How to be Happy

Join Hannah Stenning as she shares her year-long adventure traveling around Australia in a campervan with her family, highlighting the lessons learned about simplicity, resilience, and finding joy in the small things. From unexpected encounters with animals to embracing a minimalistic lifestyle, this episode inspires listeners to prioritize experiences over possessions for a happier life.

Danika Johnston is a powerhouse, as well as one of the loveliest women you will meet. She has had a successful career in the media, working with companies such as Channel 10, Mamamia and Tiktok. She is now chief commercial officer at WeAre8 - a global social media app that puts people and planet first - so every time a citizen watches an ad on the platform - climate solutions and charities get paid. She also has three young sons, and although Danika makes life look easy she admits the juggle is real. Her real success is in the relationships she forms - the friends and family who form her ‘tribe’. This, she says, is the true secret to a happy life.  Find Danika on LinkedIn Find WeAre8 here:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/weare8/ https://www.weare8.com/ https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weare8-share-the-love/id1391527170 Host: Kate de Brito  Kate on Instagram  Editor: Stephanie CannavoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael McQueen is a modern-day fortune teller. He’s a social researcher and trends forecaster - which means he’s usually one step ahead of the rest of us. He’s also a master at understanding how people make decisions, why they get stuck in certain mindsets and how you can learn specific tools to change other people’s minds. It’s a crafty skill but Michael hopes it’s used for more than just getting people to buy new cars or sneakers and instead to help bring people together and see other viewpoints. He’s written a new book called Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds. In this episode you’ll learn Michael tips for immediately getting people onside, and how to “prime” people to get the outcome you want. Michael McQueen’s book: Mindstuck  Michael on Instagram Michael on LinkedIn. Credits Host: Kate de Brito  Kate on Instagram  Editor: Stephanie CannavoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Rob Battisti has a hard job, but he makes it look easy. He is the Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Cancer Centre for Children at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead where he works with young cancer patients and their families. He is also the Clinical Director at Mind Plasticity, a multidisciplinary mental health service. He’s a father to a beautiful two-and-a-half year old daughter so he knows what it’s like to juggle a busy professional life and a home. And he is incredibly smart and wise. We talked about grief and whether there are ways you can prepare for it as well as some of the factors that help build resilience. We also chat about Dr Rob’s personal habits for good mental health. Find Dr Rob online: Mindplasticity CREDITS  Host: Kate de Brito  https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Stephanie CannavoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They walk among us, yet they are not like the rest of us. In a slightly unsettling chat, successful author David Gillespie talks about toxic people, including that most toxic of all, the psychopath. Far from being the stuff of fiction and movies, they are seemingly ordinary people who are missing the capacity for empathy. The result can be a nightmare for those who encounter them in the workplace or in relationships. On the podcast you will learn: How to recognise a psychopath The character traits that often make them very successful people What to do if you encounter one of these people in close proximity like a boss. Also David’s top tips for living a happy life including his no phones rule. David’s latest book: Toxic at Work  Find David online: https://davidgillespie.org/ David on Instagram   Credits Host: Kate de Brito  https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Stephanie CannavoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK-based science journalist David Robson discusses the power of changing beliefs to improve outcomes, from faster healing after illness to enhancing athletic performance. He explores how expectations shape reality, influence recovery processes, and impact mental well-being. Robson also shares insights on reframing pain, managing anxiety, and transforming food perceptions for a healthier relationship with eating.

Amanda Betts is a successful fiction writer - she’s just published her sixth young adult novel, One Song. And she is also an inspiring teacher of creativity. Working alongside young people in hospitals, Amanda has seen first-hand the transformative benefit of creativity. She believes people are fooled into thinking creativity is a magic gift owned by only the special few when in reality we all have potential for creativity and with it, personal growth.  On this episode we discuss: Getting started in the creative process.  The difference creativity makes in everyday life. How  to prioritize creativity  Finding inspiration nature Balancing inspiration and action.   Find AJ Betts online: http://www.ajbetts.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ajbettswrites/ Facebook: http://www.ajbetts.com/ AJ’s latest book One Song  Credits: Host: Kate de Brito  https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Smith has led an extraordinary life. But not always a happy one. After years of alcoholism, drug abuse and homelessness, he had an epiphany that led to a remarkable transformation. From that moment, he never again touched alcohol, drugs or tobacco. He went back to school and is now a university lecturer and author with a partner and young son - and a contented life. He is a wise man guided by a set of happiness principals. In this episode you will learn: How to let go of control and let life guide you rather than paddling against the current How to inhabit the mindset of a different person to change your life How doing good and helping others can turn your own life around How setting meaningful goals and moving towards them is the real key to transformation. Find Gregory online: https://drgregorysmith.wordpress.com/ Gregory’s book: Better than Happiness: The True Antidote to Discontent: https://www.booktopia.com.au/better-than-happiness-gregory-smith/book/9781761341380.html Credits Host: Kate de Brito  https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Stephanie CannavoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Callaghan is an Aboriginal man from the land of the Worimi people near Newcastle on the NSW coast who has a great passion for storytelling. At 35 – when life looked about as successful as it could get - he suffered a nervous breakdown. He describes it as the best thing that ever happened to him because it set him on a course of self-discovery and reconnection with Aboriginal spirituality. This episode is about how an ancient culture and spirituality holds many clues for living a happier modern life. On this episode you’ll learn  How to find 10 out of 10 moments in your everyday life  The practical things you can do to find more joy  How the values of “knowing, being and doing” from Indigenous culture have value in the modern world  The one principal for happiness that lays the foundation for all others The value of being on country, or in nature, for your emotional health The importance of discovering your purpose How to weather the big storms in your life Get Paul’s book: The Dreaming Path/Panterra Press https://www.amazon.com.au/Dreaming-Path-Indigenous-Thinking-Change/dp/0648748952/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VP1056IMLB8S&keywords=the+dreaming+path&qid=1688101381&sprefix=the+dreaming+path%2Caps%2C325&sr=8-1 Find him online: https://www.culturalconsultancy.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul.callaghan28/ Credits:  Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Harriet McIlveen See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Kieran Kennedy is a doctor specialising in psychiatry who has always had a passion for men’s health. Although he has traditional medical credentials, he is a firm advocate of basic wellbeing and its effect on the mind and body. He has just written a book called The Manual with former Men’s Health editor Scott Henderson. In this episode we talk about how men can reclaim their happiness. In this episode you’ll learn How men are increasingly worried about body image and how they can get perspective How the mind and body work together to create a happy life  How the food you eat and the exercise you do influences your mental and emotional health  How men can be empowered to help themselves  The impact of sleep on mental health The power of movement on stress and anxiety  Kieren online: https://drkierankennedy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkierankennedy/ The Manual: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761261657/?fbclid=PAAaZUUl1ShI-vJK4QVRf-AGcH2cHy_RoaDW9CaQjI_asun8kBqYqzDCKOFgQ Credits:  Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Steven Christie https://www.instagram.com/steven_christie/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.