Are people with more discretionary income happier than those who live paycheck to paycheck? Maybe some, but not all. As it turns out, more is not always better or the prescription for a happy life. Ultimately, it seems that attainable dreams and hope are the true keys to long-term well-being and happiness, regardless of income level, because it's the belief in a better future that truly fuels contentment.

To explore the science of well-being, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Carol Graham,a senior scientist at Gallup, an author, and a senior fellow in the Economic Studies program at Brookings.

Carol analyzes income disparities between the affluent and impoverished, examining their happiness levels through the lens of what she terms 'the happy peasant and the miserable millionaire paradox.' She also presents statistics on the decline of mental well-bei

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Attempting to gain dominance over others rarely benefits everyone involved. Instead, embracing diversity as a superpower — not as a tool to enforce artificial equity, but as a genuine celebration of varied strengths and perspectives — can unlock a quiet joy. This joy comes from the natural harmony that arises when differences are valued for their unique contributions, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives organically, leading to an increase for all.

To connect with an Indigenous perspective, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with researcher, senior lecturer, and author Tyson Yunkaporta.

Tyson shares wisdom gleaned from his research of indigenous cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. His humanistic approach to fearless conversations solidifies connections and aims to change the world by moving away from individualism and toward communal ideologies. In his book, Right Story, Wrong Story: How to Have Fearless Conversations in Hell, he lays the groundwork for a universal understanding and adherence to the 'law of the land’.

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The demanding nature of their work often puts the well-being of caregivers at risk. Just as it offers healing, therapy can be a vital medicine for professional healthcare providers and direct caregivers, providing them with a safe space to process their experiences and maintain a healthy mind. Medical training often minimizes self-care, but prioritizing one's well-being is essential for professionals to effectively help others.

For a dose of mental health medicine for mental health professionals, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System and author, Jessi Gold, MD.

As a mental health advocate, Jessi upends the conventional notions of well-being, asserting it is far more than just showing up for work. She highlights the needless stigma surrounding mental health therapy, often exacerbated by traditional medical training, and the problems that arise when emotions are suppressed. This perspective formed the inspiration for her book, How Do You Feel?: One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine.

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There are many misconceptions and overblown promises when it comes to AI. The reality is that Artificial Intelligence is a useful tool that’s here to stay. When it’s done right, AI seamlessly becomes part of our everyday life systems but when poorly programmed or intentionally misused by human intelligence, it easily becomes the ‘snake oil’ of our time. How do we decipher fact from fiction when it comes to AI and how do we protect children from possible long-term adverse impacts?

To glean strategies for reducing unknown or harmful influences of AI, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Senior Fellow at Mozilla, Sayash Kapoor.

Sayash draws on his book, AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference, to guide us in critically evaluating AI claims and understanding its true capabilities and limitations. He offers insights about how to be practically skeptical in an AI-driven world and uncover the truth behind the hype.

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Many people in the US have grown weary of the non-stop political discord that permeates every aspect of their lives. Some of the information is so polarized that it begs to be agreed with or opposed to, often leading to online fighting and further fracturing societal cohesion. Managing this pervasive tension requires understanding the underlying frameworks that shape our sense of morality.

For tips on engaging in amicable civil discourse, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with social psychologist and author, Kurt Gray.

Kurt shares real-world stories about discovering shared values with others regardless of their political or moral views. He reveals the studies and conversation methods outlined in his book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground.

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We live with a symphony of inner voices. Some are critics, and others are cheerleaders. The chatter in our minds is not adversarial, even though it might feel that way at times. The diverse aspects of our personality equip us with compassion in times of need and offer different perspectives for problem-solving. Achieving internal harmony hinges on peacemaking within our minds and soothing the inner critical voices. But, how do we take the reins and slow down the overwhelm when it takes over?

To discover how to turn on the peacemaking channel in our minds, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with clinician, speaker, trauma specialist, and author, Britt Frank, LCSW.

Britt shares insights and brain hacks from her newest book, Align Your Mind. Her “micro-yeses” process moves us past the why of why we do things and springs us into the action of doing something else.

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To effectively unwind from the demands of modern life, we can tap into our body's internal chemistry. Overcoming the fatigue induced by constant technological stimulation is achievable by recognizing our need for rebalancing and actively changing our habits. The solution lies in getting a daily dose of nature, whole foods, physical exercise, and minimizing screen time.

To introduce practices that activate and boost our natural stress defence, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with neuroscientist, best-selling author, and founder of The DOSE Lab, TJ Power.

TJ empowers us with brain boosting tips from his book, The DOSE Effect: Optimize Your Brain and Body by Boosting Your Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins.

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A lack of emotional literacy often lessens our ability to face life's storms. As a result, many women resort to self-medicating behaviors to cope. In a more compassionate world, addiction recovery would nurture human needs and prioritize genuine healing. As many global strategies are evolving beyond abstinence, in the US, it is time to recognize that harm reduction programs offer a safe alternative to crisis care.

To highlight some more humanistic and lesser-known strategies of harm reduction and healing, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with clinician, author, and consultant Dr. Stephanie Covington.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough book, Hidden Healers: A Woman’s Way through the Twelve Steps, Dr. Covington shares recently revealed research and the latest statistics that dispel old beliefs about coping mechanisms, harm reduction strategies, addiction treatment, and healing.

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