A Cuppa Love

Today, I'm speaking to my dad, Richard Stoker. Sweetheart? Yes. Savage? Definitely! While I was growing up, he was the yin to my mum's yang and a huge influence in shaping how I think about happiness. Dad has always had strong views on how we should live, make decisions, and think about problems. It's different to most people, but it's got him a long way... And he's a pretty happy guy. We speak ab...

Donna Ashworth’s poems have empowered and comforted thousands during the pandemic. As a Sunday Times Bestselling author, Donna uses her inspiring writing to shed light on complex issues and topics such as womanhood, body image, ageing, grief, self-love, parenting and marriage.  In this profound conversation with Joss, the two discuss Donna’s career, the importance of making friends with women with...

Uri Geller has a lifetime of expertise in psychokinesis and telepathy. Famous for his mind blowing performances of spoon bending, Uri has had a very long spanning and rich career as a world-renowned illusionist and magician. In this entertaining conversation with Joss, Uri shares stories about riding a train with Micheal Jackson to Exeter, how he was subject to experiments by the MI5 and the CIA,...

Professor, writer, illusionist and public speaker Richard Wiseman, is one of the key figures in Britain promoting experimental psychology. From publishing successful books on luck, deception, self-development, illusion and sleep, to finding creative ways for audiences to interact with the discipline, such as no-performer shows and immersive theatre experiences, Richard’s work is both innovative an...

Relationship therapist and television host Laura Berman has spent a lifetime giving advice and writing on relationships, sex and love. During the pandemic, a personal tragedy made Laura and her family cope with what seemed like an impossible time to live through. On her second appearance on A Cuppa Happy, Laura shares her reflections on grief, healing and how to vent emotions and begin moving from...

In the space of just six years, comedian and vlogger Arron Crascall went from being a family man working as a bookmaker in Dover, to an internet comedy phenomenon creating a plethora of funny videos, sketches and clips of pranks in public spaces. In this entertaining conversation with Joss, Arron tells us about his incredible career journey, being a parent in a haunted house, how to lose inhibitio...

Multi-award winning author and podcaster Gretchen Rubin has spent her career delving into the weird and wonderful world of human nature, habits and happiness. During this conversation, the two discuss Gretchen’s famous ‘Four Tendencies’ framework, and try to understand how we can find our own individual methods to become happier, healthier and more productive. As when we know ourselves and what wo...

Comedian, actress and co-host of the highly acclaimed podcast “Guys We F****d”, Krystyna Hutchinsen uses her quick-witted and clever humour to make poignant comedy about feminism, slut-shaming, abuse and other important cultural topics. During this relaxed and casual conversation, the two discuss the importance of supporting friends in abusive relationships, cancel culture in comedy, open relation...

Pioneering neuroscientist, psychologist and teacher Ethan Kross has spent many years researching how to understand and control our conscious mind. In this enlightening conversation with Joss, Ethan shares how techniques such as speaking to yourself in the third person or mental time travel can help us cope with the anxiety caused by our inner voices.  The two of them also discuss the importance of...

As a qualified hypnobirthing practitioner, Siobhan Miller is on a mission to ensure women go into labour with a positive mindset and confidence in their choices. Through her Positive Birth Company, she teaches women and their partners that a positive birth does not have to be a perfect birth, and aims to dispel the myths around childbirth that lead so many to associate it with fear and pain.  In t...

The Harvard Study of Adult Development is one of the longest running studies of adult life the world has ever seen. In this episode, the study’s director, Professor Robert Waldinger, explains to Joss how it has enabled researchers to track the lives of 724 men - including one former President - since 1938. After sharing some of the study’s findings, Robert explains how he came to be a Zen priest,...

Matthew McConaughey is a household name, best known for his captivating portrayals on the silver screen, but here we find out that there is so much more to him than his award winning performances and smooth charm. A born storyteller, he reveals a deep love for poetry, writing and spirituality. Digging a little deeper he reflects on a passionate (albeit dysfunctional) love story within his family,...

Joss Stone is back with a new season of A Cuppa Happy, the podcast where she speaks to fascinating people about finding happiness. This season she'll speak to a professor running the longest study into happiness, movie stars, comedians, and a whole host of happiness experts as she tries to tie down this elusive emotion. Some of the guests this season include Matthew McConaughey, Krystyna Hutchinso...

Author of The Psychobiotic Revolution Scott C. Anderson, joins Joss to chat all things gut microbiome. In an episode jam packed with mind blowing insights, you’ll find how the gut brain axis could be affecting many aspects of your life - from who you choose as a romantic partner, to whether you choose to succumb to that junk food craving. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHe...

John Edward is a television personality, author and psychic medium, who’s best know for his show Crossing Over. He chats with Joss about energy, the ‘clairs’ and opening up to the idea of the unknown.  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at this link: betterhelp.com/cuppahappy or use code cuppahappy at check...

He’s worked in some of the most war torn places on earth, and yet amongst this chaos he’s met the most positive and good humoured people. As a war photographer Paul Conroy was used to experiencing the horrors of conflict a daily basis. In 2012 he entered Syria with journalist Marie Colvin, where they were targeted with artillery by the Assad regime, which sadly Marie did not survive. Paul document...

The renowned scientist Professor David Nutt sits down with Joss to talk about the chemicals in our brain, and the drugs that affect them. He’s not just talking about the legal ones either! A true maverick, he was fired as chief advisor on drugs for the Labour after arguing that drugs legislation is not based on science, and has been on a crusade to get society to have a rethink ever since. For mor...

Could there really be a formula for happiness? Find out in part 2 of Joss’ chat with author of Solve for Happy - Mo Gawdat. This far reaching discussion ask whether we can separate our thoughts from our identity, how we mix up success and happiness, and what we can learn from rom coms! Mo’s book is available here. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy j...

Author of Solve for Happy, Mo Gawdat joins Joss for a chat about positivity even in the face of overwhelming tragedy. They discuss his formula for a happy life, divine mathematics, and taking control of our happiness. This episode is part 1 of a 2. Mo's book is available here. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first m...

Jo Frost has dedicated her life to helping families to lead happier lives, and has been in our homes since the mid noughties with her hit show Supernanny. She talks to Joss about her recent new series, finding your inner child, and of course the famous naughty step.  *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first month at th...

Clinical psychologist and author Dr Shefali knows a thing or two about the mind, and specialises in early childhood development – which is of particular interest to Joss right now! During today’s chat, we find out why the nuclear family is not the only way, the death of the self when you become a parent, and how we can all learn from our anxiety. The Conscious Parent is available on Amazon and all...

After an astronomical career that has taken him around the globe and made him a house hold name, Shaggy has had a lot of time to learn about the motivations behind the people who surround him. From working through troubled relationships with his parents, to starting afresh on new music with a brand new team around him. During this candid chat with Joss, they dig deep into these struggles, and the...

Multi award-winning singer songwriter Lemar is an old friend of Joss, as well being a frequent collaborator. He joins her for a chat about going back to basics with our happiness, privacy in today’s new world, learning to forgive yourself and a whole lot more. Lemar’s podcast, The Lemar Show, is available wherever you listen to podcasts. *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHel...

As one half of the band the Eurythmics, Dave Stewart’s music has been in our ears for almost 40 years. An old friend of Joss’ and long time collaborator, this intimate chat was recorded during a writing camp in the Bahamas. In this episode Dave discusses a day in his creative life, embracing failure, and how the iconic smash hit Sweet Dreams was the result of a happy accident.  *** A massive thank...

Arthur is a social scientist, musician, author and host of The Art of Happiness podcast. This week Joss discovers the proven power of thinking positively, what we can learn from monkeys on cocaine, and how to work out those smiling muscles. We all need a bit of that right now! *** A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors! BetterHelp - Start your therapy journey today with 10% off your first m...