Action for Happiness

Designer and author Ingrid Fettel-Lee joins Mark to explore how our surroundings shape emotions and how small, repeatable moments of joy build resilience. Drawing on design, psychology and practical exercises, Ingrid guides listeners through "joy spotting," micro-rituals and simple environment changes—color, light, plants and shapes—that make daily life more uplifting. The episode offers actionabl...

In this episode Mark Williamson speaks with Dr. Michael Steger, founder of the Center for Meaning and Purpose, about reclaiming meaning and purpose amid modern life’s chaos. They explore three pathways to meaning—significance (mattering), coherence (making sense of life), and purpose (motivated action)—and offer practical tips for cultivating each, including savoring, storytelling, community conne...

Dr. Sian Williams interviews Dr. Mark Williamson, CEO of Action for Happiness, about his new book Make Life Happier: 23 Practical Ways to Feel Better, Find Meaning and Make a Difference. They explore practical happiness experiments - mindful breathing, self‑compassion, social fitness, listening skills, and realistic optimism - to discover what works for each person. The episode also covers how to...

Mark Williamson interviews Dr. Jessamy Hibberd, chartered clinical psychologist and author of The Overthinking Cure, about how overthinking can spiral into low mood and anxiety and why it often feels like control when it isn’t. Jessamy outlines a simple five-step approach: notice your overthinking, shift your mood (mindfulness, body-based strategies, distraction), challenge unhelpful thoughts, acc...

In this episode Mark speaks with Professor Bob Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, about what 85 years of research reveal about happiness. They explore how close relationships, generosity, attention, and purpose strongly influence both emotional well‑being and physical health. Bob offers practical tips - reach out to someone you miss, practice “social fitness,” cultivate...

In this episode Mark speaks with Katy Milkman of Wharton about how to use the "fresh start" effect and behavioural science to make real, lasting changes. They cover why change is hard and practical tactics to overcome impulsivity, procrastination, forgetfulness and low motivation. Key strategies include temptation bundling (pairing chores with treats), commitment devices and penalties, concrete im...

In this episode Mark Williamson speaks with Mo Gawdat, former Google X exec and author of Solve for Happy, about how to retrain the brain, beat negative self‑talk, and find calm, contented happiness even after loss. Mo shares his personal story, the 1 Billion Happy mission, and practical tools including a three‑question flowchart, reframing techniques, and a simple exercise to quiet the inner crit...

Join Mark and psychotherapist Owen O'Kane as they explore evidence-based, practical ways to manage stress, unhelpful thoughts, and emotional overwhelm. Owen shares simple body-based techniques, storytelling tools, and daily habits to help you respond more effectively to life’s challenges. Learn how to locate emotions in the body, reframe your inner critic, build small daily rituals, and strengthen...

In this enlightening episode Mark Williamson speaks with Sir Anthony Seldon about the difference between pleasure and lasting happiness, practical ways to build resilience (including mindfulness, the Action for Happiness 10 keys, exercise and community), and how to teach young people the life skills they need to thrive. They discuss coping with loss and chronic pain, the role of meaning and connec...

Host Mark Williamson talks with Dr. Fred Luskin, founder of the Stanford Forgiveness Project, about how to let go of anger and resentment and find peace. They cover what forgiveness is (and isn’t), guided meditations, grieving versus grievance, and practical tools for forgiving others and yourself. The episode includes simple mindfulness exercises, real-life Q&A about boundaries, abuse, trauma...

In this enlightening episode of the Action for Happiness podcast, host Mark Williamson engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Nerina, a renowned physiologist and sleep therapist. With over 25 years of experience and several acclaimed books to her name, Dr. Nerina shares her expertise on how feeling safe can significantly improve sleep quality. The discussion explores the vital role o...

In this enlightening episode of the Action for Happiness podcast, Mark engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Jessamy Hibberd, a renowned clinical psychologist and author of "How to Overcome Trauma and Find Yourself Again." Dr. Hibberd shares her personal journey and professional insights into overcoming trauma, emphasizing the significance of understanding our experiences and finding inner...

In this enlightening episode, Mark engages in a heartfelt conversation with Stephanie Harrison, a best-selling author and happiness expert. Stephanie delves into the concept of the 'New Happy,' a philosophy for finding genuine happiness in a challenging world. Together, they explore how to move beyond societal pressures of perfection and achievement, embracing kindness, connection, and authenticit...

In this insightful episode of the Action for Happiness podcast, Mark Williamson has an engaging conversation with Daniel Goleman, the acclaimed author of best-sellers like 'Emotional Intelligence' and 'Social Intelligence'. Goleman, renowned for his contributions to understanding how emotional skills impact personal and professional success, shares strategies from his latest work, 'Optimal', on ma...

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 pers...

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 person...

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, inclu...

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 transfor...

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 circu...

Josie from Action for Happiness takes us on a short journey through the Friendly February 2022 calendar.

Join Josie from Action for Happiness for an inspiring tour of the 'Happier January 2022' action calendar

Josie from Action for Happiness takes us on a short journey through the Do Good December 2021 calendar.

Josie from Action for Happiness takes us on a short journey through the New Ways November 2021 calendar.

Josie from Action for Happiness takes us on a short journey through the Optimistic October 2021 calendar.

Josie from Action for Happiness takes us on a short journey through the Self Care September 2021 calendar.