Hack Your Happiness

She became a bestseller before graduation. Today, we’re asking: what does joy look like after the dream comes true?

Chloe Gong started writing at 13, turned a love of stories into a #1 New York Times–bestselling career by 21, and built a global community by simply being herself. Mercedes and Anastasia sit down with Chloe to talk about turning early doubt into momentum, lessons from her New Zealand and Chinese culture, and tips for b...

If you’ve ever felt too different, too quiet, too you - this episode will remind you that those are the best parts of you. Today's conversation will change how you see yourself, and your “dorky” side.

Rachel Renée Russell once put her writing dreams on hold after harsh criticism. Decades later, after her daughter, Nikki, underwent harsh bullying, they created Dork Diaries. This is a book series that turns middle school awkwa...

If you’ve ever felt unseen, stuck in your head, or unsure how to truly accept yourself, this episode will change the way you see yourself and others. Dr. Caroline Fleck has coached CEOs and taught at Stanford. She has made it her life’s work to help people turn pain into purpose. But her insights come from more than research - they come from living it. After battling depression, multiple sclerosis, and breast cancer, Dr. Fleck lear...

At 75, she’s proof it’s never too late to transform your life. No matter who you are or what you’ve been through.

Chef Babette Davis is a chef, entrepreneur, and fitness powerhouse who started over at 40, and built a life that radiates health, happiness, and self-love.

In this inspiring and deeply motivating conversation, Chef Babette joins Mercedes and Anastasia to share how she went from hairstylist to celebrity vegan chef, why fo...

He studies memory for a living, but the real twist is what we should forget.
Dr. Charan Ranganath is one of the world’s leading memory scientists, and his groundbreaking research reveals how the key to happiness isn’t holding on — it’s letting go.

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Ranganath joins Mercedes and Anastasia to break down the science of memory, the connection between remembering and happiness, and how ...

She’s won four Olympic golds, made hockey history, and earned her M.D., but Hayley Wickenheiser will tell you the real victory isn’t on the scoreboard.

From the rink to the ER to the Toronto Maple Leafs office, Hayley has mastered performing under pressure, and learned how to thrive in it. In this raw and inspiring conversation, she joins Mercedes and Anastasia top open up about her biggest pivots, how she handles failure, and what ...

He turned a New York brewery into the best restaurant in the world, but the real story is how 'unreasonable hospitality' can change your life and happiness.

Will Guidara is a renowned restaurateur, bestselling author, and Emmy-winning producer of The Bear, whose philosophy of giving people more than they expect can be applied to any aspect of life - including happiness.

This week, Will joins Mercedes and Anastasia for an inspiring ...

From college kitchen to global brand, Monique Volz's story began with healing. But, how did she turn pain into purpose?

Monique was a college student, trying to find peace with food and herself. She turned her kitchen into therapy and transformed her life and mindset. What started as a creative outlet became Ambitious Kitchen, a recipe blog that has since grown into a beloved brand, a bestselling cookbook, and a source of inspiratio...

Most people think stress is something we just have to live with. Dr. Aditi Nerurkar knows that’s not true.

A Harvard physician, stress expert, and bestselling author, Dr. Aditi has dedicated her career to showing how we can reset our brains and bodies for resilience, using both cutting-edge science and timeless wisdom.

She sits with Mercedes and Anastasia for a fascinating and practical conversation on stress, resilience, happiness...

As the Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, Jason Feifer has a front-row seat to the minds shaping our world. Many people define themselves by their title or role. Jason refuses to.

In this episode, Jason sits down with Mercedes and Anastasia for an exciting and insightful conversation on optimism, resilience, identity, and the future of work. From his teenage years as a pessimistic kid to becoming one of the most optimistic v...

Most people wait for permission to chase their dreams. Lauren Roberts didn’t, and it changed her life.

At just 18, she self-published her debut fantasy novel Powerless, which went on to become a New York Times bestseller and a global phenomenon. Now at 23, Lauren has built a loyal online community of millions, navigated both self-publishing and traditional publishing, and continues to inspire a generation of young writers to chase ...

The first woman on Million Dollar Listing New York didn’t just sell apartments, she changed the game.

With over half a billion in sales, a thriving brand, and a career in one of the most competitive markets in the world, Kirsten has proven that confidence, connection, and self-belief are just as important as closing the next big deal. She joins Mercedes and Anastasia for a raw and inspiring conversation on building self-trust, bala...

Actress Sara Canning has played unforgettable roles on screen, but her real story is even more powerful. The Vampire Diaries actress who moved cities at a young age to chase her dream, Sara has built a career as an incredible storyteller, while learning how to navigate change, pressure, and what it truly means to create your own joy. This week, Mercedes and Anastasia are joined by Sara for an honest conversation about the challenge...

Most people think happiness comes from achieving more, but Chade-Meng Tan has proven it can be cultivated from within. Former early Google engineer, known as Google’s “Jolly Good Fellow”, and the creator of the groundbreaking Search Inside Yourself program, Meng has dedicated his life to making mindfulness, compassion, and emotional intelligence accessible to everyone. He joins Mercedes and Anastasia for a deeply insightful convers...

We’ve been told that food is just fuel, but the truth is, it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for happiness. Dr. Emily Leeming went from cooking on luxury yachts to decoding the science of gut health, and now, she’s here to help us all feel better from the inside out. In this episode, Mercedes and Anastasia sit down with chef-turned-researcher and author of Genius Gut for a fascinating conversation on the powerful link betw...

Rebecca Rusch is an Emmy-winning athlete, known around the world as “The Queen of Pain”, not because she seeks struggle, but because she refuses to let it stop her. This week, Mercedes and Anastasia sit down with Rebecca Rusch for a powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and the beauty of pushing past your limits. From racing through jungles and deserts to healing after a brain injury, Rebecca shares her journey of grit,...

She went from fighting for her life as a child to flying into space as the youngest American astronaut. In this episode, Mercedes and Anastasia are joined by Hayley Arceneaux. Hayley talks us through her experiences as a child with cancer, getting her dream job, and her unexpected opportunity to go to space! From her seat on the Inspiration4 mission (literally called “Hope”) to her daily habits of self-care and optimism, Hayley sha...

She’s the musical powerhouse behind some of Broadway’s most unforgettable shows! Andrea Grody has shaped productions like Suffs, The Band’s Visit, and more. This week, she's sitting with Mercedes and Anastasia for an honest and heartfelt conversation about following an unconventional career path, being a leader, and navigating chaos + uncertainty.

Listen to learn about:

• How Andrea first fell in love with music and what inspired ...

If you've ever said "I can't do this" or "I'm not smart enough" this conversation is for you! This week, Duncan Wardle sits with Mercedes and Anastasia. Duncan spent decades creating magic as the Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, leading teams at Imagineering, Pixar, Marvel, and more. Today, Duncan is a global speaker and author, helping people of all ages rediscover their creativity and curiosity. In this episode, he’s ...