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. The Connection Crisis: Lessons from the 2026 World Happiness Report

    6 DAYS AGO

    The Connection Crisis: Lessons from the 2026 World Happiness Report

    For decades, Australia has been known as the "lucky country," but the latest data suggests that the luck might be running out when it comes to our collective wellbeing. In this month's episode of The Ripple Effect, Declan Edwards and Ami Rankin dive deep into the newly released 2026 World Happiness Report to uncover a startling trend: despite our economic stability and high life expectancy, Australia has been on a decade-long slide in the global happiness rankings. The culprit isn't just one factor, but a growing crisis of disconnection. We are living through a massive, 20-year social experiment where our attention is the primary currency for some of the world's wealthiest companies. Declan and Ami explore why the youth in developed nations—particularly young girls—are seeing their mental health plummet in an era where we are "more connected" than ever, yet feel increasingly alone. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone feeling the "stolen focus" of the attention economy. It’s a raw look at how we’ve lost the restorative power of boredom and how reclaiming our time from algorithm-driven feeds is the first step toward rebuilding the tight-knit social bonds that make countries like Costa Rica the new leaders in global thriving. In this episode, we explore: The Youth Happiness Gap: Why life satisfaction is falling for those under 25 in Australia, the US, and the UK, and the specific toll it's taking on young women. The Social Media "Product Trap": Why an entire generation wishes social media didn't exist, but feels socially held hostage by it. Lessons from Costa Rica: How Latin American communities are outperforming economic expectations by prioritising deep, in-person social connection over digital noise. Ready to reclaim your focus and reconnect with your community? The Happiness Headline: Join our monthly email community to receive the latest evidence-based tips and tools directly in your inbox, away from the noise of social algorithms. The 2026 World Happiness Report: Click through to read the full 2026 findings and see where your country ranks and what the data says about our global future.

    43 min

  2. 5 MAY

    Ending Body Burnout with Filipa Bellette

    This episode explores the critical link between mental health and physical health in the form of Body Burnout. While burnout is often treated as a mental issue, Declan Edwards and functional medicine expert Filipa Bellette discuss why your body "keeps the score" of chronic stress, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. Filipa explains why a simple holiday isn't enough to fix cellular exhaustion and how long-term stress can physically shut down systems like your digestion and immunity. Mental vs. Physical Burnout: Why traditional rest doesn't always fix the deep "cellular" exhaustion that keeps you feeling hit by a bus. The 3 Warning Signs: How to spot burnout through your energy levels, mood slumps, and "weird" gut issues. The Science of "Rest & Digest": Why being in "fight-or-flight" stops your gut from producing serotonin, your natural happy chemical. Big T vs. Little T Trauma: How the accumulation of small, unprocessed stressful moments creates a physical "pressure cooker" in your system. The Disconnection Gap: Why we lose the ability to hear our body’s signals (like hunger or pain) when we are focused on overachieving. The 4 Pillars of Healing: A roadmap for recovery through body systems, lifestyle habits, mind work, and your environment. Is your body trying to tell you something your mind is ignoring? Use the steps below to start listening. The 2-Minute Check-In: Stop right now and ask your body: "How are you going, and what do you need from me today?". Get a Free Copy of Filipa's Book: https://www.chrisandfilly.fm/free-ending-body-burnout-book Take the Body Burnout Assessment: http://www.chrisandfilly.fm/scorecard/ Listen to Chris & Filly's show: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZEcYbtAeQ78yzQ57ESCzM?si=19daac47c0e542d0 Subscribe & Plant a Tree: For every new subscriber, we fund the planting of a tree and the protection of a rainforest. Hit subscribe to help us grow the ripple effect.

    48 min
  3. The Antidote to Micromanagement: Why Autonomy is a Business Requirement

    28 APR

    The Antidote to Micromanagement: Why Autonomy is a Business Requirement

    "People don’t leave workplaces; they leave managers." In this episode, Declan Edwards tackles one of the biggest pain points in the modern office: micromanagement. We often hire capable, functional adults because we trust their skills, only to accidentally treat them like children the moment they start the job. Declan explains why this impulse stifles innovation, erodes trust, and ultimately kills performance. Continuing the 7 Cs of Workplace Happiness series, we dive into the third C: Control (or Autonomy). Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, Declan shares how providing a sense of agency isn't just a "nice-to-have" perk—it is a core psychological human need. In this episode, we explore: The Adult-to-Child Trap: Why well-meaning leaders accidentally smother their team's initiative by over-prescribing the "how". The Science of Self-Determination: A look at the three basic needs—Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness—that fuel human motivation and wellbeing. Autonomy vs. Anarchy: Why giving people control requires more clarity and structure, not less. Real-World Innovation: Lessons from Google’s "20% time" and Atlassian’s "Ship It" days on how autonomy drives global products like Gmail. The Hybrid Work Choice: Why the secret to successful flexible work isn't where people work, but whether they have a voice in the decision. The Leader-as-Coach: Four practical shifts to help you move from an "inspector" to a high-impact mentor. Ready to stop managing and start leading? Use the resources below to help your team take ownership of their work. Action Steps & Resources: The Executive Diploma of Happiness Leadership (LAUNCHING LATE 2026): Explore our evidence-based program designed to help leaders build cultures rooted in trust and autonomy. https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/excecutive-diploma Share the Ripple: Forward this episode to a fellow manager who wants to humanise their workplace and boost team engagement. What is one area of your workflow where you could invite more team input this week? Start the shift today by asking, "How do you think we should approach this?"

    16 min

  4. 21 APR

    The Science of Motivation: What Actually Drives Us?

    This episode of How to Be Happy tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in personal growth: Motivation. We’ve all felt that spark of excitement that disappears the moment things get difficult or boring. In this deep dive, Declan Edwards moves past the "just do it" clichés to explore the actual science of what drives human action and, more importantly, what keeps it sustainable. Declan breaks down the critical difference between Motivation (the push) and Inspiration (the pull). You’ll learn why your brain is hardwired to prioritise avoiding pain over seeking pleasure, and how to harness both to stop the "yo-yo" cycle of starting and stopping your goals. In this episode, we explore: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Drive: Why internal meaning always outlasts external rewards like money or recognition. The Yo-Yo Change Cycle: Why "pain-based" motivation causes us to stop working the moment we start feeling a little bit better. The Inspired Procrastinator: How to bridge the gap between having a beautiful vision and actually taking the first step. The 4 Pillars of Sustainable Motivation: A practical framework involving emotional "Whys," systems over goals, compassionate accountability, and the power of micro-wins. The Support Problem: Why a "motivation dip" is often actually a hidden problem with clarity, energy, or community. Action Steps & Resources: [DIVE IN] Join the Happiness Blueprint Self-Study Program: Ready to take the guesswork out of your growth? Access our full curriculum of 75 happiness skills and join a supportive community for as little as $50 AUD/month. https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/happiness-blueprint [SUBSCRIBE & RE-GREEN] Help Us Plant Trees: For every new subscriber to the podcast, we fund the planting of a tree to help re-green the world. Hit that subscribe button to play your part! [SHARE THE RIPPLE] Pass it On: If this episode gave you a spark of inspiration, share it with a friend who might be struggling with their own motivation dip right now. What is one "micro-win" you can celebrate today to tell your brain that your progress is working?

    15 min
  5. The Ripple Effect - Lessons & Insights from the 2026 Happiness Immersion Retreat

    14 APR

    The Ripple Effect - Lessons & Insights from the 2026 Happiness Immersion Retreat

    "The price of happiness is effort, and the price of genuine connection is inconvenience." In this special monthly edition of The Ripple Effect, Declan Edwards and Ami Rankin are back from the BU Happiness College Immersion Retreat in the Blue Mountains. This episode serves as a "taste test" of the retreat experience, offering a look at the tools, stories, and breakthroughs that happen when we intentionally step away from the "human doing" of daily life to simply be a "human being." Ami shares her honest experience of navigating the "excuses brain" and the anxiety that often precedes prioritising our own well-being. Together, they explore why there is never a "perfect time" to work on your happiness and why choosing to show up for yourself despite the chaos is where the real growth begins. In this episode, Declan and Ami explore: Choice Point Theory: How to move past the first-order discomfort of starting something new to reach the high-yield benefits of calmness and clarity. The Armour of Fight-or-Flight: Why we "armour up" against stress and how this protective shield accidentally blocks us from the joy and connection we crave. The Mutual Support Loop: A touching story from the retreat about the beauty of both giving and receiving support within a 24-hour window. Intuition vs. Fear: Declan’s reflection on a quiet moment watching a storm roll in, and the importance of following the "whisper" of intuition over the "yell" of judgment. Slow Body, Clear Mind: Why slowing down our physical physiology is the fastest way to settle a busy mind and reconnect with our vision. Mortality Motivation: A radical perspective shift for those who find themselves rushing: "Why rush through life when the finish line is death?" Action Steps & Resources: ENROL IN THE CERTIFICATE: The Certificate of Happiness Studies is officially open! Discover the five most foundational skills of happiness over six weeks. Use code PODCAST for 20% off. https://buhappinesscollege.thinkific.com/products/courses/certificate MEET DECLAN ON TOUR: Declan is hitting the road between April and June 2026 for a live positive psychology masterclass tour. Catch him in: - Newcastle: https://events.humanitix.com/happinessscience-newcastle - Sydney: https://events.humanitix.com/happinessscience-sydney - Perth: https://events.humanitix.com/scienceofhappiness-perth - Dubbo: https://events.humanitix.com/happinessscience-dubbo

    56 min

  6. 7 APR

    Fulfillment Beyond the Finish Line - How BU Graduate, James Tanner, Grew His Happiness

    This episode of How to Be Happy is a deep dive into the "human" side of the science of happiness. I’m joined by my long-time friend and BU Happiness College graduate, James Tanner, to explore how his approach to fulfilment has shifted over a fifty-year journey; from chasing external "wins" to finding a much deeper sense of internal peace. James opens up about the pressure of a "win-lose" mentality in his youth and the emotional toll of trying to earn happiness through achievement. We discuss his transition into a "win-learn" mindset and the critical role that curiosity and faith play in building a life that feels purposeful, even when it’s messy. Whether you consider yourself spiritual, religious, or simply curious, James's perspective on "loving God, loving people, and loving yourself" offers a universal roadmap for better connection. In this episode, we explore: The Achievement Trap: Why tying your happiness to external "happenings" is a recipe for an emotional roller coaster. Win-Loss vs. Win-Learn: How to reframe "failures" as the necessary "sidewalks to the classroom" of your life. The 3 Directions of Connection: Why peak happiness requires connecting to yourself, to others, and to something greater than yourself. Curiosity as the Antidote to Judgment: How staying curious about your own story and the stories of others dismantles the barriers to love and fulfillment. The 7 Factors of Fulfillment: James shares how he used this BU framework to organise his life and why he decided to put spirituality at the "hub" of his wheel. Action Steps & Resources: [DIP YOUR TOE IN] Enrol in the Certificate of Happiness Studies: Start your journey with our foundational 6-week short course. Use code PODCAST at checkout for a special listener price (available for the first 100 people). https://buhappinesscollege.thinkific.com/products/courses/certificate [DIVE IN THE DEEP END] Book a Happiness Strategy Session: Work 1-on-1 with a BU coach to complete your own "7 Factors of Fulfillment" audit. Use code HAPPY100 to save $100 off your first session. https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/coaching The Happiness Blueprint: Explore our comprehensive self-study program to master all 75 skills of happiness taught at the College. https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/happiness-blueprint Pre-order 'How to Be Happy': Secure your copy of Declan’s upcoming book to start building your own evidence-based toolkit for life. https://amzn.to/40AU8BT What is one thing you are choosing to be curious about this week? Share your thoughts in the Spotify comments

    56 min
  7. Connection: Loneliness at Work is a Silent Crisis, Let's Talk About it

    31 MAR

    Connection: Loneliness at Work is a Silent Crisis, Let's Talk About it

    This episode of How to Be Happy: At Work tackles one of the most significant, yet overlooked, challenges in the modern office: the "silent crisis" of workplace loneliness. While we often think of loneliness as a personal issue, research shows it is a deeply embedded workplace experience that predicts everything from reduced commitment to a drop in overall performance. Building on our previous conversation about Clarity, Declan Edwards explores Connection; the second of the 7 Cs of Workplace Happiness. He breaks down why tokenistic efforts fail and how leaders can intentionally foster genuine, human-to-human relationships that drive both wellbeing and business results. In this episode, we explore: The Loneliness Data: Why one in five employees feels disconnected, and why remote or hybrid work isn't the only cause. The "Best Friend" Factor: Why having a trusted confidant at work is a leading predictor of high engagement and retention. The Cost of Disconnection: How a lack of belonging acts as a silent drain on innovation and team energy. The Problem with Return-to-Office Mandates: Why forcing people back into the office is often a poor overcorrection for a lack of intentional connection. Practical "Sonder" for Leaders: How to view your team as the main characters of their own stories to build empathy and trust. Micro-Connection Moments: Three simple, actionable strategies to bake connection into your daily rhythm without adding more meetings to the calendar. Connection isn't a workplace "extra"; it is a fundamental human requirement. This episode provides the roadmap to move from a group of individuals to a truly connected, high-performing team. Action Steps & Resources: The Executive Diploma of Happiness Leadership: Join the waitlist for our evidence-backed course designed to help managers build thriving, human-centered cultures. Catch Up on the 7 Cs: If you missed it, go back and listen to the episode on Clarity to see how it sets the foundation for connection. Share the Ripple Effect: If you’re a leader looking to humanise your workplace, forward this episode to your team or a fellow manager.

    15 min

  8. 24 MAR

    The Happy Balance Between Structure and Freedom

    "Structure gives our life a sense of rhythm, but freedom gives our life a sense of soul." We’ve all had those "free" days that look great on paper but end with us feeling drained, aimless, and stuck in a Netflix scroll. In this episode, I want to challenge the idea that structure and freedom are opposites. The truth is, without a bit of a "frame" for your day, freedom usually just turns into paralysis. I'm sharing how to find that sweet spot in the middle—where you have enough discipline to create momentum, but enough intuition to stay excited. If you’ve been feeling either burnt out by a rigid schedule or completely aimless without one, this is about laying the next "brick" in your happiness toolkit. By the end of this 15-minute listen, you’ll understand: The Paradox of Choice: Why having "too many options" is actually what's making you feel anxious and stuck. Beating Decision Fatigue: How to stop wasting your mental battery on small daily choices so you can save that energy for the stuff that actually matters. The Artist’s Canvas Strategy: A simple way to view your day that invites creativity rather than pressure. Actionable Rituals: Why I choose "movement" every morning as my structure, but leave the "how" up to my intuition. The Routine Audit: Two specific questions to help you figure out where you’re holding the reins too tight and where you need to let go. Stop reacting to your day and start designing it. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about getting 3% to 5% better, one moment at a time. Action Steps & Resources: Pre-order 'How to Be Happy': My new book is officially out for pre-order! Click here to order your copy now. The Certificate of Happiness Studies: If you want a structured, 6-week roadmap to master these skills, click here to jump into our newest short course. Join the Conversation: If you're on Spotify, leave a comment or a question for our next Ripple Effect episode.

    13 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
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © BU Happiness College and Ripple Podcasting
  • Show Website
    How To Be Happy

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