Harvesting Happiness

Latest Episodes:

Food for Thought: Nutrition for Mental Health and Stress Management with Sarah Ballantyne PhD Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

This just in … you won't go to diet jail if you eat soul-soothing ice cream. And, what a shame it would be if you judged yourself nibbling on a slice of decadent chocolate cake. Food for thought: Studies show that as long as you nourish yourself with high-quality food rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, you can feed your cravings and build resilience against the never-ending supply of daily stressors
To gain some food for thought, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD. Sarah founded Nutrivore.com and is the New York Times best-selling author of Nutrivore: The Radical New Science for Getting the Nutrients You Need from the Food You Eat.
Dr. Sarah Ballantyne studies the effects of nutrients on our body chemistry and which foods contain the highest levels of nutrients relative to the daily value per calorie. Her Nutrivore scoring system focuses on the joy of eating as much as it does creating healthier meals.
This episode is a bonus special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Nutrafol— Offers a drug-free whole-body health approach to hair wellness and growth. Get $10 off your 1st month’s subscription and free shipping at Visit nutrafol.com with promo code HH.
Like what you're hearing? WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Psychology of Political Groupthink: Cognitive Bias and Infowar with Stephan Lewandowsky PhD Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

The primary goal of most media sources is to make money by pushing a political agenda and influencing the psychology of those who ingest the content. In order to achieve their goals, people use data, misinformation, and deliberate disinformation as weapons, creating what is often called Infowar. This can lead to groupthink, which causes public fear, doubt, and cognitive bias. False stories are exaggerated to make more money from advertising, influence people's beliefs, or disrupt democratic institutions, as was seen in the 2016 election cycle.
To discover how to build resiliency against disinformation and groupthink, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with cognitive scientist and CIRCE researcher Dr. Stephan Lewandowsky.
Stephan shares his research on how alternative facts gain acceptance, how technology and Infowars can undermine the democratic process, and tips on discerning fact from fiction when consuming media.
This episode is a bonus special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Endorsing Civic Engagement, Social Responsibility, and Media Literacy with the League of Women Voters Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

Social responsibility is an ethical concept that endorses civil engagement for the good of all. Civic engagement, in all its forms, strengthens communities by involving citizens in the democratic process. No act is more significant in emboldening democracy than exercising one’s right to vote. With the spread of misinformation and disinformation in this election cycle, it is paramount to have access to correct and trusted information.
To learn how to fulfill your social responsibility, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Chief of Staff for the League of Women Voters of the United States, Kelly McFarland Stratman.
Kelly offers information about the history of the League of Women Voters, its mission, its partnerships, and how to access resources that help constituents directly connect to their government representatives.
This episode is a bonus special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Nutrafol — Offers a drug-free whole-body health approach to hair wellness and growth. Get $10 off your 1st month's subscription + free shipping. Visit nutrafol.com and use promo code HH.
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Civic Engagement: Citizens Advocating for Change with Dan Jasper Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

With the elimination of civics courses in schools and the rise of fear-driven political campaigns, many U.S. citizens may be left in a constant state of anxiety about the nation's direction. This anxiety can lead to impulsive decision-making and focusing on short-term solutions, undermining the pursuit of meaningful, long-term change. Advocacy and civic engagement are crucial for overcoming these challenges.
For tips on how to drive change through civic engagement, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the founder of Street Civics, Dan Jasper.
Dan explores the civic transformation of the U.S. in recent decades, highlighting how these shifts influence the political landscape, citizen advocacy, and the importance of self-care in civic engagement.
This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Ouai — Offers beauty-boosting head-to-toe self-care rituals. Visit theouai.com and use code HH to get 15% off any product.
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Intimacy, Sexuality, and Relationships for a Lifetime with Dr Cynthia Graham PhD Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Lifelong stigmas and myths abound about human sexual expression have been as we age. Cultural differences notwithstanding, older males and females are more likely to rate communication as the highest form of arousal in their relationships. Why then does the media portray sexuality and intimacy after mid-life as a less than pleasurable experience?
*This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners.
To discover how we can improve intimacy, sexuality, and relationships for a lifetime, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the renowned clinical psychologist, and senior scientist at the Kinsey Institute, Dr. Cynthia Graham.
Cynthia shares fascinating data from decades of the Kinsey Institute’s research about the differences, and more often than not, the similarities between male and female sexual arousal, expression, and satisfaction. This special episode aims to enlighten you about maintaining relationships that last a lifetime.
This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
BIOptimizers — Offers health and fitness supplements for optimal well-being and performance. Visit bioptimizers.com/happiness and use code HAPPINESS to get 10% off at checkout.
Beducated — Offers online shame-free, pleasure-based sex education for everyone. Spice up your sex life today and get 40% off the yearly pass. Visit beducate.me/september40 and use code HAPPINESS.
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Fear, Mind Bugs, and Witch Hunts That Undermine Common Sense with Steije Hofhuis PhD Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

Fear and doubt serve as powerful tools in the political landscape, and disinformation is used by politicians to manipulate public perception and sow confusion. By labeling legitimate investigations or criticisms as witch hunts, these leaders attempt to delegitimize the concerns raised against them. This tactic not only deflects attention from the actual issues at hand but also erodes trust in the democratic process. Using common sense when evaluating information can help counteract these manipulative strategies.
To discover how we can inoculate ourselves against fear and cultural viruses, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a lecturer of cultural history at the Department of History and Art History at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, Steije Hofhuis PhD.
Steije shares historical information about how witch hunts spread and how ideas about witchcraft adapted in new ways that stimulated more witch prosecutions. His research shows that cultural viruses, or mindbugs, adapted and evolved in a Darwinian manner throughout certain geographical areas and periods.
This episode is a bonus special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Nutrafol — Offers a drug-free whole-body health approach to hair wellness and growth. Get $10 off your 1st month's subscription + free shipping. Visit nutrafol.com and use promo code HH.
EveryPlate — Offers dependable, delicious, and affordable meal kits delivered right to your door. Visit www.everyplate.com/podcast hh299 (remember to attribute this show).
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Philosophy of Critical Thinking, Anxiety, and Mental Health with Samir Chopra PhD Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Maintaining a philosophical approach rooted in critical thinking can help us make sense of the barrage of information we experience during election cycles. Our natural anxieties are often preyed upon by masters of persuasion. We must enlist our powers of discernment to protect our mental health during this important election season. br />
To discover how to protect our mental health with a philosophical approach, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen welcomes author, counselor, and professor Samir Chopra back to the podcast.
Samir discusses the central tenet of his book, Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide, and relates it to the election cycle and how we can manage anxiety, fear, and uncertainty in relationship to others. He offers tips for reality testing what we will see and hear during this unique period of time.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
BIOptimizers — Offers health and fitness supplements for optimal well-being and performance. Visit bioptimizers.com/happiness and use code HAPPINESS to get 10% off at checkout.
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Satisfying Civic Duty: Fueling the Pursuit of Happiness with Doug Linkhart Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

Large media outlets often highlight the extreme sides of our nation, amplifying polarized perspectives that distort the bigger picture. This coverage can create a sense of isolation, especially when reality doesn't align with our expectations. It is only when we perform our civic duty and get involved in our local communities that we feel a sense of control over our lives and the personal pursuit of happiness.
To discover how we can better fulfill our civic duty, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks to the President of the National Civic League, Doug Linkhart.
Doug describes how decisions made at the local level of government are foundational for the pursuit of happiness in America. And how citizens who express their needs are at the intersection of personal civic duty and government effectiveness.
This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide which is designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world… Remember, civic duty plays a role here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
BIOptimizers — Offers health and fitness supplements for optimal well-being and performance. Visit bioptimizers.com/happiness and use code HAPPINESS to get 10% off at checkout.
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Building Well-Being: Resilience, Personal Growth, and Relationships with Mark Nepo Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

When we experience fear, we often instinctively push things away, which only amplifies that fear and tests our resilience. However, by embracing awareness and leaning into our relationships, we create a pathway for personal growth. By staying fully present and avoiding the urge to build emotional walls, we enhance our well-being and lay the foundation for spreading love and positivity in the world, thereby strengthening our resilience.
To discover the secret to building better relationships with ourselves and others, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author, poet, and storyteller, Mark Nepo .
Mark Nepo discusses how to build well-being by reducing the impact of fear on our lives, how resilience can be enhanced by reaching out to others, and explains the personal growth that occurs when we are in service to others. Mark’s book, The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters, can be used as a guide to enhance relationships.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Ouai — Offers beauty-boosting head-to-toe self-care rituals. Visit theouai.com and use code HH to get 15% off any product.
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Mastering Pleasure: Desire, Intimacy, and Sexual Sovereignty with Saida Desilets PhD Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

* This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners.

Desire and intimacy are words often associated with the pleasures of the physical body, but human desire is the foundation of our deepest motivations, driving our pursuit of connection, purpose, and personal fulfillment. Therefore, we must question the societal forces that shame us for our desires, compelling us to suppress or deny them rather than embrace their role in our growth and well-being.
To discover the secret of mastering pleasure through desire and sexual sovereignty, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with an expert on women's sensuality and transpersonal psychology, Dr. Saida Désilets.
In her book Desire, Saida explores how individuals can cultivate their well-being and fulfillment, shedding light on the essence of intimacy and its influence on our lives. She emphasizes that when women embrace and marinate in their own essence, they enhance their ability to experience pleasure and build deeper intimacy in their relationships..
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Beducated — Offers online shame-free, pleasure-based sex education for everyone. Spice up your sex life today and get 50% off the yearly pass. Visit beducate.me/summer50 and use code HAPPINESS.
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

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