The Unmistakable Creative Podcast Michelle Gielan: How Small Shifts in Communication Create Big Changes in Happiness and Resilience
Jan 2, 2026
Michelle Gielan, a former CBS news anchor turned positive psychology researcher, shares insights from her book *Broadcasting Happiness*. She discusses how small changes in communication can enhance resilience and optimism. Gielan introduces concepts like 'power leads' that can transform conversations. She emphasizes the importance of fact-checking personal narratives and adopting gratitude practices to spread positivity. Additionally, she warns against negative news consumption and advocates for solution-oriented media to foster hope and agency.
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Power Lead From A Walmart Employee
- Michelle Gielan told a story about a Walmart employee who started every conversation with "It's a great day. How are you?".
- Her morning power lead helped her stay happy after multiple family tragedies and influenced coworkers' moods positively.
Start Meetings With Wins
- Do start meetings by sharing specific wins or positive facts to prime people's brains for productivity.
- Doing this raises chances of promotion and can boost team productivity within weeks.
Small Habits Rewire Optimism
- Small, consistent communication shifts reorient brains to notice positives and build optimism.
- Practices like daily gratitude for 21 days create measurable neural changes and habit formation.