Dr Lars Hansen is a Consultant Psychiatrist from Denmark living in the New Forest, UK. This conversation touched on so many of the topics that fascinated and perplexed me over the past year, and it continues to have a big impact on me. In this episode, we tackle questions of kindness, trust, the negativity impulse, and the mental health benefits of human connection.

You can find more info about Dr Lars here, and you can buy his exceptional book here.

Dr Lars Hansen is a Consultant Psychiatrist from Denmark living in the New Forest, UK. He has spent his career treating patients with severe mental health conditions, most frequently schizophrenia, psychosis, suicidality, anxiety and depression. However, he believes that psychiatry could benefit from a more positive approach, with less emphasis on what is 'wrong' with patients and more on what they are good at. In this hugely meaningful discussion, we explore how simple joy could be a force for good to that end.

And to mark the day that would've been his 63rd birthday, here's something from the wonderful Sean Locke.

David Hawkins is a botanist, an inspector of all things small and green, an old friend and perhaps the most curious man I've ever met. In this episode, he tells me all about the simple joy of 'looking' - looking for things, and looking closer at things. It's been a great inspiration for me, and I hope it is for you too. Below are some book recommendations for those who, like me, would like to pay a bit more attention to the vast and fascinating world of plants.

Best way in: Collins Complete Guide to British Wild Flowers

For city-dwellers: A Field Guide to Urban Plants

Classicist, journalist and man of the world(ist) Freddy Foulston discusses language-learning, padel as an antidote to the male loneliness epidemic, and why fish fingers are the best thing ever. Plus, mad ramblings on squash and the existence of a communal human consciousness.

Jack Barry is one of the best comedians in the UK, and a man firmly in touch with the simple joys of life. In this episode we discuss his life in stand-up, the struggles of living in an ailing society, and one possible remedy: the simple joy of noticing the beauty of the world around you.

Jack's website (Jack's sketches, his stand-up special Don't Happy, Be Worry)

Jack's Instagram (live dates)

What a coup to have the King of England on the show. His Royal Highness and I discuss the best things in life, including Wales, swans and the Duchy of Cornwall.

Have you ever become suddenly aware of the hush of a Sunday? Or of the changing of the seasons? Do you find yourself chuckling to your own thoughts? Nina Follows embodies everything that simple joy is - thoughtfulness, whimsy, and an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us every day of our lives. In this episode, we unpick the joys of journalling, laughing, dancing, reminiscing and more. What a joy.

Is it OK to feel smug? Elias Formaggia is a Biology graduate from Oxford University, a senior consultant, a selfless conversationalist and one of my best friends in the world. In this podcast, we talk about the importance of appreciating good decisions while curbing the urge to say "I'm better than you", the beauty of life hacks and the simple joy of individuality.