Walk and Talk

In this episode, I take you on a personal journey - quite literally face-first into the ground! After an unexpected fall while hiking, I found myself reflecting on the incredible ways our brains and bodies respond to physical and emotional shocks. From the immediate reflexes that protected me during the fall to the strange gap in memory that followed, I unpack what the science tells us about how w...

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Dr Fiona Gray at the Wellbeing Symposium at the British School of Jakarta last year where she spoke about biophilic design, which is a philosophy that weaves the wonders of nature into our built environment. Fiona and her team blend creativity with scientific rigour, and craft spaces deeply imbued with wellness, harmony and regenerative principles. I found he...

I always treasure the chance to connect with Michelle – our conversations are thoughtful, energising, and real. We’ve worked alongside each other for many years, and every so often we join forces for our Collective Insights events. It’s always a joy when our paths cross again.   Michelle has made a strong impact in the Positive Psychology space, and I’ve always admired her ability to bring the sci...

20 March marked World Happiness Day - and the release of the much-anticipated World Happiness Report.   In this episode, I dive into the 2025 rankings, unpacking what truly drives national happiness. What makes one country top of the list while others fall behind? The answers might surprise you.

It was great to speak with Julia Rucklidge recently. It was a very insightful conversation and supports much of what I’ve shared before around our microbiome and the impact of what we eat.   We talked about the importance of micronutrients, the impact on anxiety and depression, ADHD, and new research around pregnant mums. Julia also shared the importance of having micronutrients during pregnancy t...

There are a few things going on in my head at the moment, and one thing in particular stems from my fabulous conversation with Reuben Rusk earlier this year that centred around 'systems and systems thinking'.   When I moved to Byron Bay a few years ago, I set up a 'system' that made it easier to create healthy habits for me. I am aware a recent part of my 'system' has chang...

Every time I chat with Denise, the conversation flows in the most energising way. This latest one was no exception!   We discussed the future of work, unpacking how organisations need to rethink leadership and wellbeing - not as buzzwords, yet as foundations for real, sustainable change. From reimagining the systems that shape our workplaces to the role of positive psychology in driving performanc...

Towards the end of last year, a few things happened that triggered my thinking around how we tend to make assumptions about others and about things around us.   One of these things was the 'hell yes / f*ck no' mantra, which I believe may lead to losing opportunities that may intiially not seem like a 'hell yes', though may become one later.   Thanks to Todd Kashdan, I have picked u...

I recently had the pleasure of hosting Dan Weijer on my podcast, and it was a fabulous conversation.   We delved into deep and thought-provoking topics, exploring philosophy, wellbeing, determinism, and free will. The discussion was both wide-ranging and profound, touching on questions that shape how we think about life.   At the same time, we kept things engaging and practical, weaving in some fu...

Death is a very interesting topic, especially when looking at it through a positive psychology lens. In 2024, there were a number of positive psychology researchers that passed away, including Felicia Huppert, Paul Wong, and Phil Zimbardo, and in this episode, I reflect on their lives, contributions and their deaths. I reflect on the impact of grief and loss, and how this can come in different way...

It was wonderful to have Robert Biswas-Diener join me for another live ‘In Conversation’ with my Learn with Sue Community.   This time we had the opportunity to hear from Robert on his newly launched book  Radical   Listening , co-authored with Christian van Nieuwerburgh. It was interesting to hear Robert’s thoughts on the important concepts such as intention when listening, and some of the motive...

Earlier this month, Mohsen Joshanloo joined me as a special guest on one of our live sessions as part of the Learn with Sue community.   Mohsen is a personality and cross-cultural psychologist, and a hugely prolific researcher doing some amazing work which focuses on mental wellbeing, culture, personality traits, emotions, and successful aging.   I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and I’m delig...

I am so happy to share another great conversation I had with Lisa Davias, the CEO of PESA (Positive Education Schools Association). Their goal is really about empowering more Australians for a better future through Wellbeing Education which is wonderful. She talked a bit about her background and what led her to this role and also what she hopes for the future of Wellbeing Education in a more holis...

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Reuben. I really respect the research paper he did with Lea Waters in 2013 titled Tracing the Size, Reach, Impact, and Breadth of Positive Psychology which I still refer to. I took the opportunity to ask him if he is going to write another given we are now ten years on and I’m very pleased he said he has been thinking about it! I loved our conversation aro...

Di is a wellbeing policy advisor for the Centre of Policy Development. She gave us insights into new things that are coming and a bill that’s being put before parliament by an independent to try and put wellbeing at the front of the agenda. We talked about the importance, like we did previously with Lord Gus O’Donnell, that the Governments job is support the wellbeing of its constituents – that is...

What are you hoping to get out of the year ahead? We are well and truly into 2025 now, and in this episode I reflect on the year that has passed and the things I hope to achieve in the year ahead. We have so many incredibly cool things to come from Langley Group, the Helping Hands Program, the Water Works Program and Langley Group Institute! It is also intriguing to understand the differences betw...

In this episode, Sue reflects on the year that has been! Listen along as Sue looks at what she has achieved and her highlights and challenges throughout the year!

Mette Miriam Böll describes herself as a concerned global citizen, which is why she does her work! Listen along as Sue and Mette discuss compassionate systems, systems awareness, and the consequences of reductionistic science.

Dr Lucy Ryan has recently won awards for her book, 'Revolting Women', which started with Lucy's PhD research studying women like her. Listen along as Lucy and Sue discuss her research journey and the learnings along the way!

Matt is in the positive psychology and wellbeing space and has a passion for research, particularly around intervention design and definitions! Listen along as Sue and Matt discuss the importance and impact of definitions and the future of Matt's research!  

Jessamy Gee is a graphic recorder, and met Sue at a conference in Jakarta! Listen along as Sue and Jessamy discuss the journey to becoming a graphic recorder, and the impact of illustrating information!

Sue spent last week at the OECD World Forum on wellbeing in Rome! Listen along as Sue reflects on her time at the forum and how it focused on how we can be the best we can be as a collective!

Sue met Carol when she joined the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, which Carol undertook following her PhD and the loss of her husband. Listen along as Sue and Carol talk about the power of learning and growth!

Professor Debbie Haski-Leventhal describes herself as a purpose leader and an impact enabler! Listen along as Sue and Debbie discuss Debbie's life experience growing up in a cult and how this led to her research in meaning and purpose!

Emma Seibold is the founder of Barre Body and Bende and lives in the beautiful Byron Bay. Listen to this episode as Sue and Emma discuss the link between emotions and movement and the importance of meeting individuals where they are at when teaching.