Live Happy Now

We all have a deep desire to matter, but do we know why? In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with philosopher and author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein to explore the “mattering instinct” and why it shapes everything from our personal fulfillment to our political divides. She explains our longing to feel significant influences our choices, our relationships, and even our conflicts — and how reframing our own mattering projects can lead to a more meaningful, connected life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why the need to matter often drives us more powerfully than the need to be happy.
How different “mattering projects” shape our behavior and our relationships.
What we can do — individually and collectively — to create a world where everyone feels they count.

If you’ve been hearing everyone talk about the vagus nerve but aren’t totally sure what the buzz is about, this episode is your shortcut to understanding it. Trauma therapist, author, and polyvagal expert Rebecca Kase joins host Paula Felps to break down what the vagus nerve actually does, why it affects everything from your stress levels to your relationships, and how simple daily practices can help you feel calmer, more connected, and more resilient.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why the vagus nerve plays such a central role in both physical and emotional well-being.
How breathwork and other everyday practices can strengthen vagal tone.
What your nervous system has to do with connection, compassion, and healthier relationships.

Are you thriving in life, or merely surviving? This week, host Paula Felps talks with leadership coach Jon Rosemberg, author of A Guide to Thriving, to explore what it truly means to thrive. Jon shares how connection and purpose shape our capacity to flourish, and introduces his AIR framework (Awareness, Inquiry, Reframing) to provide practical, compassionate guidance for building habits that support long‑term thriving.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why thriving is not the same as succeeding.
How to recognize when you’re stuck in survival mode.
A simple, science‑based formula for increasing your sense of agency.

To kick off the new year, host Paula Felps sits down with Jodi Wellman, author of You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets, to explore how to make the most of the new year. Jodi explains how embracing life’s ultimate deadline can spark astonishing aliveness and help us break free from our comfort zones, rediscover what lights us up, and consciously reprioritize what truly matters. Listen as Jodi tells us how to stop postponing joy and start living like we mean it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why acknowledging life’s “deadline” can motivate us to live more fully.
How to recognize signs of feeling “dead inside” and reignite vitality.
Practical ways to say yes to experiences that create meaning and aliveness.

As we look toward the new year, it’s the perfect time to look at how to make lasting change. In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Madi Murphy — author of In the Cosmic Zone and host of the CosmicRX Podcast — to explore how astrology, neuroscience, spirituality, and practical tools can help us ignite our purpose as we step into a new year. Madi shares her personal journey of transformation, the lessons she’s learned from leaving her comfort zone, and how we can all activate our purpose rather than simply search for it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why leaving your comfort zone is essential for growth — and how to recognize when it’s time.
How to activate your purpose through alignment, rather than waiting to “discover” it.
Practical tools and mindset practices to overcome blocks and live in flow more often.

This is the season for giving back, which makes it the perfect time to talk to a Holiday Happy Activist! In this episode, host Paula Felps talks with Lindsay Morehead-Oates, a Dallas-based graphic designer who has turned her passion for giving into meaningful action. Lindsay shares how her early experiences with volunteering shaped her values, why she continues to dedicate time to both people and animals, and how she recently fulfilled a long-time dream by cooking and delivering Thanksgiving meals to those in need.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How childhood traditions like the Angel Tree inspired Lindsay’s lifelong commitment to giving.
Why volunteering at a wildlife refuge and serving her community bring her joy and perspective.
How she and her best friend turned a simple idea into a Thanksgiving feast for 50 people, proving that generosity can be both affordable and transformative

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.

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.

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.

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.