Harvesting Happiness Podcasts

While statistics about young people identifying as LGBTQ+ are increasing, social media may be a catalyst in empowering those who previously couldn't safely express their identity. How can society shift from bullying to allyship?*This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. To glean guidance from a researcher studying real-world experiences, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Associate Research Scientist with the Kinsey Institute, Dr. Mayeshia Price.Dr. Price describes the stages of identity development throughout the human life cycle with a focus on adolescence and offers guidance on how parents can accept and support the well-being of young people. 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

The whole world knows the outcome of the recent US election. Many are shocked that Americans chose the leader they chose. What data offered a glimpse into the concerns of everyday Americans that could have predicted the outcome? And, was the data that political scientists studied selective or transparent?To better understand what drives public opinion and political reasoning, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Anthony Fowler, a professor at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago where he conducts quantitative research on elections and politics. Anthony deconstructs public opinion and political data to offer a quantitative analysis on the reasoning behind why people think, and vote, the way they do.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…Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting

As major elections unfold globally, uncertainty grips the world. Family members, neighbors, and friends who may have previously tolerated differences of opinion have become increasingly divisive and less accepting of alternative perspectives. Contests of this magnitude ensure that certain groups must grapple with disappointment. How can we unburden ourselves and others during these significant events?For a bit of philosophical discourse about disappointment, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author, philosophical counselor, and professor emeritus of philosophy at Brooklyn College, Samir Chopra. Samir shares insights about how acting in service to others can reduce the sting of our disappointment, how life is an exercise of peaks and valleys, and how self-care can ease anxiety and restore sanity.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…Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE S

Compared to the chronological aging of our physical bodies, our minds can remain ageless. With enough healthy servings of brain food, the mind continues its existential flexibility and resiliency. But what happens when we allow our minds to become rigid and there is no additional room for more data?For a healthy serving of brain food, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Shai Tubali, an award-winning author and leading authority on mental flexibility and self-development. Shai shares his insights about how we can cultivate critical thinking by truly listening to others during conversations, and how we can maintain flexible and resilient minds.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…This episode is proudly sponsored by:Ouai — Offers beauty-boosting head-to-toe self-care rituals. Visit theouai.com and use code HH to get 15% off any product.Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE

This just in … you won't go to diet jail if you eat soul-soothing ice cream. And, what a shame it would be if you judged yourself nibbling on a slice of decadent chocolate cake. Food for thought: Studies show that as long as you nourish yourself with high-quality food rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, you can feed your cravings and build resilience against the never-ending supply of daily stressors To gain some food for thought, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD. Sarah founded Nutrivore.com and is the New York Times best-selling author of Nutrivore: The Radical New Science for Getting the Nutrients You Need from the Food You Eat. Dr. Sarah Ballantyne studies the effects of nutrients on our body chemistry and which foods contain the highest levels of nutrients relative to the daily value per calorie. Her Nutrivore scoring system focuses on the joy of eating as much as it does creating healthier meals. This episode is a bonus special edit

The primary goal of most media sources is to make money by pushing a political agenda and influencing the psychology of those who ingest the content. In order to achieve their goals, people use data, misinformation, and deliberate disinformation as weapons, creating what is often called Infowar. This can lead to groupthink, which causes public fear, doubt, and cognitive bias. False stories are exaggerated to make more money from advertising, influence people's beliefs, or disrupt democratic institutions, as was seen in the 2016 election cycle. To discover how to build resiliency against disinformation and groupthink, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with cognitive scientist and CIRCE researcher Dr. Stephan Lewandowsky. Stephan shares his research on how alternative facts gain acceptance, how technology and Infowars can undermine the democratic process, and tips on discerning fact from fiction when consuming media. This episode is a bonus special edition of the Good Citizens Electi

Social responsibility is an ethical concept that endorses civil engagement for the good of all. Civic engagement, in all its forms, strengthens communities by involving citizens in the democratic process. No act is more significant in emboldening democracy than exercising one’s right to vote. With the spread of misinformation and disinformation in this election cycle, it is paramount to have access to correct and trusted information. To learn how to fulfill your social responsibility, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Chief of Staff for the League of Women Voters of the United States, Kelly McFarland Stratman. Kelly offers information about the history of the League of Women Voters, its mission, its partnerships, and how to access resources that help constituents directly connect to their government representatives. 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…

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. 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… This episode is proudly sponsored by:Ouai — Offers beauty-boosting head-to-toe self-ca

Lifelong stigmas and myths abound about human sexual expression have been as we age. Cultural differences notwithstanding, older males and females are more likely to rate communication as the highest form of arousal in their relationships. Why then does the media portray sexuality and intimacy after mid-life as a less than pleasurable experience? *This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. To discover how we can improve intimacy, sexuality, and relationships for a lifetime, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the renowned clinical psychologist, and senior scientist at the Kinsey Institute, Dr. Cynthia Graham. Cynthia shares fascinating data from decades of the Kinsey Institute’s research about the differences, and more often than not, the similarities between male and female sexual arousal, expression, and satisfaction. This special episode aims to enlighten you about maintaining relationships that last a lifetime. This episode is a special editi

Fear and doubt serve as powerful tools in the political landscape, and disinformation is used by politicians to manipulate public perception and sow confusion. By labeling legitimate investigations or criticisms as witch hunts, these leaders attempt to delegitimize the concerns raised against them. This tactic not only deflects attention from the actual issues at hand but also erodes trust in the democratic process. Using common sense when evaluating information can help counteract these manipulative strategies. To discover how we can inoculate ourselves against fear and cultural viruses, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a lecturer of cultural history at the Department of History and Art History at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, Steije Hofhuis PhD. Steije shares historical information about how witch hunts spread and how ideas about witchcraft adapted in new ways that stimulated more witch prosecutions. His research shows that cultural viruses, or mindbugs, adapted and

Maintaining a philosophical approach rooted in critical thinking can help us make sense of the barrage of information we experience during election cycles. Our natural anxieties are often preyed upon by masters of persuasion. We must enlist our powers of discernment to protect our mental health during this important election season. br /> To discover how to protect our mental health with a philosophical approach, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen welcomes author, counselor, and professor Samir Chopra back to the podcast. Samir discusses the central tenet of his book, Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide, and relates it to the election cycle and how we can manage anxiety, fear, and uncertainty in relationship to others. He offers tips for reality testing what we will see and hear during this unique period of time. This episode is proudly sponsored by:BIOptimizers — Offers health and fitness supplements for optimal well-being and performance. Visit bioptimizers.com/happiness and use code HAPPINE

Large media outlets often highlight the extreme sides of our nation, amplifying polarized perspectives that distort the bigger picture. This coverage can create a sense of isolation, especially when reality doesn't align with our expectations. It is only when we perform our civic duty and get involved in our local communities that we feel a sense of control over our lives and the personal pursuit of happiness. To discover how we can better fulfill our civic duty, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks to the President of the National Civic League, Doug Linkhart. Doug describes how decisions made at the local level of government are foundational for the pursuit of happiness in America. And how citizens who express their needs are at the intersection of personal civic duty and government effectiveness.This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide which is designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world… Remember, civic duty plays a

When we experience fear, we often instinctively push things away, which only amplifies that fear and tests our resilience. However, by embracing awareness and leaning into our relationships, we create a pathway for personal growth. By staying fully present and avoiding the urge to build emotional walls, we enhance our well-being and lay the foundation for spreading love and positivity in the world, thereby strengthening our resilience. To discover the secret to building better relationships with ourselves and others, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author, poet, and storyteller, Mark Nepo . Mark Nepo discusses how to build well-being by reducing the impact of fear on our lives, how resilience can be enhanced by reaching out to others, and explains the personal growth that occurs when we are in service to others. Mark’s book, The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters, can be used as a guide to enhance relationships.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Ouai — Offers b

* This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners.Desire and intimacy are words often associated with the pleasures of the physical body, but human desire is the foundation of our deepest motivations, driving our pursuit of connection, purpose, and personal fulfillment. Therefore, we must question the societal forces that shame us for our desires, compelling us to suppress or deny them rather than embrace their role in our growth and well-being.To discover the secret of mastering pleasure through desire and sexual sovereignty, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with an expert on women's sensuality and transpersonal psychology, Dr. Saida Désilets.In her book Desire, Saida explores how individuals can cultivate their well-being and fulfillment, shedding light on the essence of intimacy and its influence on our lives. She emphasizes that when women embrace and marinate in their own essence, they enhance their ability to experience pleasure and build deeper inti

If bumper stickers were still a thing Adulting is Hard would be a bestseller. It's not that the challenges of adulthood have intensified, but rather, the parenting landscape has shifted. Overprotective tendencies now seem to outweigh the absenteeism of past generations. Is it possible for parents to empower their children to become independent adults? To discover how parents can support young adults leaving the nest, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with mentor, activist, and author Julie Lythcott-Haims.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Nutrafol — Offers a drug-free whole-body health approach to hair wellness and growth. Get $10 off your 1st month's subscription + free shipping. Visit nutrafol.com and use promo code HH.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.

Think for a second briefly about the excitement of learning something new as a child. That sense of wonder and accomplishment when you first figured out how to write a bike, solve a puzzle, or read a book. That joy doesn't have to end with childhood, and in fact, lifelong learning is the secret to maintaining that spark of happiness throughout our lifetime.To find out the art of unlocking happiness, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the founder and president of the Catherine Project, Dr. Zena Hitz.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Nutrafol — Offers a drug-free whole-body health approach to hair wellness and growth. Get $10 off your 1st month's subscription + free shipping. Visit nutrafol.com and use promo code HH.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 learning mechanism in the human brain is not yet equipped to deal with information meant to deceive or manipulate. Armed with a computational approach to civilization but lacking the ability to discern fact from fiction, we find ourselves at the precipice of a new digital world for which we may not be prepared.To reveal how human cognition processes information, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the T. Jefferson Coolidge Professor of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University, Dr. Leslie Valiant. Leslie discusses a human’s predisposition to accept the information we ingest as truth and explains the central tenet of his newest book, The Importance of Being Educable: A New Theory of Human Uniqueness.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Ouai — Offers beauty-boosting head-to-toe self-care rituals. Visit theouai.com and use code HH to get 15% off of your entire purchase.Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND

*This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. Sexual arousal can mean many different things to many different people. A quick walk through the local ‘adult’ store can be an eye-opening experience for some and offer a giggle for others. No matter what turns you on, the root of a healthy sexual experience is psychological safety. Our minds and bodies work together when it comes to enhancing happiness.To expose the mind-body connection to sexual health and well-being, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Assistant Professor at the Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering at Indiana University and an Assistant Research Scientist at the Kinsey Institute, Dr. Greg Lewis. Greg offers a spin on the way we look at our sexuality, how we express it, and how it is connected to psychological safety. This episode is proudly sponsored by Beducated— Offers online shame-free pleasure-based sex education for everyone. Spice up your sex life today and get 40% o

Nutritional Science is a fairly new field of study relative to human existence. In the past, humans grew much of their food in and around where they lived, incorporating a variety of nutritionally dense plants and animals into their diet. Fast forward to today, when industrialization has changed how we feed ourselves, humans more often use satiation above nutrition to gauge our feeding needs.To gain nuggets of nourishment about nutrients, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD. Sarah founded Nutrivore.com and is the New York Times best-selling author of Nutrivore:The Radical New Science for Getting the Nutrients You Need from the Food You Eat. Dr. Sarah Ballantyne studies the effects of nutrients on our body chemistry and which foods contain the highest levels of nutrients relative to the daily value per calorie. Her Nutrivore scoring system offers simple food swap items and additions to create healthier meals for healthier humans. This episode is proudly sp

For many women, rising above trauma can feel unattainable in public life and utterly impossible when under the restraints of incarceration. But, women, being who they are, build mutual support systems behind bars that foster resilience, and community, and underpin transformations not often correlated with stories of life in prison.To discover ways of transcending incarceration, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with an internationally recognized clinician, author, organizational consultant, lecturer, and a pioneer in addiction, trauma, and recovery, Dr. Stephanie Covington.Dr. Covington shares findings from her decades of experience working with institutions, and her latest book, Hidden Healers: The Unexpected Ways Women in Prison Help Each Other Survive. She talks about the healing journeys within our broken prison systems and describes the community that develops between incarcerated women.Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitn