Live Happy Now

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: The surprising benefits of spending just 15 minutes alone each day. Myths about loneliness and solitude, including why living alone doesn’t mean being lonely. The science of “aloneliness” — the longing for solitude — and how it impacts mental health.

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: How seasonal changes affect brain chemistry and mood regulation. The difference between winter blues and clinical seasonal depression. Practical tools and practices to protect your mental health as the days get shorter.

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: How nostalgia and play during Halloween boost joy and reduce stress. Why even a small piece of candy can trigger big feelings of happiness. How safe scares — like haunted houses — can actually make us less anxious afterward.

If you’re dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety, you’re not alone! But this week, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Seth J. Gillihan to explore his latest book, Your Daily Reset: 366 Practical Exercises to Reduce Anxiety and Manage Stress Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Designed as a daily companion, the book offers bite-sized, actionable practices rooted in CBT and mindfulness to help you gently reset your emotions and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and compassion. Find out how embracing anxiety, practicing self-compassion, and tuning into the present moment can transform your mental health — one small step at a time. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “just this” might be the most powerful phrase for calming overwhelm. How to restart your mental health habits without guilt or judgment. A simple framework for embracing anxiety instead of fighting it.

One of the most universal struggles today is a feeling of disconnection, so this week host Paula Felps talks with Anna Runkle — better known as the “Crappy Childhood Fairy” — about her new book Connectability: Heal the Hidden Ways You Isolate, Find Your People and Feel (At Last) Like You Belong. Anna shares how her own journey from childhood trauma to building genuine, sustaining friendships shaped the practices she now teaches to thousands. With humor and heartfelt insight, she explains why connection is essential yet elusive — and how we can all start creating it for ourselves. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why disconnection is often a hidden symptom of early trauma and how it affects our ability to build relationships. Practical, non-therapy tools from Connectability to regulate your nervous system and begin forming authentic bonds. How letting go of unhealthy relationships and practicing new social skills can help you “find your people” at any age or stage of life.

What if everything you believe about mental health is wrong? In this episode, host Paula Felps chats with psychotherapist and author Joe Nucci about his myth-busting new book, Psychobabble: Viral Mental Health Myths & the Truths to Set You Free. Joe dives into the wild world of mental health misinformation — especially the kind that spreads like wildfire on social media. From self-diagnosis pitfalls to the overuse of therapy-speak, he offers a refreshing reality check and empowers listeners to better understand their emotional lives. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why not every tough emotion equals a mental illness — and why that distinction matters. How social media can distort mental health conversations (and what to watch out for). The difference between emotional intelligence and just “sounding like a therapist.”

What if practicing happiness was as simple as learning your ABC’s? This week, host Paula Felps talks with work psychologist and certified Chief Happiness Officer Klaudia Mitura, author of The Alphabet of Happiness. After a series of life challenges during the pandemic, Klaudia embarked on a hands-on happiness experiment, testing evidence-based practices and transforming them into accessible, everyday tools. That led to a podcast and her new book, which helps us cultivate happiness through small, intentional habits. From cold showers to gut health, Klaudia offers a fresh, practical take on what it means to thrive. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to create your own happiness experiments using science-backed micro-habits. Why cold showers can boost dopamine and improve mood for hours. How gut health directly influences emotional well-being and resilience.

We talk a lot about how trauma affects our mental health, but have you thought about what it does to your body? In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Aimie Apigian, author of The Biology of Trauma, to explore how trauma is stored not just in our minds but in our bodies — and how that impacts our physical health, relationships, and overall well-being. Drawing from her experience as a physician and foster parent, Dr. Aimie shares how traditional talk therapy often misses the mark, and why understanding trauma as a biological process opens the door to more effective healing. In this episode, you'll learn: How trauma differs from stress — and why trauma, not stress, is what makes us sick. Why stored trauma shows up in physical symptoms, emotional patterns, and relationship dynamics. How somatic self-practices can help shift your nervous system and begin healing —even when energy is low.

Labor Day is behind us, so that means we’re putting the lid on summer and getting ready to roll into fall. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take our lighthearted summer vibe with us. This week, on the heels of our Summer of Fun campaign with Mike Rucker, PhD, we’re telling you how to start planning now to use what we’ve learned from this campaign to make it a fun-filled fall. What you’ll learn: Why it’s so important to commit to fun during the fall and winter. Tips for incorporating more fun into life’s busy seasons. How scheduling fun adds joy to more areas of our life.

In this episode, host Paula Felps talks with psychotherapist and author John Tsilimparis about his transformative approach to grief. John shares insights from his new book, Magic in the Tragic: Rewriting the Script on Grief and Discovering Happiness in our Darkest Days, offering a that blends emotional healing with beauty, purpose, and resilience. Drawing from personal loss and clinical experience, John introduces powerful concepts like “constructive aching” and “painful joy,” encouraging listeners to move toward their grief rather than away from it. He also shows how grief can become a gateway to growth, meaning, and even happiness. In this episode, you'll learn: How to use “inspiration exposure” to activate healing and emotional resilience. Why pairing grief with beauty can transform your experience of loss. Practical tools to reframe painful memories and foster personal growth.