Flourish FM

Shigehiro Oishi, Ph.D., is the Marshall Field IV Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, and a leader in the study of happiness, psychological well-being, the experience of a meaningful life and cultural psychology. He has published over 200 journal articles and book chapters with over 100,000 citations. He is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and won the 2017 Society of Experimental Social Psychology Career Trajectory Award, the 2018 Carol and Ed Diener Award from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and the 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award for Advancing Cultural Psychology. 

Shigehiro’s research focuses on culture, social ecology, and well-being. His most recent book is Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life (Penguin Random House, 2025). His research lab is particularly interested in investigating questions about the concept of well-being, such as “What is a good life?”, the predictors of well-being, such as “What are the predictors of a good life?”, and the consequences of well-being, such as “Are there benefits to a happy/meaningful/psychologically rich life?”. He is also interested in how the concepts, predictors, and consequences of well-being might differ across cultures. 

Shigehiro’s research also explores socio-ecological conditions that are detrimental or conducive to well-being, such as income inequality, residential mobility, and walkability. Currently, he is focusing on the effects of economic inequality and residential mobility on the well-being of individuals and communities. 

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Timestamps:

00:01:00 - Anticipation for the Conversation

Hosts express their excitement about the conversation and discuss the relevance of psychological richness.

00:02:09 - Defining a Good Life

Dr. Oishi discusses the empirical consensus on what constitutes a good life, including subjective well-being and meaningful life.

00:07:11 - Psychological Richness Defined

Dr. Oishi defines psychological richness and provides examples of experiences that contribute to it.

00:08:49 - Distinguishing Meaning from Richness

Discussion on how psychological richness differs from a meaningful life and the role of perspective-changing experiences.

00:11:34 - Personal Experiences and Psychological Richness

Hosts share personal experiences that resonate with the concept of psychological richness.

00:13:10 - Values and Psychological Richness

Dr. Oishi explains how different value orientations can lead to the pursuit of psychological richness.

00:19:05 - Biological Predispositions and Values

Discussion on the role of biological predispositions and upbringing in shaping values and the pursuit of psychological richness.

00:26:39 - Flourishing and Its Relationship with Happiness, Meaning, and Richness

Dr. Oishi's perspective on flourishing and how it can be achieved through happiness, meaning, or psychological richness.

00:30:08 - Obituary Study on Flourishing Lives

Findings from a study analyzing obituaries to identify lives that were happy, meaningful, and psychologically rich.

00:32:00 - Regrets and Psychological Richness

Research findings on how undoing life's biggest regrets could lead to a more psychologically rich life.

00:36:22 - Preference for Security Over Adventure

Discussion on why people might prefer security and stability over the adventurous pursuit of psychological richness.

00:41:35 - Criteria for Psychological Richness

Dr. Oishi explains the threshold for an experience to be considered psychologically rich.

00:43:35 - Emotional Complexity in Psychological Richness

The relationship between psychological richness and the experience of both positive and negative emotions.

00:44:17 - Practical Steps for a Psychologically Rich Life

Dr. Oishi shares practical advice for living a more psychologically rich life, including being playful and saying yes to new experiences.

00:48:24 - Flourishing Question

Dr. Oishi's advice on flourishing, emphasizing the importance of saying yes to new experiences.

00:49:00 - Conclusion and Contact Information

Closing remarks, where to find more about Dr. Oishi's work, and current research focus.

Paul J. Zak is a professor at Claremont Graduate University, where he directs the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies. He is ranked in the top 0.3% of the world’s most cited scientists, with over 200 published papers and more than 20,000 citations to his research. Paul’s two decades of research have taken him from the Pentagon to Fortune 50 boardrooms to the rainforest of Papua New Guinea. Along the way he helped start a number of interdisciplinary fields including neuroeconomics, neuromanagement, and neuromarketing. 

Paul has written four general audience books and is a regular TED speaker. His latest book, The Little Book of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Living Better (2025) aims to show people how to live a longer, happier and healthier life by investing in improved relationships. Zak’s other books are Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and Source of Happiness (2022), Trust Factor: The Science of Creating High Performance Companies (2017) and The Moral Molecule: The Source of Love and Prosperity (2012). 

Trust Factor applies neuroscience to efficiently build high-performance organizations by creating a culture of trust. The Moral Molecule received much attention for Zak’s discovery of the key role played by the neurochemical oxytocin to explain virtuous behaviors and happiness. Zak delivered a TED Talk titled “Trust, Morality—and Oxytocin?” in 2011 that has been viewed two million times. He also co-founded the first neuroscience-as-a-service (NaaS) company, Immersion Neuroscience.

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Timestamps:

[00:05:08] PlaySpan and human flourishing.

[00:09:46] Investing in relationships.

[00:10:41] Stress and bonding experiences.

[00:18:17] Strategies for improving relationships.

[00:28:55] Six high value experiences daily.

[00:35:35] Optimizing high-value experiences.

[00:39:12] Neuroscience of trust.

[00:46:27] Trust's role in flourishing.

[00:48:27] Strengthening relationships daily.

Michael Mannino, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist, AI expert, educator, and philosopher, whose work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, neuroscience, and optimal human performance. He holds a Ph.D. in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience, an M.A. in Philosophy, and a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Science. He is an adjunct professor, and has taught AI ethics, cognitive psychology, critical thinking, and applied neuroscience. 

Michael has led multiple initiatives focused on the responsible development, education, and application of AI, including serving as the Director of AI Center at Miami Dade College, and the Director of Programs at the Institute for Data Science and Computing at University of Miami. He also served as the Chief Science Officer at the Flow Research Collective, founded by Steven Kotler, where he researched the science that underscores ultimate human performance, flow, and well-being. 

Michael’s current work integrates brain science, technology, and systems thinking to optimize team performance. What drives his work is a belief in human potential and consciousness – particularly how science and technology can be used to expand it responsibly.

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Timestamps:

[00:01:15] AI and human flourishing.

[00:05:06] Definition of human flourishing.

[00:09:01] AI in mental health therapy.

[00:14:45] AI as a therapeutic tool.

[00:18:34] AI's impact on parenting.

[00:21:38] Human flourishing and AI impact.

[00:28:37] Cognitive offloading.

[00:32:11] Impact of AI on learning.

[00:35:25] AI-assisted personal flourishing plan.

[00:41:52] AI ethics and responsibility.

David Radosevich, Ph.D., is a psychologist and coach specializing in high performance, leadership, and team culture. He is an associate professor of management for the Austin E. Cofrin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. He is also co-founder of Flow Prone, a flow and high performance training and coaching organization. 

David has published peer-reviewed articles in leading academic journals and chapters in #1 international bestselling books. He works with C-suite leaders of Fortune 500 companies, and coaches individuals and leaders to enhance their leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.

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Timestamps:

[00:02:12] Defining flourishing.

[00:07:16] Psychological strengths and flourishing.

[00:11:49] Protective and promotive strengths.

[00:14:06] Self-efficacy and burnout prevention.

[00:19:06] Flourishing and anti-fragility contrast.

[00:20:27] Anti-fragility in mental performance.

[00:25:04] Self-talk and self-efficacy.

[00:28:56] Assessing optimism in individuals.

[00:31:48] Importance of optimism for flourishing.

[00:33:58] Gratitude-forward exercises.

[00:38:39] Flourishing as a daily activity.

[00:40:41] Psychological strengths in flourishing.

Matthew Lee, Ph.D., is a Research Associate at the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, a member of the Global Study of Human Flourishing research team, and Director of the Human Flourishing Program's Flourishing Network. He is Professor of the Social Sciences and Humanities at the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University and a Distinguished Visiting Scholar of Health, Flourishing, and Positive Psychology at Stony Brook University’s Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics, as well as a Visiting Scholar at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. 

Matthew’s current research explores topics such as well-being and flourishing, benevolent service to others, and the integration of social science and the humanities. He is co-editor of Measuring Well-Being: Interdisciplinary Perspectives from the Social Sciences and the Humanities and Leadership for Flourishing, both published by Oxford University Press, as well as, Transcending Crisis by Attending to Care, Emotions, and Flourishing (Routledge, 2023).

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Timestamps:

[02:49] Global Flourishing Study overview.

[08:18] Understanding flourishing through context.

[00:12:43] Flourishing vs. Resilience Debate.

[00:17:01] Wholeness amidst adversity.

[00:22:20] Harmonizing well-being across outcomes.

[00:27:01] Negative relationship between GDP and flourishing.

[00:32:08] Japan's unique societal challenges.

[00:36:45] Spirituality and community impact.

[00:42:06] Lifelong effects of childhood experiences.

[00:44:31] Researching human flourishing data.

Dr. Alison Jane Martingano is a social psychologist at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where she leads the Social Research Lab dedicated to investigating empathy and perspective-taking. She has published her research in leading academic journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Social Psychological and Personality Science, and Popular Media. 

Alison hosts the fortnightly Psychology & Stuff podcast, chatting with psychologists and Green Bay locals about topics ranging from sports to false confessions. In addition, she blogs for Psychology Today, translating cutting-edge psychology research into clear, relatable insights. 

As an immigrant and military wife, Alison appreciates the difficulties and opportunities that communicating with those dissimilar from ourselves can bring. She is a passionate educator and TEDx speaker and hopes to inspire her students, and others, to nurture empathy in a changing world.

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Timestamps:

00:01:51 - Defining Empathy and Perspective Taking

We’re delighted to host two guests on today’s show, both of whom are expert psychotherapists and counselling psychologists: Dr. Ritika Suk Birah – AKA “Dr. Ritz” – and Dr. Victoria Uwannah.

Ritz is a counselling psychologist specializing in guiding high-performing individuals toward profound self-awareness and transformative growth. She studied neuroscience and psychology at King’s College London and has a Ph.D. in psychotherapeutic and counselling psychology. With over 12 years experience in the clinical field, she delivers sought-after mental health and well-being programs rooted in neuroscience. 

Ritz balances her time between individual therapy, giving keynote talks, delivering workshops and developing bespoke programs for workplaces. Her work focuses on mental health, resilience, and the power of reflection, delivering actionable strategies that inspire and motivate.​

Ritz co-hosts the Therapy Floor podcast with our second guest, Dr. Victoria Uwannah.

Victoria is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychotherapeutic and counselling psychology. She’s been working in mental health for over 15 years, including for the UK’s National Health Service and in education, providing therapeutic and consultation services. 

Victoria is trained in several therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mentalization-based therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. Her experience has covered working with individuals at all stages of life, as well as more specialist areas such as group therapy, relational work with couples and families, schools and corporate environments. Her aim across all these individuals and groups is the same: to bring clarity, compassion and understanding to people to propel them towards change and help them lead fulfilling lives. 

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Timestamps:

00:01:22 - Welcoming Dr. Ritz and Dr. Victoria

Dr. Satchin Panda is a world-leading expert in circadian rhythm research. He’s an Associate Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a Pew Scholar, and a recipient of the Dana Foundation Award in brain and immune system imaging. 

Satchin is the author of two best-selling books, The Circadian Code and The Circadian Diabetes Code.

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Timestamps:

[00:06:29] Circadian rhythms and health.

[00:09:35] Circadian rhythm disruption examples.

[00:18:01] Shift work and health risks.

[00:27:49] Circadian rhythm and body clocks.

[00:34:36] Eating timing and sleep quality.

[00:39:05] Balancing social and physical health.

[00:45:31] Sleep-wake cycle and caffeine.

[00:50:49] Sleep's impact on daily function.

[00:54:31] Circadian rhythms and diabetes.

Stephanie Harrison is an expert in the science of happiness, author of the international bestseller New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World that’s Got It Wrong (2024), and creator of the new happy philosophy.

In New Happy, Stephanie argues that the secret to happiness is helping others, and that by adopting this philosophy in our lives, we will be able to solve the world's toughest problems.

Stephanie leads an international movement devoted to spreading the New Happy philosophy. Her organization, the New Happy, reaches millions of people around the world every month, offering award-winning art, a podcast, a newsletter, articles, and unique tools for building happiness.

Stephanie speaks about happiness, culture, and leadership at companies around the world, and has been featured in publications including the New York Times, LA Times, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Forbes, Fast Company, Oprah Daily, Harvard Business Review, BigThink, and more. She is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and has been recognized as one of the top 25 global leaders in mental health.

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Timestamps:

[03:55] Old happy and its beliefs.

[07:21] How worldview shapes happiness.

[11:10] Paths to happiness.

[18:14] Old happy vs. new happy.

[21:28] Helping as the core of happiness.

[28:54] Individualism and its consequences.

[32:36] Autonomy and social connection.

[34:44] Self-acceptance and perfectionism strategies.

[38:01] Self-acceptance and personal growth.

[42:49] Self-acceptance vs. perfectionism.

[46:47] Happiness is shared.

Sonya Looney is a World Champion mountain biker with nearly two decades of elite racing experience across 25+ countries, earning titles including 2015 World Champion and four times USA National Champion. Her unique background combines endurance sports with a deep expertise in positive psychology. She holds a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering with a focus on neuroscience.

Driven by her passion for personal growth and well-being, Sonya focuses on helping high performers navigate perfectionism and balanced striving while cultivating vitality, purpose, and resilience. Known for her infectious energy and relentless curiosity, she is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach dedicated to guiding others toward meaningful accomplishments – without burning out.

Through her work as a TEDx speaker, podcast host, consultant, writer, and professional speaker, Sonya brings her knowledge and experiences to life. As the host of the Grow the Good podcast, Sonya inspires listeners by diving into topics like grit, mindset, self-worth, purpose, success, and healthy striving. 

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Timestamps:

00:02:30 - Sonia's Background and Journey