Researching Happy

Matthew Iasiello
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
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Welcome to Researching Happy, a podcast all about the world of happiness and wellbeing research. researchinghappy.com

  1. 064 - Compassion isn't weak or soft, but what is it? | A/Prof James Kirby

    27 APR

    064 - Compassion isn't weak or soft, but what is it? | A/Prof James Kirby

    In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Matt sits down with Associate Professor James Kirby — clinical psychologist, Director of Clinical Psychology Programs at the University of Queensland, and co-director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group. James is a leading expert in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), developed by Professor Paul Gilbert. He explores why self-compassion often feels so difficult — especially for high-achievers, athletes, dads, and anyone raised with the idea that self-criticism drives success.From unsolicited grandparent parenting advice to the surprising courage required to move toward suffering (instead of away from it), this episode challenges the myth that compassion is soft or weak. James shares research-backed insights on how compassion flows in three directions, why context matters, and how shifting from harsh self-criticism to a kinder inner voice can improve performance, parenting, and mental health.You’ll hear: The simple “best friend test” that reveals how we treat ourselves vs. othersWhy tough guys and elite athletes often resist self-compassion (and what actually works)The powerful Three Circles model (threat, drive, and soothing systems) and how to use it in daily lifeReal-world applications in parenting conflicts, sports, healthcare, and high-pressure environmentsTimestamps 00:00 – Intro & the weather chat (Adelaide vs Sunshine Coast)00:39 – Introducing Associate Professor James Kirby04:48 – The “best friend test” for self-compassion07:02 – James’s journey: From Triple P parenting research to discovering Compassion Focused Therapy10:10 – The Paul Gilbert YouTube moment that changed everything15:04 – Why compassion isn’t automatic: Context, morality, and the Good Samaritan study22:56 – How self-compassion lands with “blokey” cultures, athletes & tough guys25:23 – Compassion as courage: Moving toward suffering instead of away31:17 – Self-criticism vs self-compassion in performance and sport39:43 – Two types of self-criticism (inadequate vs attacking)46:36 – Generational differences in coaching and the “fatherly” compassionate figure52:58 – The Three Circles model explained (red/threat, blue/drive, green/soothing)54:57 – My Three Circles app for tracking your emotional systems01:02:16 – Compassion at a societal & epidemiological level01:06:26 – Closing thoughts Resources: James Kirby’s website: https://jameskirby.com.au/My Three Circles app (available on iOS; Android coming soon) — a free tool to track your threat, drive, and soothing systems daily.James’s books:– Choose Compassion: Why It Matters and How It Works (2022)– The Essentials of Compassion Focused Therapy: A Practice Manual for Clinicians (Routledge, recent)Learn more about Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) via the Compassionate Mind Foundation.Follow James on Instagram: @drjameskirbyWhether you’re a parent, coach, leader, or someone who’s hard on yourself, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-based tools to build inner strength without lowering your standards.

    1hr 7min

  2. 15 APR

    063 - The Engineer Who Built a Single Network of Every Wellbeing Concept | Dr Reuben Rusk

    In this insightful interview, Ruben Rusk shares his unique approach to understanding wellbeing through network analysis, emphasizing systemic factors, the importance of systemic change, and the limitations of current measurement practices in positive psychology. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Reuben Rusk 02:59 The Intersection of Engineering and Wellbeing Science 05:58 The Role of Communication in Wellbeing 09:03 Critique of PERMA and Simplistic Approaches 11:43 Current Work and Focus on Leadership 14:45 The Importance of Systemic Change in Wellbeing 17:48 The Dangers of Over-Abstraction in Wellbeing Metrics 20:54 The Need for a Functional Approach to Wellbeing 23:45 Challenges in Measuring Wellbeing Effectively 26:41 The Complexity of Concepts in Wellbeing 29:33 Mapping the Landscape of Wellbeing Concepts 32:25 Exploring Open Flourishing 33:21 Complexity in Leadership and Well-Being 36:27 The Role of Virtues in Leadership 39:13 The Intersection of Psychology and Philosophy 41:59 Understanding Mental Health and Well-Being 44:25 Nutrition's Impact on Well-Being 49:06 Systemic Issues in Well-Being 53:13 Parenting, Education, and Future Generations 57:46 The Complexity of Well-Being Solutions 01:04:19 Understanding the Relationship Between Variables 01:05:39 Mapping Concepts and Scales

    1hr 7min

  3. 27 MAR

    Beyond symptom reduction: wellbeing in psychosis research | A/Prof Ana Blasco-Belled & Kiira Sarasjärvi

    This engaging conversation explores the integration of wellbeing into psychiatric research and practice, highlighting innovative approaches, systemic challenges, and future directions in mental health care. Paper discussed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41253742/ Key topics Integration of wellbeing in psychiatric research and practiceSystemic barriers to holistic mental health careInnovative approaches to mental wellbeing and prevention Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 00:54 How the Guests Met and Their Research Backgrounds 01:56 The Role of Origin in Mental Health Research 03:14 Discussions on Mental Wellbeing Promotion in Psychiatry 08:39 Challenges of Advocating for Wellbeing in Psychosis Research 11:15 The Duality of Health and Illness in Psychiatry 14:47 Current Research and Future Directions in Mental Wellbeing 19:42 Measuring Wellbeing and the Limitations of Current Scales 24:55 Systemic Barriers and Cultural Resistance in Healthcare 29:38 Innovative Interventions and Ecological Momentary Assessment 32:37 Outcomes of Wellbeing Interventions and Long-term Benefits 37:05 Shared Decision-Making and Agency in Mental Health Care 41:03 The Social and Cultural Context of Mental Wellbeing 44:46 Variation in Mental Wellbeing in Population and Clinical Samples 49:57 The Urgency of Translating Wellbeing Research into Practice 55:10 The Need for Structural and Systemic Change in Mental Health 59:47 Ideal Care Models and Future Directions 01:03:55 The Balance Between Objective Measures and Subjective Experience 01:06:24 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

    1hr 7min

  4. 22 MAR

    061 - BACK in 2026

    Matt shares an update on his busy start to the year, focusing on his work in mental wellbeing, cancer research, and prevention initiatives. He reflects on the evolution of wellbeing concepts from PERMA to more integrated models, and seeks listener input on a personal anecdote about balancing academic and practical work. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 00:56 Work on Cancer and Mental Wellbeing Program 02:45 Co-designing Support for People with Cancer 04:12 Expanding Evidence for Mental Wellbeing Interventions 06:48 Systematic Review Innovations with AI08:41Moving Beyond PERMA: The Evolution of Wellbeing Models 11:28 Personal Journey from Academic to Impact-Driven Work 13:02 The Future of Wellbeing Research and Models

    15 min

  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.

    1hr 12min
  8. 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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matthew Iasiello
  • Show Website
    Researching Happy