Everyday Better with Leah Smart

Scott Rick is a behavioral scientist and marketing professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He holds a PhD in Behavioral Decision Research from Carnegie Mellon, where he was a National Science Foundation graduate research fellow.On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Scott joins Leah to explore the complicated role of money in relationships. He shares advice for couples who have different views on spending money, including strategies for those who hate spending and those who enjoy it too much. He also discusses the importance of gift-giving in relationships and how to use psychology to find the perfect gift this holiday season.Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.Follow Scott Rick on LinkedIn.To learn more about how money messes with relationships – and how you can keep it from messing with yours – check out Scott’s book Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships.

Shasta Nelson, an intimacy expert with over 15 years of experience in healthy relationships, explores the core elements that build strong friendships. She discusses the stark difference between loneliness and having friends, urging listeners to seek deeper connections. Shasta highlights the time commitment needed to nurture friendships and shares strategies for both creating and compassionately ending them. She emphasizes positivity, consistency, and vulnerability as key ingredients for trust and intimacy in relationships, making a compelling case for their impact on well-being.

Lynne Peeples is a journalist and author of The Inner Clock: Living in Sync With Our Circadian Rhythms. She covers science, health and the environment and holds master’s degrees in biostatistics and science journalism.On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Lynne joins Leah to discuss the science behind our circadian rhythms. Lynne explains why our inner clocks are out of sync and what that means for our physical and mental health. She also offers strategies for resetting our clocks, including limiting the hours during which we eat and following a consistent sleep/wake schedule.Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.Follow Lynne Peeples on LinkedIn.To learn more about circadian rhythms, check out Lynne’s book The Inner Clock.

Carole Hopson, a United Airlines Boeing 737 captain and author of ‘A Pair of Wings,’ shares her inspiring transition from a corporate career to aviation. She reflects on overcoming challenges and emphasizes the importance of pursuing your dreams. Carole balances her roles as a pilot and a parent, showcasing how motherhood can enhance career excellence. She passionately discusses Bessie Coleman’s legacy and her ambitious goal to fund flight school for 100 Black women by 2035, encouraging others to embrace their unique paths.

Cassie Holmes is a Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. Her first book Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most is a practical guide for how to think about and spend time in order to experience joy every day. On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Cassie joins Leah to discuss her research on time and happiness. After dispelling the notion that more free time equals more happiness, Cassie offers tips for making the things you have to do every day – commuting, house chores, etc. – more enjoyable. She also explains the concept of ‘time crafting’ and why it’s so important to account for how we spend the hours in our days.Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.Follow Cassie Holmes on LinkedIn.

Jeffrey Hall is a Professor of Communication Studies and the Director of the Relationships and Technology Lab at the University of Kansas. He studies the way technology influences relationships, including the impact of social media on feelings of belonging, connectedness and loneliness.The harms of social platforms have been well documented over the past decade – political polarization, misinformation – but is social media also to blame for the rise in loneliness? On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Jeffrey joins Leah to discuss the role of social media in the loneliness epidemic. Jeffrey argues that when used more intentionally, social media can fulfill its original promise: help us stay connected and deepen our connections with the people we care about most.Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.Follow Jeffrey Hall on LinkedIn.Keep an eye out for Jeffrey’s forthcoming book The Social Biome: How Everyday Communication Connects and Shape Us.

Thubten Chodron is an American Tibetan Buddhist Nun and the founder of Sravasti Abbey, the only Tibetan Buddhist training monastery in the United States. In her recently re-released book Working With Anger, Thubten describes different practices for dealing with our anger that don't involve expression or suppression.On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Thubten and Leah explore the Buddhist perspective on some of the toughest emotions we experience, including anger. While many of us believe that anger is useful or even righteous, Thubten argues that anger distorts our perception of reality. She encourages us to reframe our anger using techniques such as meditation, self-reflection and humor.Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.Follow Thubten Chodron on LinkedIn.To learn more about the Buddhist perspective on anger, check out Thubten’s book Working with Anger: Buddhist Teachings on Patience, Acceptance, and Transforming Negativity.

In this thought-provoking discussion, David Kessler, a renowned grief and loss expert, unpacks the sixth stage of grief—finding meaning. He emphasizes the importance of "excavating" pain as a vital part of healing and shares insights on supporting grieving colleagues by simply being present. The conversation also highlights that grief extends beyond death, touching on life changes like estrangement and job loss. Through personal anecdotes, Kessler inspires listeners to embrace their emotions, seek community support, and reclaim joy amid sorrow.

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, personal experiences with anxiety take center stage. The discussion distinguishes anxiety from stress, revealing impactful insights and transformative moments. It explores the concept of separating identity from intrusive thoughts, likening the mind to complex software. Practical strategies for management are shared, including breathing exercises and meditation, emphasizing a compassionate approach to self-healing. Listeners gain valuable tools to navigate their journey toward better mental well-being.

Bonnie Wan, a brand strategist and author of 'The Life Brief,' shares her passion for helping people uncover their true desires. She discusses the powerful concept of a life brief, which serves as a guide for intentional living without regrets. Bonnie emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding personal wellness rituals. The conversation dives into how self-perception impacts relationships and career interactions, advocating for safe environments and recognition of personal worth in pursuing a fulfilling life.