Curiosity often gets overlooked as a tool for mental health, but new scientific research shows it can be a powerful ally in managing anxiety. This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo consults psychologist Joy Hou for expert advice on facing our anxious thoughts with inquiry, rather than avoidance.

Based in Singapore, Joy Hou is a registered psychologist and a full member of the Singapore Psychological Society. With a special interest in the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, Joy Hou’s work experience includes providing counselling services for individuals who seek emotional and psychological support. Joy Hou has worked in both clinical as well as non-clinical settings, including schools, voluntary welfare organizations and the Institute of Mental Health. In addition, Joy Hou also currently conducts mental health-related talks and workshops in schools, and corporate and community organizations.

In this episode, Joy Hou delves into the psychological science behind how curiosity helps to dampen stress and anxiety. Apart from that, Joy Hou addresses a range of well-being misconceptions, and outlines various types of curiosity-based interventions that have proven effective.

Together, Lu and Joy Hou look at healthy habits for exercising curiosity, as well as practical ways to break the cycle of worrying. So, if you’re ready to explore your mind and its unanswered questions, tune in this week for a jam-packed discussion on leading a more curious life!

Visit Joy Hou’s work: https://empathyworks.sg/

Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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In times of crisis, effective leadership is essential. While adversity can test even the most resilient of teams, great leaders bring stability, trust, and vision that can lift teams to even greater heights. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo consults psychoanalyst Molly Castelloe, Ph.D. on what it takes to lead through crises. 

With a doctorate in theater and psychology, Molly Castelloe, Ph.D. has held faculty positions at several colleges, such as New York University, and presented on the subjects of performance and psychoanalysis at national symposia. Her articles have appeared in international refereed journals, including the Journal for the Psychoanalysis of Culture and Society and The American Journal of Psychoanalysis. Currently, Molly Castelloe, Ph.D. is an advanced candidate at The National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis.

In this episode, Molly Castelloe, Ph.D. delves into what makes strong leadership so crucial in turbulent times, and elaborates on its role in a team’s well-being, as well as how groups respond to collective trauma. In addition, Molly Castelloe, Ph.D. reveals key takeaways from her study of groups and leadership, sharing effective leadership strategies.

Together, Lu and Molly Castelloe, Ph.D. exchange real-life leadership anecdotes and practical advice, as well as daily habits, for leading a team through hard times. So, whether you’re navigating organizational change, supporting your family, or leading yourself through challenging circumstances, tune in to this episode for research-backed insights and actionable tips to lead well!

Visit Molly Castelloe, Ph.D.’s work via the following platforms:

Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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Every team is a shadow of the man at the top: leadership shapes every aspect of the workplace, from social connection to productivity. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo interviews psychologist Dr. Louise Lambert for practical insights and advice on fostering workplace well-being as a leader.

With experience in counseling, mental health, education, and primary healthcare, Dr. Louise Lambert is not only a registered psychologist, but also an organizational consultant, researcher, and formerly a professor. More specifically, Dr. Louise Lambert’s expertise is rooted in positive psychology and the empirical strategies used to attain greater subjective well-being. Currently, Dr. Louise Lambert is the head of Happiness Programming & Policy Design with HappinessMatters.org, as well as the editor of Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology.

In this episode, Dr. Louise Lambert delves into the psychology behind why leaders play such a crucial role in shaping the well-being of employees in the workplace. Additionally, she sheds light on the qualities and behaviors that make a leader effective in promoting well-being among their team. 

Together, Lu and Dr. Louise Lambert exchange useful practices and habits for leading and managing a team. So, whether you’re a leader seeking to make a difference or a team member campaigning for positive change, tune in to this episode for research- and experience-based insights and actionable advice for building a workplace where everyone can thrive!

Visit Dr. Louise Lambert’s work: https://www.happinessmatters.org/

Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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Social connection is often viewed as a ‘nice-to-have’, but in reality, it’s a fundamental human need that shapes our health, happiness, and performance — and this rings true in the workplace. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo interviews workplace consultant and researcher Anetta Pizag on what it means to create a culture of connection in the office.

Currently based at Athena Blue Global, Anetta Pizag helps create human-centric workplaces that make it easier to tackle the challenges of work while maintaining a healthy body and mind. By collaborating closely with leaders and teams, Anetta Pizag also develops tailored work practices that make work a positive and rewarding experience. Additionally, Anetta Pizag’s books  ‘Create a Thriving Workspace’ and ‘35 Smart Choices’ present powerful tools for designing spaces where work communities flourish, and offer practical advice on working smarter instead of harder, respectively.

In this episode, Anetta Pizag shares her perspective on what it means to create a culture of connection in the workplace and why it matters. Furthermore, Anetta Pizag reveals some of the most common struggles companies face in attempting to build a connected workplace, and offers advice on overcoming them.

Together, Lu and Anetta Pizag discuss an abundance of practical ways to foster positive connections at work. So, tune in to this episode as we break down the latest research and explore real-world examples of how workplaces can move beyond surface-level interactions to build lasting, meaningful relationships that drive success!

Visit Anetta Pizag’s work: https://pizag.com.au

Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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Every dollar you spend is a reflection of what you value the most. Yet, many of us fall into habits of mindless consumption, missing the opportunity to use our resources for genuine fulfillment. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo interviews marketing professor Nicole L. Mead on what it means to spend meaningfully.

The founder and director of the Well-Being Research Lab (WiRL), Nicole L. Mead aims to uncover novel psychological insights that can be harnessed to improve personal, societal, and environmental well-being. Impressively, her research has been published in  Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Journal of Consumer Research, and Journal of Marketing.

In this episode, Nicole L. Mead delves into the various misconceptions most people have about well-being, as well as how it can be affected by our spending. Additionally, Nicole L. Mead shares useful pointers on shifting from impulsive to intentional spending, prioritizing purchases that align with long-term goals, and using money as a tool for personal growth, rather than momentary gratification.

Together, Lu and Nicole L. Mead discuss practical tips for transforming our relationship with money and spending more meaningfully. So, if you’re ready to make every dollar count towards a happier, more meaningful life, tune in to this episode and join us on the journey to well-being!

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Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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Financial well-being is a cornerstone of overall health and happiness, yet it’s often misunderstood or neglected in pursuit of materialism. This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant interviews financial wellness expert Joyce Marter, LCPC on what healthy financial behavior looks like.

With over 20 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist and entrepreneur, Joyce Marter, LCPC’s current mission as a speaker, corporate trainer, coach, and consultant, is to inspire others to improve their mental and financial health, work-life balance, and relationships, using proven strategies and innovative tools from psychology. The author behind best-selling book The Financial Mindset Fix, Joyce Marter, LCPC also writes for various media outlets by the likes of MoneyGeek, Psychology Today, and The Huffington Post.

In this episode, Joyce Marter, LCPC sheds light on the emotions behind financial decision-making, as well as how financial stress can affect an individual’s mental and physical health. Additionally, Joyce Marter, LCPC shares personal anecdotes of her experience with financial stress during her entrepreneurial journey, revealing that a shift in mindset played a major role in achieving her financial goals.

Together, Dina and Joyce Marter, LCPC exchange practical tips for building healthy financial habits. So, whether you’re looking to take control of your finances, or simply want to understand how money affects your well-being, tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights backed by science!

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Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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In today's increasingly digital world, many of us find ourselves working remotely or in hybrid environments. But how do we maintain our social well-being when we're physically distant from our colleagues? This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo is joined by business psychologist Helen Morris Brown to learn more.

Formerly a theatre stage manager and corporate film producer, Helen Morris Brown holds a master’s degree in occupational psychology. Having been a management trainer, consultant, and speaker since the mid-1990s, Helen Morris Brown’s background in show business inspires her to entertain and educate audiences when speaking in organizations and at conferences. Impressively, she has worked with international companies by the likes of Honda, Janssen, and the Home Office, as well as a slew of smaller businesses and charities.

In this episode, Helen Morris Brown reveals insights on the importance of social well-being for remote workers, as well as practical tips for fostering virtual team bonding. To add, she details the common challenges faced by remote workers and offers advice on managing them.

Together, Lu and Helen Morris Brown discuss the various ways to support remote employee well-being. So, whether you’re a remote worker, team leader, or human resources professional, tune in to this episode for valuable takeaways on maintaining your social well-being in remote working environments!

Visit Helen Morris Brown’s work: https://www.helenmorrisbrown.com/

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Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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Are you ready to embrace the single life and thrive? This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo is joined by social scientist Dr. Bella DePaulo to learn more about what it takes to thrive as a single person in a relationship-centred world.

Having been dubbed America’s foremost thinker and writer on the single experience, Dr. Bella DePaulo is the leading expert on single life. Dr. Bella DePaulo has always been single, and has pledged to remain single. In addition to writing a The Times best self-help book ‘Single at Heart’, her TEDx talk ‘What No One Ever Told You About People Who Are Single’ has been viewed over 1.7 million times.

In this episode, Dr. Bella DePaulo explains the misconceptions about being single, as well as the concept of well-being. She sheds light on how people cope with being single, be it positive or negative, and how this affects their mental well-being.

Together, Lu and Dr. Bella DePaulo discuss the idea of autonomy, and what strategies one can set up to foster a sense of autonomy and ultimately combat loneliness to cultivate a more fulfilling single life. So, tune in this week for expert insights and actionable advice on singlehood!

Follow Dr. Bella DePaulo’s work: www.BellaDePaulo.com. 

Follow Dr. Bella DePaulo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-depaulo-2865405/ 

Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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Many of us struggle with perfectionism - a desire to complete a task to an impossibly high standard, sometimes rendering it too overwhelming to even begin. Many people thrive on a hardworking lifestyle, or on creativity, but perfectionism may push them to a point of burnout, or of creative block. 

Joining host Lu Ngo for this episode is certified Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) practitioner Carina Yeap. She is the founder of Emerged Butterfly in Singapore and seeks to help stressed out individuals unlock their inner cheerleader through realistic, positive self-talk. Carina Yeap’s mission is to promote better understanding of mental wellness, improve self-confidence, and a deeper connection to oneself. Having worked with individuals from all over the world, Carina Yeap believes strongly that what you want is available to you once you truly see yourself for who you are – whole and enough.

In this episode, Carina Yeap dispels the mysteries of wellbeing and perfectionism, and explains how RTT can address the patterns found in those suffering from perfectionism.

Together, Lu and Carina Yeap discuss the concept of neuroplasticity, as well as practices that everyone can implement to get through perfectionism blocks.

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Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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Can a simple nudge spark a lifelong love of learning? This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo is joined by behavioral researcher Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D. to find out more.

A behavioral researcher at Persistence Plus, Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D. applies his expertise in behavioral science to develop scalable interventions that improve college student retention. He travels around the United States speaking on how nudging can reshape the college student experience. His research has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Psychological Science and Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, and he has co-authored a chapter on behavioral nudging in the book Decision Making for Student Success.

In this episode, Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D. sheds light on what it means to nudge, especially in the context of developing a love for learning, not just in terms of academic performance, but also personal growth. To add, he addresses the age-old misconception that well-being involves being happy or feeling good all the time.

Together, Lu and Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D. discuss the ways in which mindfulness can help any individual get through times of anxiety and hardship. So, tune in to this episode to learn how tiny changes in mindset and habits can lead to transformative outcomes!

Visit Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D.'s works via the following links:

Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs.

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