Episodes

Sept. 4, 2024

Satisfying Civic Duty: Fueling the Pursuit of Happiness with Doug Linkhart

Large media outlets often highlight the extreme sides of our nation, amplifying polarized perspectives that distort the bigger picture. This coverage can create a sense of isolation, especially when reality doesn't align with our expectations. It is only when we perform our civic duty and get involved in our local communities that we feel a sense of control over our lives and the personal pursuit of happiness. To discover how we can better fulfill our civic duty, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Ho...
Aug. 28, 2024

Building Well-Being: Resilience, Personal Growth, and Relationships with Mark Nepo

When we experience fear, we often instinctively push things away, which only amplifies that fear and tests our resilience. However, by embracing awareness and leaning into our relationships, we create a pathway for personal growth. By staying fully present and avoiding the urge to build emotional walls, we enhance our well-being and lay the foundation for spreading love and positivity in the world, thereby strengthening our resilience. To discover the secret to building better relationships wit...
Aug. 21, 2024

Mastering Pleasure: Desire, Intimacy, and Sexual Sovereignty with Saida Desilets PhD

<![CDATA[ * This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. Desire and intimacy are words often associated with the pleasures of the physical body, but human desire is the foundation of our deepest motivations, driving our pursuit of connection, purpose, and personal fulfillment. Therefore, we must question the societal forces that shame us for our desires, compelling us to suppress or deny them rather than embrace their role in our growth and well-being. To discov...
Aug. 14, 2024

Adulting: Leaving the Nest and Transitioning to Independence with Julie Lythcott-Haims

<![CDATA[ If bumper stickers were still a thing Adulting is Hard would be a bestseller. It's not that the challenges of adulthood have intensified, but rather, the parenting landscape has shifted. Overprotective tendencies now seem to outweigh the absenteeism of past generations. Is it possible for parents to empower their children to become independent adults? To discover how parents can support young adults leaving the nest, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with ment...
Aug. 7, 2024

Unlocking Happiness: The Power of Lifelong Learning and Curiosity with Zena Hitz PhD

<![CDATA[ Think for a second briefly about the excitement of learning something new as a child. That sense of wonder and accomplishment when you first figured out how to write a bike, solve a puzzle, or read a book. That joy doesn't have to end with childhood, and in fact, lifelong learning is the secret to maintaining that spark of happiness throughout our lifetime. To find out the art of unlocking happiness, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the founder and pres...
July 31, 2024

Absorbent Minds: Human Cognition in a Digital World with Leslie Valiant PhD

The learning mechanism in the human brain is not yet equipped to deal with information meant to deceive or manipulate. Armed with a computational approach to civilization but lacking the ability to discern fact from fiction, we find ourselves at the precipice of a new digital world for which we may not be prepared. To reveal how human cognition processes information, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the T. Jefferson Coolidge Professor of Computer Science and Appli...
July 24, 2024

Enhancing Happiness: Mind-Body Connection to Sexual Health and Well-Being with Dr. Greg Lewis PhD

<![CDATA[ *This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. Sexual arousal can mean many different things to many different people. A quick walk through the local ‘adult’ store can be an eye-opening experience for some and offer a giggle for others. No matter what turns you on, the root of a healthy sexual experience is psychological safety. Our minds and bodies work together when it comes to enhancing happiness. To expose the mind-body connection to sexual health a...
July 17, 2024

Nutritionally Dense Food Wisdom for Health and Well-Being with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne PhD

<![CDATA[ Nutritional Science is a fairly new field of study relative to human existence. In the past, humans grew much of their food in and around where they lived, incorporating a variety of nutritionally dense plants and animals into their diet. Fast forward to today, when industrialization has changed how we feed ourselves, humans more often use satiation above nutrition to gauge our feeding needs. To gain nuggets of nourishment about nutrients, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cyper...
July 10, 2024

Transcending Incarceration: Healing Journeys within a Broken System with Dr. Stephanie S. Covington PhD

<![CDATA[ For many women, rising above trauma can feel unattainable in public life and utterly impossible when under the restraints of incarceration. But, women, being who they are, build mutual support systems behind bars that foster resilience, and community, and underpin transformations not often correlated with stories of life in prison. To discover ways of transcending incarceration, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with an internationally recognized clinician, a...
July 3, 2024

Anxiously Awaiting Relief: A Philosophical Approach to the Human Condition with Samir Chopra PhD

<![CDATA[ Anxiety is a natural response to the uncertainties and challenges we face in life. When we are anxious, relief can seem a world away. But, through cultivating self-awareness and practicing mindfulness, anxiety can be managed, transforming it from a source of suffering into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. To discover the philosophical approach to treating anxiety, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a philosophical counselor, author, and profe...
June 26, 2024

Regret-Less: Lead with Clarity, Creativity, and Courage with Bonnie Wan

<![CDATA[ If you could reimagine the time of your life, what would it look like? Would you continue to be trapped by your calendar? Or, would you dial into what is sacrosanct and transform your relationship with time so it played by your rules and worked itself into your schedule? To get a template for living a regret-less life, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author and keynote speaker, Bonnie Wan about how to lead with clarity, creativity, and courage. In Bon...
June 19, 2024

Maximizing Change Management Through Kindness with James Rhee

<![CDATA[ In business, financial gain is often the basis for change, when in reality the lessons gleaned from the process are just as valuable as the change itself. For it is usually in hindsight we realize that the journey of any endeavor is more important than the end result. Taking a kindness plus math approach to business decisions means valuing empathy and human connections alongside financial metrics. To discover how to use kindness to maximize change, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host L...
June 12, 2024

Human Rewilding: Nurturing Ourselves in Nature with Craig Foster

<![CDATA[ Modern life is filled with many kinds of pollution. From the audible and visual pollution of our cities to the garbage we let leak into our natural world, humans are separating themselves from nature at a faster rate than ever before in our history. The flora and fauna so graciously given by our earth mother have been all but forgotten in many human environments. Observing, reconnecting, listening to ecopsychology, and exposing ourselves to the natural world can increase our health an...
June 5, 2024

Cognition: The Psychology of Thinking and How it Affects Everything with Emily Martin PhD

<![CDATA[ Social pressures often influence an individual's decision-making process. The algorithms behind social media platforms can shape perceptions by showing content tailored to behavior, reinforcing or promoting specific ideas to further financial or political causes. It is proof that understanding human cognition can significantly influence our decisions, from the products we buy to the beliefs we hold. To reveal how cognitive psychology affects everything we do, Harvesting Happiness Pod...
May 29, 2024

Beyond Words: What We Say Without Talking with Stephen Furlich PhD

<![CDATA[ Remember when you flirted just enough with a person to let them know you were interested but not too much that you risked rejection? Then, you were surprised when the other person had no clue what had happened. If you are a man reading this, it's understandable — you likely had no idea this scenario even unfolded. If you are a woman, it wasn't his fault; he's simply emotionally, physiologically, and genetically inclined to miss subtle hints! To reveal what we say without talking, Har...
May 22, 2024

Labors of Life: Thrive and Flourish no Matter What with Brandi Sellerz-Jackson

<![CDATA[ The path to joy is often obstructed with obstacles, setbacks, and grief. From expectant mothers who are just one intense push away from delivering a new lifeforce to adult children caring for their aging parents, many times the pain we endure is the seed that blossoms into the flower of happiness. To find out more about cultivating the labors of life into personal fulfillment, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author, doula, and co-founder of Moms in Col...
May 15, 2024

Hot Flashes and Cool Conversation: Navigating Menopausal Hijinks with Dr Marie Claire Haver MD

<![CDATA[ Scientific understanding of the hormonal changes women undergo during menopause is limited. Historically, women were excluded from major health studies prior to 1996 due to the belief that their fluctuating hormone levels were too complex to study. Today, women are changing the game by conducting their own research. To better understand how women can improve their quality of life during the aging process, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a menopause exp...
May 8, 2024

Getting It On: Sexual Expression at Any Age and Stage of Life with Dr. Justin Garcia

<![CDATA[ From the blush of first loves to the seasoned affections of later years, intimacy adapts to our changing bodies, shifting priorities, and the various life stages we traverse. Whether it's rediscovering a partner in a long-term relationship or embracing new experiences, sexual expression should be free of judgment and have no expiration date. To expose how to foster a fulfilling sexual life at any age, by oneself or with a partner, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen s...
May 1, 2024

Constant Cravings: Contemporary Solutions for Addiction Management with Dr. Joshua Lee

<![CDATA[ Humans are driven to seek pleasure and avoid pain. It is a tendency deeply embedded in our biological makeup. However, there are times when this pursuit can lead to excess. Due to societal stigma, many individuals delay seeking help until their quest for pleasure turns into a source of pain and their lives begin to unravel. To explore the driving force behind constant cravings and the contemporary solutions that can turn lives around, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kam...
April 24, 2024

Timeless Wisdom: Longevity, Elderhood, and The Good Life with Ben Meyers

<![CDATA[ Individuals who embrace positivity are more likely to approach challenges with resilience and adaptability, thus enhancing their ability to overcome adversity and thrive. Research shows that a positive attitude serves as a powerful catalyst for not only extending lifespan but also enhancing quality of life, and in certain cases is a better predictor of longevity than genetics, or life choices. To explore the timeless wisdom behind longevity, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cyp...
April 17, 2024

Cultural Identity, Healing, and Belonging with Soo Jin Lee LMFT and Linda Yoon LCSW

<![CDATA[ Children of immigrants must navigate multiple cultures. The culture they know predominantly from their parents and the culture in which they live. Finding a sense of belonging and identity can be especially challenging for Asian Americans, who tend to be the group that is the least likely to talk about their feelings and seek out mental health services. To explore a path for healing cultural identity hurdles, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with two license...
April 10, 2024

Tune-In: Sound Therapy for Ear and Brain Vitality with Rafaele Joudry MSC

<![CDATA[ Studies indicate that listening to music not only reduces anxiety and enhances overall well-being but also triggers activity in ten distinct brain centers. And, among the twelve cranial nerves connecting our brain to our sensory systems, ten are linked to auditory perception, making the ears a gateway to the brain. Learn how to fine-tune and revitalize brain function through sound. Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the co-developer of a home-based Sound ...
April 3, 2024

Out of Sorts and on the Edge with Dr. Meg Arroll

<![CDATA[ Have you ever been frustrated while driving? There was no major accident, and no one walked out in front of you, but the driver ahead of you kept changing speed for no reason, and you wonder why this has to happen every day. Agh! Research shows that these chronic irritations or tiny traumas can build up in our system and cause more disruption than a major life trauma. To discover how to recover and repair from chronic stressors, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen spe...
March 27, 2024

Trauma Healing: Cycle-Breaking and Resilience-Building with Dr. Mariel Buqué PhD

<![CDATA[ What some people consider small stressors can trigger and overwhelm those whose biological and psychological makeup is foundationally built upon intergenerational traumas. 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 warrant it, it could be based on the person’s unique heritage and ancestry without them being aw...