Live Happy Now

Author and advocate for positivity Shola Richards joins us to talk about how we can live in harmony when we work together. His latest book Go Together, covers the concept of the African philosophy of Unbuntu, which uses the power of human connectedness, compassion, kindness and togetherness to live happier, more productive lives. Shola is on a quest to show how to protect professionalism of our company cultures, the preciousness of our time, the strength of our talents, the dignity of ourselves and the mutual respect of one another. In this episode, you’ll learn: The word “Ubuntu” and how it can positively change how you live, work and lead. How to identify the importance of civility, and why is it the key to healing our workplaces, our nation and the world. How to define workplace bullying, and know what to do if/when you are targeted.

Bestselling New York Times author Gretchen Rubin has spent more than a decade exploring what makes us happy. And, she’s found, one of the simplest ways to improve our well-being is to clear the clutter around us. Her latest book, Outer Order, Inner Calm offers more than 150 different ways to get rid of the clutter around us and create more order. In this episode, she explains the relationship between decluttering and happiness, and gives tips on how to make lasting changes. In this episode, you’ll learn: What achieving outer order does for our happiness How to stop hanging on to what you no longer need Quick tips for clearing your space

Laird Hamilton plays a lot of roles in his life: surfing legend, fitness and nutrition expert, entrepreneur, TV host, model, stuntman, husband and father, just to name a few. No matter what he's doing, Laird uses five key pillars to guide his actions and improve his life. His new book, Liferider: Heart, Body, Soul and Life Beyond the Ocean, explains those five pillars and how each of us can use them. Laird joins us on the Live Happy Now podcast to explain how he developed his inward-looking viewpoint and why he values his connection to nature. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why death and fear can be our greatest teachers The importance of connecting with nature Why we need to understand that everything is connected

Her groundbreaking book, Reviving Ophelia, psychologist Mary Pipher changed the way we looked at girls and adolescence. Now, with her 10th book, she is doing for aging what she did for adolescence, providing a wise and heartfelt guide to happiness in later life. Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing As We Age provides an engaging and uplifting examination of how to thrive in life’s later stages and how the struggles we face can help us become the people we’ve always wanted to be.  In this episode you’ll learn: How the end years of life can be the happiest time The role of humor and gratitude in later life Why mercy is a valuable quality to develop

For many people, Valentine’s Day can be fraught with danger. If you’re in a relationship, you might be worried that it won’t meet your expectations; if you’re single, it might make you feel lonely. This week, relationship expert Stacy Kaiser, author of the popular Ask Stacy column for Live Happy, takes on some of the questions that are common around this time of year and offers her gives insight on how to get what you need from this Valentine’s Day – and how to make that last all year long. In this episode you’ll learn: Why we put so much emphasis on this day – and how to put it into perspective How to communicate your expectations before Valentine’s Day arrives Great ways for singles to celebrate Valentine’s Day

Have you ever wondered what happened to your playful side? If so, you’re not alone! Anthony DeBenedet, M.D., is author of the book, Playful Intelligence: The Power of Living Lightly in a Serious World. As a medical doctor and behavioral science enthusiast, Anthony explains how playfulness help us counteract some of the seriousness of our everyday life. In this episode, you’ll learn: The link between humor and resilience. How playfulness can help us be nicer to one another. The power of wonder in our daily lives.

Most of us ask ourselves the same question every day: What do we need to do, and how will we get it done? But New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink says that we need to be asking a different question:  When should we do it? His latest book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, looks at how the way we time our decisions can change our days, our jobs and our relationships. In this episode, he explains why the right timing is so crucial and how you can use it to make more of each day. Three things you’ll learn in this episode: Why we should take the question of “when” as seriously as “who,” “what” and “how” What times of the day are most productive Why you should take more breaks

We’re all looking for a little more happiness in our lives, and author Alli Worthington’s new book is designed to give us the map to find it. In this episode, Alli—a business coach, podcaster, speaker and mother of five—tells us how to find greater happiness through simple practices. Three things you’ll learn from Alli: How to create your own happiness trigger Why busyness is such a threat to our happiness The importance or relationships in happiness

March is just around the corner, and here at Live Happy that means its time to get ready for the International Day of Happiness on March 20. In this episode, Live Happy marketing manager Britney Chan and editor Chris Libby talk about what the International Day of Happiness is all about, what our #HappyActs are all about and how you can get involved. In this episode you'll learn: How you can be part of this year’s celebrations How to make your own happiness wall Ways to get your community involved in the celebration

If you’re looking for books that will get your new year off to a great start, this week’s podcast will hit the spot. Live Happy Books Editor Sandra Bilbray tells us about five fantastic books worth picking up and tells us what you can expect to learn from each one.