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Choosing Happy

Choosing Happy

Written by: Heather Masters
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Ready to break free from old patterns and choose joy in a noisy, demanding world? You’re in the right place. The Choosing Happy Podcast is where techies, entrepreneurs, transformational practitioners and creative souls come to reclaim happiness, shake up their mindset, and unlock more meaningful wins—no toxic positivity, just real stories, honest wisdom, and practical tools. Hosted by Heather V Masters, certified trainer, coach, NLP master practitioner, and ex-corporate burnout survivor turned joy champion, every episode blends bold myth-busting, brutally honest moments, and uplifting insights. Here, you’ll hear everyday tales about messing up, getting back up, and finding clarity in chaos. This isn’t polished perfection—it’s raw, relatable, and relentlessly positive. Whether you’re stuck in a rut, ready for a pattern break, or craving authenticity in your business and life, you’ll find strategies, experiments, and support to help you thrive. Expect weekly bite-sized wisdom, longer deep-dives, and monthly guests who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. What You’ll Get: Real stories & hard-won lessons: The truth behind success—failures, pivots, and tiny happy experiments. Mindset shifts for real life: Ditching the fluff and finding joy in the messy bits. Actionable tools: Live tests, wins jars, A–B experiments, reframes you’ll actually use. A vibrant, supportive community: Share your wins, get inspired, and rediscover what makes you happy. Join us and choose happy—one honest conversation at a time. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at www.choosinghappypodcast.com. Connect with Heather, join the community, and let’s thrive together! Coaching: Email heather@heathervmasters.com for personalised support. Newsletter: Get weekly tips at https://www.choosinghappy.online/realhappynews. Support Us Love the podcast? Like, share, and subscribe! Support us at www.buymeacoffee.com/heatherv or www.choosinghappypodcast.com/support. Disclaimer Content is for informational purposes only, not medical advice. Techniques may evoke strong emotions; engage at your discretion. If facing trauma or mental health challenges, consult a professional. Heather V Masters isn’t liable for outcomes from applying this content. See full disclaimer for details. © 2025 Heather V Masters. All rights reserved.Copyright 2026 Heather Masters Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Leadership Management & Leadership Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • Grief, Goals & Roundabouts — A Very Human Check‑In With Me, Heather Masters

    Grief, Goals & Roundabouts — A Very Human Check‑In With Me, Heather Masters
    Oct 7 2026
    IntroThe main point: as the year winds down, we’re deciding where to put our time and energy, and I’m digging into how modelling — from neuro‑linguistic programming — can help us make those choices and actually follow through.I’m Heather Masters, checking in after a bit of radio silence to share what’s been happening (loss of my lovely dog, a significant birthday, a bout of Wi‑Fi drama) and how those life bits have pushed me up against boundaries I’m reconsidering. I talk honestly about grief and capacity — you can have big plans and still need gentler care — and I share a proper lived example of moving from “absolutely not” to “I drove in France” (yes, the roundabouts were as dramatic as you imagine).I explain why noticing what worked when things did go well — the tiny practical details we usually ignore — is a brilliant strategy for tackling new challenges. I’ve also been recording interviews with people doing exceptional things, and I’ll be sharing those conversations soon, but for now I offer a small experiment: pick a manageable win, map out what you actually did, and try one piece of that on something you’re considering now. Come join me as we choose happy, get less stuck, and maybe practise another roundabout or two for good measure.Details:When I say I’m back, I mean properly back — with interviews lined up and a pocketful of reflections after a patchy break.This summary leans into the practical: modelling, the NLP idea of studying excellence, and how to extract real-world tactics from successes you barely even noticed at the time. I walk you through what modelling actually looks like — paying attention to decisions, patterns, conversations, how someone recovers when plans go sideways — and suggest you apply that same curious detective energy to your own wins.If your first instinct is "I was more confident," I challenge you (gently!) to pin down what that actually looked like in behaviour and prep. That’s the useful stuff you can copy-and-paste into new situations. To make it properly usable, I give a tiny, doable journalling exercise: pick a small boundary you crossed in the past, list the exact moves that got you through, and borrow one micro-strategy for something you’re considering now.My own borrowed strategies included remembering why the freedom mattered, noticing other nervous drivers (and not being alone in the panic), and leaning on the courage I’ve seen in clients. It’s practical, low-drama, and exactly the kind of thing that helps you choose happiness without feeling pressured to reinvent yourself overnight.Chapters:00:06 - Catching Up — My Recent Break and What’s Ahead03:13 - Acknowledging grief — losing my dog and moving forward05:53 - Driving in France — Embracing the Unknown10:11 - Modeling Ourselves — Using NLP to Learn from Success15:24 - Exploring the Decisions Available to You18:14 - Back and Looking Ahead — Upcoming Interviews & Listener QuestionsTakeaways:I acknowledge grief and practical life at the same time, reminding us that happiness includes holding sorrow.I drove in France despite decades of avoidance, and that roundabout marathon taught me useful courage strategies (and a funny new skill).We can model success by examining exactly what people do — the decisions, attention, habits and behaviours — not just vague confidence.I'm asking whether I'm ready to put a commercial value on my experience and bid for bigger corporate work, while keeping my worth separate from outcomes.I invite you to try a tiny experiment: pick a small past win, unpack what you actually did, and test one specific part now.I'm bringing interviews about NLP, modelling and practical strategies to help us choose happy and navigate life's nonsense over these final months.Podcast Details and LinksHeather MastersCopyright 2026 Heather MastersIf you are enjoying the podcast and would like to donate you can do so here: (Thank you in advance)Support this Podcastwww.choosinghappypodcast.comSubscribe & ReviewNew episodes drop every week. Subscribe so you never miss one, and if this episode helped you, please leave a review—it helps other women find the podcast when they need it most.Remember: Keep choosing happy. Not by coping… but by coming back to life.How You Can Connect with Heather and Support This Independent Podcast:Please like, share with someone who may need to hear this today, and/or leave a review and support the podcast. I really appreciate it.Want to dive deeper? Drop me an email: heather@heathervmasters.comJoin the conversation: Community | https://buymeacoffee.com/choosinghappyIf this episode resonated with you, please: • Subscribe to Choosing Happy wherever you listen • Leave a 5-star review (it helps other women find this work) • Share with someone who needs to hear: "You're not unforgivable" • Visit heathervmasters.com to learn about working together© 2026 Heather V Masters | Choosing Happy Podcast All ...
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    20 mins
  • From Busy to Bliss: How to Ditch the Doing

    From Busy to Bliss: How to Ditch the Doing
    Jul 9 2026
    IntroAction is the name of the game, and this week, I’m diving deep into why moving your body is the secret sauce to feeling more alive and kicking those brain fog blues to the curb!I learned the hard way that just being busy doesn’t cut it; it’s all about intentional action, and let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of “throwing mud at the wall” moments.We’re chatting about how taking a proper walk can work wonders, and why it’s crucial to check in with what’s actually working in our lives instead of just grinding away.So grab your favourite snack—Hobnobs, anyone?—and settle in as we explore how slowing down sometimes sets the stage for speeding up, and how we can all get a bit clearer on what we really want!The DetailHeather Masters takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the wild world of action (and inaction) in this episode of Choosing Happy!With her trademark playful tone, she recounts her past year of relentless hustle, where she was buried under a mountain of tasks without a clear direction. Imagine a pizza, but a pizza that’s also a metaphor for feeling a bit lost – that’s how Heather describes her state of mind.It’s a relatable, funny narrative that sets the stage for a discussion about the importance of meaningful action in our lives.As we plunge into the meaty core of the episode, Heather shares her newfound wisdom on how just being busy doesn’t equate to being productive. She tackles the buzzword ‘consistency’ and offers a refreshing perspective: it’s not just about showing up every day; it’s about showing up with intention. Are we doing things that matter, or are we just hiding behind a flurry of activity?With her infectious enthusiasm, Heather encourages us to assess our actions and make sure they align with our goals.She’s all about finding that sweet spot where action meets intention, and it’s a revelation that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day!By the end of this episode, listeners are left feeling invigorated and ready to tackle their own action plans with clarity.Heather wraps it up with a challenge that’s as delightful as it is thought-provoking: take a moment to identify one action in your life that’s just a cover for avoidance. It’s a little nudge to help us all move forward with purpose, and who doesn’t love a good nudge?So, grab your favourite snack, kick back, and get ready to embrace the joyful chaos of life with Heather’s insights on action and intention!Chapters:00:13 - The Power of Action in Creativity01:55 - Reflections on Consistency and Action05:51 - Finding Clarity in Action09:32 - Building Systems vs. Being Busy11:48 - Finding Your Intentional ActionTakeaways:Action is the magic ingredient that transforms ideas into reality, so get moving!Sometimes the best thing to do is to slow down and listen to your own needs.Being busy doesn't always equate to being productive; focus on what truly matters instead.Intentional action is where the real progress happens, rather than just doing for the sake of it.Finding clarity in your goals can turn frantic activity into meaningful achievements.It's crucial to differentiate between genuine action and mere busywork to avoid burnout.Podcast Details and LinksHeather MastersCopyright 2026 Heather MastersIf you are enjoying the podcast and would like to donate you can do so here: (Thank you in advance)Support this Podcastwww.choosinghappypodcast.comSubscribe & ReviewNew episodes drop every week. Subscribe so you never miss one, and if this episode helped you, please leave a review—it helps other women find the podcast when they need it most.Remember: Keep choosing happy. Not by coping… but by coming back to life.How You Can Connect with Heather and Support This Independent Podcast:Please like, share with someone who may need to hear this today, and/or leave a review and support the podcast. I really appreciate it.Want to dive deeper? Drop me an email: heather@heathervmasters.comJoin the conversation: Community | https://buymeacoffee.com/choosinghappyIf this episode resonated with you, please: • Subscribe to Choosing Happy wherever you listen • Leave a 5-star review (it helps other women find this work) • Share with someone who needs to hear: "You're not unforgivable" • Visit heathervmasters.com to learn about working together© 2026 Heather V Masters | Choosing Happy Podcast All rights reserved.
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    13 mins
  • The Art of Adapting: Squats, Snacks, and Surprising Success!

    The Art of Adapting: Squats, Snacks, and Surprising Success!
    Jul 31 2026
    Feeling weighed down by change?Well, you’re not alone! Join me, Heather Master, as I dive into my own fitness journey and the surprising hurdles I faced when my workout routine began to eat into my precious morning time.I’ll share how I creatively combined dog-walking with squats and lunges to keep moving without sacrificing my schedule. We’ll explore the importance of embracing change, shifting our mindset, and recognising the gifts that come with adapting. Whether it's exercise, work, or life in general, let’s tackle those pesky disruptions together and find ways to keep our spirits high while juggling it all! So grab your cuppa, pop on those headphones, and let’s get our happy on!The DetailsLife can feel like a never-ending game of dodgeball, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, BOOM – change comes flying at you!In this episode, I’m spilling the beans on my fitness journey and how I managed to juggle workout challenges while keeping my mornings intact.After realising I was turning into a couch potato over winter (gasp!), I hopped on the fitness bandwagon with some challenges.But when my 30-day challenge morphed into a time-consuming beast, I knew I had to get crafty. Enter the genius idea of combining dog walking with workouts – because why not make Fido your workout buddy? Trust me, squatting by the lamppost while your dog sniffs every blade of grass is a sight to behold!But this episode isn’t just about my doggie workouts; we’re diving deep into how to adapt to change in our lives.I’ll share three golden nuggets: First, let’s shift our mindset and embrace that change is just part of the ride. Second, we’ll explore how to creatively leverage our time and resources – can your housework double as a workout?Spoiler: yes! And third, we’ll tap into that magical gift of intuition. Sometimes, it’s our gut that knows best, especially when logic starts leading us in circles.So, whether you’re in the midst of a life transition or just trying to figure out how to fit in a workout, join me for a fun-filled chat on how to keep choosing happiness amidst the chaos!Chapters:00:05 - Starting a New Fitness Journey02:50 - Adapting to Change: Strategies for Resilience06:18 - Incorporating Exercise into Daily Life09:11 - The Role of Intuition in Navigating Change12:19 - Embracing Intuition and CreativityTakeaways:Adapting to change is essential, and often requires us to shift our mindset and focus on what we can control, rather than resisting change.Combining tasks creatively can save time and boost motivation, like exercising while walking the dog – multitasking for the win!Using our intuition can be a powerful guide when facing uncertainty, allowing us to make quicker, more effective decisions.Recognising the gifts of our unconscious mind can open up new paths and opportunities, especially in times of rapid change and uncertainty.When faced with challenges, it’s a good idea to ask ourselves: what can we learn from this situation, rather than dwelling on what we’ve lost?Flexibility and creativity in problem-solving can lead to unexpected solutions, so let's embrace the chaos and find the fun in adapting!Podcast Details and LinksHeather MastersCopyright 2026 Heather MastersIf you are enjoying the podcast and would like to donate you can do so here: (Thank you in advance)Support this Podcastwww.choosinghappypodcast.comSubscribe & ReviewNew episodes drop every week. Subscribe so you never miss one, and if this episode helped you, please leave a review—it helps other women find the podcast when they need it most.Remember: Keep choosing happy. Not by coping… but by coming back to life.How You Can Connect with Heather and Support This Independent Podcast:Please like, share with someone who may need to hear this today, and/or leave a review and support the podcast. I really appreciate it.Want to dive deeper? Drop me an email: heather@heathervmasters.comJoin the conversation: Community | https://buymeacoffee.com/choosinghappyIf this episode resonated with you, please: • Subscribe to Choosing Happy wherever you listen • Leave a 5-star review (it helps other women find this work) • Share with someone who needs to hear: "You're not unforgivable" • Visit heathervmasters.com to learn about working together© 2026 Heather V Masters | Choosing Happy Podcast All rights reserved.
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    15 mins
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