• 138: Gratitude: From re-living our dislikes to re-living our likes.
    Dec 12 2025

    Most of us already rehearse what we dislike. We relive annoyances, replay frustrations, and strengthen dissatisfaction without realizing it. This reflection explores gratitude not as forced positivity, but as deliberate attention training. By noticing what we genuinely enjoyed and briefly re-experiencing it, we increase life satisfaction without denying what went wrong. The practice is simple, grounded in happiness science, and surprisingly practical: train the mind to rehearse enjoyment instead of defaulting to complaint. Over time, this shifts how the game of happiness is played.


    #gratitudepractice #lifesatisfaction #happinessscience #attentiontraining #positivepsychology #mindfulness #enjoyment #wellbeing #mentalfitness #presentmoment #happinessgame


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    6 mins
  • 137: You’re already playing The Happiness Game. Here’s How to Win!
    Dec 7 2025

    Everyone is already playing The Happiness Game—most just don’t understand how it works. This deep dive breaks happiness down as a measurable, strategic game with clear traps, compounding assets, and winnable outcomes. Instead of chasing short-term pleasure, it shows how to eliminate “misery subscriptions” like resentment and self-criticism, stop fighting reality, and build long-term life satisfaction. You’ll learn why disliking reality destroys enjoyment, how cause and effect explains your emotions without shame, and how the DAD framework (Dislike, Accept, Decide) turns painful moments into fuel for growth. Happiness isn’t luck or positive thinking—it’s learning how to play smarter, one accepted moment at a time.

    - “You’re already playing the game; the question is whether you’re playing it well.”

    - “Stop chasing highs. Build assets.”

    - “Disliking reality is the fastest way to lose.”

    - “Misery is often just a bad subscription you forgot to cancel.”

    - “Acceptance clears the mind. Growth changes the future.”

    - “You can’t control the moment—but you can control the next input.”

    - “Enjoy life more than you dislike it. That’s the score.”


    #happiness #lifesatisfaction #mentalfitness #psychology #emotionalintelligence #acceptancemindset #selfacceptance #personalgrowth #mindsetshift #mentalhealth #wellbeing #positivityscience #causeandeffect #innerpeace #happinessgame #selfmastery #growthmindset


    Topics: happiness game, life satisfaction, positive psychology, subjective well-being, acceptance, self-acceptance, emotional regulation, rumination, resentment, jealousy, misery subscriptions, hedonic adaptation, long-term happiness, time affluence, cognitive flexibility, neuroscience of emotion, cause and effect, growth mindset, alterability, acceptance framework, DAD method, decision making, stress management, mental health tools, relationships and happiness


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    38 mins
  • 136: Introduction to The Happiness Game.
    Dec 7 2025

    Life is a game we’re all already playing. The question isn’t how to win faster. It’s how to play better. In The Happiness Game happiness isn’t about chasing more money status or approval. It’s about stacking real assets like contentment time affluence strong relationships presence and meaning while reducing liabilities like constant wanting comparison and disliking reality. When we stop fighting what is we free up time energy and attention to enjoy the game that’s already here. That’s not giving up. That’s playing smarter.
    #TheHappinessGame #Happiness #Wellbeing #Contentment #TimeAffluence #PositivePsychology #Wholebeing #LifePhilosophy #MeaningfulLiving #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Stoicism #Acceptance #HumanFlourishing

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    7 mins
  • 135 The Real Secret to Lifelong Love: It’s Not What You Think
    Nov 3 2025

    Science shows that happiness doesn’t come from money, status, or success—it comes from deep, authentic relationships. This conversation breaks down the research behind what truly makes love last: understanding that we’re all “mistake makers,” learning to replace judgment with curiosity, and seeing conflict as data, not danger. Discover how contentment, authenticity, and open communication can turn ordinary relationships into lifelong partnerships of growth and joy.

    Soundbites:“We’re all mistake makers, not villains.”

    “Conflict isn’t rejection—it’s refinement.”

    “Real intimacy begins where validation ends.”

    “Love isn’t about being right; it’s about being real.”

    “The foundation of love is contentment, not perfection.”

    #relationshipgoals #happinessscience #authenticlove #forgivenessredefined #emotionalintelligence #happinesstips #relationshipadvice #psychologyoflove #mindfulrelationships #growthmindset #selfawareness #knowingandbeingknown #mistakemakers #contentment #lovemap #relationshiphealing #positivity #mindfulliving #realintimacy #lifelonglove


    Topics: relationship happiness, forgiveness redefined, mistake makers, relational well-being, spire model, authentic connection, emotional intelligence, curiosity in love, conflict as growth, happiness science, understanding over judgment, vulnerability, contentment, love map, knowing and being known, intimacy research, communication tools, self-awareness, mutual growth, lifelong love

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    12 mins
  • 134: The Fastest Way to Be Happy (That Everyone Overlooks)
    Nov 1 2025

    What if happiness isn’t about getting what you want, but about stopping your fight with what is? In this mind-shifting episode, Jay breaks down the fastest way to increase happiness: stop disliking what happens. He explores why anger and disappointment are signals, not enemies, and how “friendly curiosity” about our reactions leads to freedom. This is a raw, real look into how the mind creates suffering, and how you can step outside it to enjoy life as it unfolds, no matter the outcome.

    - “The fastest way to increase your happiness is to stop disliking what happens.”

    - “You can’t control everything—but you can stop fighting reality.”

    - “Anger and disappointment aren’t problems; they’re invitations to understand your mind.”

    - “Freedom begins when you stop needing the world to go your way.”

    - “Friendly curiosity is how you turn pain into insight.”

    #happiness #mindfulness #selfawareness #stoicism #personalgrowth #emotionalintelligence #innerpeace #selfcompassion #mentalhealth #acceptance #philosophy #psychology #mindset #peaceofmind #nonattachment #growthmindset #selfimprovement #consciousliving #letgo #presentmoment

    Topics: happiness, acceptance, stoicism, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, mindfulness, mental health, peace of mind, self-compassion, personal growth, non-attachment, psychology, philosophy, inner peace, cause and effect, friendly curiosity, self-reflection, letting go, mind training, emotional freedom

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    22 mins
  • 133: Flourishism: The Science-Backed Philosophy That Grounds Happiness in Reality
    Aug 4 2025

    Flourishism is a fresh take on living wisely and joyfully—without needing to abandon your beliefs. It defines "God" as reality itself and leans on science, self-inquiry, and insight to guide you toward lasting happiness. Think of it like software updates for your mind: fewer bugs, more clarity, and a calm, steady joy that grows as you understand life more deeply. It’s not about rules or commandments—it’s about direct experience, unconditional love, and living in harmony with how things actually work. Whether you’re spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between, Flourishism gives you tools to grow without judgment—and it might just change how you see everything.


    #flourishism #happinesshack #mentalupgrade #selfgrowth #mindsetshift #unconditionallove #causeandeffect #philosophylovers #spiresystem #wisdomoverrules #realtalkwellbeing #softwareupdate #thoughtwork #redefinegod #communityoverjudgment

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    6 mins
  • 132: Master of Arts in Happiness Studies: First Course Deep Dive (GHS-509)
    Jun 27 2025

    This AI podcast is based on the materials of the first course in the Master of Arts in Happiness Studies at Centenary University. It's called “GHS-509 Foundations of Happiness Studies,” and it's packed with science-backed ways to feel better, live longer, and become more fulfilled. We explore how managing energy—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—is more important than just managing time. You’ll learn about the power of proper breathing, small daily movements, eating whole foods, sleeping enough, and taking breaks. We also talk about how to handle stress better, how your brain can change at any age, and how deep relationships and gratitude make the biggest difference. The goal is simple: small daily actions that lead to big, long-term changes in happiness.Soundbites- “Time is not the issue. Energy is.”- “You can’t run a high-performance life on empty.”- “Breathing through your nose changes your physiology — and your life.”- “Metabolism doesn’t crash after 40 — your movement does.”- “Sleep is where the magic happens.”- “Buy willpower at the store, not in your pantry.”- “Painful emotions are not problems — they’re part of being human.”- “It’s not the stress that breaks us, it’s the lack of recovery.”- “You’re not stuck — your brain is plastic, and that’s good news.”- “Praising effort creates resilience. Praising talent creates fear.”- “Motivation comes after action, not before it.”- “Gratitude isn’t fluffy — it rewires your brain for happiness.”- “Every small shift is a vote for the kind of life you want to live.”Takeaways- Managing your energy—not just time—is the foundation of sustainable well-being.- Small, consistent actions (MVIs) can create lasting change through compounding effects.- Nasal breathing and lung capacity strongly predict long-term health.- Movement throughout the day is more effective than isolated workouts.- Quality sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to every dimension of health and happiness.- Hidden sugars in modern diets are a major health threat; shop smart to win before the craving hits.- Embracing negative emotions is crucial; resisting them amplifies suffering.- Stress is not the problem—recovery is. Build micro, mid, and macro recovery rituals.- Mindfulness and focused attention can reshape the brain and boost immune function.- Shift from praising fixed traits to recognizing effort and strategy to promote growth mindset.- Action precedes motivation. Even five minutes of effort can build momentum.- Gratitude and relationships are the strongest predictors of happiness—more than wealth or achievement.#happinessstudies #ghs509 #centenaryuniversity #masterofhappiness #energyovertime #microhabits #wellbeing #positivemindset #neuroplasticity #gratitudepractice #mindfulnessdaily #resilience #mentalfitness #breathebetter #tinyhabits #emotionalwellbeing #growthmindset #livebetter #scienceofhappiness #selfimprovement

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 131: Anxiety, Vulnerability, and Growth: The Deep Talk You Need to Hear.
    Mar 23 2025
    • This conversation dives into deep topics like self-acceptance, vulnerability, and emotional awareness. Kate and Jay talk about feeling like they are "too much" and how many people struggle with adjusting their personalities to fit social norms. They discuss the challenges of anxiety, overthinking, and worrying about how others perceive them. Therapy, self-reflection, and open communication are highlighted as key tools for finding peace and understanding emotions. The main takeaway is that embracing who you truly are and letting go of unnecessary desires leads to a happier, more authentic life.


    • Chapters:

      00:00 Embracing Vulnerability

      02:58 Navigating Relationships and Authenticity

      06:05 Trust and Anxiety in Social Situations

      09:00 Understanding Pain and Emotional Responses

      11:52 The Role of Negative Emotions

      14:48 Evaluating Routines and Control

      18:11 The Complexity of Time and Values

      21:07 Finding Balance in Life

      24:05 The Importance of Contemplative Time

      32:58 Understanding Needs vs. Wants

      36:23 The Pursuit of Desires and Its Impact

      40:04 Navigating Social Perceptions and Self-Reflection

      52:55 The Role of Therapy in Self-Discovery

      01:01:59 Modeling Emotional Intelligence for Future Generations


      Takeaways:

      • Being yourself means some people won’t like you, and that’s okay.
      • True friendships allow for full vulnerability without judgment.
      • People-pleasing is exhausting and not worth the energy.
      • The mind constantly makes up stories that may not be true.
      • Anxiety often shows up as overthinking and the need to control situations.
      • Setting boundaries with people who drain your energy is necessary for peace.
      • Self-reflection helps, but too much can lead to unnecessary suffering.
      • Therapy provides a neutral space to process emotions without judgment.
      • It’s okay to take time for yourself without feeling guilty.
      • Negative emotions serve a purpose, but they don’t have to control you.

    • Soundbites:

      • "The older I get, the less I care about people’s reactions to my vulnerability.
      • "Most people are surface level, and I’m more than okay with that now."
      • "I feel like I’m suppressing the biggest part of myself when I try to tone it down."
      • "If you’re always considering everyone else’s needs, you’re living through a filter, and that’s exhausting."
      • "The more I want, the less peace I have because I have to keep working for it."
      • "Some people can handle all of me, and some can’t—and that’s fine."
      • "If I’ve thought about an interaction three times, I need to address it."
      • "I don’t have time to filter myself for people who don’t get me."
      • "Anxiety makes me look outgoing, but really, I’m just trying to make sure everyone feels included."
      • "Self-reflection is great, but sometimes you just need to let yourself be."

    • #selfgrowth #authenticity #mentalhealth #emotionalintelligence #vulnerability #selfawareness #anxietyrelief #therapyworks #healingjourney #deepconversations #mindfulness #overthinking #peoplepleasing #selflove #personaldevelopment #innerpeace #growthmindset #selfacceptance #lifelessons #letgo

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    1 hr and 6 mins