Harvesting Happiness Podcasts

The United States ranked 43rd out of 146 countries for gender equality in the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Gender Gap Report. In addition to that staggering result, the current administration is eliminating DEI efforts to further erode progress toward social justice for women. How can we empower girls and women to ensure their voices are heard and their contributions are valued at all levels of society?To explore gender bias and the generational transmission of sexism, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD.Jo-Ann highlights emotional labor as a generationally transmitted unfair bias against females. She offers guidance on promoting equality within the home and explores how social conditioning might influence empathy in males. Her book, Sexism & Sensibility, emphasizes the importance of fostering five specific female voices and provides practical tips for reducing negative bias in women and advancing overall gender

Navigating the emotional challenges of modern secular living can be eased by cultivating inner peace of mind. Mindfulness practices, though sometimes challenging to adopt, can ground us in gratitude. How can we actively seek out the everyday magic and truly appreciate each mindful moment as a source of relief?To explore strategies that increase our capacity to deal, and heal, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author and mindfulness educator Susan Kaiser Greenland.Susan shares her wisdom of secular mindfulness from her latest work, Real-World Enlightenment: Discovering Ordinary Magic in Everyday Life. She offers simple techniques that quiet the monkey mind, alleviate the emotional toll of modern life, and cultivate peace of mind. The three-part practices are so easy that adults and children can do them. WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Nature offers a profound secular and sacred sanctuary that presents a landscape of opportunities for spiritual awakening beyond traditional walls. The divine exists within the cathedral of the earth, sea, and sky. It is at the core of every human soul. It is not confined to the walls of a physical structure, nor does it exist under the guise of any specific religion. The divine is everywhere—around us and within us. Spending time in nature offers a sacred path to individual and collective healing, but are we curious enough to discover its solace when we need it most?For a deeper understanding of how to ground ourselves in nature, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Celtic teacher and author Dr. John Philip Newell.Dr. John Philip Newell describes humanity’s spiritual yearnings and offers insights into the quest for spiritual awakening through Celtic wisdom. In his book, The Great Search, he thoughtfully draws upon the teachings of revered prophets of the past, gently leading us towa

Benjamin Franklin's "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today" sounds simple, yet for many, it's a monumental challenge. Well-intentioned individuals often find their to-do lists perpetually lingering, not from laziness or a lack of motivation, but from a more complex, underlying struggle. This persistent inaction isn't a matter of willpower; it often stems from deeper issues like fear of failure, perfectionism, or an overwhelming sense of responsibility.To better understand what lies at the core of procrastination and how to overcome it, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with psychologist, coach, and author Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona, aka Dr. Z. Dr. Z’s research goes beyond the surface of procrastination and perfectionist behaviors. In her book, Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors, she lifts the veil of procrastination demonstrating that it is not laziness but the fear of failure that inhibits people from completing tasks.WANT MORE

Humans inherently have a negativity bias. Our brains prioritize negative stimuli as compared to positive stimuli. And while it may have served us well in the past, today, it only serves to increase anxiety and worry. Research shows that we can rewire our brains to acknowledge the negative and change our perception of it, but it takes practice. To guide us through the practice of positively changing our minds, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Neuroscientist and organizational consultant Nicole Vignola. Nicole shares strategies for transforming negative habits into positive perspectives from her book, Rewire: Break the Cycle, Alter Your Thoughts, and Create Lasting Change. She describes the benefits of a growth mindset and the importance of emotions and gratitude.WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Sometimes, navigating our next steps can be complicated, and discernment is not always easy. Approaching problems from a different perspective can help us to gain clarity on a situation and when done so with intention, can become a sacred journey of self-discovery. Through discernment, we listen to the desires of the soul, allowing them to guide us toward choices that resonate with our authentic selves. This inner listening is crucial for identifying our true needs and values, ensuring that our next steps are not merely practical but deeply aligned with our core being, ultimately honoring the integrity of our whole self. To guide us through navigating decisions and discerning the next steps of our journey, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of six books and podcast host, Emily P. Freeman. Emily describes the journey of discernment that allows our inner guidance system to separate our decision-making process from external influences. She o

The weight of mounting tasks and looming responsibilities of modern life often leave us feeling overwhelmed and under-equipped. Many of us put burdensome chores on the back burner and choose instead to do nothing because the task seems so big that we don’t know where to begin. This avoidance, however, only serves to amplify the feelings of overwhelm, creating a vicious cycle of procrastination and stress. To help us decode the fear of procrastination and apply the science of productivity, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with trauma specialist, author, and speaker Britt Frank. Britt highlights her journey as an example of how we all can fall prey to procrastination in its various forms, and she shares the three-step process included in her newest work, The Getting Unstuck Workbook: Practical Tools for Overcoming Fear and Doubt - and Moving Forward with Your Life. WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available e

Healing the loneliness epidemic requires much more than bringing humans together. It is likely that you have felt disconnected from others even when in a crowded place. That disconnection comes from within ourselves. By nurturing our inner world we can create a strong foundation for building meaningful connections with others, and help us find contentment and love within ourselves.To discover a clear pathway to love yourself, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with bestselling author, relationship expert, and co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding® self-healing process, Dr. Margaret Paul.

In our increasingly isolated world, online dating has become a prevalent avenue for finding romance. While self-confident individuals often leverage these platforms to strategically navigate potential partnerships, others may use them, and related platforms such as cam sites, as a means to develop the emotional and social skills necessary for offline relationships and well-being. * This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners.To get the down-and-dirty details of the impact of technology on modern love, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Head of Research Analytics at the famous Kinsey Institute, Dr. Amanda Gesselman. Amanda discusses statistics and research data about the intersection of humanity and technology in matters of the heart and mind. She also offers her unique insights about the healing power of electronically-driven connections. WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus conte

Consider that everything you’ve been told about happiness is wrong. Happiness isn’t a new car, changing an insurance provider, or a crystal clear cellphone connection. Those are marketing messages designed to make us feel the choices we’ve made aren’t good enough. There is no one-size-fits-all for happiness. Happiness is about living our truth and accepting ourselves as we are. Happiness is available to us regardless of external circumstances.To find out how to get a happiness tuneup for life, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with an expert in the science of happiness and the creator of the New Happy philosophy, Stephanie Harrison. Stephanie shares the three big lies Western society tells us about our ability to obtain happiness, why she preaches happiness to everyone she meets, and how being happy doesn’t mean being perfect.WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Magic and witchcraft are integral aspects of the human nature. Cultural beliefs are rooted in human cognition and psychology and shape our social behaviors. By acknowledging the inherent power of nature and seeking similarities within it, humans attempt to gain a sense of control and meaning in an unpredictable world. For a clearer understanding of how magical thinking shapes human culture and impacts everything including religion and politics, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with cultural anthropologist and author, Phillips Stevens Jr. Phillips shares his research on the roots of religion and spiritualism in human culture. His latest book is titled Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human.This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content availa

Listening to diverse perspectives offers a medium for us to learn from each other and work towards a more inclusive and harmonious world. From a young age, many people are frustrated because they feel their voices are not seen, heard, or understood. It has become a common practice to defend a position before truly understanding another’s point of view. How can we use listening to enhance our relationships?For insights on how to hone our peacemaking abilities, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center, Kjersti Fløgstad.Kjersti shares the inspiration behind the “Power of Dialogue Project” and the book that was born from it, Those Who Listen, Change the World. Kjersti also offers timely tips on how to convert discourse into dialogue.This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Men

With increasing divorce rates among older adults, many are rediscovering their sexuality and seeking new romantic and sexual experiences. Sex can offer comfort, joy, and a renewed sense of intimacy, regardless of age. It is time to acknowledge the diverse sexual experiences of older adults. Why is this important aspect of aging so often overlooked in our conversations?*This conversation includes mature content that may not be suitable for all audiences.For revealing insights on how aging boomers are pursuing lust, love, and relationships, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with clinical psychologist, clinical geropsychologist, and founder of the Center for Mental Health & Aging, Dr. Regina Koepp.Regina offers research and statistics about intimacy and sexuality during aging and tips for newly single mature adults who desire, desire. This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world

The widespread adoption of smartphones over the past two decades has created new avenues for remote influence and manipulation, reducing freedoms many took for granted. The extent of the emotional chaos this causes may only be partially understood. Is it possible to restore equanimity during chaos? For tips on finding inner peace and calm amidst turmoil and disorder, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author, researcher, and founder of the Cognitive Immunology Research Collaborative (CIRCE), Dr. Andy Norman. Andy offers his experienced insights on consumer culture, the goal of those who dehumanize others, and the benefits of emotional self-regulation for achieving sanity and mental immunity. This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world… WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Subst

The fast pace of today’s world can make people feel frantic and disconnected from experiences. It has become too easy to focus on the expectations of others and succumb to fear-based motivations. Do simple tools exist to make us feel grounded and bring us back to peace-of-mind? Or, does everything have to be a struggle?To understand how people can reclaim calm in this tumultuous world, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with meditation teacher and award-winning writer and journalist, Dr. Danny Penman.Danny shares the latest neuroscience research findings and the meditations in his latest book, Deeper Mindfulness: The New Way to Rediscover Calm in a Chaotic World, which he co-authored with Dr. Mark Williams. He describes Feeling Tone tools that help reduce stress, anger, and depression and increase our peacemaking abilities.*This show originally aired in December 2023.Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happines

What some people consider minor stressors can trigger and overwhelm those whose biological and psychological makeup is foundationally built upon intergenerational traumas. These are familial events inherited by generations, affecting their descendants like second-hand smoke. Those with intergenerational traumas can be predisposed to heightened emotions that may not be widely understood by their societal circles. If you have witnessed someone’s reaction to a circumstance that didn’t appear to warrant it, their response could be based on the person’s unique heritage and ancestry without them being aware of the factors at play. To discover ways to break the transcending cycle of intergenerational trauma and begin the healing process, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Columbia University-trained Psychologist and intergenerational trauma expert Dr. Mariel Buqué.Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bon

With the elimination of civics courses in schools and the rise of fear-driven political campaigns, many U.S. citizens may be left in a constant state of anxiety about the nation's direction. This anxiety can lead to impulsive decision-making and focusing on short-term solutions, undermining the pursuit of meaningful, long-term change. Advocacy and civic engagement are crucial for overcoming these challenges.For tips on how to drive change through civic engagement, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the founder of Street Civics, Dan Jasper.Dan explores the civic transformation of the U.S. in recent decades, highlighting how these shifts influence the political landscape, citizen advocacy, and the importance of self-care in civic engagement. Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

The media paints AI as a universal solution,but the spark of human connection,our life force or soul,defies machine replication.As we navigate this new era,the question of human-machine coexistence looms.For a deeper dive into the soul of our social architecture,Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 Vice President of the American Sociological Association,Dr.Allison Pugh.Allison discusses the research that led to her latest book,The Last Human Job,and the dilemma of human connective labor when data collection is prioritized.This episode is a bonus special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…This episode is proudly sponsored by:Nutrafol— Offers a drug-free whole-body health approach to hair wellness and growth.Get $10 off any order and free shipping when you subscribe at nutrafol.com with promo code HAPPINESS GIFT. Like what you'

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to understanding our individual attachment styles. However, becoming self-aware of what is at the core of our disconnection can provide us with valuable insights into relationship patterns and help us build healthier connections and more satisfying relationships.For deeper insights into the psychology of attachment, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author and licensed psychologist, Ann Kelley.Ann discusses the fundamental learnings about attachment and self-regulation gleaned from the book she co-authored, Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World, and offers tools for building awareness of individual attachment styles.Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

The type of love we receive in childhood is imprinted in our brains. Early feelings and emotions color every single action we take in our adult lives unless we rewire our neural pathways. The way we communicate and the quality of our relationships can be improved. When we understand that we deserve love, we can be our fully vulnerable, beautiful selves with our partners to create long-lasting, happy, fulfilling relationships. To discover how to transform relationships through love and connection, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a couple who have done the work toward creating better relationships for themselves and others, Doctors Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt. Harville and Helen met 42 years ago and have since created Imago Relationship Therapy and written the eternal book, Get the Love You Want. They serve as guides for those who want to heal and transform their relationships through love and communication.This episode is proudly sponsored by:OUAI— Offers beauty-boos