Harvesting Happiness Podcasts

Research studies reveal there are neurological, emotional, and physical rewards to acts of altruism. We experience awe, most often, when we witness acts of human kindness, no matter how small. Volunteering offers a powerful antidote to modern societal chaos by redirecting focus toward a shared, positive purpose, thereby strengthening the bonds of community.

To explore the ways self-care can become other-care, Harvesting Ha...

Well-being science reveals that, despite signs of economic growth during the post-COVID recovery, a widespread "vibecession" phenomenon of U.S. consumer pessimism persists. This challenges the traditional economic assumption that increased discretionary income automatically translates into higher national happiness.

To explore well-being science, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Carol Gr...

Misinformation is aggressively injected into the information ecosystem, and it is readily consumed and adopted by those who are too busy to fully pay attention, leveraging cognitive bias in a distracted society. This media manipulation is often fueled by financial incentives, rewarding so-called experts who deliver false narratives in entertaining and engaging ways. This weighs the heaviest on society when politicians can’t agree o...

Many people liken recalling memories to accessing mental filing cabinets, but our memories are actually more disjointed. Memory science defines how memory works as a dynamic form of complex information processing, which relies on active reconstruction rather than simple retrieval. This reality means human recall is intrinsically malleable, making memories susceptible to suggestion, challenging its role in defining personal identity...

In the journey toward healing, survivors often find that intentional practices like sober sex foster a deeper emotional and physical intimacy, essential for their trauma recovery. This emphasis on connection stands in stark contrast to much mainstream sexual messaging, which frequently excludes the necessary emotional components for true sexual well-being. Development of safe relationships is threatened when media and politics over...

When we agree to practice joy through community, connection, and belonging in its own powerful way, it is an act of defiance to what's going on around us. We must ask ourselves, particularly in these difficult times, what we are fighting for? We fight for a meaningful world that yields joy. This commitment to fostering shared happiness becomes the ultimate evidence of resilience and a deeply healing public force.

When we a...

Current research indicates that despite unprecedented levels of global connectivity, societies are experiencing an unparalleled state of metaphysical loneliness. This condition is a potent catalyst for political instability, making populations vulnerable to authoritarian and separatist movements. Political theorists explore the implications for democratic governance and social cohesion through Hannah Arendt’s freedom theory.

Tired of feeling tossed around by your thoughts and emotions? By embracing the impermanence of all things, including anxious thoughts, and accepting that suffering is a part of life, difficult emotions can be navigated with wisdom and grace. This is the freedom the study of Buddhist philosophy offers.

To further understand how liberation from worry can become happiness, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen ...

Humans are perpetual seekers, as contentment is not part of our evolutionary design. We can move toward happiness by actively planning for fulfillment, leading us toward purposeful and satiated lives. By creating a blueprint that includes embracing all of our emotions and engaging in social interactions, we leverage our emotions to heal ourselves and society, rather than just creating more coping mechanisms.

To uncover th...

A diverse world is a happy world. It may seem that neurodivergent people are more common now, but the increase in diagnoses is attributed to awareness and diagnostic tools, not a rise in the population. Neurodivergence is a distinct way of experiencing the world, with many neurodivergent individuals successfully thriving in a society traditionally designed for neurotypicals. This shift in perspective celebrates the full spectrum of...

Most people who practice rational thinking are susceptible to bias, a key concept of behavioral economics. Beliefs can be swayed by our social environments—from our online networks to our family gatherings. This vulnerability arises from factors like stress, the fear of social exclusion, and our innate desire to create compelling narratives.

To discover the elements that form the funnel of misbelief and rebuild trust, Har...

In long-term relationships, maintaining a healthy connection is one of life's most fulfilling achievements. However, even the happiest couples can fall into bad habits that hinder growth. A commitment to open, honest communication can increase the likelihood of a healthy and happy relationship. By proactively addressing issues and rediscovering what makes their bond special, couples can cultivate a love that lasts.

For ex...

A philosophical approach to overcoming disappointment involves accepting that setbacks are a normal part of life. This strategy allows us to navigate challenges with greater resilience. Philosophical inquiry invites us to examine depression, anxiety, and disappointment through a broad perspective. We can learn to explore life’s challenges as opportunities for meaning-making rather than battles to be won or lost. By cultivating pers...

Prioritizing brain health in children is crucial, as their brains continue to mature until around age 20, making them particularly susceptible to manipulation before reaching full cognitive development. In our present technology, a digital detox has been shown to provide effective coping mechanisms for our neural networks, enabling us to better regulate our emotions and adapt to real-life situations..

To seek the antidote...

From the blush of first loves to the mature sexuality of later years, intimacy adapts to our changing bodies, shifting priorities, and the various life stages we traverse. Whether it's rediscovering a partner in a long-term relationship or embracing new experiences, sexual expression should be unrestricted by judgment and has no expiration date.

The pervasive nature of social media can undermine the democratic process by facilitating the widespread dissemination of political misinformation and a decline in critical thinking. This phenomenon can be exacerbated by groupthink, where individuals conform to the prevailing opinions of their social circles, and various forms of cognitive bias that lead people to favor information confirming their existing beliefs, even in the abs...

Many have come to believe that AI is a universal solution for managing repetitive tasks and a panacea for improving productivity. But is it realistic to think that machines can replace humans in a world built on connection and belonging? Our soul, or life force, is the essence of who we are and cannot be replicated by a machine; instead, it relies on human connectivity and interdependence to thrive and flourish. As we navigate this...

How open are you to new experiences? Have you found that with age comes a fear of learning new things? Research finds that being willing to admit that we may be wrong about truths we previously held while maintaining confidence is a central tenet of resilience. The inherent capacity for neuroplasticity within our brains means that even with age, our minds remain capable of forming new connections and adapting. This fosters mental a...

Listening is a fundamental tool for learning from one another and fostering a more inclusive and harmonious world. By truly hearing and understanding others, we lay the groundwork for effective communication and peacemaking. When we actively listen, we validate others' experiences and perspectives, which builds trust and empathy. This creates an environment where differences can be explored constructively rather than defensively.