Live Happy Now

Navigating Loneliness During the Holidays With Dr. Jody Carrington

The holidays are a time for togetherness — so why do so many people feel lonely during this time of year? This week, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Jody Carrington to talk about why loneliness feels worse during the holiday season, the role modern technology plays in increasing loneliness, and how we can navigate holiday loneliness and rediscover joy through authentic connection. You’ll also learn about the Live Happy Holiday Loneliness Toolkit, filled with resources to support anyone who is navigating feelings of isolation during the holiday season.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why loneliness is not just a mental health issue but a human epidemic shaped by modern life.
How emotional regulation practices — like simple body cues — can help restore connection and reduce stress.
Practical ways to build depth in relationships, embrace chosen family, and find community during the holidays.

Destressing From the Holidays With Travis McNulty

As the holidays approach and everyone gets busier than ever, feelings of goodwill can give way to stress and anxiety. This week, host Paula Felps sits down with licensed mental health counselor Travis McNulty, clinical director and founder of McNulty Counseling and Wellness, to explore how we can reduce holiday stress and emotional overwhelm. Travis explains why the season often triggers old family roles and patterns, how expectations can set us up for disappointment, and what practical tools we can use to stay grounded. From breathing techniques to boundary-setting, he shares strategies to help us move through the holidays with more calm, intention, and joy.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why holiday environments can trigger old emotional roles and stress responses.
Simple tools like exercise and diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system.
How setting boundaries and redefining expectations can make the holidays more enjoyable.

Healing Mother Daughter Tensions During the Holidays With Leslie and Lindsey Glass

As the holidays approach, it’s time to plan family gatherings — and that can often mean stress and conflict. In this episode, host Paula Felps welcomes mother-daughter duo Leslie and Lindsey Glass, authors of the Mother Daughter Relationship Makeover Workbook to explore the emotional complexities of family dynamics during the holidays. Drawing from their personal journey and professional work in recovery and relational healing, they unpack why the season often amplifies unresolved tensions — and how to navigate them with compassion, boundaries, and grace.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to set loving boundaries before holiday gatherings to reduce conflict and anxiety.
Why childhood memories can distort present-day interactions — and how to reframe them.
Tips for navigating grief, crisis, or estrangement during the holiday season.

Finding Purpose at Work With Greg Kettner

Unhappiness at work is a growing problem, but reconnecting with purpose can change everything. Join host Paula Felps as she sits down with WorkHappy founder Greg Kettner to explore why so many people feel unfulfilled at work and what steps they can take to discover their passion and use purpose to fuel resilience — even on the hardest of days.
 
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why lack of communication — not workload — is often the biggest source of workplace unhappiness.
How living with purpose makes it easier to navigate setbacks and stay motivated, even in uncertain times.
Simple, daily practices to cultivate more happiness and meaning — without needing to quit your job.

The Science of Being Thankful With Michelle Palmer Jones and Paula Felps

November is National Gratitude Month, and that makes it a great time to talk about what new research says about gratitude. Host Paula Felps welcomes social media manager Michelle Palmer Jones for a heartfelt conversation about the power of gratitude in everyday life: From personal stories of resilience to emerging research on how gratitude supports mental and physical health, this episode explores how intentional practices can transform our well-being. Paula and Michelle also highlight new studies on gratitude’s impact across generations, including college students and older adults, and invite listeners to share their own gratitude stories for a chance to win Live Happy merch.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How gratitude improves mental health in young adults through tech-based interventions.
The link between gratitude and increased longevity in older adults.
How to practice “gratitude in disguise” during difficult times and emotional challenges.

Celebrating Solitude With Dr. Robert Coplan

We’ve heard a lot about the dangers of loneliness, but how is loneliness different from solitude? In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Robert Coplan to discuss his new book, The Joy of Solitude. Rob shares insights from decades of research on how intentional alone time can foster emotional clarity, creativity, and well-being — and how it differs profoundly from loneliness. From childhood development to adult relationships, he reveals why solitude is a vital part of a balanced life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The surprising benefits of spending just 15 minutes alone each day.
Myths about loneliness and solitude, including why living alone doesn’t mean being lonely.
The science of “aloneliness” — the longing for solitude — and how it impacts mental health.

Outsmarting Seasonal Depression With Dr. Hannah Nearney

We’re getting ready to turn back our clocks this weekend, and for some people, the shorter days can spark mental health challenges. In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Hannah Nearney, a clinical psychiatrist and medical director at Flow Neuroscience, about the mental health challenges that arise during seasonal changes — particularly the onset of winter. Dr. Hannah explains how shorter days and reduced sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter balance, then discusses the importance of proactive strategies like light therapy and changes in lifestyle to better manage symptoms.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How seasonal changes affect brain chemistry and mood regulation.
The difference between winter blues and clinical seasonal depression.
Practical tools and practices to protect your mental health as the days get shorter.

The Science of Spooky Happiness With Michelle Palmer Jones and Paula Felps

Halloween might be all about ghosts, costumes, and candy—but science says it’s also a powerful happiness booster. In this episode of Live Happy Now, host Paula Felps and social media manager Michelle Palmer Jones explore the surprising research behind why the spooky season lifts our spirits. From the nostalgia of childhood traditions to the thrill of a safe scare, Halloween taps into the emotions that help us feel more playful, connected, and calm — just when we need it most.
In this episode you’ll learn:
How nostalgia and play during Halloween boost joy and reduce stress.
Why even a small piece of candy can trigger big feelings of happiness.
How safe scares — like haunted houses — can actually make us less anxious afterward.

From Stress to Stillness With Dr. Seth J. Gillihan

If you’re dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety, you’re not alone! But this week, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Seth J. Gillihan to explore his latest book, Your Daily Reset: 366 Practical Exercises to Reduce Anxiety and Manage Stress Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Designed as a daily companion, the book offers bite-sized, actionable practices rooted in CBT and mindfulness to help you gently reset your emotions and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and compassion. Find out how embracing anxiety, practicing self-compassion, and tuning into the present moment can transform your mental health — one small step at a time.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why “just this” might be the most powerful phrase for calming overwhelm.
How to restart your mental health habits without guilt or judgment.
A simple framework for embracing anxiety instead of fighting it.

Creating True Connectability With Anna Runkle

One of the most universal struggles today is a feeling of disconnection, so this week host Paula Felps talks with Anna Runkle — better known as the “Crappy Childhood Fairy” — about her new book Connectability: Heal the Hidden Ways You Isolate, Find Your People and Feel (At Last) Like You Belong. Anna shares how her own journey from childhood trauma to building genuine, sustaining friendships shaped the practices she now teaches to thousands. With humor and heartfelt insight, she explains why connection is essential yet elusive — and how we can all start creating it for ourselves.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why disconnection is often a hidden symptom of early trauma and how it affects our ability to build relationships.
Practical, non-therapy tools from Connectability to regulate your nervous system and begin forming authentic bonds.
How letting go of unhealthy relationships and practicing new social skills can help you “find your people” at any age or stage of life.