Hunters of Happiness Podcast

Elise | Scott
  • 4.9 (43)
  • Society & Culture
  • Series

Happiness has a backstory.  Hunters of Happiness is a storytelling podcast built on one simple belief: happiness has a backstory.Each week, we sit down with real people to uncover the moments that shaped them — the heartbreaks, pivots, setbacks, quiet decisions, and unexpected turns that led them toward joy.Because happiness isn’t accidental. It’s built. It’s fought for. It’s discovered.Through honest conversations about family, faith, failure, resilience, and growth, we explore what it truly means to create a life you love — even when it doesn’t look perfect.If you’ve ever wondered how people find light in hard seasons, this show is for you.

Season 1

  1. Episode 1

    Our Happiness Backstory (Part 1) - (Episode 1)

    Scott and Elise introduce the Hunters of Happiness podcast, why they’re making it, and the core idea that “happiness has a backstory.” They share their love of talking with strangers, learning people’s stories, and creating a longer-form space (beyond short-form social media) to go deeper on real life. The heart of the episode is their personal backstory: how they met at BYU, started dating in a very “old school” way, got “accidentally pre-engaged,” and eventually married. They then share a raw, detailed journey through infertility—multiple IUIs, two rounds of IVF (including a miscarriage), the emotional toll, and how community support came through once they started being open about it. A key takeaway is Elise’s shift in mindset: hope doesn’t prevent pain, but it makes the process livable—and happiness is something you actively choose and build, not something that simply happens when circumstances are easy. They eventually get one genetically normal embryo (a girl—Lila), face a terrifying bleeding scare early in pregnancy, then experience major postpartum complications (postpartum preeclampsia) and a difficult hospital readmission and separation from their newborn. Later, when preparing for IVF again, Elise is diagnosed with Graves’ disease—then unexpectedly discovers she’s pregnant naturally (Gracie), which they frame as a miracle. They close with recurring segments: “The Rundown” (weekly updates), “Key to Happiness” (gratitude + mindset/hope), and a fun Q&A bit called the “Trader Joe Bag.” They answer audience-style questions about gluten-free Disney options (Scott has celiac), whether they’ll keep a puppy from their dog’s litter, and a home renovation debate (vaulted ceiling vs coffered ceiling).

    1h 33m

  2. Episode 2

    Our Health Journey - (Episode 2)

    In Episode 2 of the Hunters of Happiness podcast, Scott and Elise share the full story behind their one-year health transformation—what sparked it, what they changed, and why it’s impacted their happiness as much as their bodies. They dive into the “why” of their health journey: postpartum autoimmune struggles, Elise’s Graves’ disease diagnosis, and the wake-up call that led them to pursue a more personalized, root-cause approach. Scott and Elise break down what they did through a customized program (bloodwork, food sensitivity testing, glucose monitors, meal timing, exercise changes, and supplements), what was hardest in the beginning, and the surprising improvements they felt—especially reduced inflammation, clearer thinking, better energy, and major symptom relief. Scott also shares his unexpected discovery of celiac disease and the “brain fog lift” that made him realize he’d been operating far below his true baseline for years. They wrap with practical takeaways on meal prep, doing it with kids, the 80/20 lifestyle approach, and how better health can create more freedom—not less. Finally, they close with the Trader Joe’s Bag Q&A, including why they rented a podcast studio and their favorite travel experiences (with Versailles and Hawaii as top highlights). Happiness has a backstory—sometimes it starts with healing.

    1h 18m

  3. Episode 3

    Hunters of Happiness Origin Story - (Episode 3)

    How did Hunters of Happiness begin? In this episode, we’re sharing the full origin story—from Scott building his tech startup and Elise pursuing speech pathology, to the infertility journey that changed everything and unexpectedly opened the door to a whole new path. We talk about how sharing infertility online created the first Hunters of Happiness community, how a simple blog name stuck, and how the platform slowly grew from heartfelt connection into a real business. We also dive into the early blogging days, getting fired while pursuing IVF, the first viral moments, the shift into DIY and home content during the pandemic, and what it’s really like to build a career as content creators and entrepreneurs. We also answer your questions about how this all became a full-time job, how creators actually make money, what the hardest parts are, and why authenticity matters so much more than follower counts. Plus: girls trips, a dog wedding update, puppies, power tools, haters, and the weird reality of being recognized in public. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, heartbreak, luck, grit, and growth that built Hunters of Happiness.

    1h 4m

  4. Episode 4

    Cancer, Motherhood and Entrepreneurship with Lindsey Shipley (Episode 4)

    In our very first guest interview, we sit down with the incredible Lindsey Shipley—founder of Lactation Link, entrepreneur, mom of three, and a true example of resilience. Instagram (Mommy Link) | Personal Instagram Lindsey shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with a rare cancer at just 27 years old—while raising babies, building a business, and facing multiple recurrences over the years. Through it all, she continued to grow a company, serve other moms, and hold onto faith, purpose, and hope… and today, she’s six years cancer-free. This episode dives deep into: Navigating life when everything doesn’t go as plannedBuilding a business in the middle of personal hardshipLearning to let go of perfection and embrace growthHandling criticism, pressure, and “keyboard warriors” onlineThe power of community, faith, and simply sitting with someone in their painWe also talk about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to pursue happiness when life gets heavy. Lindsey’s perspective is both grounding and inspiring—a reminder that your story is your own, and even in the hardest seasons, there is purpose, growth, and light. Plus: practical advice on finding your passion, taking imperfect action, and staying focused on what truly matters. This is an episode about resilience, perspective, and choosing to keep moving forward—no matter what.

    1h 24m

  5. Episode 5

    Great Things Are Built By Teams - Jaylin Christensen

    This episode features an interview with Jaylin Christensen, who works as an assistant on the Hunters of Happiness team. The conversation focuses on how she joined the team, what her role actually looks like, and the personal growth that has come from the experience. How Jaylin Joined the Team Jaylin had originally reached out months earlier expressing interest in working with the hosts but never received a response. Later, when the host was overwhelmed and looking for help, she remembered that email, found it, and reached out. The timing worked perfectly. Jaylin interviewed, immediately felt it was the right fit, and left her previous job to join the team. Both sides describe the situation as a “perfect match” that came together at the right time. What the Job Looks Like Jaylin’s role is intentionally broad and hard to define. It includes: Hands-on work on DIY and construction projectsAssisting with various tasks as neededOccasionally supporting content creationThe work is unpredictable and often physically demanding. Projects include large builds, tight deadlines, and long days, but the variety keeps it engaging. Growth Through Discomfort A major theme is personal growth by stepping into uncomfortable situations. Jaylin frequently found herself doing things she had never done before, such as: Using new toolsTaking on complex buildsDriving a trailerInitially, these experiences felt overwhelming, but working through them built confidence quickly. The environment encourages trying, failing, and fixing rather than avoiding mistakes. The Role of Creativity Jaylin identifies creativity as a key driver of her happiness. She explains that: Creating things helps her feel like herselfIt serves as a mental and emotional outletIt builds confidence over timeThe hosts expand on this idea, noting that many adults lose creative outlets and that having one is important for personal fulfillment. Teamwork and Collaboration The episode emphasizes that strong teamwork leads to better outcomes. Working together allows for: Better problem-solvingMore creative ideasFaster and more effective executionThe dynamic between the team is collaborative, with everyone contributing ideas and solutions. Work Environment Jaylin describes the work environment as supportive and positive. Key aspects include: Being encouraged to share ideasFeeling safe making mistakesBuilding real friendships with the teamThe hosts highlight that this type of environment helps people grow faster and enjoy their work more. Most Meaningful Project Jaylin’s favorite project was a five-day room makeover for a family. It stood out because: It had emotional impactIt brought many people togetherIt showed how their work can directly affect others’ livesThis experience reinforced the purpose behind what they do. Reality of Content Creation One of Jaylin’s biggest realizations was how much effort goes into content creation. From the outside, it appears simple, but in reality it involves: PlanningIntentional storytellingSignificant behind-the-scenes workFuture Goals Jaylin shares that she would like to eventually work for herself, possibly in content creation. The hosts are supportive of her long-term growth, even if it leads her beyond her current role.

    55 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Happiness has a backstory.  Hunters of Happiness is a storytelling podcast built on one simple belief: happiness has a backstory.Each week, we sit down with real people to uncover the moments that shaped them — the heartbreaks, pivots, setbacks, quiet decisions, and unexpected turns that led them toward joy.Because happiness isn’t accidental. It’s built. It’s fought for. It’s discovered.Through honest conversations about family, faith, failure, resilience, and growth, we explore what it truly means to create a life you love — even when it doesn’t look perfect.If you’ve ever wondered how people find light in hard seasons, this show is for you.

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