Everyday Better with Leah Smart

Professor of Psychology Thomas Curran discusses the harmful effects of perfectionism and how to break free from societal pressures. They explore the rise of perfectionism in younger generations, the balance between high standards and self-acceptance, and the importance of embracing imperfections in personal and professional growth.

Myisha Cherry is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at UC Riverside and a self-proclaimed “public defender of anger and proud withholder of forgiveness.” In her second book, Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better, she argues that forgiveness – a much-lauded moral good in American culture – rarely achieves what we think it does, and that in reality, forgiveness often does more harm than good. She puts forth her own, broader definition of forgiveness that holds space for anger, repair and accountability for the wrongdoer.On today’s show, Myisha and Leah dive deep into forgiveness to understand its role at work and in society, as well as how race and gender complicate the act of forgiving. Myisha explains why withholding forgiveness can actually be a moral good, both for the wronged and for the wrongdoer. She also shares her revised definition of forgiveness and explains how to get better at asking for and receiving it.For more on forgiveness, check out Myisha’s book Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better.Sign up for Leah’s weekly newsletter to get practical tips on how to level up with small steps every day.

Dr Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, leadership adviser and best selling author. She works with executives and leaders all over the world to help them achieve mental resilience and peak brain performance, helping them to manage stress, regulate emotions and retain information. Her scientific knowledge and expertise helps people optimize their brain health and achieve their full potential.Tara joins Leah to discuss the brain-body connection and the importance of emotional well-being. She explains how chronic stress can impact the brain and body, leading to physical and mental health issues, and emphasizes the power of intention and visualization in shaping our brain's interpretation of reality. Follow Leah Smart on LinkedInFollow Dr. Tara Swart on LinkedIn

Dr. Casey Means, a physician passionate about metabolic health, discusses the interconnectedness of symptoms and diseases stemming from metabolic dysfunction, offers strategies for optimizing metabolism through sleep, movement, stress management, toxin reduction, and light exposure. She emphasizes the importance of adopting a metabolic framework for cellular health to live happier, healthier lives.

In part II of our conversation with Stephanie Harrison, author of New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong, we explore what it looks like to apply Stephanie’s New Happy philosophy to personal and work areas of our lives. We discuss strategies for setting and achieving your big goals, what the research suggests about the role of helping others in the context of happiness and how privilege and oppression shift our approach to and experience of happiness. We also contemplate the notion of the “best self” and take a hard look at wellness culture to better understand how mainstream ideas of happiness and well-being hold us back from achieving true contentment. Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.Follow Stephanie Harrison on LinkedIn.To learn more about Stephanie’s philosophy on happiness, check out her book, New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong.

Stephanie Harrison is an expert on the science of happiness. Her first book, New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong, explores the structural forces that prevent us from achieving true happiness and teaches us how to find it by looking outside ourselves. Stephanie joins Leah to discuss why so many of us are unhappy (despite trying our very best to be), and what we can do to experience more joy and contentment in our everyday lives. Helping others, Stephanie argues, is the key to improving our mental and emotional well-being. She also shares research-backed strategies for connecting with our true selves and quieting down the voice in our heads that tells us we’re not good enough.Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.Follow Stephanie Harrison on LinkedIn.To learn more about Stephanie’s philosophy on happiness, check out her book, New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong.

Dr. Barry Kudrowitz, a Professor at the University of Minnesota, dives into the fascinating link between humor, play, and creativity. He argues that incorporating fun elements at work boosts innovation and productivity. Listeners will discover how playfulness can transform problem-solving and enhance collaboration among teams. Dr. Kudrowitz shares practical strategies to integrate humor into daily life, emphasizing its importance not just for kids but for adults in professional settings as well. Tune in for insights that could revolutionize your work environment!

Ellen Langer is a renowned Harvard professor and psychologist who has been studying mindfulness for over 40 years. She is the first woman to be tenured in psychology at Harvard and has conducted extensive research in her lab. She is also known as the “Mother of Positive Psychology.” Langer is the author of numerous books, including The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health.Langer joins Leah Smart to discuss the power of mindfulness for improving our health and well-being. By being mindful, we can enliven our brains, improve our physical health, and live longer. Langer's research has shown that simply noticing and being present can reverse signs of aging, enhance healing, and improve our overall well-being. She also encourages us to embrace uncertainty, as it opens us up to new and interesting possibilities. Follow Leah Smart on LinkedInFollow Ellen Langer on LinkedIn

JP Crimi, a renowned breathwork teacher, shares insights on how conscious breathing can transform mental well-being. He discusses the healing power of breathwork in alleviating anxiety and stress, highlighting personal journeys of emotional release and joy. The conversation also delves into the connection between breathing patterns and emotional awareness, and how childhood experiences shape our coping mechanisms. Listeners will discover practical breathing techniques to foster resilience and spark personal growth.

Dacher Keltner, founding director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, and author of "Awe: The Nature of Awe and the Power to Transform Your Life”, joins Leah Smart to discuss the transformative power of awe and its impact on our minds and bodies. They explore the profound effects of awe on personal growth, well-being, and social connection, and offer practical strategies for cultivating awe in everyday life to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. Follow Leah Smart on LinkedInFollow Dacher Keltner on LinkedIn