235). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean letting them back in. In this episode, we break down forgiveness vs. reconciliation, what a real apology looks like, and why you don’t need one to heal.Professor Sarah is in session!ReferencesEdmondson, A. C., & Lei, Z. (2014). Psychological Safety: the history, renaissance, and future of an interpersonal construct. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 1(1), 23–43. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031413-091305Lewicki, R. J., Polin, B., & Lount, R. B. (2016). An exploration of the structure of effective apologies. Negotiation and Conflict Management Research, 9(2), 177–196. https://doi.org/10.1111/ncmr.12073

A birthday reflection on happiness, growth, and change! In this episode, Dr. Sarah Eileen-Downey Akers shares what this past year taught her about letting go, who you surround yourself with, and building meaningful relationships. She also talks about understanding the difference between the reality in your head and the one you actually live. Plus a Sunny Side segment and a moment of rooting for a stranger and sharing in the joy of their home run!

Have you found what you’re looking for… or are you focused on the wrong things? In this episode of The Happiness Standard, Dr. Sarah Eileen-Downey Akers dives into how your focus shapes your mindset, emotions, and overall life experience. If you’ve ever struggled with negative thoughts, comparison, feeling “not enough,” or feeling stuck, this episode will challenge you to shift your perspective and take control of your focus. Because your focus becomes your filter. Learn how to stop looking for what’s wrong, start noticing what’s working, and give purpose to the hard moments in your life. This is a powerful conversation on mindset, self-awareness, personal growth, and how small shifts in focus can change everything.

Death doesn’t make life tragic. It makes life precious.In this week’s The Standard segment, Dr. Sarah Eileen-Downey Akers gives her most vulnerable perspective yet & explores how remembering life’s impermanence through Memento Mori can change the way we live, love, and show up for the moments that matter.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” But is it actually true? In this episode, we explore the connection between the mind and body, how belief shapes our limits, and what happens when our mindset and actions align. Plus thoughts on Logan Paul, Hoppers, a flat tire story, and a reminder to stop and smell the freesias!

Are you giving yourself grace or making excuses? Decide if you’ve been meeting the bar you’ve set for yourself… or quietly lowering it.Plus: An Unfiltered Win from Wyoming, a Glimmer at a red light, Stone from the WWE, and a Wuthering Heights review!Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured in next week's rotating segment :)

Last week, we gave ourselves permission to disappoint.This week, we’re giving ourselves permission to be disappointed.When expectations aren’t met.When someone falls short.When reality doesn’t match what we imagined.This episode is about standards, control, and how to stay grounded without becoming hardened.Disappointment is inevitable.Bitterness is optional.Happiness is still available.

Where did your standards come from — and did you choose them?In this episode, we explore discipline & boundaries as alignment: keeping promises to yourself, living by values you consciously decide, and finding stability and happiness in integrity rather than approval.At some point, you have to ask yourself: Whose approval are you seeking — based on who you’re willing to disappoint?Stick around — we’re also launching our very first rotating segment. And you’re here for the debut 🤩

In this prequel episode, Dr. Akers shares the inspiration behind the show, walks through what to expect, and offers a look into her background so listeners can understand the perspective shaping the conversations ahead.

I’m so happy you’re here! On The Happiness Standard, I explore what happiness really means — keeping what works, unlearning what doesn’t, and building a life that actually feels fulfilling. I mix research, reflection, and real conversation about identity, growth, and purpose. Full episodes launching soon!