Are your coping mechanisms actually part of your personality—and what would you be like without them?

Listen now to the latest episode of ‘Life Happens*’, where hosts Michelle R Williams and Nick Hirst explore the psychology behind the habits and behaviours we rely on to navigate stress, relationships, and everyday life. Why do we develop coping mechanisms? Where do they come from? And are they helping—or holding us back?

What do your coping mechanisms say about you?

Are you an over-thinker… an avoider… an optimist… or something else entirely?

Nick and Michelle took a psychology quiz to find out — and the results sparked a surprisingly honest conversation about how we all cope with life, stress, and everything in between. You can find it here:

https://www.idrlabs.com/the-cope-inventory/test.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com

🎧 Check out Life Happens* and be part of the conversation.

*but you can too!

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“What animal would you choose to be?” It sounds like a fun icebreaker—but it’s increasingly being asked in real job interviews. Why do employers ask it? Is there a right answer? And what can our animal choices reveal about personality, behaviour, and self-awareness?

In this episode of Life Happens* (but you can too!), inter-generational hosts Michelle R Williams and Nick Hirst explore the psychology behind this unusual interview question and what we can learn from the animal kingdom about ourselves.

They even put themselves to the test with a popular online quiz to discover their own animal matches—and show you how to try it for yourself.

Click here to take the quiz: https://www.wikihow.com/What-Animal-Am-I

Michelle also talks about some psychology experiments that started with animals but are hugely important in understanding the human mind.

If you are interested in that topic, she encourages you to watch this video about Harlow's monkey experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrNBEhzjg8I

🎧 Listen now to uncover the meaning behind the question—and maybe release the animal in you.

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How do different cultures show emotion—and what can reality TV reveal about emotional expression?

In this episode of Life Happens*, Michelle and Nick explore how UK and US versions of the same reality TV show display strikingly different emotional responses. They unpack the cultural idea of “keeping a stiff upper lip,” its surprising American origins, and whether we’re becoming more emotionally literate as a society.

🎧 Listen in to this week’s episode as the two, inter-generational hosts discuss whether we are becoming more emotionally literate.

Check it out now to see where you might be on the emotions spectrum
Life Happens*

*but you can too!

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What are the biggest cultural differences between the USA, the UK, and Europe?
In this episode of Life Happens*, Michelle and Nick share real-life observations from living and working abroad. Michelle is fresh from six months living and working in Chicago and Nick has made multiple work-based trips across the US. Here they compare American, British, and European culture — from friendliness and work–life balance to parenting, patriotism, food, and even language. Honest insights, humour, and lived experience.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

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Have you ever thought about moving abroad or starting a new life in another country? Uprooting yourself — and possibly your family — in the hope of a better lifestyle is a big decision, but one many people consider at the start of a new year.

In this episode of Life Happens*, we explore what it’s really like to relocate overseas. Is the grass truly greener when you move to another country, or do the challenges of expat life outweigh the rewards? From culture shock and homesickness to career changes and personal growth, we dive into the realities of living abroad.

The Life Happens* hosts speak from first-hand experience. Michelle has recently returned after six months living in the USA, while Nick is currently living in his sixth country. Together, they share honest insights into international relocation — the highs and lows, the benefits and drawbacks, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way.

If you’re thinking about moving overseas, considering an international move, or simply curious about life as an expat, this episode offers practical advice, real stories, and plenty of food for thought.

🎧 Listen now to Life Happens* and join the conversation about moving abroad, embracing change, and building a life beyond borders.

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Are you trapped in a stereotypical path through life? Do you feel stuck and want to make a change? Ever wonder if it’s possible to go your own way?

New year...new beginnings, and this week the ‘Life Happens*’ team discuss breaking out of a life you may feel stuck in.

Michelle, the young half of the team, is just starting out on her journey and contemplates the choices ahead and how to make them.

Nick, the ‘seasoned pro’ on the team has never trodden a conventional path and has the tales to prove it! He offers some helpful advice about finding what you’re good at and using that to make your life fun.

Listen now to ‘Go your own way’ and find out how you can make the key choices for a better life. It’s a new year...it could be a new you.

Check out ‘Life Happens*’ now and be part of the conversation.

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Stand by for fireworks this week as the ‘Life Happens*’ team contemplate the impending arrival of 2026.

‘Should old acquaintance be forgot?’ is the question asked once a year in many English speaking countries as revellers join hands to sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ on the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. But why? Where does this tradition come from?

And did you know that in one country New Year’s Eve was an extra special celebration because Christmas was banned there for over 400 years? What country?

Then there’s the prickly topic of New Year’s resolutions. Good or bad thing? Michelle and Nick discuss the pros and cons and Michelle offers an interesting and practical alternative.

Check out ‘Life Happens*’ now and start the new year as you mean to go on – making life happen for you!

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’Tis the season to be jolly...or is it? For some, this is the most glorious time of the year, for others...not so much.

The ‘Life Happens*’ Christmas Special is a must listen cracker of an episode full of all kinds of aural stocking fillers! From chat about Christmas traditions in different cultures to Michelle and Nick’s reflections of their own Christmases Past.

From discussing the difference between Santa Claus and Father Christmas to the origins of Christmas traditions and food, and so much more including a mysterious, and slightly scary, dancing baby!

Nick and Michelle also talk about the mental health challenges the holiday season can cause and how to find some peace and happiness despite everything.

Join the conversation with Michelle R Williams and Nick Hirst in the bumper Christmas episode of ‘Life Happens*’. We hope you have a good one!

*but you can too!

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