Episodes

Healing the loneliness epidemic requires much more than bringing humans together. It is likely that you have felt disconnected from others even when in a crowded place. That disconnection comes from within ourselves. By nurturing our inner world we can create a strong foundation for building meaningful connections with others, and help us find contentment and love within ourselves. To discover a clear pathway to love yourself, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with best...

In our increasingly isolated world, online dating has become a prevalent avenue for finding romance. While self-confident individuals often leverage these platforms to strategically navigate potential partnerships, others may use them, and related platforms such as cam sites, as a means to develop the emotional and social skills necessary for offline relationships and well-being. * This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. To get the down-and-dirty details of ...

Consider that everything you’ve been told about happiness is wrong. Happiness isn’t a new car, changing an insurance provider, or a crystal clear cellphone connection. Those are marketing messages designed to make us feel the choices we’ve made aren’t good enough. There is no one-size-fits-all for happiness. Happiness is about living our truth and accepting ourselves as we are. Happiness is available to us regardless of external circumstances. To find out how to get a happiness tuneup for life...

Magic and witchcraft are integral aspects of the human nature. Cultural beliefs are rooted in human cognition and psychology and shape our social behaviors. By acknowledging the inherent power of nature and seeking similarities within it, humans attempt to gain a sense of control and meaning in an unpredictable world. For a clearer understanding of how magical thinking shapes human culture and impacts everything including religion and politics, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kame...

Listening to diverse perspectives offers a medium for us to learn from each other and work towards a more inclusive and harmonious world. From a young age, many people are frustrated because they feel their voices are not seen, heard, or understood. It has become a common practice to defend a position before truly understanding another’s point of view. How can we use listening to enhance our relationships? For insights on how to hone our peacemaking abilities, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host ...

With increasing divorce rates among older adults, many are rediscovering their sexuality and seeking new romantic and sexual experiences. Sex can offer comfort, joy, and a renewed sense of intimacy, regardless of age. It is time to acknowledge the diverse sexual experiences of older adults. Why is this important aspect of aging so often overlooked in our conversations? *This conversation includes mature content that may not be suitable for all audiences. For revealing insights on how aging boo...

The widespread adoption of smartphones over the past two decades has created new avenues for remote influence and manipulation, reducing freedoms many took for granted. The extent of the emotional chaos this causes may only be partially understood. Is it possible to restore equanimity during chaos? For tips on finding inner peace and calm amidst turmoil and disorder, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author, researcher, and founder of the Cognitive Immunology Resea...

The fast pace of today’s world can make people feel frantic and disconnected from experiences. It has become too easy to focus on the expectations of others and succumb to fear-based motivations. Do simple tools exist to make us feel grounded and bring us back to peace-of-mind? Or, does everything have to be a struggle? To understand how people can reclaim calm in this tumultuous world, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with meditation teacher and award-winning writer a...

What some people consider minor stressors can trigger and overwhelm those whose biological and psychological makeup is foundationally built upon intergenerational traumas. These are familial events inherited by generations, affecting their descendants like second-hand smoke. Those with intergenerational traumas can be predisposed to heightened emotions that may not be widely understood by their societal circles. If you have witnessed someone’s reaction to a circumstance that didn’t appear to wa...

With the elimination of civics courses in schools and the rise of fear-driven political campaigns, many U.S. citizens may be left in a constant state of anxiety about the nation's direction. This anxiety can lead to impulsive decision-making and focusing on short-term solutions, undermining the pursuit of meaningful, long-term change. Advocacy and civic engagement are crucial for overcoming these challenges. For tips on how to drive change through civic engagement, Harvesting Happiness Podcast ...

The media paints AI as a universal solution,but the spark of human connection,our life force or soul,defies machine replication.As we navigate this new era,the question of human-machine coexistence looms. For a deeper dive into the soul of our social architecture,Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 Vice President of the American Sociological Association,Dr.Allison Pugh. Allison discusses the resear...

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to understanding our individual attachment styles. However, becoming self-aware of what is at the core of our disconnection can provide us with valuable insights into relationship patterns and help us build healthier connections and more satisfying relationships. For deeper insights into the psychology of attachment, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author and licensed psychologist, Ann Kelley. Ann discusses the fundamental ...

The type of love we receive in childhood is imprinted in our brains. Early feelings and emotions color every single action we take in our adult lives unless we rewire our neural pathways. The way we communicate and the quality of our relationships can be improved. When we understand that we deserve love, we can be our fully vulnerable, beautiful selves with our partners to create long-lasting, happy, fulfilling relationships. To discover how to transform relationships through love and connectio...

While statistics about young people identifying as LGBTQ+ are increasing, social media may be a catalyst in empowering those who previously couldn't safely express their identity. How can society shift from bullying to allyship? *This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. To glean guidance from a researcher studying real-world experiences, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Associate Research Scientist with the Kinsey Institute, Dr....

The whole world knows the outcome of the recent US election. Many are shocked that Americans chose the leader they chose. What data offered a glimpse into the concerns of everyday Americans that could have predicted the outcome? And, was the data that political scientists studied selective or transparent? To better understand what drives public opinion and political reasoning, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Anthony Fowler, a professor at the Harris School of Pub...

As major elections unfold globally, uncertainty grips the world. Family members, neighbors, and friends who may have previously tolerated differences of opinion have become increasingly divisive and less accepting of alternative perspectives. Contests of this magnitude ensure that certain groups must grapple with disappointment. How can we unburden ourselves and others during these significant events? For a bit of philosophical discourse about disappointment, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host L...

Compared to the chronological aging of our physical bodies, our minds can remain ageless. With enough healthy servings of brain food, the mind continues its existential flexibility and resiliency. But what happens when we allow our minds to become rigid and there is no additional room for more data? For a healthy serving of brain food, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Shai Tubali, an award-winning author and leading authority on mental flexibility and self-develop...

This just in … you won't go to diet jail if you eat soul-soothing ice cream. And, what a shame it would be if you judged yourself nibbling on a slice of decadent chocolate cake. Food for thought: Studies show that as long as you nourish yourself with high-quality food rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, you can feed your cravings and build resilience against the never-ending supply of daily stressors To gain some food for thought, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen...

The primary goal of most media sources is to make money by pushing a political agenda and influencing the psychology of those who ingest the content. In order to achieve their goals, people use data, misinformation, and deliberate disinformation as weapons, creating what is often called Infowar. This can lead to groupthink, which causes public fear, doubt, and cognitive bias. False stories are exaggerated to make more money from advertising, influence people's beliefs, or disrupt democratic inst...

Social responsibility is an ethical concept that endorses civil engagement for the good of all. Civic engagement, in all its forms, strengthens communities by involving citizens in the democratic process. No act is more significant in emboldening democracy than exercising one’s right to vote. With the spread of misinformation and disinformation in this election cycle, it is paramount to have access to correct and trusted information. To learn how to fulfill your social responsibility, Harvestin...

With the elimination of civics courses in schools and the rise of fear-driven political campaigns, many U.S. citizens may be left in a constant state of anxiety about the nation's direction. This anxiety can lead to impulsive decision-making and focusing on short-term solutions, undermining the pursuit of meaningful, long-term change. Advocacy and civic engagement are crucial for overcoming these challenges. For tips on how to drive change through civic engagement, Harvesting Happiness Podcast ...

Lifelong stigmas and myths abound about human sexual expression have been as we age. Cultural differences notwithstanding, older males and females are more likely to rate communication as the highest form of arousal in their relationships. Why then does the media portray sexuality and intimacy after mid-life as a less than pleasurable experience? *This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. To discover how we can improve intimacy, sexuality, and relationships fo...

Fear and doubt serve as powerful tools in the political landscape, and disinformation is used by politicians to manipulate public perception and sow confusion. By labeling legitimate investigations or criticisms as witch hunts, these leaders attempt to delegitimize the concerns raised against them. This tactic not only deflects attention from the actual issues at hand but also erodes trust in the democratic process. Using common sense when evaluating information can help counteract these manipul...

Maintaining a philosophical approach rooted in critical thinking can help us make sense of the barrage of information we experience during election cycles. Our natural anxieties are often preyed upon by masters of persuasion. We must enlist our powers of discernment to protect our mental health during this important election season. br /> To discover how to protect our mental health with a philosophical approach, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen welcomes author, counselor, and...