Harvesting Happiness

Magic and witchcraft are integral aspects of the human nature. Cultural beliefs are rooted in human cognition and psychology and shape our social behaviors. By acknowledging the inherent power of nature and seeking similarities within it, humans attempt to gain a sense of control and meaning in an unpredictable world. For a clearer understanding of how magical thinking shapes human culture and imp...

Listening to diverse perspectives offers a medium for us to learn from each other and work towards a more inclusive and harmonious world. From a young age, many people are frustrated because they feel their voices are not seen, heard, or understood. It has become a common practice to defend a position before truly understanding another’s point of view. How can we use listening to enhance our relat...

With increasing divorce rates among older adults, many are rediscovering their sexuality and seeking new romantic and sexual experiences. Sex can offer comfort, joy, and a renewed sense of intimacy, regardless of age. It is time to acknowledge the diverse sexual experiences of older adults. Why is this important aspect of aging so often overlooked in our conversations? *This conversation includes...

The widespread adoption of smartphones over the past two decades has created new avenues for remote influence and manipulation, reducing freedoms many took for granted. The extent of the emotional chaos this causes may only be partially understood. Is it possible to restore equanimity during chaos? For tips on finding inner peace and calm amidst turmoil and disorder, Harvesting Happiness Podcast H...

The fast pace of today’s world can make people feel frantic and disconnected from experiences. It has become too easy to focus on the expectations of others and succumb to fear-based motivations. Do simple tools exist to make us feel grounded and bring us back to peace-of-mind? Or, does everything have to be a struggle? To understand how people can reclaim calm in this tumultuous world, Harvesting...

What some people consider minor stressors can trigger and overwhelm those whose biological and psychological makeup is foundationally built upon intergenerational traumas. These are familial events inherited by generations, affecting their descendants like second-hand smoke. Those with intergenerational traumas can be predisposed to heightened emotions that may not be widely understood by their so...

With the elimination of civics courses in schools and the rise of fear-driven political campaigns, many U.S. citizens may be left in a constant state of anxiety about the nation's direction. This anxiety can lead to impulsive decision-making and focusing on short-term solutions, undermining the pursuit of meaningful, long-term change. Advocacy and civic engagement are crucial for overcoming these...

The media paints AI as a universal solution,but the spark of human connection,our life force or soul,defies machine replication. As we navigate this new era,the question of human-machine coexistence looms. For a deeper dive into the soul of our social architecture,Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 Vi...

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to understanding our individual attachment styles. However, becoming self-aware of what is at the core of our disconnection can provide us with valuable insights into relationship patterns and help us build healthier connections and more satisfying relationships. For deeper insights into the psychology of attachment, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cyp...

While statistics about young people identifying as LGBTQ+ are increasing, social media may be a catalyst in empowering those who previously couldn't safely express their identity. How can society shift from bullying to allyship? *This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. To glean guidance from a researcher studying real-world experiences, Harvesting Happiness Podc...

The whole world knows the outcome of the recent US election. Many are shocked that Americans chose the leader they chose. What data offered a glimpse into the concerns of everyday Americans that could have predicted the outcome? And, was the data that political scientists studied selective or transparent? To better understand what drives public opinion and political reasoning, Harvesting Happiness...

As major elections unfold globally, uncertainty grips the world. Family members, neighbors, and friends who may have previously tolerated differences of opinion have become increasingly divisive and less accepting of alternative perspectives. Contests of this magnitude ensure that certain groups must grapple with disappointment. How can we unburden ourselves and others during these significant eve...

Compared to the chronological aging of our physical bodies, our minds can remain ageless. With enough healthy servings of brain food, the mind continues its existential flexibility and resiliency. But what happens when we allow our minds to become rigid and there is no additional room for more data? For a healthy serving of brain food, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks wit...

This just in … you won't go to diet jail if you eat soul-soothing ice cream. And, what a shame it would be if you judged yourself nibbling on a slice of decadent chocolate cake. Food for thought: Studies show that as long as you nourish yourself with high-quality food rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, you can feed your cravings and build resilience against the never-ending supply of...

The primary goal of most media sources is to make money by pushing a political agenda and influencing the psychology of those who ingest the content. In order to achieve their goals, people use data, misinformation, and deliberate disinformation as weapons, creating what is often called Infowar. This can lead to groupthink, which causes public fear, doubt, and cognitive bias. False stories are exa...

Social responsibility is an ethical concept that endorses civil engagement for the good of all. Civic engagement, in all its forms, strengthens communities by involving citizens in the democratic process. No act is more significant in emboldening democracy than exercising one’s right to vote. With the spread of misinformation and disinformation in this election cycle, it is paramount to have acces...

Lifelong stigmas and myths abound about human sexual expression have been as we age. Cultural differences notwithstanding, older males and females are more likely to rate communication as the highest form of arousal in their relationships. Why then does the media portray sexuality and intimacy after mid-life as a less than pleasurable experience? *This episode explores human sexuality and is inten...

Fear and doubt serve as powerful tools in the political landscape, and disinformation is used by politicians to manipulate public perception and sow confusion. By labeling legitimate investigations or criticisms as witch hunts, these leaders attempt to delegitimize the concerns raised against them. This tactic not only deflects attention from the actual issues at hand but also erodes trust in the...

Maintaining a philosophical approach rooted in critical thinking can help us make sense of the barrage of information we experience during election cycles. Our natural anxieties are often preyed upon by masters of persuasion. We must enlist our powers of discernment to protect our mental health during this important election season. br /> To discover how to protect our mental health with a phil...

Large media outlets often highlight the extreme sides of our nation, amplifying polarized perspectives that distort the bigger picture. This coverage can create a sense of isolation, especially when reality doesn't align with our expectations. It is only when we perform our civic duty and get involved in our local communities that we feel a sense of control over our lives and the personal pursuit...

When we experience fear, we often instinctively push things away, which only amplifies that fear and tests our resilience. However, by embracing awareness and leaning into our relationships, we create a pathway for personal growth. By staying fully present and avoiding the urge to build emotional walls, we enhance our well-being and lay the foundation for spreading love and positivity in the world...

* This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. Desire and intimacy are words often associated with the pleasures of the physical body, but human desire is the foundation of our deepest motivations, driving our pursuit of connection, purpose, and personal fulfillment. Therefore, we must question the societal forces that shame us for our desires, compelling us to suppr...

If bumper stickers were still a thing Adulting is Hard would be a bestseller. It's not that the challenges of adulthood have intensified, but rather, the parenting landscape has shifted. Overprotective tendencies now seem to outweigh the absenteeism of past generations. Is it possible for parents to empower their children to become independent adults? To discover how parents can support young adul...

Think for a second briefly about the excitement of learning something new as a child. That sense of wonder and accomplishment when you first figured out how to write a bike, solve a puzzle, or read a book. That joy doesn't have to end with childhood, and in fact, lifelong learning is the secret to maintaining that spark of happiness throughout our lifetime. To find out the art of unlocking happine...

The learning mechanism in the human brain is not yet equipped to deal with information meant to deceive or manipulate. Armed with a computational approach to civilization but lacking the ability to discern fact from fiction, we find ourselves at the precipice of a new digital world for which we may not be prepared. To reveal how human cognition processes information, Harvesting Happiness Podcast h...