Episodes

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Inner Freedom with Dr Emma Seppälä
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
In this episode of the Action for Happiness podcast, Mark Williamson engages in a profound conversation with Emma Seppälä, the science director at Stanford University's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Emma shares her insights on achieving inner freedom by releasing destructive self-beliefs and discusses her latest book, "Sovereign".
The discussion delves into Emma's personal journey from Paris to the U.S., and China, exploring cultural approaches to happiness and resilience. She highlights the concept of psychological sovereignty, emphasizing its importance in overcoming adversity and cultivating a resilient spirit.
Listeners are invited to participate in a guided breathing exercise, demonstrating a practical tool for achieving emotional sovereignty. Emma also addresses the impact of societal norms on our emotional intelligence and shares strategies to connect with our intuition and creativity.
Tune in to learn about Emma's innovative approach to well-being and discover tools to live a more empowered and joyful life.

Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Hope in Difficult Times with Jamil Zaki
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Welcome to today's episode of the Action for Happiness podcast, featuring an enlightening conversation between Mark Williamson and Jamil Zaki, a renowned psychology professor at Stanford University and author of "Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness." Join us as we explore ways to overcome cynicism and foster hopeful skepticism amid challenging times.
Delve into Jamil's personal experiences and insights on human connection, empathy, and trust. Discover the transformative power of embracing uncertainty and cultivating positive interactions, both locally and globally. Together, we aim to replace cynicism with actionable hope and optimism, empowering listeners to create a more connected and compassionate world.

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Everyday Mindfulness with Jon Kabat-Zinn
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Welcome to this Action for Happiness podcast, where we explore the transformative power of everyday mindfulness with Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer in the field. In this insightful session, Jon delves into how mindfulness can be a profound practice embedded in our daily lives, offering more than just stress relief but a way of being.
Join us as we discuss the concepts behind his influential work, including 'Full Catastrophe Living', and how mindfulness extends beyond individual healing to foster global well-being and ethical action. With participants across the globe, experience a guided moment of mindfulness and discover how you can incorporate it into your own life.
Through thought-provoking dialogue, Jon addresses the broader implications of mindfulness on societal issues, the interconnectedness of humanity, and the potential for mindfulness to promote peace and transformation in the world. Tune in to connect, reflect, and engage with the community as we learn from Jon’s wisdom and experience.

Monday Dec 30, 2024
Self Care in Hard Times with Dr. Kristin Neff
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
In this insightful episode of the Action for Happiness podcast, host Mark Williamson engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Kristin Neff, a world-renowned expert on self-compassion. Dr. Neff, known for her pioneering work in defining and measuring self-compassion, shares her personal journey and the profound impact self-compassion has had on her life.
Listeners are invited to explore the transformative power of self-compassion, especially during challenging times. Dr. Neff introduces practical exercises that help cultivate kindness towards oneself and discusses the importance of balancing tender self-compassion with the fierce need to protect and motivate change in our lives.
The episode also delves into the topic of burnout, emphasizing how self-compassion can serve as a vital resource for resilience and emotional well-being. Dr. Neff highlights the role of community in fostering a shared sense of humanity and offers guidance on integrating self-compassion into daily life.
Join this enriching dialogue to discover how self-compassion can become a powerful ally in navigating life's difficulties, helping us to be more present, connected, and authentically ourselves.

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Build a Happier Life with Arthur Brooks
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Join Mark Williamson in this enlightening episode of the Action for Happiness podcast as he engages in a profound conversation with Professor Arthur Brooks from the Harvard Kennedy School. Arthur, renowned for his "How to Build a Life" column in The Atlantic and his best-selling book co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, shares invaluable insights on constructing a happier life despite challenging circumstances.
The episode delves into the interconnectedness of self-care and caring for others, exploring the science of well-being and the timeless question, "Is love the secret to happiness?" Arthur discusses the transformative power of love, not just as a feeling but as a conscious decision to will the good of others, and how it plays a pivotal role in our happiness.
Discover practical strategies for enhancing your life through enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning, and learn how these elements contribute to a fulfilling existence. Whether it's through building stronger family and friend relationships, finding purpose in work, or engaging in transcendental practices, Arthur provides a roadmap for leading a more joyful and connected life.
Listen in to understand how you can become a beacon of happiness in your community and create ripples of positivity in the world around you.

Monday Jan 31, 2022
Josie’s Guide to Friendly February 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Josie from Action for Happiness takes us on a short journey through the Friendly February 2022 calendar.

Friday Dec 31, 2021
Josie’s Guide to Happier January 2022
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Join Josie from Action for Happiness for an inspiring tour of the 'Happier January 2022' action calendar

Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Josie‘s Guide to Do Good December 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Josie from Action for Happiness takes us on a short journey through the Do Good December 2021 calendar.

Thursday Oct 28, 2021
Josie‘s Guide to New Ways November 2021
Thursday Oct 28, 2021
Thursday Oct 28, 2021
Josie from Action for Happiness takes us on a short journey through the New Ways November 2021 calendar.

Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Josie‘s Guide to Optimistic October 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Josie from Action for Happiness takes us on a short journey through the Optimistic October 2021 calendar.