Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s known for her ability to convey complex ideas – from science to literature to stories from her own life – with levity and clarity. Gretchen is the author of many books, which have sold millions of copies in more than thirty languages, and include five New York Times bestsellers: The Happiness Project, Better Than Before, The Four Tendencies, Happier at Home and Outer Order, Inner Calm. Her most recent book is Life in Five Senses. Gretchen is host of the popular podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, which has more than 220 million downloads, and is founder of the award-winning Happier app, which helps people track their happiness-boosting habits. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Facebook Course: The Happiness Project App: Happier Podcast: Happier with Gretchen Rubin Gretchen’s happiness quizzes Latest book: Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World (2023) New York Times bestseller: The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun (2009) Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Gretchen Rubin 02:09 - Defining Happiness 06:04 - Practical Approaches to Happiness 08:18 - Key Elements for Building Happiness 12:37 - Feeling Good, Feeling Bad, Feeling Right, and Growth 18:13 - The Usefulness of Terms like Flourishing 23:25 - Happiness Doesn't Always Mean Feeling Happy 31:47 - Identifying Key Habits for Happiness 35:56 - Unorthodox Strategies for Happiness 40:06 - The Value of Repetition and Familiarity in Happiness

Oliver Burkeman is a British journalist, author, and speaker whose work focuses on productivity, time management, and finding meaning in our fast-paced world. He graduated from the University of Cambridge, where he studied Social and Political Sciences, informing his critical examination of societal expectations around productivity and success. Burkeman’s focus often centers on rethinking productivity and well-being, as he explores the limitations of traditional time management strategies in his popular book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, which has sparked broad interest for its unique perspective on finding balance in a finite life. His most recent book is Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts (2024), which offers a map for a liberating journey towards a more meaningful life, beginning with where we actually find ourselves, not with a fantasy of where we’d like to be. His unique approach has resonated with readers worldwide, and his regular newsletter, The Imperfectionist, delves into themes of productivity, mortality, and intentional living. Previously, Burkeman was a longtime columnist for The Guardian, where he explored the intersection of psychology and self-help. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links: Website Twitter Most recent book: Meditation for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts (2024)  Previous books: Four Thousand Weeks, The Antidote and Help!  Newsletter: The Imperfectionist Blog Timestamps: [01:57] Finite nature of our lives. [06:40] Imperfectionism as a solution. [09:34] Acceptance of human finitude. [12:51] The limits of optimization. [22:09] Being vs. doing in life. [29:30] Toxic productivity vs. healthy productivity. [30:33] Human discomfort with mortality. [35:27] Burnout and productivity relationship. [39:58] Dysfunctional attempts at spirituality. [43:25] Meaningful life and flourishing. [45:26] Confronting life’s finitude and discomfort. [50:54] The role of discomfort in growth. [53:08] Living a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Dr. Christopher Ryan, a renowned author and researcher known for his bestsellers 'Sex at Dawn' and 'Civilized to Death,' joins the discussion to challenge our understanding of modern civilization. He highlights the detrimental effects of social isolation and the impact of technology on mental health. Chris contrasts modern lifestyles with the communal values of hunter-gatherer societies, advocating for the importance of community and simplicity. He also encourages listeners to redefine 'enough' in a consumer-driven world, emphasizing personal autonomy and well-being.

Israa Nasir, MHC-LP, is a psychotherapist, writer, and the founder of WellGuide, a digital community for mental health awareness. She recently published Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World that Always Demands More (November 2024), a book that demonstrates how to challenge the various masks of toxic productivity and societal pressures around managing time by focusing on emotional regulation. A Pakistani-Canadian child of immigrants, Israa has a specific focus on mental health, identity formation and healing for the AAPI first- and second-generation immigrant community. Israa has been featured in major publications including NBC, Vox, Huffpost and Teen Vogue, and has been invited to speak at corporations and institutions such as Google, Meta, and Yale University. Israa sits on the Mental Health Advisory Board for both PopSugar (Vox Media) and the menstrual health product and advocacy brand, August. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto, a Master’s in Counseling from Adelphi University, and certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy.  With over a decade of experience as a licensed therapist in Ontario and New York, Israa specializes in empowering individuals through therapy, workshops, and engaging content that addresses emotional well-being. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Newsletter Recently published book: Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World that Always Demands More  Timestamps: [04:08] Emotional intelligence domains explained. [11:06] Emotional intelligence in society today. [19:02] Emotional intelligence and optimal performance. [23:15] Importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. [29:29] Emotional intelligence and health. [34:39] Emotional intelligence and flourishing. [36:55] Emotional intelligence in education. [41:40] Learning new habits through mindfulness. [47:29] Cognitive control and flourishing. [49:16] Cognitive control's long-term effects. [58:49] Group-level emotional intelligence.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Daniel Goleman, a pioneer in emotional intelligence and bestselling author, shares insights that have reshaped personal and organizational dynamics. He explores the vital four domains of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and relationship management. Goleman emphasizes the importance of EI in enhancing resilience and managing stress, essential in today’s fast-paced world. He also discusses practical strategies for fostering healthy relationships and integrating emotional intelligence into educational and professional environments.

Dr. Zach Mercurio, a renowned researcher and author, dives into the crucial role of purpose and mattering in the workplace. He discusses how meaningful connections and small gestures can create supportive environments, enhancing engagement and well-being. Zach emphasizes the essential human need to feel significant and the detrimental effects of anti-mattering, such as burnout and 'quiet quitting.' He also explores the psychological impact of being irreplaceable, advocating for leaders to recognize individual contributions to foster a flourishing work culture.

Dr. Caroline Leaf is a clinical and research neuroscientist, communication pathologist, and author, recognized for her groundbreaking work on brain science and mental health. With a Ph.D. in Communication Pathology, Caroline focuses on the mind-brain connection and the transformative power of thought management for enhancing mental well-being. Her mission is “to make mental healthcare, knowledge about the power of our minds, and tools for improving learning and memory affordable, accessible, and applicable to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion.” Caroline is the author of several bestselling books, including Switch On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, which explores the impact of neuroplasticity and thought management on personal growth. Her most recent book, Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: Five Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking (2021) offers practical strategies for overcoming mental clutter and enhancing emotional well-being. Through her work, Caroline integrates scientific research with actionable insights, helping individuals harness the power of their thoughts to create meaningful and positive changes in their lives. As a sought-after speaker and global advocate, she continues to inspire and educate on the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and holistic mental health. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com   Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast   Links: Website Instagram TikTok Facebook Twitter YouTube Podcast Most recent book: Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: Five Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking (Baker Books, 2021) Neurocycle app Cleaning Up the Mental Mess podcast Timestamps: [01:58] Neurocycling. [06:58] Non-conscious mind functions explained. [10:20] Neuroplasticity and conscious mind interaction. [18:11] Habit formation and trauma processing. [00:25:37] Neuroplasticity and brain change. [00:31:21] Neuroplasticity and mental mess cleanup. [34:41] Neurocycle for managing trauma. [41:08] Biomedical model of mental health. [49:19] Mindstorm writing process. [54:15] Daily mental health practices. [57:23] Overcoming learned helplessness. [01:00:04] App for mental health support.

Dr. Federica Amati is a postdoctoral medical scientist and public health nutritionist, committed to advancing our understanding of nutrition and lifestyle interventions for optimal health. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Medicine Research from Imperial College London, where her work focused on the gut microbiome and its impact on human health. She focuses in particular on maternal and early childhood health, emphasizing the first 1,000 days of life, women’s health, and the role of nutrition in improving health outcomes.    Federica is currently a Research Associate at Imperial College London’s School of Public Health, and Nutrition Lead at Imperial’s School of Medicine. Beyond her academic work, Federica is Head Nutritionist at ZOE, a health science company leveraging data-driven insights to empower individuals to achieve better health outcomes through personalized nutrition. At ZOE, she contributes her expertise in nutrition science to help develop innovative solutions that translate cutting-edge research into practical dietary recommendations.    Federica’s recently published book, Every Body Should Know This: The Science of Eating for a Lifetime of Health, outlines how to eat for best health at each life stage. With a passion for public health, Federica has made a real difference to both individual and community health.    In this episode, we discuss what are the most important factors about nutrition to support human thriving, and how nutrition supports flourishing at various stages across the human lifespan.    Key conversation points are:  the fundamentals about nutrition that we all need to know;  how to improve our healthspan, as well as our lifespan;  Federica’s groundbreaking research on how to thrive across the different stages of life that impact nutrition, which she describes as ‘the biggest “windows of opportunity” that human development offers us – the key moments when our physiology, metabolism and needs for certain foods change’;  and why ultra-processed foods are bad for our health, and strategies we can employ to consume far fewer ultra-processed foods, despite them being so readily available and well marketed.   flourishfmpodcast.com    Links: Website Imperial College webpage ZOE Science and Nutrition webpage ZOE Science and Nutrition podcast Substack LinkedIn Instagram Twitter TikTok Recent book: Every Body Should Know This: The Science of Eating for a Lifetime of Health (2024) Recent interview with ZOE (May 2024)

Daniel H. Pink is a renowned author known for his groundbreaking work on motivation, work, and human behavior. He is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, the most recent of which is The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward, which explores the role of regret in personal and professional growth, offering new insights into how embracing our past can lead to a more fulfilling future. His other books include the New York Times bestsellers When and A Whole New Mind — as well as the #1 New York Times bestsellers Drive and To Sell is Human.  Daniel’s books have won multiple awards, been translated into 46 languages, sold millions of copies around the world, and consistently appeared on bestseller lists. His work has garnered widespread acclaim from business leaders, educators, and policymakers. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Slate, and other publications. He has appeared frequently on NPR, PBS, ABC, CNN, and other TV and radio networks in the US and abroad. Dan’s ability to blend scientific research with compelling storytelling provides actionable insights for individuals and organizations looking to improve their performance and well-being.  Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter Most recent book: The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward (2022) World Regret Survey American Regret Project Timestamps: [02:15] The power of regret. [05:32] Regret and its usefulness. [08:35] Resistance to discussing regret. [12:29] Regrets of action and inaction. [15:42] Core regrets identified in the research. [19:29] Cultural differences in regrets. [25:45] Four core regrets for flourishing. [31:42] Types of regrets and well-being. [35:42] Regrets and positivity in life. [41:14] Dealing with regrets. [50:55] Anticipating future regrets. [56:36] The Flourishing Question

Kasley Killam, MPH, is the author of The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier (HarperCollins, June 2024). She is a Harvard-trained social scientist, award-winning innovator, and is internationally recognized as a leading expert in “social health”: the dimension of well-being that stems from relationships.  Kasley champions social health as a strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and founder of Social Health Labs, a national nonprofit that empowers community builders. Drawing from over a decade of studying, sharing, and applying the science of human connection, her expertise has been featured in major outlets including the New York Times, Scientific American, and Washington Post, and she pens the Social Health Blog for Psychology Today. Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com Follow us: YouTube @flourishfmcast Instagram @flourishfmpodcast TikTok @flourishfmpodcast Twitter @flourishfmcast Facebook @flourishfmcast LinkedIn @flourishfmpodcast Links Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Timestamps: 02:12 - Defining Social Health 04:02 - The Temple Analogy for Social Health 06:07 - The Importance of Connection for Longevity 00:10:01 - Assessing Social Health as a Positive Indicator 00:13:13 - Characteristics of Social Health 00:15:28 - Diverse Ties and Their Importance 00:19:12 - The Role of Casual Interactions 00:21:45 - Framework for Assessing Social Health 00:25:52 - Strategies for Strengthening Social Muscles 00:27:08 - Making Social Health a Priority 00:30:37 - Connection Preferences and Styles 00:35:02 - Blending Connection Styles 00:37:15 - Loneliness and Its Impact on Health 00:41:29 - Recognizing and Addressing Loneliness 00:44:13 - Localized Types of Loneliness 00:46:45 - Positive Psychology Approach to Social Health 00:47:48 - One Action to Improve Social Health