Harvesting Happiness

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...

*This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature listeners. Sexual arousal can mean many different things to many different people. A quick walk through the local ‘adult’ store can be an eye-opening experience for some and offer a giggle for others. No matter what turns you on, the root of a healthy sexual experience is psychological safety. Our minds and bodies work together when...

Nutritional Science is a fairly new field of study relative to human existence. In the past, humans grew much of their food in and around where they lived, incorporating a variety of nutritionally dense plants and animals into their diet. Fast forward to today, when industrialization has changed how we feed ourselves, humans more often use satiation above nutrition to gauge our feeding needs. To g...

For many women, rising above trauma can feel unattainable in public life and utterly impossible when under the restraints of incarceration. But, women, being who they are, build mutual support systems behind bars that foster resilience, and community, and underpin transformations not often correlated with stories of life in prison. To discover ways of transcending incarceration, Harvesting Happine...

Anxiety is a natural response to the uncertainties and challenges we face in life. When we are anxious, relief can seem a world away. But, through cultivating self-awareness and practicing mindfulness, anxiety can be managed, transforming it from a source of suffering into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. To discover the philosophical approach to treating anxiety, Harvesting Happiness...

If you could reimagine the time of your life, what would it look like? Would you continue to be trapped by your calendar? Or, would you dial into what is sacrosanct and transform your relationship with time so it played by your rules and worked itself into your schedule? To get a template for living a regret-less life, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author and keyn...

In business, financial gain is often the basis for change, when in reality the lessons gleaned from the process are just as valuable as the change itself. For it is usually in hindsight we realize that the journey of any endeavor is more important than the end result. Taking a kindness plus math approach to business decisions means valuing empathy and human connections alongside financial metrics....

Modern life is filled with many kinds of pollution. From the audible and visual pollution of our cities to the garbage we let leak into our natural world, humans are separating themselves from nature at a faster rate than ever before in our history. The flora and fauna so graciously given by our earth mother have been all but forgotten in many human environments. Observing, reconnecting, listening...

Social pressures often influence an individual's decision-making process. The algorithms behind social media platforms can shape perceptions by showing content tailored to behavior, reinforcing or promoting specific ideas to further financial or political causes. It is proof that understanding human cognition can significantly influence our decisions, from the products we buy to the beliefs we hol...

Remember when you flirted just enough with a person to let them know you were interested but not too much that you risked rejection? Then, you were surprised when the other person had no clue what had happened. If you are a man reading this, it's understandable — you likely had no idea this scenario even unfolded. If you are a woman, it wasn't his fault; he's simply emotionally, physiologically, a...

The path to joy is often obstructed with obstacles, setbacks, and grief. From expectant mothers who are just one intense push away from delivering a new lifeforce to adult children caring for their aging parents, many times the pain we endure is the seed that blossoms into the flower of happiness. To find out more about cultivating the labors of life into personal fulfillment, Harvesting Happiness...

Scientific understanding of the hormonal changes women undergo during menopause is limited. Historically, women were excluded from major health studies prior to 1996 due to the belief that their fluctuating hormone levels were too complex to study. Today, women are changing the game by conducting their own research. To better understand how women can improve their quality of life during the aging...

From the blush of first loves to the seasoned affections 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 free of judgment and have no expiration date. To expose how to foster a fulfilling sexual life at any...

Humans are driven to seek pleasure and avoid pain. It is a tendency deeply embedded in our biological makeup. However, there are times when this pursuit can lead to excess. Due to societal stigma, many individuals delay seeking help until their quest for pleasure turns into a source of pain and their lives begin to unravel. To explore the driving force behind constant cravings and the contemporary...

Individuals who embrace positivity are more likely to approach challenges with resilience and adaptability, thus enhancing their ability to overcome adversity and thrive. Research shows that a positive attitude serves as a powerful catalyst for not only extending lifespan but also enhancing quality of life, and in certain cases is a better predictor of longevity than genetics, or life choices. To...

Children of immigrants must navigate multiple cultures. The culture they know predominantly from their parents and the culture in which they live. Finding a sense of belonging and identity can be especially challenging for Asian Americans, who tend to be the group that is the least likely to talk about their feelings and seek out mental health services. To explore a path for healing cultural ident...

Studies indicate that listening to music not only reduces anxiety and enhances overall well-being but also triggers activity in ten distinct brain centers. And, among the twelve cranial nerves connecting our brain to our sensory systems, ten are linked to auditory perception, making the ears a gateway to the brain. Learn how to fine-tune and revitalize brain function through sound. Harvesting Happ...

Have you ever been frustrated while driving? There was no major accident, and no one walked out in front of you, but the driver ahead of you kept changing speed for no reason, and you wonder why this has to happen every day. Agh! Research shows that these chronic irritations or tiny traumas can build up in our system and cause more disruption than a major life trauma. To discover how to recover an...

What some people consider small stressors can trigger and overwhelm those whose biological and psychological makeup is foundationally built upon intergenerational traumas. Those with intergenerational traumas can be predisposed to heightened emotions that may not be widely understood by their societal circles. If you have witnessed someone’s reaction to a circumstance that didn’t appear to warrant...

The bells and whistles of modern life take a toll on humans mentally, physically, and emotionally. These burdens are exacerbated by the compulsion to resist and control the chaos because self-protection and the protection of our children are key motivators. But how do we create a sustainable, lasting transformation to quell modern turbulence? To more deeply understand how we can realize zen in the...

Understanding and navigating interpersonal dynamics is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. As an example, in a family where one or both parents are narcissists, it can be difficult for children to achieve a sense of self. Children growing up in this unhealthy environment tend to take on particular roles that fit within the confines of the narcissist’s point of view. To discover best pra...

With access to mental health care in the United States out of reach or ineffective for some people, alternative treatments and medicines that alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD are sought after. Treatment seekers are more and more often finding ceremonies that feature doses of psychedelic medicine valuable in shifting their mental state. To gain more information with a health...

Harvesting Happiness is proud to partner with the researchers and scholars at the Mental Immunity Project (MIP) and Cognitive Immunology Research Collaborative (CIRCE) . This episode is part of a series exploring disinformation, media literacy, and the emerging science of cognitive immunology. In the last 20 years, humans have developed a set of mental challenges for themselves unlike any other in...

Harvesting Happiness is proud to partner with the researchers and scholars at the Mental Immunity Project (MIP) and Cognitive Immunology Research Collaborative (CIRCE) . This episode is part of a series exploring disinformation, media literacy, and the emerging science of cognitive immunology. As the 2024 election cycle begins, the amount of memes for and against political candidates in social med...