Jo Wagstaff had it all. Or so she thought. At 32 she was an executive at a leading wealth management company. She had the career, the fancy car, a beautiful home, husband and baby. Until it all began to unravel. That year her marriage ended and her dad died of cancer. To numb the grief Jo worked harder, drank more, used drugs for the first time and found the most dysfunctional relationship she could – all while giving the perception to the outside world that she was thriving. While it all seemed very dark, it was also the beginning of her journey out of the darkness towards a more authentic way of life. Today she coaches men and women about their power and how to find the inner confidence to choose their best lives. Jo’s Book: Lead Like You: How Authenticity Transforms the Way Women Live, Love, and Succeed Jo on Instagram; Jo on Facebook; Jo on LinkedIn Jo’s website: https://jowagstaff.com/ Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram How2behappypodcast on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt like you are the only person thinking or feeling a certain way? Dr Jen Martin has researched and compiled an amazing list of questions and answers about how we tick that will show you that you’re definitely not alone. Everything from why we have a fear of missing out, to why multitasking is so hard ( and ineffective) and why holding eye contact is exhausting. Does everyone have more friends than me, and why do I keep putting things off? It has given her a very practical understanding of why we behave the way we do and just how normal we really are, even when we don’t feel it. Dr Jen Martin’s book: Why Am I Like This? Where to find more about Dr Jen: A/Prof Jen Martin (she/her) | Twitter, Instagram | Linktree Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram How2behappypodcast on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan Lewis is a Walkley award winning photographer who also has a special gift. She is an energetic healer, an ability she first discovered in her teens. She now works with people doing Subconscious Mind Healing as well as continuing her work as a documentary photographer. She is a beautiful woman, with a calm, clear spirit who lives a life helping others. She has some beautiful wisdom to share about how we can all connect better with our inner wisdom to live happier lives. Megan’s photography site:: https://www.meganlewis.com.au/ Megan’s therapy site: Megan Lewis Therapy – Private Subconscious-Mind Healing About PSH: https://www.psh.org.au/ Megan’s book: https://www.meganlewis.com.au/conversations-with-the-mob-1 Other books mentioned: The Chrysalids by John Wyndham The Myth of Normal: by Gabor Mate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pam Ahern lives each day in tune with true happiness. She is the founder of Edgar’s Mission, a farm animal sanctuary in Victoria where she - and others - care for abandoned animals and animals rescued from factory farming. A loving advocate for the rights of animals, Pam approaches the subject without judgment or anger. But she wants us to talk about why we treat some animals - like our dogs and cats - with love and protection but don’t give the same rights to the animals we farm for food, like pigs, cows and chickens. She also asks the question: What if we are wrong? What if we are not supposed to use animals for food but are supposed to care for them instead? It’s an uncomfortable subject for a lot of people but Pam has a lot of wisdom to share about How We Can Live Happy Lives Without Harming Others. Online: https://edgarsmission.org.au/ Edgar’s Mission on Instagram Pam’s TedX Talk Find details of animal sanctuaries to visit, plus other information at Vegan Australia Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram How2behappypodcast on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jelena Dokic is an extraordinary and inspiring woman. A former tennis international who achieved a top ranking of number 4 in the world, she has also had a personal and professional life beset by challenges. Throughout her childhood and teenage years she was abused physically and mentally by her father and coach Damir Dokic. She would hide the secret of this abuse for years only finally telling her story after a meeting with journalist Jessica Halloran that then led to the writing of her first book Unbreakable. Since then she has embarked on a mission to reclaim her life from the trauma of her childhood abuse. She has been incredibly open about her mental health challenges and eating disorder but today describes herself as a happy woman. Her strength, resilience and courage are admirable and she has been a source of inspiration to many others who have found themselves struggling. She’s written a new book about that journey called Fearless: Finding the power to thrive. Jelena on Instagram Jelena’s book: Fearless Jelena’s first book: Unbreakable Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram How2behappypodcast on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trinette Faint has done it all. She’s worked as a model and an actress, and at one stage was a personal assistant to Matt Damon. She has run her own online beauty company, has written two books and she is also a podcaster back in Boston where she lives with her dog Avery. But despite all her successes she always has a drive to more…in her words she has been “hustling all her life”. Today she talks about how she has gone about manifesting a happy life. Find Trinette on Instagram Trinette’s website Trinette’s book: Collette’s Caleb MidCoast Star Other books mentioned on the podcast You are a BadAss By Jen Sincero Killers of a Certain Age: By Deanna Raybourn The Fraud: By Zadie Smith Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram How2behappypodcast on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep 17: Belinda Elworthy is the CEO of Gotcha4Life a charity founded by radio and TV personality Gus Worland after the tragic death of a dear friend from suicide. It started as a charity to help men talk about their mental struggles but it’s evolved into a service supporting all people now. On the podcast we talk about why men can find it so hard to be vulnerable and how you can recognise if someone you know is in trouble; as well Belinda’s personal tips for living a happy life. Belinda on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindaelworthy/ Gotcha4Life LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gotcha4life/ G4L Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Gotcha4Life G4L Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gotcha4life/ Mental Fitness Gym - https://www.gym.gotcha4life.org/ Ted talk by Gus Worland - https://www.gotcha4life.org/ted Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robyn Miller is a life saver for many women who find themselves overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a household, especially after having children. A pediatrician as well as a wife and mother, Robyn created the Mental Load Project to help women more fairly divide household responsibilities with their partners so they can get out from under the heavy burden of the “mental load” and live happier lives. Find Dr Robyn/The Mental Load Project on: Instagram Facebook Web: The Mental Load Project Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Stenning has spent the last year travelling around Australia in a campervan with her husband and five-year-old twins. Along the way she’s met a few snakes and emus and learned how to be resourceful with whatever food is available. But she’s also had a magical year learning how to be more present, and to appreciate the small things that can get lost in an otherwise hectic modern life. While not everyone can throw in their job to take a year long trip around Australia, there are many things to be learned from Hannah’s experience including the recognition that maybe less is more when it comes to a happy life. Find Hannah on LinkedIn Find Hannah on Instagram Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram How to be Happy podcast on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danika Johnston is a powerhouse, as well as one of the loveliest women you will meet. She has had a successful career in the media, working with companies such as Channel 10, Mamamia and Tiktok. She is now chief commercial officer at WeAre8 - a global social media app that puts people and planet first - so every time a citizen watches an ad on the platform - climate solutions and charities get paid. She also has three young sons, and although Danika makes life look easy she admits the juggle is real. Her real success is in the relationships she forms - the friends and family who form her ‘tribe’. This, she says, is the true secret to a happy life. Find Danika on LinkedIn Find WeAre8 here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weare8/ https://www.weare8.com/ https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weare8-share-the-love/id1391527170 Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael McQueen is a modern-day fortune teller. He’s a social researcher and trends forecaster - which means he’s usually one step ahead of the rest of us. He’s also a master at understanding how people make decisions, why they get stuck in certain mindsets and how you can learn specific tools to change other people’s minds. It’s a crafty skill but Michael hopes it’s used for more than just getting people to buy new cars or sneakers and instead to help bring people together and see other viewpoints. He’s written a new book called Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds. In this episode you’ll learn Michael tips for immediately getting people onside, and how to “prime” people to get the outcome you want. Michael McQueen’s book: Mindstuck Michael on Instagram Michael on LinkedIn. Credits Host: Kate de Brito Kate on Instagram Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Rob Battisti has a hard job, but he makes it look easy. He is the Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Cancer Centre for Children at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead where he works with young cancer patients and their families. He is also the Clinical Director at Mind Plasticity, a multidisciplinary mental health service. He’s a father to a beautiful two-and-a-half year old daughter so he knows what it’s like to juggle a busy professional life and a home. And he is incredibly smart and wise. We talked about grief and whether there are ways you can prepare for it as well as some of the factors that help build resilience. We also chat about Dr Rob’s personal habits for good mental health. Find Dr Rob online: Mindplasticity CREDITS Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They walk among us, yet they are not like the rest of us. In a slightly unsettling chat, successful author David Gillespie talks about toxic people, including that most toxic of all, the psychopath. Far from being the stuff of fiction and movies, they are seemingly ordinary people who are missing the capacity for empathy. The result can be a nightmare for those who encounter them in the workplace or in relationships. On the podcast you will learn: How to recognise a psychopath The character traits that often make them very successful people What to do if you encounter one of these people in close proximity like a boss. Also David’s top tips for living a happy life including his no phones rule. David’s latest book: Toxic at Work Find David online: https://davidgillespie.org/ David on Instagram Credits Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Robson is a UK-based science journalist who has written a fascinating book The Expectation Effect that proves what we expect to happen very often does. David explains all the scientific research that shows how changing your beliefs about something can improve almost any outcome, from healing better after injury, losing weight or even getting better results in the gym. On the podcast you’ll learn: How having an expectation of a fast recovery after an illness or surgery can make you heal faster How changing your beliefs about your abilities can enhance your athletic or sporting performance. How you can deal better with anxiety and sleep issues How you can get better at a certain skill simply by changing your outlook about it. David also talks about how his own life radically transformed once he put these insights into practice. Find David online: https://davidrobson.me/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidarobson/ David’s book: The Expectation Effect: https://www.amazon.com.au/Expectation-Effect-Mindset-Change-World/dp/1250827639 Credits Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Betts is a successful fiction writer - she’s just published her sixth young adult novel, One Song. And she is also an inspiring teacher of creativity. Working alongside young people in hospitals, Amanda has seen first-hand the transformative benefit of creativity. She believes people are fooled into thinking creativity is a magic gift owned by only the special few when in reality we all have potential for creativity and with it, personal growth. On this episode we discuss: Getting started in the creative process. The difference creativity makes in everyday life. How to prioritize creativity Finding inspiration nature Balancing inspiration and action. Find AJ Betts online: http://www.ajbetts.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ajbettswrites/ Facebook: http://www.ajbetts.com/ AJ’s latest book One Song Credits: Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Smith has led an extraordinary life. But not always a happy one. After years of alcoholism, drug abuse and homelessness, he had an epiphany that led to a remarkable transformation. From that moment, he never again touched alcohol, drugs or tobacco. He went back to school and is now a university lecturer and author with a partner and young son - and a contented life. He is a wise man guided by a set of happiness principals. In this episode you will learn: How to let go of control and let life guide you rather than paddling against the current How to inhabit the mindset of a different person to change your life How doing good and helping others can turn your own life around How setting meaningful goals and moving towards them is the real key to transformation. Find Gregory online: https://drgregorysmith.wordpress.com/ Gregory’s book: Better than Happiness: The True Antidote to Discontent: https://www.booktopia.com.au/better-than-happiness-gregory-smith/book/9781761341380.html Credits Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Stephanie Cannavo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Callaghan is an Aboriginal man from the land of the Worimi people near Newcastle on the NSW coast who has a great passion for storytelling. At 35 – when life looked about as successful as it could get - he suffered a nervous breakdown. He describes it as the best thing that ever happened to him because it set him on a course of self-discovery and reconnection with Aboriginal spirituality. This episode is about how an ancient culture and spirituality holds many clues for living a happier modern life. On this episode you’ll learn How to find 10 out of 10 moments in your everyday life The practical things you can do to find more joy How the values of “knowing, being and doing” from Indigenous culture have value in the modern world The one principal for happiness that lays the foundation for all others The value of being on country, or in nature, for your emotional health The importance of discovering your purpose How to weather the big storms in your life Get Paul’s book: The Dreaming Path/Panterra Press https://www.amazon.com.au/Dreaming-Path-Indigenous-Thinking-Change/dp/0648748952/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VP1056IMLB8S&keywords=the+dreaming+path&qid=1688101381&sprefix=the+dreaming+path%2Caps%2C325&sr=8-1 Find him online: https://www.culturalconsultancy.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul.callaghan28/ Credits: Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Harriet McIlveen See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Kieran Kennedy is a doctor specialising in psychiatry who has always had a passion for men’s health. Although he has traditional medical credentials, he is a firm advocate of basic wellbeing and its effect on the mind and body. He has just written a book called The Manual with former Men’s Health editor Scott Henderson. In this episode we talk about how men can reclaim their happiness. In this episode you’ll learn How men are increasingly worried about body image and how they can get perspective How the mind and body work together to create a happy life How the food you eat and the exercise you do influences your mental and emotional health How men can be empowered to help themselves The impact of sleep on mental health The power of movement on stress and anxiety Kieren online: https://drkierankennedy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkierankennedy/ The Manual: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761261657/?fbclid=PAAaZUUl1ShI-vJK4QVRf-AGcH2cHy_RoaDW9CaQjI_asun8kBqYqzDCKOFgQ Credits: Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Steven Christie https://www.instagram.com/steven_christie/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lynne Malcolm knows her way around the brain, or rather, how the brain works. Over the course of a decade conducting interviews for ABC radio show, All in the Mind, Lynne has gleaned many insights into living a good life. Now she has written a book presenting some of the extraordinary facts and case studies from over the years. She talks to us about some of the insights she has now incorporated into her own life. In this episode you’ll learn The top changes Lynn made in her own life after hearing from all the experts Tips for dealing with anxiety and the critical self-voice How authentic human connection is a lynchpin for a happy life. The power of compassion for yourself and others The top three things people can do to live a happier life Get Lynne’s book: All in The Mind/ABC Books https://www.amazon.com.au/All-Mind-Lynne-Malcolm/dp/0733342426/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=all+in+the+mind+by+lynne+malcolm&qid=1688100151&sprefix=All+in+the+mind%2Caps%2C329&sr=8-1 Credits: Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Steven Christie https://www.instagram.com/steven_christie/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Couslon is a parenting expert extraordinaire. He has six daughters and hosts the hit Ch 9 TV show Parental Guidance. Justin has a raft of strategies and tips on how to raise kids and says being happier as a parent is also the key to raising happy kids. In this podcast he takes us under the bonnet to find out how you can be happy doing one of the world’s most demanding jobs – raising kids. On this episode you will learn: Why despite loving our children, a lot of parents are unhappy How exercising less control over kids makes them and you happier The top three tips to be happier as a parent How to treat your kids like employees so they get the best out of themselves The biggest mistakes most parents are making that are the easiest to change Find Justin online: https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/about Justin’s book: The Parenting revolution/ ABC Books: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-parenting-revolution-justin-coulson/book/9780733342516.html?source=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnf-kBhCnARIsAFlg493zHDJrFFvnkuCm4wZs0WJJMcxwCmllQ_o2laTVnnaBMNx1kaG-qbgaApAOEALw_wcB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjustincoulson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happyfamiliesau/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjustincoulson/ Credits: Host: Kate de Brito https://www.instagram.com/kate.debrito/ Editor: Steven Christie https://www.instagram.com/steven_christie/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.