The Happier Life Project

My Possible Self
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Happier Life Project is the official podcast from My Possible Self, the award-winning, free mental health and wellness app partnered with The Priory Group, supporting hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. Life comes with stress, setbacks, and overwhelming pressures. Each week, journalist and broadcaster Gabby Sanderson sits down with world-leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and inspiring voices in wellness to unpack the challenges we all face. Together, they share simple, science-backed tools and actionable strategies to help you feel calmer, stronger, and more resilient. Expect powerful, thought-provoking conversations on everything from managing anxiety and perfectionism, to setting boundaries, finding balance, and rediscovering joy. 🎙️ Main episodes drop every Tuesday If you’re ready for practical advice, honest stories, and expert guidance to help you live a happier, healthier life; hit play and join us.

  1. How Parental Wounds Shape Your Relationship Patterns with Erica Turner

    1d ago

    How Parental Wounds Shape Your Relationship Patterns with Erica Turner

    On this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby explores one of the most common - and quietly painful - questions people ask themselves: "Why do I keep ending up in the same kind of relationship?" Whether it's choosing partners who are emotionally unavailable, feeling constantly unsure of where you stand, or giving far more than you ever receive, these patterns rarely begin in adulthood. As Gabby explores this conversation, she uncovers how the ways we were loved, comforted, dismissed or misunderstood in childhood can shape what we believe we deserve, what we tolerate, and even who we're drawn to without realising it. To unpack this deeply human topic, Gabby is joined by relationship therapist and anxious attachment healing & dating coach Erica Turner, who has helped thousands of people break free from unhealthy relationship cycles and build secure, self-honouring connections.  Erica specialises in supporting anxiously attached people who overthink, over-give and lose themselves in the pursuit of love. Her work has resonated with hundreds of thousands of people across Instagram and beyond. Together, Gabby and Erica explore how parental wounds can quietly influence romantic choices long into adulthood and how many of us move through relationships on a kind of emotional autopilot; guided not by present reality, but by old, unexamined beliefs and conditioning. Erica breaks down the four attachment styles and explains why people with anxious attachment often feel drawn to partners who are inconsistent, emotionally unavailable or unsure. She also highlights the subtle red flags and emotional triggers people frequently dismiss, and why recognising them is essential for building healthier relationships. Erica paints a vivid picture of what it actually feels like to date someone with a secure attachment style; the steadiness, the clarity and the absence of emotional chaos, and why that experience can feel both comforting and unfamiliar to anyone accustomed to relational instability. She also shares the pivotal moment that became the catalyst for her own healing journey from crippling anxious attachment, ultimately shaping the work she now does to help thousands of people feel secure, worthy and at peace, regardless of how someone else behaves. Throughout the conversation, Erica offers practical guidance, powerful mindset shifts and compassionate insights into creating healthier relationships without losing yourself in the process. It’s a conversation that gently brings clarity to the patterns many of us don’t even realise we’re repeating, and one worth listening to if you’ve ever questioned your relationships. It may just help you see your relationships - and yourself - in a completely new way. To download the My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself Erica Turner website: https://www.yourrelationshipreset.com/ To follow Erica Turner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your.relationship.reset/

    52 min
  2. Couples Therapy: How It Works, Why It Helps & How to Begin with Jo Watson

    Jun 23

    Couples Therapy: How It Works, Why It Helps & How to Begin with Jo Watson

    Starting couples therapy can feel like a big step. Not because it's dramatic or scary, but because most people have never really been shown what couples therapy actually looks like, or how to begin. Despite growing awareness around mental health, couples therapy remains surprisingly underused. Many couples spend years feeling stuck in the same painful patterns before seeking support, often waiting until problems have become deeply entrenched. Yet when couples engage with the process, therapy can have a significant positive impact on their relationship. In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson is joined by Jo Watson, a relationship psychotherapist and family mediator specialising in couples therapy, communication difficulties, intimacy, attachment, and relationship breakdown. With a warm, practical, and down-to-earth approach, Jo helps individuals and couples better understand themselves and each other, creating space for deeper connection, healthier communication, and lasting change. Together, they demystify the realities of couples therapy and explore what actually happens behind the therapy room door. The conversation examines the gap between what couples expect from therapy and the reality of the process, the common reasons people seek support, and why so many couples wait years before reaching out for help. Jo explains how attachment styles shape relationship dynamics, why communication skills are essential for healthy partnerships, and how emotional intimacy and trust can be strengthened over time. Gabby and Jo also discuss the repair mechanisms that help relationships recover from conflict, the role of forgiveness in long-term connection, how to approach difficult conversations when emotions are running high, and the importance of seeking support before problems become overwhelming. Throughout the episode, they challenge common misconceptions about couples therapy and explore why asking for help is not a sign of failure, but often a sign that two people care enough about their relationship to try something different. Whether you're considering therapy, navigating relationship challenges, or simply curious about how couples heal, reconnect, and grow together, this episode offers practical insights, reassurance, and an honest look at what it takes to build and maintain a healthy, lasting relationship. To download the My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself For more information on Jo and Tandem Therapy: https://www.tandemtherapy.co.uk/

    47 min
  3. Beyond Flexibility: How Yoga Can Change the Way We Live with Zoe Taylor

    Jun 16

    Beyond Flexibility: How Yoga Can Change the Way We Live with Zoe Taylor

    Yoga is often portrayed as a series of poses performed on a mat, perhaps accompanied by incense, calming music, and the promise of becoming more flexible. But for millions of people around the world, yoga is far more than exercise. It's a philosophy, a spiritual practice, a community, a way of life, and a framework for navigating life's inevitable ups and downs. In this special episode of The Happier Life Project, Gabby Sanderson sits down in person with Zoe Taylor, founder of Ministry of Yoga in Lisbon, to look beyond the clichés and explore what yoga can really offer us. Tying into International Day of Yoga on 21 June and this year's theme of Yoga for Healthy Ageing, the conversation examines how yoga can help us not just live longer, but live well for longer; mentally, emotionally, and physically. Fresh from her own yoga teacher training with Zoe, Gabby brings a personal perspective to a discussion exploring yoga's philosophy and spiritual roots, the relevance of the Yamas and Niyamas – yoga's ethical guidelines – in modern life, the connection between yoga and mental wellbeing, and the importance of community, resilience, and finding calm in an increasingly chaotic world. Whether you're a devoted yogi, yoga-curious, sceptical of the stereotypes, or someone who's never stepped foot on a mat, this episode invites you to see yoga through a different lens - not as a performance of flexibility, but as a lifelong companion for wellbeing, helping us move through life with greater awareness, intention, and compassion. About Zoe Taylor: Originally from Tasmania, Australia, Zoe discovered yoga in 2010 and has since completed more than 700 hours of teacher training across Europe and Asia. She founded Ministry of Yoga in Lisbon in 2016 and has led over 5,000 classes, retreats, and workshops, blending movement, philosophy, and meditation to support wellbeing both on and off the mat. To download the My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself For more information on Zoe and Ministry of Yoga: https://moyportugal.com/ To follow Ministry of Yoga on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministryofyoga/

    1h 5m
  4. Mindfulness Without Meditation: Waking Up to What's Possible with Ellen J. Langer

    Jun 2

    Mindfulness Without Meditation: Waking Up to What's Possible with Ellen J. Langer

    Mindfulness isn’t limited to sitting cross‑legged, breathing deeply, or slowly savouring a raisin. According to Harvard psychologist Ellen J. Langer, the world’s leading expert on mindfulness, it’s something far more powerful, and far more accessible. Most of us drift through life on autopilot, reacting out of habit, trapped by assumptions, and believing limits that aren’t actually real. As Ellen puts it, “Most of us are mindless, most of the time.” But what if simply waking up to the present moment could change your health, your happiness, and even your body? Ellen’s work shows that the boundaries we accept; about aging, ability, intelligence, even physical strength, are often nothing more than stories we’ve absorbed without question. When we stop assuming, stop predicting, and stop treating our thoughts as facts, we begin to see how much possibility we’ve been overlooking. Ellen’s research reveals that our expectations don’t just colour our experience; they can shape our biology in ways that challenge everything we think we know about the mind and body. In this conversation, Ellen explains how paying attention to the subtle shifts in context can free us from rigid thinking, and why noticing variability - in our moods, our symptoms, our abilities - opens the door to change. The Harvard Professor believes mindlessness keeps us stuck in patterns that feel inevitable, whilst promoting how a simple shift in awareness can alter the way we age, heal, and move through the world. The moment we stop assuming that “this is just how things are,” we begin to see how much of our suffering comes from conclusions we’ve drawn too quickly. Ellen J. Langer is a distinguished professor of psychology at Harvard University. In 1981, she made history as the first woman to receive tenure in psychology at Harvard. Ellen’s lifetime of expertise and trailblazing research in the field of mindfulness focuses on the psychology of control, decision making, ageing, and mindfulness theory; which has led to numerous academic honours. Ellen J. Langer is the author of eleven books, including the international bestseller 'Mindfulness', which has been translated into fifteen languages, 'Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility' and 'The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health' which delves into the transformative potential of mindfulness for improving health.  This episode invites you to question the rules you’ve been living by, to notice where you’ve been on autopilot, and to consider the possibility that your mind may be far more powerful than you’ve ever been taught to believe. *The Happier Life Project is taking a short break next week. We'll be back on 16th June with a brand-new episode. Until then, take care and thank you for being part of our community. To download the My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself For more information on Ellen J. Langer and her work: https://www.ellenlanger.me/ To follow Dr. Ellen Langer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenjlanger/

    1 hr
  5. Be Your Own Therapist: Tools to Boost Mood & Reduce Anxiety with Owen O’Kane

    May 26

    Be Your Own Therapist: Tools to Boost Mood & Reduce Anxiety with Owen O’Kane

    In this episode of The Happier Life Project, psychotherapist and best-selling author Owen O'Kane, explores with host Gabby how to better understand and manage the mind in everyday life. Known for his transformative books, including Ten to Zen, Ten Times Happier, How to Be Your Own Therapist and Addicted to Anxiety, Owen shares practical strategies for managing anxiety, stress, and other common mental health challenges. With over 25 years of experience, including his work as a former NHS Mental Health Clinical Lead, Owen brings a wealth of clinical insight and grounded, accessible advice to this conversation. Drawing on his book How to Be Your Own Therapist: Boost Your Mood and Reduce Your Anxiety in 10 Minutes a Day, Owen offers simple, practical tools designed to help reduce overthinking, ease emotional overwhelm, and build a healthier relationship with your thoughts. Rather than positioning therapy as something out of reach, this episode explores how small, consistent every day practices can bring therapeutic tools into everyday life - helping listeners respond to themselves with more clarity, calm, and self-understanding. Tune in to learn how to unlock better mental health and continue your journey toward a calmer, healthier, and more balanced life. To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/ For all things Owen O’Kane: https://www.owenokane.com/ To follow Owen O’Kane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owenokaneten/

    53 min
  6. Face Yoga for Skin, Stress & Emotional Wellbeing with Danielle Collins

    May 19

    Face Yoga for Skin, Stress & Emotional Wellbeing with Danielle Collins

    What if the secret to a calmer mind, lifted skin, and a brighter mood has been sitting right under your nose - literally?! This week on The Happier Life Project, Gabby is joined by Danielle Collins, the world‑leading Face Yoga Expert, bestselling author, and pioneer of the globally recognised Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method. Face yoga is a gentle yet powerful form of strength training for the 57 muscles in the face, head, neck, and shoulders. Its benefits go far beyond glowing skin: better circulation, firmer facial tone, softened fine lines, reduced tension, fewer headaches, and a calmer, more regulated nervous system. In a world where cosmetic injections have become the norm, face yoga offers a natural, free, and accessible alternative that supports both appearance and emotional wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience and millions of followers worldwide, Danielle breaks down the five pillars of her method; facial exercise, facial massage, acupressure, facial relaxation, and overall wellbeing, and explains how each one works to lift the face and soothe the mind. She shares her favourite exercises for releasing jaw and brow tension, improving symmetry, and creating daily moments of grounding and self‑connection. Danielle also opens up about her own healing journey, the ancient roots of face yoga, and how she built a global movement long before “face fitness” became a social‑media trend. Plus, Gabby and Danielle dive into the science behind why our emotions show up in our facial muscles, why nurturing touch is so important, and how small daily rituals can transform both how we look and how we feel. Whether you’re curious about natural beauty, looking for tools to ease stress, or simply wanting a new self‑care ritual that fits into your day, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. And men, this is absolutely for all of you too. The benefits are universal. To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/ To follow Danielle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faceyogaexpert/ Danielle’s website: https://www.faceyogaexpert.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanielleCollins-TheFaceYogaExpert

    35 min
  7. Mental Health in Action: Turning Awareness into Change with Chlo Hodgkinson

    May 12

    Mental Health in Action: Turning Awareness into Change with Chlo Hodgkinson

    In this special Mental Health Awareness Week episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson is joined by Chlo Hodgkinson for an honest and relatable conversation about mental health, burnout, motherhood, and the small actions that can create meaningful change in our wellbeing. With this year’s theme focused on Action, Gabby and Chlo explore the gap between understanding what supports our mental health and actually implementing those changes in everyday life. From balancing self-employment and motherhood to navigating burnout and setting healthier boundaries, the conversation highlights how easy it is to slip into survival mode - and how important it is to listen when the mind and body begin asking for something different. Chlo opens up about her own journey after becoming a mother, including being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, struggling with burnout, and learning to prioritise her wellbeing in a more intentional and realistic way. Together, Gabby and Chlo discuss self-care beyond the buzzwords, the importance of inner work and personal growth, and why progress isn’t always outwardly visible. The episode also features a playful quick-fire round inspired by Mental Health Awareness Week, encouraging listeners to pause, reflect, and consider the small everyday habits that help support emotional wellbeing. Chlo Hodgkinson is a self-employed professional, fitness and health entrepreneur, mother, and key member of the My Possible Self team. This episode invites listeners to reflect on one simple but important question: what action have you taken recently to support your mental health? To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/ To follow Chlo Hodgkinson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chlohodgkinson/ For more on Mental Health Awareness Week: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week

    33 min
  8. Functional Medicine for Real Life: How to Feel Like Yourself Again with Dr Amina Davison

    May 5

    Functional Medicine for Real Life: How to Feel Like Yourself Again with Dr Amina Davison

    Understanding your body isn’t a luxury; it’s foundational to living a happier, healthier life. And that’s what this podcast is all about. If you’ve been feeling unlike yourself and can’t quite explain why, especially when your tests say everything is “normal”, this episode is for you. Host Gabby Sanderson is joined by Dr Amina Davison; GP, Functional Medicine doctor, and Founder of Integrative Health, to explore what it really means to take a root‑cause approach to health and wellbeing. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr Amina blends the best of conventional medicine with advanced functional and lifestyle approaches to deliver truly personalised, doctor‑led care. Her work focuses on hormonal health, metabolic wellbeing, and longevity, helping patients not just manage symptoms but understand their bodies, restore balance, and build long‑term resilience. Dr Amina breaks down how functional medicine bridges conventional and lifestyle approaches, and why looking at the full picture - hormones, stress, nutrition, gut health, environment, and genetics - is essential to understanding how we feel day to day. The conversation covers nutrition and gut health, fertility and hormonal balance, and how these systems influence energy, mood, and emotional wellbeing. Dr Amina explains why so many people feel tired, wired, and “not quite themselves,” even when their test results come back in the “normal” range. She also shares guidance on navigating perimenopause, supporting mental health through hormonal shifts, and the often‑overlooked role of nutrition in emotional resilience. Gabby also asks Dr Amina to set the record straight on popular biohacking trends such as fasting and electrolytes, and the dangers of over‑optimisation in the wellness space. Dr Amina offers grounded, practical advice for long‑term health, focusing on balance, consistency, and supporting the body rather than pushing it to extremes. If you’re curious about functional medicine, hormone health, or sustainable ways to feel better in your body, this episode offers clear, compassionate insight to help you reconnect with your wellbeing in a more informed and empowered way. To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/ Dr Amina’s website: https://www.draminadavison.com/ To follow Dr Amina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draminadavison/

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Happier Life Project is the official podcast from My Possible Self, the award-winning, free mental health and wellness app partnered with The Priory Group, supporting hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. Life comes with stress, setbacks, and overwhelming pressures. Each week, journalist and broadcaster Gabby Sanderson sits down with world-leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and inspiring voices in wellness to unpack the challenges we all face. Together, they share simple, science-backed tools and actionable strategies to help you feel calmer, stronger, and more resilient. Expect powerful, thought-provoking conversations on everything from managing anxiety and perfectionism, to setting boundaries, finding balance, and rediscovering joy. 🎙️ Main episodes drop every Tuesday If you’re ready for practical advice, honest stories, and expert guidance to help you live a happier, healthier life; hit play and join us.

Information

  • Creator
    My Possible Self
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    268
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Happier Life Project

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