Given that most of us spend half our lives at work, it is no surprise that positive workplace interactions are critical for both our well-being and productivity. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychologist Ryan C. Warner for tips on how to foster positive interactions at work without coming off as disingenuous.

A globally recognized speaker, award-winning psychologist, accomplished scholar, and military veteran, Dr. Ryan C. Warner propels organizational performance to unparalleled heights with his commitment to amplifying inclusion and mental wellness in the workplace. Drawing on his extensive expertise on human behavior, Dr. Ryan C. Warner frequently speaks on topics related to responding to microaggressions in the workplace, fostering inclusive cultures, and bolstering psychological resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Ryan C. Warner addresses the widespread misconception that being liked at work translates directly to social well-being, and sheds light on what it means to feel psychologically safe in a team. Additionally, Dr. Ryan C. Warner outlines the various types of interactions that arise at work, and elaborates on how each of them contribute to workplace well-being in their own unique ways.

Together, Marie and Dr. Ryan C. Warner confess their guilty pleasures about workplace interactions, and explore useful habits for improving social well-being in the workplace for managers and employees alike. So, if you’re ready to transform your workday and build meaningful connections, tune in to this episode for a robust, evidence-based discussion on workplace interactions!

Visit Dr. Ryan C. Warner’s work via the following platforms:

Connect with Dr. Ryan C. Warner via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancwarner/

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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You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Given that most of us spend half our lives at work, it is no surprise that positive workplace interactions are critical for both our well-being and productivity. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychologist Ryan C. Warner for tips on how to foster positive interactions at work without coming off as disingenuous.

A globally recognized speaker, award-winning psychologist, accomplished scholar, and military veteran, Dr. Ryan C. Warner propels organizational performance to unparalleled heights with his commitment to amplifying inclusion and mental wellness in the workplace. Drawing on his extensive expertise on human behavior, Dr. Ryan C. Warner frequently speaks on topics related to responding to microaggressions in the workplace, fostering inclusive cultures, and bolstering psychological resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Ryan C. Warner addresses the widespread misconception that being liked at work translates directly to social well-being, and sheds light on what it means to feel psychologically safe in a team. Additionally, Dr. Ryan C. Warner outlines the various types of interactions that arise at work, and elaborates on how each of them contribute to workplace well-being in their own unique ways.

Together, Marie and Dr. Ryan C. Warner confess their guilty pleasures about workplace interactions, and explore useful habits for improving social well-being in the workplace for managers and employees alike. So, if you’re ready to transform your workday and build meaningful connections, tune in to this episode for a robust, evidence-based discussion on workplace interactions!

Visit Dr. Ryan C. Warner’s work via the following platforms:

Connect with Dr. Ryan C. Warner via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancwarner/

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 this episode of Doing Well, we explore the research behind video games and their relationship with digital social connectedness. While video games are often portrayed negatively in traditional media from claims of promoting violence to enabling harmful online interactions — this conversation focuses on their positive impact. Our guest, Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D., sheds light on how gaming can foster connection, creativity, and wellbeing in meaningful ways.

Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D. is a researcher and educator specializing in video games and wellbeing, popular culture, and cultural geography. After spending most of their career in academia, they shifted to applied work in gaming, including serving as a Wellbeing Researcher at Lumi Interactive and now working in video game market research. Outside of work, Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D. enjoys hiking, spending time with pets, and playing classics like Skyrim and Oblivion.

Throughout the episode, Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D. and host Sarah discuss how gaming can build social confidence, provide a sense of belonging, and even replicate “third spaces”, those comforting in-between places like cafés or libraries that offer community beyond home and work. They touch on the balance between enjoyment and overindulgence, noting that journaling can help players stay mindful of their emotions before, during, and after gaming. Together, they remind us that video games, when used intentionally, can be powerful tools for connection and joy.

Connect with Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D. via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hcgunderman/ 

Resources recommended by Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D.:

Talk on toxic positivity in emotional well-being games via GDC Vault: https://gdcvault.com/play/1035101/Thriving-Players-Summit-Avoiding-Toxic

Emotional naming apps recommended by Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D.:

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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Research has shown that when well-being becomes central to leadership, teams are more engaged, creative, and resilient. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo interviews leadership consultant Zi Kit Toh on what it takes to balance performance and well-being as a leader in the workplace.

With humble beginnings leading student well-being and engagement on university campuses, Zi Kit Toh is now the founder of leadership consultancy and workplace training firm Emote. Based in Singapore, the company’s mission is to equip organizations with the people skills to create environments that drive performance toward business goals. At Emote, Zi Kit Toh has worked with hundreds of leaders, teaching them how to connect and engage their people to achieve better results as a team.

In this episode, Zi Kit Toh addresses some widespread misconceptions about well-being, and sheds light on the key characteristics of an effective leader in today’s working world. In addition, Zi Kit Toh sheds light on the various types of leadership styles, what effective leadership looks like in a team, and common leadership mistakes to avoid.

Together, Lu and Zi Kit Toh exchange real-world leadership anecdotes, and look at various habits and practices for effective leadership. So, whether you’re a leader looking to model healthy habits, a team member seeking better support, or simply interested in building thriving organizations, tune in to this episode for practical insights to elevate both performance and people!

Visit Zi Kit Toh’s work via the following platforms:

Connect with Zi Kit Toh via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zikittoh

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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Positive, supportive relationships are often viewed as a nice-to-have, when in reality, they are essential for our mental health and overall well-being. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo interviews happiness consultant Simon Leow to find out more about how our relationships shape our minds and lives.

Based in Singapore, Simon Leow is the co-founder of Happiness Initiative, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting happiness and well-being in the region. Fascinated with the science of well-being, Simon Leow believes that well-being skills can be made accessible to everyone. At Happiness Initiative, Simon Leow oversees the research and development department, where he adopts a data-driven approach to building a culture of well-being in organizations and communities. In addition, Simon Leow holds a master’s degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode, Simon Leow debunks some common misconceptions about well-being, and sheds light on what makes for a positive interpersonal relationship. Additionally, Simon Leow highlights key predictors and signs of a positive relationship, and offers advice for cultivating and maintaining them.

Together, Lu and Simon Leow look at the science behind positive interpersonal relationships and how they affect our lives, as well as useful habits that support positive relationships. So, if you’re ready to strengthen your connections and boost your well-being, tune in this week for encouragement, expert advice, and engaging personal anecdotes on maintaining positive relationships for your well-being!

Visit Simon Leow’s work 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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You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Positive, supportive relationships are often viewed as a nice-to-have, when in reality, they are essential for our mental health and overall well-being. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo interviews happiness consultant Simon Leow to find out more about how our relationships shape our minds and lives.

Based in Singapore, Simon Leow is the co-founder of Happiness Initiative, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting happiness and well-being in the region. Fascinated with the science of well-being, Simon Leow believes that well-being skills can be made accessible to everyone. At Happiness Initiative, Simon Leow oversees the research and development department, where he adopts a data-driven approach to building a culture of well-being in organizations and communities. In addition, Simon Leow holds a master’s degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode, Simon Leow debunks some common misconceptions about well-being, and sheds light on what makes for a positive interpersonal relationship. Additionally, Simon Leow highlights key predictors and signs of a positive relationship, and offers advice for cultivating and maintaining them.

Together, Lu and Simon Leow look at the science behind positive interpersonal relationships and how they affect our lives, as well as useful habits that support positive relationships. So, if you’re ready to strengthen your connections and boost your well-being, tune in this week for encouragement, expert advice, and engaging personal anecdotes on maintaining positive relationships for your well-being!

Visit Simon Leow’s work 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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Over the decades, technology has transformed from being just a tool, to the very basis of how we see ourselves and interact with others. But what does this mean for our mental health and life satisfaction? This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo consults learning intervention senior lecturer Matthew Harrison to find out.

Currently based at the University of Melbourne, Matthew Harrison is an experienced teacher, researcher, and digital creator with a passion for utilizing technology to enhance social capacity building, belonging and inclusion in education. In addition to his role at the learning intervention team, Matthew Harrison is also the director of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) at the University of Melbourne Graduate School of Education. Matthew Harrison’s research primarily focuses on neurodiversity, inclusive education and the effective use of digital technologies as teaching and learning tools. As a gamer, he also has a particular interest in digital games-based learning and social support programs. 

In this episode, Matthew Harrison sheds light on various misconceptions surrounding well-being, and details how technology has fundamentally changed our concept of identity. Additionally, Matthew Harrison reveals how the pressure of maintaining an online persona affects self-esteem and mental health, highlighting the dangers of social comparison.

Together, Lu and Matthew Harrison explore healthy habits to practice in regards to managing our digital identity and well-being. So, if you’re ready to reconsider your relationship with technology, tune in this week for an episode teeming with facts and anecdotes on building digital identities that nurture your well-being!

Visit Matthew Harrison’s work: 

Connect with Matthew Harrison 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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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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You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: