There is an unspoken belief in our culture about wealth. There is a belief that wealth is the answer to all our problems. We could be happier if we had more money. All the psychological research has consistently shown that money doesn't make you happier, unless you are living in poverty. However, I don't think most of us believe it. In this episode, I interview my friend Mara Bruce. Her father was the founder of Pizza Hut, and we discuss how wealth effected her life.

Connection is imperative for real happiness. What are we here for if not to have quality relationships with other people? Most of the psychological research supports the idea that being cared about and connected to others creates happiness and even longevity. We all know connection is important, but lots of people don't have enough. Loneliness is at all time highs and is on the rise. This week's podcast is all about how to build quality connection with other people.

I want to address a topic that stresses a lot of people out this time of year, gaining weight around the holidays. It might seem impossible to go out more and enjoy yourself, without overindulging. However, for years I have been using four simple tricks to avoid gaining holiday weight. Only one of my four tips involves food, and it isn't about restriction.

This week's podcast is all about food culture in America and France. There is a huge difference! One thing I've noticed about Paris is, despite being a culture of food, wine, cheese and bread, the people here do not struggle with weight as much as we do in the states. I interview Amy Feezor, an American writer living in Paris who is married to a Frenchman. This week I grilled Amy about how a culture with the most delicious food in the world seems not to be affected by obesity.

Last year I completed a gratitude project where I wrote a thank-you letter every day for 100 days. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever done. Last week, I decided to write another gratitude letter. I had been out running, trying to think of ways to inspire more people to exercise in nature. Running has has changed my life in numerous ways. Then it hit me. I could write a thank-you letter to running. This week's podcast includes this letter, as well as tips on gratitude and motivation to exercise!

When I talk to people about the four areas of life I believe are crucial for happiness, accomplishment is the one that gets the most questions. This week's podcast is all about the importance of accomplishment and how to figure out the right amount to maximize your happiness.

Almost every woman I work with wants to lose weight. They all wish they could stop the mindless eating. This week I want to share a quick way to change the habit of overeating. It's a tool to lose weight that has nothing to do with dieting. Listen in to this week's podcast to understand clearly how it works.

For years, I have been observing the negative effects of having expectations. If you have an expectation of an event, reality can rarely live up to the experience you've imagined. No one ever dreams of a week at the beach filled with rain and gastric distress. No one dreams of heading to Disneyland for hours of standing in lines, whining kids and crappy food. No one dreams of a ski trip with no snow. Yet these things happen all the time. How then, should we handle our expectations?

Because of social media and movies, sometimes we may feel a sense of expectation that our days and nights should be filled with excitement. I speak to many people who compare their own lives to the ones on social media, and find them lacking. This has led to increased loneliness and distress. In real life, happiness can be hard. I think of happiness like fitness. It takes energy, and has to be practiced and planned daily to really work. Today I share my advice on how to feel more fulfilled with your life.