Harvesting Happiness

Latest Episodes:

Reawakening Sexuality After Trauma: Healing, Recovery, and Sober Sex for Survivors with Stephanie Covington, PhD, LCSW, and Vanessa Carlisle, PhD, MFA Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

In the journey toward healing, survivors often find that intentional practices like sober sex foster a deeper emotional and physical intimacy, essential for their trauma recovery. This emphasis on connection stands in stark contrast to much mainstream sexual messaging, which frequently excludes the necessary emotional components for true sexual well-being. Development of safe relationships is threatened when media and politics overstep their bounds, making autonomous sexual expression and recovery a constant social and personal endeavor.
*This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners.
To lay the foundation for how intimacy is the cornerstone of sexual wellbeing, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with two authors and experts in trauma and sexuality, Dr. Stephanie Covington and Dr. Vanessa Carlisle.
Discussing their co-authored book, Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma, Dr. Covington and Dr. Carlisle explore its core principles from various viewpoints. In the book, they examine the diverse facets of human sexuality, including the issues of entitlement and control that frequently surround it.
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Joy and Hopefulness in Difficult Times: Positive Political Action from The Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

When we agree to practice joy through community, connection, and belonging in its own powerful way, it is an act of defiance to what's going on around us. We must ask ourselves, particularly in these difficult times, what we are fighting for? We fight for a meaningful world that yields joy. This commitment to fostering shared happiness becomes the ultimate evidence of resilience and a deeply healing public force.
When we agree to practice joy through community, connection, and belonging in its own powerful way, it is an act of defiance to what's going on around us. We must ask ourselves, particularly in these difficult times, what we are fighting for? We fight for a meaningful world that yields joy. This commitment to fostering shared happiness becomes the ultimate evidence of resilience and a deeply healing public force.
Roger shares his intentions for the JOY: Loving the World in Dark Times conference, which are rooted in Hannah Arendt's philosophy that freedom is not a private endeavor but is best found in the public sphere.
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Loving the World in Dark Times: Fearless Thinking from the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Current research indicates that despite unprecedented levels of global connectivity, societies are experiencing an unparalleled state of metaphysical loneliness. This condition is a potent catalyst for political instability, making populations vulnerable to authoritarian and separatist movements. Political theorists explore the implications for democratic governance and social cohesion through Hannah Arendt’s freedom theory.
To discover how to recover joy in a loving world, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Roger Berkowitz, Founder and Academic Director of the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College.
Roger shares what led him to Bard College and Hannah Arendt. And how one of the most read political thinkers of the twentieth century might interpret freedom in today’s political landscape. His forthcoming book, A World We Share: The Power of Friendship in a Time Without Truth, is scheduled for release in 2026.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Drink Wholesome—offers registered dietician-approved protein powders for sensitive stomachs made with simple, real food ingredients. Visit DrinkWholesome.com to learn more.
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.

Wise Enough to Be Happy with Brendan Barca Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Tired of feeling tossed around by your thoughts and emotions? By embracing the impermanence of all things, including anxious thoughts, and accepting that suffering is a part of life, difficult emotions can be navigated with wisdom and grace. This is the freedom the study of Buddhist philosophy offers.
To further understand how liberation from worry can become happiness, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Brendan Barca, a mindfulness entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and longtime practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism.
Brendan reveals the central tenets of Buddhism that teach us that suffering is an inherent part of life. He explains how we can find freedom from suffering through practices like meditation and mindfulness.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
CBDistillery—Offers natural and convenient CBD gummies and other plant-powered remedies. Visit http://cbdistillery.com/ and use promo code HHTR to get 25% off your order.
and
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Blueprint for Joy: Planning Happiness and Fulfillment with Mark Fabian, PhD Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Humans are perpetual seekers, as contentment is not part of our evolutionary design. We can move toward happiness by actively planning for fulfillment, leading us toward purposeful and satiated lives. By creating a blueprint that includes embracing all of our emotions and engaging in social interactions, we leverage our emotions to heal ourselves and society, rather than just creating more coping mechanisms.
To uncover the blueprint basics of joy, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Mark Fabian, a leading expert in well-being research and Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick.
Mark reveals the central tenets of his book Beyond Happy: How to Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfillment and shares the personal examples that inspired him to promote well-being and create his blueprint.
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On the Spectrum of Humanity: Thriving in a Neurodivergent World with Sol Smith Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

A diverse world is a happy world. It may seem that neurodivergent people are more common now, but the increase in diagnoses is attributed to awareness and diagnostic tools, not a rise in the population. Neurodivergence is a distinct way of experiencing the world, with many neurodivergent individuals successfully thriving in a society traditionally designed for neurotypicals. This shift in perspective celebrates the full spectrum of humanity and recognizes that a world that accommodates and celebrates all types of minds is a richer and happier one.
A diverse world is a happy world. It may seem that neurodivergent people are more common now, but the increase in diagnoses is attributed to awareness and diagnostic tools, not a rise in the population. Neurodivergence is a distinct way of experiencing the world, with many neurodivergent individuals successfully thriving in a society traditionally designed for neurotypicals. This shift in perspective celebrates the full spectrum of humanity and recognizes that a world that accommodates and celebrates all types of minds is a richer and happier one.
Sol, drawing from his personal experience as a diagnosed autistic adult, wrote The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery: Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult to raise awareness about the differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical people. His book shares how he has successfully navigated and thrived in a neurotypical world.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
BetterHelp—Offers convenient and affordable professional therapy made simple. Listeners get 10% off their 1st month at BetterHelp.com/HarvestingHappiness
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WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Belief, Bias, and Behavior: Rational Thinking and Behavioral Economics with Dan Ariely PhD Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

Most people who practice rational thinking are susceptible to bias, a key concept of behavioral economics. Beliefs can be swayed by our social environments—from our online networks to our family gatherings. This vulnerability arises from factors like stress, the fear of social exclusion, and our innate desire to create compelling narratives.
To discover the elements that form the funnel of misbelief and rebuild trust, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dan Ariely, James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University..
From his book, Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things, Dan explains the core reasons why we believe things that aren't true and why we often have an excessive and unfounded confidence in our knowledge..
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
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Love That Lasts: Expert Tips for Happy and Healthy Relationships with Amy Morin, LCSW Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

In long-term relationships, maintaining a healthy connection is one of life's most fulfilling achievements. However, even the happiest couples can fall into bad habits that hinder growth. A commitment to open, honest communication can increase the likelihood of a healthy and happy relationship. By proactively addressing issues and rediscovering what makes their bond special, couples can cultivate a love that lasts.
For expert tips on how to maintain a happy relationship, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with psychotherapist and international bestselling author of six books on mental strength, Amy Morin.
Amy offers insights gleaned from her book, 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do: Fix What's Broken, Develop Healthier Patterns, and Grow Stronger Together, and shares important dos and don’ts for couples who desire a love that lasts.
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Philosophically Dealing with Depression, Anxiety, and Disappointment with Samir Chopra, PhD Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

A philosophical approach to overcoming disappointment involves accepting that setbacks are a normal part of life. This strategy allows us to navigate challenges with greater resilience. Philosophical inquiry invites us to examine depression, anxiety, and disappointment through a broad perspective. We can learn to explore life’s challenges as opportunities for meaning-making rather than battles to be won or lost. By cultivating perspective, self-inquiry, and acceptance, we can transform emotional turbulence into a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.
For a philosophical perspective on relieving disappointment, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author, philosophical counselor, and professor emeritus of philosophy at Brooklyn College, Samir Chopra.
Samir offers insights into how acting in service to others can mitigate the sting of disappointment, how life is an exercise in staving off depression, and how self-care can ease anxiety and restore sanity.
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Digital Detox for Your Neural Networks: Brain Health in the Technology Era with Carl D. Marci MD Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Prioritizing brain health in children is crucial, as their brains continue to mature until around age 20, making them particularly susceptible to manipulation before reaching full cognitive development. In our present technology, a digital detox has been shown to provide effective coping mechanisms for our neural networks, enabling us to better regulate our emotions and adapt to real-life situations..
To seek the antidote for the rise of device addiction and the decline of human connection, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen talks with Dr. Carl D. Marci, a leader in the field of social and consumer neuroscience, about the impact of digital technology on brain health.
Dr. Marci talks about how our devices can cause addiction and who is most susceptible. He also shares tips on how to consciously complete a digital detox and prepare ourselves and our children for the next wave of AI technology, as well as concrete findings from his book, REWIRED: Protecting Your Brain in the Digital Age.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
BetterHelp—Offers convenient and affordable professional therapy made simple. Listeners get 10% off their 1st month at BetterHelp.com/HarvestingHappiness
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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