Walk and Talk

Join Sue as she reflects on a fascinating research paper - ‘towards a framework for flourishing through social media.’ We know that social platforms are designed, in part, to capture our behavioural data and share it with profit in mind. The challenges and pitfalls of this algorithm are understood, yet the scientific data on the psychological benefits of social media are still emerging. How does s...

How do small actions and behaviours propel us towards reaching our overarching goals? Research shows that being accountable in one area of our life, leads to improvements in other areas too. Creating a ‘Ta-Da’ checklist of 10 things for 10 days is a great way to start! When our daily habits align with our values, we are on track to living a flourishing life. Join Sue as she shares practical tips t...

In this thought-provoking session Sue converses with Robert, a leading authority on strengths, culture, courage, and happiness. He shares insights on his pioneering work in applying positive psychology to coaching. Amongst several fascinating topics, they ponder the art of asking ‘the big questions’ as the foundation for paradigm-shifting research.

The second step of the appreciative inquiry framework is D for Dream.  Dream what is possible.  In this episode, following our Discover from last week, join Sue to reflect on what can we dream for 2022?  What is possible?  What goals do we have – what can we learn, how can we grow, how can be dream what is possible for us in the year ahead.  Focusing on how we can be the b...

One of the first steps in appreciative inquiry is D for Discover.  Discover what is great, discover what is awesome.  Join Sue as she reflects on the good from the year and asks us all to think about the positives, the great, the amazing.  In amongst the challenges, there are good things.  What is the impact when we reflect on these things?

Join Sue as she exchanges thoughts with Tom, an expert in the fitness and rehab industry, whose method links movement behaviours with personal behaviours. They discuss how movement is a form of expression – intrinsically connected to how we relate to the world around us. Tom shares his thoughts on memory, overcoming fear, self-esteem and problem solving.

Join Sue and Tania as they introduce the wonderful concept of keeping a ‘Ta Da’ list; distinct from a ‘To Do’ list. How do we propel our wellbeing wish list into an action list that helps us prioritise positively in our life? This uplifting practice involves guilt free, bite size activities that ensure we are continuously flourishing. The ‘Ta Da’ list can embed mindful habits and be a lot of fun i...

Be transported to the ocean as Sue strolls and contemplates the practice of goal setting.  She ponders the teleological nature of humans and how we work towards accomplishing set tasks. She encourages us to include even the ‘small things’ as goals, reading a new genre of book or ticking a movie off our viewing list. Sue considers perception in this process; understanding the ‘why’ behind each...

In this robust chat, Sue and Aaron agree on how simply thinking and talking about values enlightens and energises people. They discuss how over the course of a lifetime our values will change. Tap in as theyenthusiastically ponder how being aware and intentional with language plays out in our relationships as well as shaping our internal dialogue.

When an individual reaches a personal goal, the ripple effect of their achievement inspires and motivates others. Sue’s colleague Tania unpacks her experience of running the recent Royal Parks half Marathon in London. The pair discuss emotional awareness in relation to physical movement. They ponder the connection to ‘atmospheric energy’ during a large-scale community event and the support we can...

In this walk and talk, Sue ponders another aspect underpinning the science of emotions, positive psychology, and neuroscience. She shines a light on the expression of noticing, the practice of spotting and savouring something new. When we truly pay attention to our surroundings and welcome curiosity, it brings another dimension to our wellbeing. Sue's excitement for this daily art form is infectio...

Join Sue as she chats with Christian, a thought leader and expert in the alignment of coaching and positive psychology. He shares how the two fields fit together and can unlock potential, build on people’s strengths, enhance wellbeing, and help us achieve our optimal potential. Sue engages Christian on topics such as hope, gratitude, and the all-important art of noticing.

What exactly are our basic psychological needs, and how are they met in the current world situation? Sue and Tania unpack self-determination theory in the context of the Pandemic. Together they consider how autonomy, competence and relatedness have been nudged due to lockdowns and working from home. They ponder the shift to virtual communication and the varying impacts on mindset, along with mixed...

What elements contribute to our personal sense of meaning? In this episode, Sue walks and talks listeners through finding meaning in life… first prompting us to consider how this discussion is distinct from finding the meaning of life. Sue unpacks the concept within the framework of psychology-based research. She reflects on the three pillars of meaning as defined by Martela and Steger: coherence,...

Sue responds to audience questions – enlightening us with her knowledge of positive psychology, based on the science, research, and evidence. She answers queries about affirmations, negativity bias, language and neuroscience. This sparks further interest in growth mindset, our emotional states, and energy levels. Sue asks us to consider which neural pathways we are firing most regularly and how th...

How do we translate what our genes mean in everyday life? Sue chats with Doctor James Raaff - a healthcare pioneer with over 23 years of clinical experience exploring health strategies using DNA and genomic analysis. James shares some state-of-the-art ideas about what we know and what we don’t know about genetics. They explore the dynamic questions that open new and exciting doors for a personalis...

Tune in for a thought-provoking exchange between Sue and her colleague Tania as they consider changes to wellbeing habits and how they affect us. What happens when our daily rituals are altered? When we practice awareness, we notice the ripple effects of self-care routines or lack of. They ponder how organisations' explicit and implicit rules have adapted to remote working arrangements and how inc...

Sue loves Italy and is currently challenging herself to learn Italian. In this episode she shares how language is a key function of who we are as humans, and how learning a second or third language expands our mind in more ways than one. When we put in the effort to study a new language, fresh neural pathways are formed. Interestingly, science has revealed that bilingual people have increased acti...

At some point, we have all asked, “Does my life have meaning? What is our purpose? Why are we here?” Join Sue and Dr Michael Steger - the Founder and Director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose as they discuss the intangible notion of ‘meaning’ and the challenge of how to research, measure and provide quantifiable data on such a topic. They consider how our belief system underpins the three dim...

Tune in for an uncensored chat between Sue and her colleague Tania as they contemplate mindset and language. They enthusiastically ponder how being aware and intentional with language plays out in our relationships as well as shaping our internal dialogue. They unpack the role of negativity bias, complaining, anxiety and more. Enjoy an authentic insight into their friendship and how they love to b...

Can subtle shifts in language and vocabulary influence our understanding of concepts and in turn change wellbeing outcomes? In this walk and talk, Sue muses about one of her favourite topics, language. Research shows that language shapes our neural pathways and can shift how we show up, and how we feel. She ponders how words can nudge our behaviour in certain ways and how our choice of words can c...

Dr Ellen Langer is a pioneer, a maverick, a leader, and an all-round fabulous human being. Described as the “mother of mindfulness”, she has written extensively on the illusion of control, mindful ageing, stress, decision-making, and health.  She has inspired many to follow in her research footsteps and as Professor of Psychology at Harvard. Ellen has several books, with a new one on the way....

Join Sue Langley for a new series of podcasts where Sue talks about the science of emotions and emotional intelligence, positive psychology and wellbeing, and neuroscience all based on science, research, and evidence. The podcasts will include chats with friends and colleagues as well as expert "In Conversation" discussions with amazing individuals from around the world.