SHOW NOTES

348. What 2025 taught us about flourishing, and how it can help you ring in a happier 2026!

Host: Laura Cox Kaplan

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC:

As 2025 comes to a close, Laura invites listeners to pause, reflect, and celebrate another year of great conversation and insight on She Said/She Said Podcast. This special solo episode weaves together favorite moments, insights, and some top lessons from a remarkable lineup of guests, connecting these experiences to the science of human flourishing and the question “What does it truly mean to thrive?” 

If you’re seeking inspiration, actionable tools, or simply a sense of connection and hope as you look to 2026, this recap episode is for you. Get ready to reimagine celebration as a leadership practice, learn why “busy” can undermine your influence, and rethink accomplishment and the stories you tell yourself. Plus, hear about special guests like Birdie's founder, Bianca Gates, coming in 2026 and what you’ll take away from She Said/She Said’s ongoing collaboration with The Southern C!

KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE SCIENCE OF HUMAN FLOURISHING: Discover the five pillars of wellbeing and how positive psychology tools can transform your choices, relationships, and outlook for 2026.

• CELEBRATION AS STRATEGY: Why savoring small wins is far from frivolous, the essential leadership lesson from celebration expert and former Martha Stewart Weddings’ editor Darcy Miller, and why joy can be a powerful success multiplier.

• REFRAMING YOUR NARRATIVE: How the stories we tell ourselves affect our confidence, creativity, and ability to connect. Plus: tips on building “influence from the inside out.”

• DEEP ENGAGEMENT VS. BUSYNESS: learn why protecting time for “flow” is vital, and how being “busy” can sabotage mastery and impact.

• THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS: Why we never flourish alone and how investing in others helps us grow.

• FINDING MEANING AND PURPOSE: Hear moving stories about transforming personal experience into community impact, like Jim Towey’s reflections from his work as Mother Teresa’s lawyer and friend, and Yael Goodman’s healing work in Israel after October 7, 2023. We also explored Dr. Anne Welsh’s “ambition paradox” and Laura’s concept of “experience equity,” which claims that every part of your journey is valuable.

• ACHIEVEMENT (AND THE IMPORTANCE OF REST): Accomplishment isn’t just about goals, but about aligning action, values, and strategic breaks, with tips from McKinsey’s Lorena Yee, and Laura’s perspective on why rest fuels productivity.

There’s so much wisdom packed into this episode, tied together with Laura’s personal reflections and encouragement. This is the perfect episode to help you get ready to dive into a new year! 

GOT FEEDBACK? What struck you most in this conversation? We want to hear from you! Share your word of the year, your favorite moments, your own flourishing tools, or anything else that’s on your mind! Reach out via the links below.

MORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: 

Use the link below to shop all of our special holiday offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:

Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7d

Be sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkout



LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? You’ll find all our episodes & lots more content: shesaidshesaidpodcast.com

LET’S CONNECT!

• Instagram: @lauracoxkaplan
• LinkedIn: Laura Cox Kaplan
• Contact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.com
• Email: [email protected]

PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST

Love the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!



Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media