Happiness - A Sceptics Guide

In episode 27, the season's finale of Happiness, a Sceptics guide, your hosts Paul Flower and Dr Gary Wood explore the topic of awakenings or personal transformations from the unlikely source of a story by Friedrich Nietzsche - a name not usually associated with happiness and wellbeing. As well as the usual tangents and asides, this episode continues the twin themes of self-reflection and storytelling as used in Gary's book The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge). For the UK check it out at https://amzn.to/3gmgukd and for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd You might also want to take a peek at 'Don't Wait For Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It' - for UK see: https://amzn.to/37Je6T4 and for USA see: https://amzn.to/3KYqY68 To offer a little encouragement, please like, subscribe and share, wherever you find your podcasts. And if you'd like to make a small donation to the production coffers of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, please visit Buy Me a Coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scepticsguide #psychology #humour

In Episode 26 of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, your hosts Dr Gary Wood and Paul Flower looked at whether optimism and pessimism are personality types or just ways of explaining the world. This episode brings together ideas from Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology. Check out Martin Seligman's book 'Learned Optimism. For the UK see https://amzn.to/3tmlk7K and for the USA see https://amzn.to/3N5FH0M For a summary of 'Learned Optimism' check out Gary's book 'Don't Wait For Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It' - for UK see: https://amzn.to/37Je6T4 and for USA see: https://amzn.to/3KYqY68 To offer a little encouragement, please like, subscribe and share, wherever you find your podcasts. And if you'd like to make a small donation to the production coffers of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, please visit Buy Me a Coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scepticsguide

In this special bonus episode (Ep.25), your podcast hosts Paul Flower and psychologist Dr Gary Wood invite you to 'Spring into self-care. The podcast offers the season of 'green-shoots' as a time to do a bit of spring cleaning to sweep in some happiness related changes and sweep out what's not lifting you up. Gary introduces his idea of 'Zen Ironing' as a way to both change attitudes for unpleasant tasks, and as a model for getting organized. Gary offers the idea that all the little chores we love to hate are really acts of self-care. For a complete personal development course in a book, to fully spring-clean your life, You check out Gary's book 'Don't Wait For Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It' - for UK see: https://amzn.to/37Je6T4 and for USA see: https://amzn.to/3KYqY68 Please like, subscribe and share, wherever you find your podcasts. And if you'd like to make a small donation to the production coffers of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, please visit Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scepticsguide

In Episode 24 of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, your hosts Dr Gary Wood and Paul Flower continue to build on themes from earlier episodes. This time it takes a deeper dive into Positive Psychology, and the model of flourishing called PERMA, first mentioned in Episode 04 on Happiness and meaning. PERMA is an acronym for Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement. This episode also carries on where the last one (Ep.23) left off and continues the conversation about gratitude. PERMA is covered in the penultimate chapter (six) in Gary Wood's book 'The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge). To read more about the book, for the UK go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd And for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd To check out the Tactics for Happier Living quiz visit: https://programs.clearerthinking.org/tactics_for_happier_living.html To check out the Daylio App visit: https://daylio.net/ The podcast hosts are not affiliated with either clearthinking.org or Daylio and they offer the links for information and discussion purposes only. Please like, subscribe and share, wherever you find your podcasts. And if you'd like to make a small donation to the production coffers of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, please visit Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scepticsguide

In Episode 23 of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide your hosts Paul Flower and Dr Gary Wood take a look at the link between gratitude and happiness. The episode also draws together themes from previous episodes on Stress (Eps 05 and 06), and Mindfulness (Ep.10). To try the Gratitude and Anticipation Experiment, check out Gary's video: https://youtu.be/gJ4mnO_Ynjk and supporting blog post 'Getting the Gratitude Attitude that includes a PDF download to take part in the experiment: https://psycentral.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/gratitude-attitude-optimis-free-pdf-diary-sheet/ And, you can read more about gratitude in Gary's book 'Don't Wait For Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It'. For the UK see: https://amzn.to/3t9xMXp and for the USA see: https://amzn.to/3LIg1Xk To offer a little encouragement, please like, subscribe and share, wherever you find your podcasts. And if you'd like to make a small donation to the production coffers of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, please visit Buy Me a Coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scepticsguide We'd be most grateful.

In Episode 22 of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, your hosts Dr Gary Wood and Paul Flower look at the many splendoured thing called love. They look at the different styles of love, and how passion, intimacy and commitment combine to form different types of love, and how this relates to happiness. The proceedings are punctuated by the usual 'colourful' asides. For more on gender and relationships check out Gary Wood's book 'The Psychology of Gender'. published by Routledge. For Uk see: https://amzn.to/34hR0BA and for US see: https://amzn.to/3BbW8mZ (It's available as a paperback, e-book and audio book). 'How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.' - Elisabeth Barrett Browning.

In this bonus review episode (Ep.21), Paul Flower and Dr Gary Wood look back over the previous five episodes of the Happiness, A Sceptics Guide podcast on the theme of making the happiness insights stick, to formulate a personalised happiness development programme. In the four (of the five) episodes, the podcast explores the theme of storytelling: The present episode concludes with ideas from Paul of what the podcast should discuss next to keep the narrative moving in a worthwhile direction. Please like, subscribe and share, wherever you find your podcasts. And if you'd like to make a small donation to the production coffers of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, please visit BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic.

In this bonus episode (Ep.20), Happiness, A Sceptics Guide takes a moment to drive home the point that there's more to goal setting than January 1st. Instead, you can use another arbitrary day like the Lunar New Year. Podcast host and psychologist Dr Gary Wood tells the story of how the Chinese character of 'Fu' symbolising happiness came to be upside down on Lunar New Year decorations. And in an effort to inspire sceptical co-host Paul Flower to action, explains how the themes in this tale relate to the themes in the podcast's pursuit of a personalized programme of the pursuit of happiness and psychological wellbeing. Please like, subscribe and share, wherever you find your podcasts. And if you'd like to make a small donation to the production coffers of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, please visit BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic.

In Episode 19 of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, your hosts Paul Flower and Dr Gary Wood look at some techniques for creating happier endings for your happiness stories. And for a podcast that aims to make you happier whatever we encounter more than a little resistance to these techniques. For more information on the 'letter from a future self' technique, check our Gary Wood's blog post: https://psycentral.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/future-self-letter-goals-dr-gary-wood-life-coach-birmingham/ And for more on 'best future self' for retirement planning, see: https://psycentral.wordpress.com/2018/10/26/planning-for-retirement-meaning-and-happiness-goals/ If you'd like to make a small donation to the production coffers of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, please visit BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic.

Ep.18. In this episode of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, psychologist Dr Gary Wood and 'sceptic on the street' Paul Flower use the PR stunt of Blue Monday - the so-called unhappiest day of the year - to explore the links between trust, truth and wellbeing. To find out more about why Gary turned down the Blue Monday campaign, check out his blog post: https://psycentral.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/psychobabble-blue-monday-psychology/ Based on Gary Wood's book 'The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge). To read more about the book, for the UK go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd And for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd If you'd like to make a small donation to the production coffers of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, please visit BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic.

Ep.17. In this episode of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, your hosts Paul Flower and Dr Gary Wood compare goals and New Year's resolutions and tell you how to set your goals for positive outcomes. As usual, there are the usual tangents, anecdotes and colourful turns of phrase all in pursuit of the podcast's overarching goal 'to find the things that could actually make you happier'. Based on Gary Wood's book 'Don't Wait For Your Ship to Come In . . . Swim Out to Meet It'. To read more about the book, for the UK go to: https://amzn.to/3wMc3Gh. And for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3FnnQxT Check out Gary's blog post: Survive New Year’s Resolutions and Thrive with Goals – A Survival Kit. Support Happiness, A Sceptics Guide at BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic (to donate audio processing credits).

Ep. 16. Another bonus festive episode of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide with Dr Gary Wood and Paul Flower. This time your hosts offer 'twelve' tips to survive and thrive over Christmas and the festive period, which would also help any time of the year. A festive survival tip is not just for Christmas! Not all of the tips might apply to you, your needs and your experience, so pick the ones you are able to apply to give yourself a seasonal boost and pass on the other tips. Warning: This podcast contains pantomime anecdotes and tongue twisters. For more ideas and information, check out Gary's blog post: 10 Tips for How to Thrive Not Just Survive at Christmas. To make a small seasonal donation to the production coffers, please visit BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic. #happiness #wellbeing #wellness #psychology #mindfulness #selfhelp #books #talkingcures #psychotherapy #counselling #christmas #SurvivingChristmas

Ep,15. In this episode of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, your hosts Paul Flower and Dr Gary Wood consider the question of how to make happiness insights stick. This time we look at 'storytelling' and the way we tell our life stories, even on a day-to-day basis, help to shape how we view the world. Based on Gary's book 'The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge). To read more about the book, for the UK go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd And for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd If you'd like to support the podcast, you might like to 'Buy Us a Coffee' or donate some audio processing credits to our account. #happiness #wellbeing #wellness #psychology #mindfulness #selfhelp #books #talkingcures #psychotherapy #counselling #storytelliing

Ep.14. In this bonus seasonal episode of Happiness, a Sceptics Guide, your hosts Dr Gary Wood and Paul Flower look at Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and offer 12 tips to help you combat it, and indeed any bout of lowered mood whatever the season. None of the tips offered in this podcast is intended as a prescription but offered for information and entertainment purposes. Neither do the tips replace medical advice or psychological therapies, so if you experience persistent lowered mood or think you might be depressed then book a visit to your family medical doctor. If you'd like to support the podcast, you might like to 'Buy Us a Coffee' or donate some audio processing credits to our account. #happiness #wellbeing #wellness #psychology #mindfulness #selfhelp #books #talkingcures #psychotherapy #counselling #SAD #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder

Ep 13: The second in a series of review episodes of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide, in which your hosts take a pause to take stock of the story so far. In this bonus episode, Paul Flower and Dr Gary Wood look back on episodes 8 to 12 to recap on the takeaway points from 'Happiness and Mindfulness (08)'; 'Talking Cures for Unhappiness (09)'; 'Happiness and the Self-Help Industry (10)'; Happiness, Self-Help and Toxic Positivity (11); and 'How to Read a Self-Help Book (12)'. This episode concludes with 'what's coming up' but not before a few well-placed (and misplaced) anecdotes. Based on Gary's book 'The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge. See here for the UK, or here for the US. If you'd like to support the podcast, you might like to 'Buy Us a Coffee' or donate some audio processing credits to our account. #happiness #wellbeing #wellness #psychology #mindfulness #selfhelp #books #talkingcures #psychotherapy #counselling

Ep.12. In the third part of the self-help trilogy, podcast hosts Dr Gary Wood and Paul Flower look at practical tips on how to get the most out of a self-help book. The answer is to treat it like a personal development course. This episode of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide offers an 'active reading formula' to help you do just that. Based on Gary's book 'The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge). To read more about the book, for the UK go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd And for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd Support Happiness, A Sceptics Guide at BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic (to donate audio processing credits). #selfhelp #personalsdevelopment #books #activereading #studyskills #lifehacks #happiness #sceptics #psychology #coaching

Ep.11 Part two of three looking at the self-help industry, your hosts Dr Gary Wood and Paul Flower discuss whether self-help advice encourages toxic positivity. The episode also looks at the general theory of meritocracy, are we all equal and therefore all capable of getting the same results from our reading? Is there an over-emphasis on dramatic results? Based on Gary's book 'The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge). To read more about the book, for the UK go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd And for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd Support Happiness, A Sceptics Guide at BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic (to donate audio processing credits). #selfhelp #personalgrowth #wellbeing #happiness #sceptics #ToxicPositivity #SelfHelpIndustry #SelfHelpBooks #meritocracy

Ep.10. In the first of a three-part look at the self-help industry, your hosts Dr Gary Wood and Paul Flower discuss book therapy - or bibliotherapy if you prefer. Learn all the secrets of the self-help book formula and how to read the warning signs of what to avoid. And how to find a self-help book that's right for you. Based on Gary's book 'The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge). To read more about the book, for the UK go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd And for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd Support Happiness, A Sceptics Guide at BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic (to donate audio processing credits). #selfhelp #personalgrowth #wellbeing #happiness #sceptics

Ep.09. When we talk about happiness, inevitably, we must talk about unhappiness. In this episode of Happiness, a Sceptics Guide your hosts Paul Flower and psychologist Dr Gary Wood look at 'talking cures'. How do you know if you need help? Where do you find help, and which therapy works best? Is cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), the panacea for all ills? This episode answers these questions and more. Based on Gary's book 'The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge). To read more about the book, for the UK go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd And for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd Support Happiness, A Sceptics Guide at BuyMeACoffee or Auphonic (to donate audio processing credits). #happiness #sceptics #psychotherapy #cbt #mbct #counselling #coaching #talkingcures #unhappiness #sadness #psychology #wellbeing

Ep08. In this episode of Happiness, A Sceptics Guide your hosts Dr Gary Wood and Paul Flower tackle the subject of mindfulness. What is it, and can it make us happier? What are the benefits of paying attention 'on purpose', in a non-judgemental way? Not always as easy as it sounds - even in a 20-minute podcast. Should mindfulness (and happiness) be about liberation from conditioning or adjustment to conditioning? Based on Gary's book 'The Psychology of Wellbeing' (published by Routledge). To read more about the book, for the UK go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd And for the US go to: https://amzn.to/3gmgukd #happiness #mindfulness #adjustment #liberation #wellbeing #wellness #psychology #coaching #sceptics