Harvesting Happiness

Latest Episodes:

Embracing Mature Sexuality: Passionately Thriving in Our Wisdom Years with Justin Garcia PhD Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

From the blush of first loves to the mature sexuality of later years, intimacy adapts to our changing bodies, shifting priorities, and the various life stages we traverse. Whether it's rediscovering a partner in a long-term relationship or embracing new experiences, sexual expression should be unrestricted by judgment and has no expiration date.
To learn more about sexuality and aging and sexual health, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Justin Garcia, the Executive Director of The Kinsey Institute and award-winning researcher and educator about the joys of mature sexuality in our wisdom years.
Justin shares statistical insights from the Kinsey Institute concerning the impact of COVID on sexual behaviors, highlights pivotal discoveries from the 'Sex After 60' collaborative study by the Kinsey Institute and Cosmopolitan magazine, discusses emerging trends in sexual health, and explores the relationship between sexuality and happy aging.
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Why We Believe Lies: Groupthink, Cognitive Bias, and the Spread of Political Misinformation with Stephan Lewandowsky PhD Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

The pervasive nature of social media can undermine the democratic process by facilitating the widespread dissemination of political misinformation and a decline in critical thinking. This phenomenon can be exacerbated by groupthink, where individuals conform to the prevailing opinions of their social circles, and various forms of cognitive bias that lead people to favor information confirming their existing beliefs, even in the absence of evidence..
To better understand the power of groupthink and cognitive bias, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with cognitive scientist and Cognitive Immunity Research Collaborative (CIRCE) researcher Dr. Stephan Lewandowsky.
Stephan shares his research on how alternative facts gain acceptance, how technology can undermine the democratic process, and tips on how to discern truth from fiction when consuming media.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Function Health— Offers a revolutionary platform putting healthcare technology in our hands to live 100 healthy years. Get $100 off membership. Visit functionhealth/HH or use gift code HH100
and
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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.

More Than Code: How Real Relationships Sustain Us in an Automated World with Allison Pugh PhD Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Many have come to believe that AI is a universal solution for managing repetitive tasks and a panacea for improving productivity. But is it realistic to think that machines can replace humans in a world built on connection and belonging? Our soul, or life force, is the essence of who we are and cannot be replicated by a machine; instead, it relies on human connectivity and interdependence to thrive and flourish. As we navigate this new era, the question of human-machine coexistence looms. We are living in rapidly changing times in which AI is altering the way we learn and work, but it cannot replace the magic of human-to-human relational engagement.
To explore the boundaries of machine learning and achieve emotional intimacy, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen interviews Dr. Allison Pugh, a professor of sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 vice president of the American Sociological Association.
Allison discusses the research that led to her latest book, The Last Human Job, including the dilemma at the crossroads of AI and mental health, the impact of prioritizing data collection on human connective labor, and what is lost in artificial intelligence versus human interaction.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Function Health— Offers a revolutionary platform putting healthcare technology in our hands to live 100 healthy years. Get $100 off membership. Visit functionhealth/HH or use gift code HH100
and
Buffy Bedding— Offers a new standard of rest and nightly self-care ritual. Visit buffy.co to get 20% off your first order using promo code HHTR 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.

The Flexible Mindset: How Mental Agility Builds Emotional Intelligence with Elaine Fox PhD Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

How open are you to new experiences? Have you found that with age comes a fear of learning new things? Research finds that being willing to admit that we may be wrong about truths we previously held while maintaining confidence is a central tenet of resilience. The inherent capacity for neuroplasticity within our brains means that even with age, our minds remain capable of forming new connections and adapting. This fosters mental agility, allowing us to pivot from outdated notions and integrate fresh perspectives without feeling threatened.
For insights on how to keep our mindset flexible, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with cognitive psychologist and author, Dr. Elaine Fox.
Dr. Fox shares her research about the psychological talents, or tools, required to boost neuroplasticity and promote a growth mindset from her book, Switch Craft: The Hidden Power of Mental Agility. She also explores the concept of intellectual humility and emotional intelligence.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Better Help— Offers convenient and affordable professional therapy made simple. Listeners get 10% off their 1st month at BetterHelp.com/HarvestingHappiness
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How Listening Shapes Peacemaking and Global Communication: A Conversation with the Nobel Peace Center Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Listening is a fundamental tool for learning from one another and fostering a more inclusive and harmonious world. By truly hearing and understanding others, we lay the groundwork for effective communication and peacemaking. When we actively listen, we validate others' experiences and perspectives, which builds trust and empathy. This creates an environment where differences can be explored constructively rather than defensively.
For insights on how to hone our peacemaking abilities, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center, Kjersti Fløgstad.
Kjersti shares the inspiration behind the “Power of Dialogue Project” and the book that was born from it, Those Who Listen, Change the World. Kjersti also offers timely tips on how to convert discourse into dialogue.
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Well-Being Science: From Despair to Hope and Happiness with Carol Graham, PhD Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Are people with more discretionary income happier than those who live paycheck to paycheck? Maybe some, but not all. As it turns out, more is not always better or the prescription for a happy life. Ultimately, it seems that attainable dreams and hope are the true keys to long-term well-being and happiness, regardless of income level, because it's the belief in a better future that truly fuels contentment.
To explore the science of well-being, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Carol Graham,a senior scientist at Gallup, an author, and a senior fellow in the Economic Studies program at Brookings.
Carol analyzes income disparities between the affluent and impoverished, examining their happiness levels through the lens of what she terms 'the happy peasant and the miserable millionaire paradox.' She also presents statistics on the decline of mental well-being
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Fearless Conversations and Essential Connections: An Indigenous Perspective with Tyson Yunkaporta PhD Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Attempting to gain dominance over others rarely benefits everyone involved. Instead, embracing diversity as a superpower — not as a tool to enforce artificial equity, but as a genuine celebration of varied strengths and perspectives — can unlock a quiet joy. This joy comes from the natural harmony that arises when differences are valued for their unique contributions, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives organically, leading to an increase for all.
To connect with an Indigenous perspective, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with researcher, senior lecturer, and author Tyson Yunkaporta.
Tyson shares wisdom gleaned from his research of indigenous cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. His humanistic approach to fearless conversations solidifies connections and aims to change the world by moving away from individualism and toward communal ideologies. In his book, Right Story, Wrong Story: How to Have Fearless Conversations in Hell, he lays the groundwork for a universal understanding and adherence to the 'law of the land’.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Quince— Offers high-quality essentials, home decor, and furnishings at radically low prices. Visit quince.com/hhpod for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five-day returns.
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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.

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Medicine of Mind: Advocating Mental Health and Wellness for Caregivers with Dr. Jessi Gold MD Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

The demanding nature of their work often puts the well-being of caregivers at risk. Just as it offers healing, therapy can be a vital medicine for professional healthcare providers and direct caregivers, providing them with a safe space to process their experiences and maintain a healthy mind. Medical training often minimizes self-care, but prioritizing one's well-being is essential for professionals to effectively help others.
For a dose of mental health medicine for mental health professionals, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System and author, Jessi Gold, MD.
As a mental health advocate, Jessi upends the conventional notions of well-being, asserting it is far more than just showing up for work. She highlights the needless stigma surrounding mental health therapy, often exacerbated by traditional medical training, and the problems that arise when emotions are suppressed. This perspective formed the inspiration for her book, How Do You Feel?: One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine.
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Deciphering AI; Debunking Snake Oil and Finding the Truth with Sayash Kapoor Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

There are many misconceptions and overblown promises when it comes to AI. The reality is that Artificial Intelligence is a useful tool that’s here to stay. When it’s done right, AI seamlessly becomes part of our everyday life systems but when poorly programmed or intentionally misused by human intelligence, it easily becomes the ‘snake oil’ of our time. How do we decipher fact from fiction when it comes to AI and how do we protect children from possible long-term adverse impacts?
To glean strategies for reducing unknown or harmful influences of AI, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Senior Fellow at Mozilla, Sayash Kapoor.
Sayash draws on his book, AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference, to guide us in critically evaluating AI claims and understanding its true capabilities and limitations. He offers insights about how to be practically skeptical in an AI-driven world and uncover the truth behind the hype.
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Quince—Offers high-quality essentials, home decor, and furnishings at radically low prices.Visit Quince.com/hhtr for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five-day returns using quince.com/hhtr.
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.

Managing Political Discord: Morality, Fighting, and the Path to Understanding with Kurt Gray PhD May 28, 2025

Show notes

Many people in the US have grown weary of the non-stop political discord that permeates every aspect of their lives. Some of the information is so polarized that it begs to be agreed with or opposed to, often leading to online fighting and further fracturing societal cohesion. Managing this pervasive tension requires understanding the underlying frameworks that shape our sense of morality.
For tips on engaging in amicable civil discourse, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with social psychologist and author, Kurt Gray.
Kurt shares real-world stories about discovering shared values with others regardless of their political or moral views. He reveals the studies and conversation methods outlined in his book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground.
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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