How To Be Happy

BU Happiness College and Ripple Podcasting
  • 5.0 (25)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

There's no goal more universally desired than living a happy life. But these days, happiness can seem pretty hard to reach. That's why this podcast exists. To serve as a compass in your pursuit of happiness. Built on over 10 years of studying the science of happiness and 7+ years of coaching people across 5 countries, join your host & Happiness Researcher - Declan Edwards as he brings you: - evidence-based strategies for mastering your mind and emotions. - inspiring interviews with individuals who have transformed their lives - and practical tips and techniques to help you do the same.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Osher Gunsberg on Mental Health, Identity, and the Search for Happiness

    In this episode of How to Be Happy, host Declan Edwards sits down with the legendary Osher Günsberg for a conversation that moves past the media scripts to look at the daily practice of living well. While many know Osher from the screen, this chat focuses on the philosophies and "micro-actions" that keep him grounded when life gets heavy. They explore the idea that happiness isn't a destination, but a skill cultivated through intentionality and an acceptance of life's "inner garden". The discussion dives into the topics people often avoid; impermanence, the reality of mortality, and why trusting the process is more important than the final result. As taught at BU Happiness College, passive learning only goes so far. This episode serves as a call to move from just listening to practicing Episode Highlights The "One Drop" Philosophy: How every small, intentional choice contributes to the collective "ocean" of happiness. Embracing Impermanence: Insights into sitting with discomfort rather than running from it. The Mortality Mirror: Why reflecting on the finite nature of life can help individuals show up more intentionally for themselves and others. From Learning to Action: Why "doing something with it" is the only way to move the needle on personal wellbeing. The Ripple Effect: How taking better care of one's own "garden" naturally impacts the world at large. Action Steps & Resources Protect the Rainforest: For every new subscriber to the show, BU Happiness College pays to protect one square meter of rainforest. Hit subscribe to help expand that impact. Explore Osher’s Work: Check out his podcast, Better Than Yesterday, and his new book 'So What? Now What?' via the link below: - https://amzn.to/3Nh6CM1 Master the Skills: To turn these philosophies into practice, head to www.BUHappinessCollege.com to learn about available coaching and courses

    49 min
  2. Clarity: Why Confused Employees Can't Thrive - S2 E6

    3 MAR

    Clarity: Why Confused Employees Can't Thrive - S2 E6

    "Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind." In this episode of How to Be Happy, I’m diving deep into the first of the 7 Cs of Happy Employees: Clarity. Through my work at BU Happiness College, I’ve seen that the biggest barrier to a thriving team isn't usually a lack of talent; it’s a lack of clear expectations. When priorities are fuzzy, it creates a "low-level hum of anxiety" that chips away at confidence, motivation, and purpose. Today, I’m sharing why clarity is actually a productivity and retention tool, and how you can stop "flying blind" as a leader. In this episode, we explore: The "Everything is a Priority" Trap: Why trying to do 14 things half-heartedly is killing your team's momentum. Clarity vs. Certainty: Why you don’t need all the answers to be a transparent and effective leader. The ROI of Knowing: According to Harvard Business Review, employees with clear expectations are 53% more efficient. The Kindness of Clarity: Why "beating around the bush" to be nice actually breeds resentment and confusion. Your 90-Day Challenge: A simple, actionable audit you can run with your team today to realign your top 3 priorities. Happiness at work isn't just about "perks", it's about giving your people the clarity they need to win. Action Steps & Resources: Pre-order the Book: My new book, How to Be Happy, launches this July! Secure your copy now to support the show and go deeper into learning the skills and science of happiness. Order via this link: ⁠https://amzn.to/3OieywQ⁠ Join the Waitlist: Our upcoming Executive Diploma of Happiness Leadership will be launching later in 2026! Get exclusive launch pricing and learn how to build high-performing, happy cultures. Join the waitlist via this link: https://s.pointerpro.com/coursewaitlist

    11 min

  3. 24 FEB

    How to Build Habits Without Relying on Willpower - S2 E5

    "Willpower is like a phone battery; it drains over the course of the day, and once it’s flat, it’s flat." If you’ve ever started a new habit with high hopes only to watch it fizzle out two weeks later, this episode is for you. In this second instalment of our goal-setting series on How to Be Happy, I’m pulling back the curtain on why "trying harder" is actually a terrible strategy for long-term change. I explore why the problem isn't your discipline, it's your system. Using the principles we teach at BU Happiness College, I share how to stop pushing against the "boulder" of inertia and start building momentum that feels effortless. In this episode, we dive into: The Willpower Myth: Why relying on sheer discipline is a recipe for burnout. Habit Stacking: The simple secret to "piggybacking" new behaviours onto existing routines. The Boulder & Inertia: Why starting tiny is the only way to get the heavy rocks of your life moving. Environment Design: How to "stack the deck" in your favor by making good habits easy and unhelpful ones hard. Identity-Based Habits: Shifting from what you want to achieve to who you want to be. The Power of the "Tiny Win": Why celebrating an inch of progress is the fastest way to wire your brain for success. Building better habits doesn't require perfection; it just requires showing up in small, consistent ways. Action Steps & Resources: Master the Science of Happiness: Join the waitlist for our brand new 6 week shortcourse; the Certificate of Happiness Studies (launching March 2026). Click here to join the waitlist: https://s.pointerpro.com/coursewaitlist Pre-order the Book: Secure your copy of my new book, How to Be Happy (launching July!), for a deeper dive into the skills and science of happiness. Pre-order the book here: https://amzn.to/3OieywQ Spread the Ripple Effect: If this episode helped you, share it with someone currently struggling to make a change. And remember to subscribe to the show so you don't miss upcoming episodes.

    16 min
  4. The Ripple Effect: Answering Your Questions with BU Head of Personal Happiness Coaching - Ami Rankin

    17 FEB

    The Ripple Effect: Answering Your Questions with BU Head of Personal Happiness Coaching - Ami Rankin

    Important announcement: The ‘How To Be Happy’ book is coming and preorders are now open! PRE-ORDER THE BOOK: Get your copy of How to Be Happy here: https://amzn.to/3OieywQ What does it look like to practice happiness skills in the middle of life’s biggest transitions? Join me and Amy Rankin (Head of Personal Happiness Coaching at BU Happiness College) for a deep dive into emotional regulation, parenting with intention, and the psychology of happiness in life’s challenging chapters. Key highlights in this episode: • Navigating Change: Practical tools for emotional acceptance during transitions. • The Next Generation: How modelling resilience at home impacts the school experience for children. • Happiness Mistakes: Identifying the traps that keep people from feeling their best. • The Role of Faith: Exploring what modern wellbeing science says about faith and trust. • Big News: I am thrilled to announce my book, How to Be Happy, is coming this July. PRE-ORDER THE BOOK: Get your copy of How to Be Happy here: https://amzn.to/3OieywQ (Pre-orders are the greatest way to support our work and help the book reach more people!)

    50 min

  5. 10 FEB

    Expert Interview: How to Raise Happier Kids, Parenting Wisdom from Dr Justin Coulson - S2 E3

    Parenting is one of life’s biggest adventures and its biggest challenges. In this conversation with Australia’s trusted parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson, we explore what it really takes to raise happy, resilient children while also looking after yourself as a parent and partner. Dr. Justin draws on decades of experience, research, and his own journey raising six daughters to share approachable, evidence‑informed insights. We unpack the balance between philosophy and practice, how to nurture emotional strength and connection in your family, and why the skills we develop as parents ripple out into the next generation in a profound way. If you’re navigating the messy, beautiful work of raising kids and want a grounded, thoughtful perspective, this episode will have something for you. 🎧 Check out Justin’s Happy Families podcast and explore his suite of parenting resources at https://happyfamilies.com.au/ 📌 Explore enrolment options, self‑study and coaching programs at BU Happiness College: https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/ 🎤 Want Declan to speak at your workplace or event? Find out more here: https://declanedwards.com.au/

    50 min
  6. The 7 Things That Create Happy Employees - HTBHAW - S2 E2

    3 FEB

    The 7 Things That Create Happy Employees - HTBHAW - S2 E2

    What actually makes people happy at work? And what keeps great people engaged, energised, and performing at their best? In this episode, Declan introduces the seven core ingredients of happy employees. This framework is grounded in wellbeing science, real workplace experience, and years of research into what helps people thrive at work. It sets the foundation for the How to Be Happy at Work series this season, with a deeper dive into each of the seven elements across upcoming episodes. Whether you’re a leader, manager, or someone who simply wants a better experience at work, this episode will help you reflect on what’s working, what’s missing, and where change might be needed. 🔔 Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the upcoming deep dives into each of the seven factors. 🌱 Explore enrolment options at BU Happiness College and our self‑study and coaching programs: https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/ 🎤 Bring Declan in to speak at your workplace or event: https://declanedwards.com.au/

    13 min

  7. 27 JAN

    How To Set Goals That Actually Make You Happier - HTBH - S2 E1

    Not all goals are created equal. Some leave us stressed, stuck, or chasing someone else’s idea of success. In this episode, we explore how to set goals that genuinely boost your wellbeing. You’ll learn what the research says about goal setting and happiness, the common traps to avoid, and how to create goals that feel energising, not exhausting. If you’ve ever set a goal and wondered why it didn’t make you feel any better… this one’s for you. 🌿 For every new subscriber, we protect one square metre of rainforest. So please make sure your subscribe and share the show with people in your life 🔗 Check out our brand new website to explore our short courses, coaching, and self-study programs at BU Happiness College: https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/

    16 min

  8. 09/12/2025

    How To Be Happy 2025 Wrapped

    As the year comes to a close, Declan Edwards and Ami Rankin are sitting down together to reflect, reset and celebrate everything we’ve learned on the How To Be Happy journey. In this special end-of-year wrap-up, we look back at the biggest lessons, the most powerful moments, and the standout conversations that shaped our community this year. From mindset shifts to practical wellbeing strategies, Declan and Ami unpack what truly moved the needle on happiness; both for our listeners and in their own lives. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or discovered the podcast this year, this is the perfect way to reconnect with what matters, acknowledge your growth, and set yourself up for a more intentional, more joyful year ahead. Hit play, reflect with us, and let’s step into the new year with clarity, compassion and confidence. Thank you for being part of the How To Be Happy community, we can’t wait for what’s coming next. Click here to join the waitlist for our upcoming short courses and self study programs: https://s.pointerpro.com/coursewaitlist Click here to join the waitlist for Declan's book: https://s.pointerpro.com/bookwaitlist

    51 min
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About

There's no goal more universally desired than living a happy life. But these days, happiness can seem pretty hard to reach. That's why this podcast exists. To serve as a compass in your pursuit of happiness. Built on over 10 years of studying the science of happiness and 7+ years of coaching people across 5 countries, join your host & Happiness Researcher - Declan Edwards as he brings you: - evidence-based strategies for mastering your mind and emotions. - inspiring interviews with individuals who have transformed their lives - and practical tips and techniques to help you do the same.

Information

  • Creator
    BU Happiness College and Ripple Podcasting
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © BU Happiness College and Ripple Podcasting
  • Show Website
    How To Be Happy

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