Live Happy Now
Science Podcasts
Bringing you scientifically proven tips and ideas to live a happier and more meaningful life through interviews with authors, positive psychology experts and well-being thought leaders. The editors of Live Happy magazine bring you best-selling authors...
Location:
United States
Description:
Bringing you scientifically proven tips and ideas to live a happier and more meaningful life through interviews with authors, positive psychology experts and well-being thought leaders. The editors of Live Happy magazine bring you best-selling authors and happiness gurus that share their knowledge on topics such as wellness, gratitude, well-being and mindfulness. Interviews are conducted with people like Shawn Achor, Michelle Gielan, Dr. Christine Carter, Margaret Greenberg, Dr. Drew Ramsey, Gretchen Rubin, Barbara Fredrickson, Tal Ben-Shahar, Deepak Chopra, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Stacy Kaiser, Darin McMahon, Michelle McQuaid, Fred Luskin, Shani Robins, Kristin Neff, Dr. Rick Hanson, and many more.
Language:
English
Episodes
Discover The Power of Real Optimism With Dr. Deepika Chopra
3/10/2026
In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Deepika Chopra to explore what real optimism looks like in a world filled with uncertainty. Drawing from her new book, The Power of Real Optimism, Dr. Deepika explains why optimism isn’t about rose‑colored glasses or pretending everything is fine; it’s a trainable psychological skill rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the belief that challenges are temporary and navigable.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:28:29
Small Practices for Brighter Days With Paula Felps and Michelle Jones
3/3/2026
A new Gallup poll says that Americans are feeling unusually pessimistic about the future, with optimism hitting its lowest point in two decades. This week, host Paula Felps and social media manager Michelle Jones dig into the poll results and explore why so many people are struggling emotionally, and — more importantly — what practical, evidence‑based habits can help us stay grounded, hopeful, and connected during difficult times. They also share what’s ahead for Happiness Month and how listeners can participate in this year’s community‑driven #HappyActs initiative.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:19:33
Adapting to a Chaotic World With Anne Grady
2/24/2026
During chaotic times, our ability to adapt is more important than ever. In this episode, resilience expert and author Anne Grady sits down with host Paula Felps to share how to stay grounded in a world that’s changing faster than our nervous systems can keep up. Drawing on personal experiences and insights from her new book EvolvAbility, Anne explains why adaptability is not a soft skill but a critical survival skill.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:31:33
Choosing Hope (Even When It’s Hard) With Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
2/17/2026
Hope isn’t a soft emotion; it’s a powerful, science‑backed strategy for navigating stress, uncertainty, and the challenges of modern life. In this episode, resiliency expert Dr. Robyne Hanley‑Dafoe joins host Paula Felps to discuss strategies from her new book, I Hope So: How to Choose Hope Even When It’s Hard. Dr. Robyne explains how cultivating a hope practice can calm the nervous system, strengthen resilience, deepen connection, and help us show up more fully for ourselves and others, even in difficult times.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:29:22
The Art of Adult Friendships With Anna Runkle
2/10/2026
We know we need friends, but finding “our people” can be hard! In this episode, host Paula Felps talks with therapist and author Anna Runkle about why so many of us struggle to build meaningful friendships, how covert avoidance keeps us from true connection, and what practical steps help us identify the relationships that genuinely support who we’re becoming.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:26:56
Becoming a Better Friend With Barnet Bain
2/3/2026
As we kick off International Friendship Month, it’s the perfect time to talk about what it means to be a friend in a world that often feels disconnected. Join host Paula Felps as she sits down with award‑winning filmmaker and author Barnet Bain to explore the surprising origins of his fascination with friendship, the “bubble” we all live inside, and why genuine connection requires presence, curiosity, and courage.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:23:31
Why Mattering Matters With Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
1/27/2026
We all have a deep desire to matter, but do we know why? In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with philosopher and author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein to explore the “mattering instinct” and why it shapes everything from our personal fulfillment to our political divides. She explains our longing to feel significant influences our choices, our relationships, and even our conflicts — and how reframing our own mattering projects can lead to a more meaningful, connected life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:29:18
What Happens in Vagus With Rebecca Kase
1/20/2026
If you’ve been hearing everyone talk about the vagus nerve but aren’t totally sure what the buzz is about, this episode is your shortcut to understanding it. Trauma therapist, author, and polyvagal expert Rebecca Kase joins host Paula Felps to break down what the vagus nerve actually does, why it affects everything from your stress levels to your relationships, and how simple daily practices can help you feel calmer, more connected, and more resilient.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:28:43
Move From Surviving to Thriving With Jon Rosemberg
1/13/2026
Are you thriving in life, or merely surviving? This week, host Paula Felps talks with leadership coach Jon Rosemberg, author of A Guide to Thriving, to explore what it truly means to thrive. Jon shares how connection and purpose shape our capacity to flourish, and introduces his AIR framework (Awareness, Inquiry, Reframing) to provide practical, compassionate guidance for building habits that support long‑term thriving.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:20:45
Become Astonishingly Alive in 2026 With Jodi Wellman
1/6/2026
To kick off the new year, host Paula Felps sits down with Jodi Wellman, author of You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets, to explore how to make the most of the new year. Jodi explains how embracing life’s ultimate deadline can spark astonishing aliveness and help us break free from our comfort zones, rediscover what lights us up, and consciously reprioritize what truly matters. Listen as Jodi tells us how to stop postponing joy and start living like we mean it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:29:20
Ignite Your Purpose and Embrace Change With Madi Murphy
12/23/2025
As we look toward the new year, it’s the perfect time to look at how to make lasting change. In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Madi Murphy — author of In the Cosmic Zone and host of the CosmicRX Podcast — to explore how astrology, neuroscience, spirituality, and practical tools can help us ignite our purpose as we step into a new year. Madi shares her personal journey of transformation, the lessons she’s learned from leaving her comfort zone, and how we can all activate our purpose rather than simply search for it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:33:29
Meet Holiday Happy Activist Lindsay Morehead-Oates
12/15/2025
This is the season for giving back, which makes it the perfect time to talk to a Holiday Happy Activist! In this episode, host Paula Felps talks with Lindsay Morehead-Oates, a Dallas-based graphic designer who has turned her passion for giving into meaningful action. Lindsay shares how her early experiences with volunteering shaped her values, why she continues to dedicate time to both people and animals, and how she recently fulfilled a long-time dream by cooking and delivering Thanksgiving meals to those in need.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:18:55
Navigating Loneliness During the Holidays With Dr. Jody Carrington
12/9/2025
The holidays are a time for togetherness — so why do so many people feel lonely during this time of year? This week, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Jody Carrington to talk about why loneliness feels worse during the holiday season, the role modern technology plays in increasing loneliness, and how we can navigate holiday loneliness and rediscover joy through authentic connection. You’ll also learn about the Live Happy Holiday Loneliness Toolkit, filled with resources to support anyone who is navigating feelings of isolation during the holiday season.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Duration:00:32:32
Destressing From the Holidays With Travis McNulty
12/2/2025
As the holidays approach and everyone gets busier than ever, feelings of goodwill can give way to stress and anxiety. This week, host Paula Felps sits down with licensed mental health counselor Travis McNulty, clinical director and founder of McNulty Counseling and Wellness, to explore how we can reduce holiday stress and emotional overwhelm. Travis explains why the season often triggers old family roles and patterns, how expectations can set us up for disappointment, and what practical tools we can use to stay grounded. From breathing techniques to boundary-setting, he shares strategies to help us move through the holidays with more calm, intention, and joy.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:24:00
Healing Mother Daughter Tensions During the Holidays With Leslie and Lindsey Glass
11/25/2025
As the holidays approach, it’s time to plan family gatherings — and that can often mean stress and conflict. In this episode, host Paula Felps welcomes mother-daughter duo Leslie and Lindsey Glass, authors of the Mother Daughter Relationship Makeover Workbook to explore the emotional complexities of family dynamics during the holidays. Drawing from their personal journey and professional work in recovery and relational healing, they unpack why the season often amplifies unresolved tensions — and how to navigate them with compassion, boundaries, and grace.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:35:13
Finding Purpose at Work With Greg Kettner
11/18/2025
Unhappiness at work is a growing problem, but reconnecting with purpose can change everything. Join host Paula Felps as she sits down with WorkHappy founder Greg Kettner to explore why so many people feel unfulfilled at work and what steps they can take to discover their passion and use purpose to fuel resilience — even on the hardest of days.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Duration:00:20:28
The Science of Being Thankful With Michelle Palmer Jones and Paula Felps
11/11/2025
November is National Gratitude Month, and that makes it a great time to talk about what new research says about gratitude. Host Paula Felps welcomes social media manager Michelle Palmer Jones for a heartfelt conversation about the power of gratitude in everyday life: From personal stories of resilience to emerging research on how gratitude supports mental and physical health, this episode explores how intentional practices can transform our well-being. Paula and Michelle also highlight new studies on gratitude’s impact across generations, including college students and older adults, and invite listeners to share their own gratitude stories for a chance to win Live Happy merch.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Duration:00:21:00
Celebrating Solitude With Dr. Robert Copland
11/4/2025
We’ve heard a lot about the dangers of loneliness, but how is loneliness different from solitude? In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Robert Coplan to discuss his new book, The Joy of Solitude. Rob shares insights from decades of research on how intentional alone time can foster emotional clarity, creativity, and well-being — and how it differs profoundly from loneliness. From childhood development to adult relationships, he reveals why solitude is a vital part of a balanced life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Duration:00:29:51
Outsmarting Seasonal Depression With Dr. Hannah Nearney
10/28/2025
We’re getting ready to turn back our clocks this weekend, and for some people, the shorter days can spark mental health challenges. In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Hannah Nearney, a clinical psychiatrist and medical director at Flow Neuroscience, about the mental health challenges that arise during seasonal changes — particularly the onset of winter. Dr. Hannah explains how shorter days and reduced sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter balance, then discusses the importance of proactive strategies like light therapy and changes in lifestyle to better manage symptoms.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Duration:00:25:09
The Science of Spooky Happiness With Michelle Palmer Jones and Paula Felps
10/21/2025
Halloween might be all about ghosts, costumes, and candy—but science says it’s also a powerful happiness booster. In this episode of Live Happy Now, host Paula Felps and social media manager Michelle Palmer Jones explore the surprising research behind why the spooky season lifts our spirits. From the nostalgia of childhood traditions to the thrill of a safe scare, Halloween taps into the emotions that help us feel more playful, connected, and calm — just when we need it most.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Duration:00:19:07