Researching Happy

Matthew Iasiello
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Welcome to Researching Happy, a podcast all about the world of happiness and wellbeing research. researchinghappy.com

  1. 01/12/2025

    060 - Researching Unhappy: The Harsh Reality of Research Funding in Australia | Dr Shane Huntington CEO of Australian Society of Medical Research

    In this episode, Dr. Shane Huntington discusses the challenges faced by early career researchers in the health research sector, particularly regarding funding applications. He highlights the significant decrease in success rates for grants, the importance of communication skills in grant writing, and the need for more funding to support researchers. Dr. Huntington also emphasizes the importance of redefining success for researchers and raising public awareness about the achievements in research. The conversation concludes with a call to action for advocacy efforts to address the issues within the research community Keywords: mental health, research funding, ASMR, grant applications, early career researchers, communication in research, funding challenges, advocacy, PhD, success in research Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Research Funding 03:00 Shane's Journey to ASMR CEO 05:59 The Role of ASMR in Supporting Researchers 08:46 The Valley of Death: Early Career Research Challenges 11:56 The Changing Landscape of Grant Applications 14:56 Communication: The Key to Successful Grant Writing 17:58 The Importance of Clear Communication in Research 20:40 Reforming the Grant Application Process 23:40 The Need for More Funding in Research 27:00 The Impact of PhD Numbers on Research Careers 29:32 Redefining Success in Research Careers 32:56 Advocacy for Researchers and Public Awareness 35:47 Conclusion and Call to Action

    42 min
  2. 059 - We need to rehumanize the workplace | Dr Denise Quinlan

    12/11/2025

    059 - We need to rehumanize the workplace | Dr Denise Quinlan

    In this conversation, Dr. Denise Quinlan discusses her journey in positive psychology, emphasizing the importance of context, cultural sensitivity, and the need for a human-centric approach in workplaces. She critiques the current state of wellbeing science, advocating for collaboration with other fields and addressing societal issues such as polarization and economic precarity. The discussion highlights the shift from shareholder to stakeholder capitalism and the need for organizations to value their employees as integral to their success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Happiness Research 01:00 Denise Quinlan's Journey and Current Work 05:10 The Importance of Context in Positive Psychology 09:57 Challenges in Applying Positive Psychology 12:35 The Role of Work in Fulfillment 15:24 Cultural Sensitivity in Strengths Work 20:07 Reframing Strengths Conversations 25:07 The Need for Diverse Strengths Research 30:28 Financial Security and Wellbeing 32:49 Resilience vs. Systemic Change 33:18 The Changing Nature of Work and Well-being 36:06 The Political Economy of Well-being 39:35 Long-term Employment and Community Responsibility 42:11 Making Work Better: Human-Centric Approaches 46:04 The Importance of Leadership in Well-being 51:02 Valuing People: Beyond Programs to Processes 55:48 The Need for Collaboration in Well-being Science 01:00:50 Addressing Polarization and Community Belonging

    59 min
  3. 058 - Why don't governments take wellbeing seriously? Diane Bowles & Dr Kate Sollis

    16/10/2025

    058 - Why don't governments take wellbeing seriously? Diane Bowles & Dr Kate Sollis

    In this episode, Dr. Matthew Iasiello engages in a critical conversation with Diane Bowles and Dr. Kate Sollis about the importance of wellbeing in policy and the challenges faced in promoting it in Australia. They discuss the Measuring What Matters framework, the role of government, and the significance of community engagement in developing effective wellbeing policies. The conversation also touches on the Future Generations movement and local initiatives making strides in wellbeing. The guests emphasize the need for collaboration between government, community, and business to create a sustainable wellbeing economy and the importance of sustaining momentum across election cycles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 02:59 The Importance of Wellbeing in Policy 05:58 Measuring What Matters Framework 08:34 Government's Role in Promoting Wellbeing 11:44 Challenges in Implementing Wellbeing Policies 14:41 Community Engagement in Wellbeing Initiatives 17:37 Future Generations and Long-term Thinking 20:26 Local and International Examples of Wellbeing Initiatives 23:30 Sustaining Momentum Across Election Cycles 26:41 Conclusion and Call to Action Keywords wellbeing, mental health, policy, community engagement, government, Measuring What Matters, Future Generations, wellbeing initiatives, Australia, wellbeing economy Takeaways Australia is starting to take wellbeing seriously but needs to do more. The Measuring What Matters framework aims to go beyond GDP in measuring wellbeing. Community engagement is crucial for effective wellbeing policies. Embedding wellbeing into policy requires a long-term commitment. Local initiatives like the Bega Valley Data Collective are making strides in wellbeing. Future Generations movement emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking. Collaboration between government, community, and business is essential for progress. Sustaining momentum across election cycles is a challenge for wellbeing initiatives. Transparency and accountability in government can enhance community trust. Wellbeing frameworks need to be developed with community input to be effective.

    1h 12m
  4. 057 - Facebook VP to Stand-up Comedy: a search for reasonable happiness | Paul Ollinger

    02/10/2025

    057 - Facebook VP to Stand-up Comedy: a search for reasonable happiness | Paul Ollinger

    In this engaging conversation, Paul Ollinger shares his unique journey from being a Facebook executive to a stand-up comedian, exploring the intersections of happiness, purpose, and societal expectations. He reflects on the impact of wealth on happiness, the importance of belonging, and the challenges of raising children in a materialistic society. The discussion also delves into the role of comedy in addressing social issues and the need for nuance in conversations about happiness and fulfillment. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Happiness Through Diverse Perspectives 01:09 From Facebook to Comedy: A Unique Journey 05:22 Reflections on the Facebook Experience 07:51 The Comedy Scene: Challenges and Growth 10:51 The Intersection of Comedy and Happiness 12:26 Understanding Reasonable Happiness 20:10 The Pursuit of Happiness: Beyond Money 27:11 The Complexity of Happiness and Expectations 31:17 The Art of Comedy and Mastery 33:02 Navigating the Comedy Scene 33:40 Cultural Reflections Through Comedy 38:02 Political Polarization and Its Impact on Happiness 42:57 The Intersection of Family and Materialism 53:02 Teaching Values in a Material World Keywords: happiness, comedy, mental wellbeing, Facebook, purpose, materialism, family, societal expectations, resilience, academic research

    59 min

  5. 18/09/2025

    056 - The Science of Wellbeing, Resilience, and Health | Prof Claudia Trudel-Fitzgerald

    In this episode, Dr Matthew Iasiello speaks with A/Prof Claudia Trudel-Fitzgerald about her research in psychological, social, and behavioral determinants of mental health. Prof Trudel-Fitzgerald is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, with an appointment as a Regular Researcher at the Research Center of Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal. They discuss the importance of mental health in physical health outcomes, the role of resilience and coping strategies, and the need for cultural sensitivity in wellbeing measurement. Claudia shares her journey into positive psychology, the misconceptions surrounding resilience, and the future directions of wellbeing research, emphasizing the need for context-specific approaches. Keywords: mental health, wellbeing science, resilience, coping strategies, psychological wellbeing, health outcomes, positive psychology, cultural sensitivity, emotional regulation, research Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Positive Psychology and Research Background 02:54 Transition from Clinical Psychology to Positive Psychology 05:42 Exploring the Link Between Mental Well-being and Physical Health 08:27 The Importance of Psychological Well-being in Health Outcomes 11:16 Understanding Mechanisms Linking Well-being to Health 14:13 The Role of Optimism and Purpose in Health 16:49 Challenges in Measuring Well-being 19:46 Implications of Well-being Research for Cancer Patients 22:26 The Debate on Well-being Measurement in Research 34:16 Cultural Sensitivity in Measurement 39:52 The Intersection of Coping and Resilience 46:00 Misconceptions About Resilience 52:27 Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Strategies 58:21 Cross-Disciplinary Insights on Well-Being 01:03:43 Contextual Factors Affecting Resilience

    1h 8m
  6. 055 - WHO gets to define flourishing? And what are the stakes? | Professor Sarah Willen

    21/08/2025

    055 - WHO gets to define flourishing? And what are the stakes? | Professor Sarah Willen

    In this conversation, Professor Sarah Willen discusses the role of anthropology in understanding flourishing and wellbeing. Dr Willen is Professor of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut and Co-Director of the Research Program on Global Health and Human Rights at the university’s Human Rights Institute. She emphasizes the importance of structural circumstances and individual experiences in defining flourishing, while also critiquing the limitations of positive psychology. The discussion explores the concept of languishing, the significance of context in wellbeing, and the ethical implications of policy decisions related to health and flourishing. Prof Willen advocates for a more inclusive approach that engages marginalized voices and considers the complexities of cultural contexts in the conversation about wellbeing. Takeaways: Flourishing is defined by both individual experiences and structural circumstances.Anthropology offers critical insights into health and wellbeing that challenge conventional models.Positive psychology often overlooks the complexities of cultural contexts.Understanding flourishing requires a holistic approach that includes social and material conditions.Languishing has emerged as a relevant concept in public discourse during the pandemic.The definitions of flourishing can vary significantly across different cultures and communities.Policy decisions should be informed by the lived experiences of marginalized populations.Critical dialogue is essential for advancing the conversation around wellbeing.The relationship between spirituality and flourishing is complex and often overlooked.Engaging with diverse perspectives can enrich our understanding of wellbeing. Keywords: anthropology, flourishing, wellbeing, mental health, positive psychology, critical perspectives, cultural context, languishing, public health, policy

    1h 17m
  7. 054 - Self-care redefined, balancing the system and individual responsibility | Prof Narelle Lemon

    06/08/2025

    054 - Self-care redefined, balancing the system and individual responsibility | Prof Narelle Lemon

    In this episode of "Researching Happy," Dr. Matthew Iasiello sits down with Professor Narelle Lemon, a leading expert in education and positive psychology, to explore the intricate balance between self-care and professional demands. They delve into the challenges faced by educators, the importance of wellbeing literacy, and how self-care can be redefined beyond commercialized notions. Join them for an insightful conversation on nurturing resilience and fostering a supportive community in educational settings. #Wellbeing #Education #SelfCare

    1 hr
  8. 053 - How grateful parents can transform family dynamics | A/Prof Katherine Nelson-Coffey

    09/07/2025

    053 - How grateful parents can transform family dynamics | A/Prof Katherine Nelson-Coffey

    In this episode of Researching Happy, Dr. Matthew Iasiello is joined by Dr. Katherine Nelson Coffey, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University and a leading expert in positive psychology. They discuss the impact of parenting on well-being, the importance of parental happiness, and how positive psychology interventions can enhance family dynamics. Dr. Nelson-Coffey shares insights from her research on gratitude and its ripple effects on family life, offering practical tips for parents to improve their well-being and relationships.

    1h 1m
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Researching Happy, a podcast all about the world of happiness and wellbeing research. researchinghappy.com

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Iasiello
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matthew Iasiello
  • Show Website
    Researching Happy