DaysToHappy

In this episode, we visit with Brittany Bennion—a board member of The Sharing Place—whose life was forever changed by a traumatic loss in her early adulthood. After her close friend was kidnapped in a nationally covered case, Brittany was thrust into years of uncertainty, grief, and emotional turmoil without the support systems many need to heal. Her story reveals the often unseen weight of unreso...

College is often portrayed as the best time of life—but for many students it can also be one of the most isolating and stressful seasons they experience. Rising levels of student loneliness, anxiety, and mental health challenges have pushed universities to rethink how they support student wellbeing. In this episode, we sit down with Heather Siaki, a Master’s student in Public Health and the SWELL...

In this episode Maurice sits down with Shelby Hansen, a speech pathologist, mother of four, kidney transplant survivor, and life coach whose journey redefines resilience. Diagnosed with stage four kidney failure at 31, Shelby faced life-threatening complications, a high-risk pregnancy, and a “sleepy” transplanted kidney that wouldn’t function. Through faith, nervous system awareness, radical minds...

In this episode, we sit down with Sanjay Gogate, a retired U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, to explore the powerful role of human connection in resilience, mental health, and life transitions. Drawing from more than two decades in high-stress military environments, Sanjay shares what happens when structure, identity, and routine suddenly shift—and how faith, family, friendships, and staying present...

In this episode we visit with DaysToHappy’s friend John Dornik, who shares his transition from chronic physical pain to mental clarity. Raised in a culture where mental health was rarely discussed , John faced years of debilitating nerve pain and a "fight-or-flight" cycle triggered by physical injuries and internet self-diagnosis. John shares his journey and his shift from Western medicine—which l...

Join us as we speak with Kennedy Littledike, who shares her incredible journey of resilience after being thrown from a car and left hanging from a power line in 2021. Kennedy recounts the horrific details of the crash, resulting in the amputation of her leg and paralysis of her arm. She reflects on the higher power that saved her from bleeding out and how this life-altering trauma paradoxically pu...

In this episode of The DaysToHappy Podcast , Coach and attorney Kraig Smikel opens up about the experiences that shaped him — from surviving childhood trauma and loss to finding healing through vulnerability, therapy, and purpose. Kraig shares how his journey through pain built the foundation for his success as a rugby coach and leader, emphasizing that true strength comes from self-awareness and...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Steph Roveti , a former Team USA Rugby Sevens player and bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics. From her days as a Division I basketball standout to making the leap into rugby and competing on the world’s biggest stage, Steph shares a remarkable story of resilience, identity, and transition. We explore the mental health challenges of elite sports , the i...

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Holgreen, Executive Director of Bridle Up Hope . What began as a small neighborhood riding program in honor of Rachel Covey has grown into an international nonprofit dedicated to building hope, confidence, and resilience in girls and women through horses and the timeless principles of the 7 Habits . Nicole shares her personal journey of heartbreak and heali...

In this episode of we welcome Jeff Perry—partner at Hire Aligned, consultant, facilitator, and author of The Intentional Engineer —to explore how mental wellness in the workplace is deeply tied to purpose, culture, and alignment. From addressing burnout and “quiet quitting” to tackling workplace trauma and disengagement, Jeff shares strategies leaders and employees can use to create environments w...

In this episode of DaysToHappy , we sit down with Heather Nemelka—founder of Elavare, board member, community leader, and true trailblazer. Heather opens up about her journey from divorce and rejection in the job market to rediscovering her worth, earning her MBA, and helping women return to the workforce with confidence. From battling discouragement and finding hope through faith, to raising five...

Welcome to another episode of Days of Happy! Today we’re diving into the powerful connection between laughter, resilience, and mental health with Karen Manthey, founder of Motivational Leadership, as well as a speaker, trainer, and improv expert who blends humor, heart, and expertise to spark positive change in communication, connection, and leadership. In this episode, we explore why laughter is...

We’re joined by Jordan Friesen—Founder of Mindset Mental Health Strategy and a leader in workplace mental health. Jordan shares his personal journey with depression, how it shaped his career, and what he’s learned from helping organizations across Canada build healthier work cultures. We dig into why most companies get mental health wrong, what’s really stressing employees out, and simple steps le...

In this episode of Days to Happy , I sit down with longtime friend and mentor Al Landry —a West Point graduate, retired Army Colonel, and lifelong leader. Al shares how he’s faced cancer (twice), a near-fatal car accident, and personal challenges not with despair, but with unwavering optimism, humor, and purpose. Through powerful storytelling, Al reveals how choosing your attitude —the one thing y...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Julie Triepke of BPA Health, a leading Employee Assistance Program provider. Julie unpacks the true power of EAPs — from tackling everyday stressors to providing crisis response when it matters most. We explore why these programs are so underutilized, how stigma still blocks access to mental health services, and what organizations can do to normalize help-seekin...

This episode of DaysToHappy dives deep with the incredible September Frogley , founder of Connection is the Cure . After losing her brother to suicide, September turned personal tragedy into a powerful mission to fight isolation, promote mental wellness, and teach others how to reach in when loved ones can’t reach out. You’ll hear real talk about grief, connection, suicide prevention, and how aski...

What if falling down was the key to mental resilience? Cole Parkinson, Executive Director of Carry On, joins us to share how skateboarding is transforming youth mental health. From toddlers to adults, discover how embracing failure, building community, and learning to fall is helping people rise stronger—in and out of the skatepark. Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informationa...

In this heartfelt and energizing conversation, Tanisha Crowder of TriNet joins the podcast to explore what mental health really looks like in today’s workplace. From navigating stress, social media comparison, and burnout to the power of being seen and heard at work, Tanisha shares personal stories, leadership lessons, and practical insights. Whether you’re a manager, a parent, or simply trying to...

In Episode 1 of The DaysToHappy Podcast , founder Corey Davis shares the story of how a flower, a text, and a mission to help a billion people be happy sparked a global movement for well-being. Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be take...