How To Be Happy

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work), we’re joined by Sarah Queenan , Founder and Managing Director of Humanify HR Consulting. With over two decades of experience across the public and private sectors, Sarah brings a powerful message to the modern workplace: when we bring humanity back into leadership and HR, everyone benefits. We unpack what it really means to build people-first cultures,...

If your mind feels like it’s stuck on a loop of overthinking, self-doubt or worst-case scenarios, you’re not broken — you’re human. Our brains are wired with a natural negativity bias that helped our ancestors survive, but today it can leave us feeling anxious, drained and emotionally heavy. This episode is all about breaking that cycle. We’re not trying to silence the inner critic — we’re learnin...

Everyone is talking about workplace culture, but very few people can define it, measure it, or meaningfully build it. In this episode, we cut through the buzzwords and explore what workplace culture actually is, why it matters, and how to shape it with intention. You’ll discover the five key elements of culture we assess in BU Happiness College’s Workplace Happiness Diagnostic, including psychosoc...

A lot of our stress and frustration comes from trying to control things that were never ours to control. From relationships to outcomes to the pace of life itself, the more we resist, the more stuck we tend to feel. In this episode, we explore what it really means to let go, without giving up. You’ll learn how to shift from survival mode into a more empowered and peaceful state by focusing your en...

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work) , we’re joined by Tahnee McWhirter , founder of HumanX HR —a business that’s been recognised as an Accredited Happy Workplace three years in a row . Tahnee shares what it actually takes to build and maintain a thriving workplace culture, the mindset shifts that made the biggest difference, and why happiness has become a core part of how HumanX does busi...

In this episode of How to Be Happy, we sit down with Mitch Sharpe—BU Happiness College Class of 2024 graduate, father, and someone who has wholeheartedly committed to his personal growth and happiness. Mitch’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when you make the decision to prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing. During his time at BU Happiness College, Mitch fully embraced t...

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work) , we’re unpacking what true employee engagement looks like—and why so many organisations are getting it wrong. Spoiler: it’s not just about satisfaction scores or surface-level perks. We explore how to take a more strategic, holistic approach to engagement that actually improves wellbeing, performance, and retention. Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or...

Sometimes the harshest voice in our lives is the one in our own head. In this episode, Declan explores the power of self-compassion —a skill that’s been proven to boost resilience, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional wellbeing. With insights from Dr. Kristin Neff and Brené Brown , you’ll learn: Why self-compassion is not the same as self-esteem How to stop being your own worst critic Tangible pr...

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work) , we’re joined by Stacie Shaw , Partner at PKF Newcastle, business advisor, and early adopter of the Workplace Happiness Diagnostic . Stacie brings a unique perspective to the conversation—combining the logic and practicality of accounting and advisory work with a deep belief in the power of happiness to drive business performance. This episode is a ref...

We’ve officially hit our podcast groove! From this week forward, we’ll be releasing one new episode every Wednesday , alternating between How to Be Happy and How to Be Happy at Work —so you get your weekly dose of personal and professional happiness without feeling overwhelmed. Now… let’s talk about self-care. In this episode, Declan breaks down why real self-care is more than bubble baths and Net...

Workplace wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. But too many organisations take a one-size-fits-all approach that misses the mark. In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work , Declan unpacks the 7 types of workplace wellbeing every business should be measuring and supporting: emotional, physical, intellectual, social, environmental, spiritual, and financial. You'll hear why nuance...

What if the key to living a more fulfilling life was simply learning how to step outside your comfort zone—and stay there? In this episode of How to Be Happy, Declan Edwards dives into the four stages of personal growth, unpacking how we move from comfort, through fear, into learning, and finally into true growth. You’ll learn why fear and excitement often go hand in hand, why personal growth is e...

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work) , we’re joined by Lisa Young—an experienced HR consultant, founder of Your HR HQ , and someone who’s passionate about helping HR Professionals become their best selves. If you’ve ever wondered about HR’s role in creating a culture of happiness (without burning themselves out in the process), this conversation is a must-listen. Lisa shares her practical...

In this episode of How to Be Happy, we’re joined by our very first guest on the show—Beth Belford. Beth is a Freshman Year graduate of BU Happiness College, a neurodivergent high achiever, and a recovering perfectionist who’s spent the past year learning how to create a happier, more fulfilling life. During our conversation, Beth shares her personal journey of developing the skills and science of...

You believe in creating a happier workplace—but how do you get leadership on board? In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work , workplace happiness expert Declan Edwards arms you with the stats, research, and arguments you need to make happiness a business priority. You’ll learn: ✅ How workplace happiness boosts productivity, engagement, and retention ✅ The financial benefits of investing in em...

If happiness was a recipe, what ingredients would you include? In this episode of How to Be Happy , Declan Edwards introduces the PERMA+ model , a research-backed framework for creating a happier life, and helps you: ✅ Discover the six essential ingredients of happiness: Positive Affect, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement, and Health ✅ Reflect on your personal happiness recipe—what’...

🎙️ Our First Interview Episode! And what a guest to start things off with! What if we told you that most workplace well-being initiatives don’t actually work ? Companies invest in yoga sessions, mental health days, and resilience workshops—yet burnout, disengagement, and stress remain at record highs. So, what’s missing? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this episode with Phil Wolffe , founde...

What if happiness isn’t just something you feel —but something you can learn ? In this episode of How to Be Happy , happiness researcher Declan Edwards breaks down the science behind happiness as a skill set and reveals: ✅ The two types of skills—technical skills vs. human skills—and why the latter are key to a fulfilling life ✅ The 4-stage learning process that every skill (including happiness)...

What does it truly mean to be happy at work? Is it about well-being? Engagement? Culture? Leadership? In this first episode of How to Be Happy at Work , happiness researcher and workplace consultant Declan Edwards unpacks the most critical question in workplace happiness: how do we define it? You'll discover: ✅ Why happiness at work is more than just feeling good ✅ The five core pillars of a thr...

We all want to be happier—but have you ever stopped to ask yourself, what actually is happiness? Happiness has been debated for thousands of years, from ancient philosophers to modern psychologists, and no single definition fits everyone. In this episode, happiness researcher Declan Edwards unpacks: ✅ Why defining happiness on your own terms is essential ✅ The difference between fleeting happine...

Welcome to the 'How to Be Happy' podcast! Are you ready to explore what it truly means to live a happier life? In this introductory episode you'll meet your host, Declan Edwards—happiness researcher, coach, and founder of BU Happiness College—as he shares why How to Be Happy exists, what you can expect from the show, and how you can become an active part of the ripple effect of happine...