One Happy Thing

If you've ever had the experience of not being able to seesomething that was right there in front of your eyes, you'll relate to this lively and wide ranging conversation. From invisible Wordle letters to missing recipes and elusive plot points, we're brainstorming ways to look at problems with different eyes. Download and listen now, because you never know what fabulous opportunity or...

Sleep. We all know it's good for us, but most of us have unhelpful sleep habits or hangups—or even, like Maddie Dawson—outright sleep avoidance. What to do? And how important is sleep anyway? Join us for a lively discussion about what works for us and what doesn't, and why we're all on a quest for more refreshing and rejuvenating sleep. The app Maddie mentions where you can listen to M...

We've all been there—on the edge of going after a big dream, but scared to take the leap. In this inspiring conversation (hey, we inspired ourselves!) we talk about some of the things, beliefs, and well-meaning people that can get in the way of us pursuing our dreams. We also talk about why dreams matter and the joy of doing what we feel called to do. If you want to check out the book we refer...

In this episode, singer, songwriter, and radio host LindsayLawler joins us with a story about numbers and synchronicity that made us all gasp (literally!) in awe and wonder. Kerry confesses to a little hang up about the number 7, Jennifer shares about her own special number that keeps on showing up everywhere, and Maddie discovers that she already has number synchronicities in her life. Whether yo...

In this episode, we're diving into the idea that we can shape our own reality by choosing our thoughts and our focus. Curating social media, limiting exposure to the news, and consciously starting the day with things that bring us joy are a few of the suggestions we discuss. We also talk about deliberately choosing joy even when the world is suffering, including a discussion about the contagio...

Maddie Dawson has got a humdinger of a story to share with ustoday, all about a necklace that brings good luck to her writing life.  Does her lucky writing pendant really have magicalpowers? Can our brains create miraculous transformations? Or is it all in the way we're looking at things? Listen in for a lively discussion about the amazing power of mindset to bring joy and good things into our...

In today's laughter-filled episode, we're talking about the small things (or big ones in the case of Bruno!) that bring magic and happiness into our everyday lives. Listen in as we exchange stories about the little happinesses that light us up—and then drop us a comment and let us know what small things are making you happy right now. Happy things are even happier when shared with somebody...

We’re getting physical in this episode, looking to our bodies to help us move into a state of happiness. We talk about contraction vs. expansion, how different body postures inspire different emotions,  the art of ‘finding a yes’ and a yoga practicecalled ‘breath of joy.’ Speaking of which, here’s a YouTube link that will walk you through a Breath of Joy practice: https://youtu.be/HFrLhp3-DX0?si=E...

In this episode we're diving deep into the woo woo magic zone. Maddie shares a fun story about her father, a logical man who was full on skeptical about anything even close to what he called "kooky behavior" — but then managed to pull off an absolutely improbable feat of manifestation. We talk about the magic of love, making lists of what we really want—and carrying those desires lightly. Listen n...

💖Who is your favorite book boyfriend, book girlfriend – or book bestie? Do you have one true love or do you love them ALL? From old flames and childhood literary friends to falling in love with the latest thing (um, person?) – we’re talking our favorite characters in this episode. Chime in—we’d love to hear yours! Drop a comment or tag uson socials as #onehappythingpodcast or drop an email to one...

Sometimes, it is your circus... and those wild, rampaging monkeys? Yep, they’re yours too. We’re talking about what happens when your emotions go haywire—grief, rage, anxiety, overwhelm—and all the "positive thinking" in the world just isn't cutting it. Kerry shares how our brains and bodies get hijacked in fight-or-flight mode, why it's not your fault, and what to do when you ca...

What if you could reconnect with old friends—and see the past in a whole new light—just by sharing one memory at a time? In this heartwarming episode, Maddie, Kerry, and Jennifer explore how shared memories can bring unexpectedhealing, laughter, and even re-energize long lost friendships. Maddie tells the touching story of reconnecting with her childhood best friend—not by catching up on the prese...

What was the first book that made you fall in love with reading? In this nostalgic episode of The One Happy Thing Podcast , hosts Jennifer Moorman, Kerry Schafer, and Maddie Dawson share the childhood books that opened theirhearts, shaped their imaginations, and set them on the path to becoming authors themselves. From flashlight-under-the-covers adventures to the life-changing gift of A Wrinkle i...

Welcome back to One Happy Thing ! In today’s episode, we’re getting real about something that sneaks up on all of us—those pesky blame, complain, and shame loops. You know the ones. Kerry Schafer gets vulnerable with a powerful personal epiphany: she realized she was resistant to taking full responsibility for her own happiness... because she was too busy being responsible for everything (and ever...

Welcome back to One Happy Thing ! Today, we’re diving into a topic that might make you both laugh and shudder: decluttering —specifically, digital decluttering. 📩 Our own Maddie Dawson bravely shares her recent experience clearing out thousands (yes, many, many thousands!) of unread emails from her inbox. From ancient newsletters to expired coupons and requests for politicaldonations, she takes u...

In today’s empowering episode, we’re talking about switching up the story you’re telling about your own life—becauseyou are the main character, and it’s time to tell a bigger , bolder , brighter tale. 💌 We’d love to hear from you! What’s one way you can revise your life story this week? Drop us a line at onehappythingpodcast@gmail.com or share your thoughts on social media using # OneHappyThingPo...

🎉 We have our very first guest on the One Happy Thing Podcast, and we couldn’t be more excited! Today, we’re joined by Jeannette Maw , the Good Vibe Coach, podcast host of LOA Recon , and a true expert in finding joy—no matter the circumstance. Jeannette shares a heartwarming story about volunteering at an animal adoption fair—where she found unexpected happiness while scooping litter boxes.🐾✨T...

Sometimes, life hands us challenges that feel overwhelming—those moments when we think, This will never get better or Why does this always happen to me? But what if we could shift our perspective and see thingsdifferently? In this uplifting episode of One Happy Thing , Maddie, Jennifer, and Kerry explore the magic of reframing —how small mindset shifts can transform how we experience life’s ups an...

What if boredom isn’t something to avoid and escape—but something to embrace? In this episode of One Happy Thing , Jennifer, Kerry, and Maddie dive into the surprising joy of boredom. Tune in to discover: ✨ Why boredom isn’t the enemy—it’s actually a hidden gift✨ How letting your mind wander can spark creativity and insight✨ Simple ways to embrace moments of stillness without rushing to fill th...

Perfection—it’s the impossible illusion so many of us chase. But what if the real joy is in the imperfections? In this uplifting episode of One Happy Thing , Kerry, Maddie, and Jennifer dive into the myths of perfection and the freedom that comes with letting go of the pressure to have it all together. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just not good enough or thought,“I’ll be happy when I finally ha...

This episode includes a special heart-opening meditation led by Kerry—a gentle, practical way to invite light, love, and connection into your life—especially during times when you feel heavy, anxious, or overwhelmed. Jennifer, Maddie and Kerry reflect on their own personal experiences and the healing power of breathing and leaning into love. Listen in to discover how this simple practice can help...

Maddie, Kerry, and Jennifer dive into a challenge every creative person knows all too well—feeling stuck. Whether you’re struggling with writing, art, or any creative project, that frustrating sense of being blocked can make you want to give up. But what if being stuck isn’t the problem we think it is? Maddie shares a refreshing perspective on why creative blocks might actually be a good thing and...

In this episode of One Happy Thing , Kerry, Maddie, and Jennifer explore the unexpected joys that can come from life’s misadventures. Whether it’s a sideways boat trip to Capri or some other plan that went off the rails, sometimes the best memories come from moments we didn’t plan. Jennifer’s story of an unexpected adventure during her vacation in Greece will have you laughing—and thinking about h...

In this heartfelt episode of One Happy Thing , Maddie, Jennifer, and Kerry tackle the complicated question of how to choose joy in a world filled with suffering. Maddie kicks off the conversation by asking the tough questions: Can we give ourselves permission to feel joy when so many are struggling? Jennifer reflects on the guilt that often accompanies happiness during hard times and how it can fe...

In episode five of One Happy Thing , Jennifer, Kerry, and Maddie explore the concept of  glimmers. What the heck is a glimmer, you ask? Maddie explains glimmers as those unexpected, uplifting sparks in the day that remind us of all that is good, bright, and beautiful in the world. Tune in to learn how to recognize and savor glimmers in your own life, even during challenging times. Join us as we un...