Hack Your Happiness

If you’ve ever felt unseen, stuck in your head, or unsure how to truly accept yourself, this episode will change the way you see yourself and others. Dr. Caroline Fleck has coached CEOs and taught at Stanford. She has made it her life’s work to help people turn pain into purpose. But her insights come from more than research - they come from living it. After battling depression, multiple sclerosis, and breast cancer, Dr. Fleck learned that the key to happiness and fulfillment isn’t avoiding pain…it’s transforming it.

This week, Mercedes and Anastasia are joined by Dr. Fleck to reveal how we can turn pain into purpose, make others feel truly seen, and find validation within ourselves when life gets hard (+ understand the importance of validation). With practical tips, real vulnerability, and profound wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in emotional strength and understanding yourself and your needs.

In this episode:

• Why we're wired for validation (and why it's different from praise!).

• Tips for self-validation & ways to make others feel seen.

• The theory of 'Energy Is Not Created Nor Destroyed'.

• Hacks to get out of your own head.

• Your guide to being there for others who are going through a difficult time.

Whether you’re struggling to find your place, rebuilding after a setback, or simply trying to understand yourself better, Dr. Fleck’s story and actionable advice will remind you that self-acceptance isn’t weakness, it’s the foundation of real strength.

⁠Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up For Waking Up & Get 30 Days Free!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Visit Dr. Fleck's website⁠

⁠Follow Dr. Fleck on Instagram⁠

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with psychologist, Sonja Lyubomirsky. In this episode, Sonja breaks down tangible ways to feel happier daily, how + WHY you should connect with loved ones, and reveals some of her most fascinating research: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5s4N05921PxTTiSYeVwCwf?si=cA4nWAZrQyuPOe3Rvgn7-A

(00:00) Welcome, Dr. Caroline Fleck!

(02:10) Curing Depression?

(05:55) What is DBT?

(07:50) Here's What it Means to Feel 'Seen'

(10:29) Tips For Making Others Feel Seen

(16:37) What If I Don't Feel Seen?

(20:11) Hacks For Self-Validation

(21:57) Copy Dr. Fleck's Nightly Self-Validation Routine

(26:34) Energy Cannot Be Created or Destroyed

(31:08) A Dark Moment That Taught Dr. Fleck a Life Lesson

(33:23) Praise vs External Validation

(35:53) What is the Validation Ladder?

(37:24) Hacks For Getting Out of Your Head

(42:36) Tips For Communicating Your Struggles

(46:55) Why is Acceptance Important?

(49:53) Biggest Lessons Dr. Fleck Teaches to Fortune 500 Companies

(52:23) Blueprint to Supporting Loved Ones Through Tough Times

(55:22) Want To Become A Psychologist? Start HERE

(56:32) You Can Master ANY Random Skill...

(57:53) Dr. Fleck To Her Teenage Self

(58:38) Dr. Fleck's Motivational Quote

(59:17) What Brings Dr. Fleck A Small Bit of Happiness?

(1:00:03) Find Dr. Fleck Here

(1:00:52) Key Takeaways

At 75, she’s proof it’s never too late to transform your life. No matter who you are or what you’ve been through.

Chef Babette Davis is a chef, entrepreneur, and fitness powerhouse who started over at 40, and built a life that radiates health, happiness, and self-love.

In this inspiring and deeply motivating conversation, Chef Babette joins Mercedes and Anastasia to share how she went from hairstylist to celebrity vegan chef, why food became her medicine, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. From discipline and self-love to finding joy in the present moment, this episode is a masterclass in reinventing yourself — at any age, and it'll change how you view yourself and your life.

In this episode:

• Top tips for discipline and staying consistent.

• The blueprint to start your own transformation (no matter your age or experience).

• Chef Babette's advice for balancing personal wellness with career goals.

• Hacks to self-love and self-value.

• The habits that keep her energized, joyful, and thriving at 75.

Whether you’re 17 or 70, Chef Babette’s story will remind you: you are not stuck. It’s never too late to begin again, and every small, intentional choice can build a healthier, happier you.

Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get your Manta Sleep Mask: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Chef Babette on TikTok

⁠Follow Chef Babette on Instagram⁠

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with gut scientist, Dr. Emily Leeming. In this episode, Dr. Leeming reveals what the gut microbiome is, the powerful role it plays on happiness + health, and debunks nutrition myths: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6rYeSax7GTG1vpTsjCegrt?si=y8KfifUDQ9KkQir-HsmOKQ

(00:00) Welcome, Chef Babette!

(01:38) What Shaped Babette?

(03:48) Why Did Chef Babette Go Vegan?

(08:14) THIS Keeps Babette Going On Her Personal Growth

(13:23) How Can I Make A Positive Change In My Life?

(20:01) A New Perspective On Life

(23:42) Balancing An Intense Career With Self-Care

(28:26) Stuff I Eat's Most Popular Menu Items

(31:58) ALL Entrepreneurs Should Know This

!(33:44) Storytime: Why We NEED To Know Our Limits

(37:25) How Can I Be Active Everyday (even if I'm busy)?

(38:11) Hacks To Staying Disciplined

(39:30) Why You Need To Be More Present

(42:43) Chef Babette's Self-Love Playbook

(48:00) Babette's 'What I Eat In A Day'

(52:51) The BIGGEST Learning From Babette's Show Guests

(54:50) The Reality Of Starting Over At 40

(56:50) Want To Pivot Your Life? Start HERE

(59:27) You're Stranded On An Island With Only 3 Foods, What Are You Bringing?

(1:00:40) Babette To Her Teenage Self

(1:05:51) What Brings Babette A Small Bit of Happiness?

(1:06:47) Find Chef Babette Here

(1:07:50) Key Takeaways

He studies memory for a living, but the real twist is what we should forget.
Dr. Charan Ranganath is one of the world’s leading memory scientists, and his groundbreaking research reveals how the key to happiness isn’t holding on — it’s letting go.

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Ranganath joins Mercedes and Anastasia to break down the science of memory, the connection between remembering and happiness, and how understanding your brain can completely change how you live and go through daily life. From why we remember the bad more than the good, to how to reframe painful memories, and why forgetting might actually be one of the brain’s greatest superpowers - this episode will make you see your past in a whole new way.

In this episode:

• Why we’re wired to forget - and how that helps us.

• The link between memory and happiness.

• Tips to boost your memory (and protect it long-term).

• Hacks to reframe negative memories so they no longer define you.

• The impact of socialization on mood & memory

Whether you’re healing from the past, studying for an exam, or just want to better understand your mind, Dr. Ranganath’s wisdom will remind you that every memory, good or bad, can be used to build a better, happier you.

Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get your Manta Sleep Mask: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit Dr. Ranganath’s website

Follow Dr. Ranganath on Instagram

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with sleep expert, Dr. Wendy Troxel. In this episode, Dr. Troxel unveils the impact that sleep has on happiness, hacks for those nights where you can't stop tossing and turning, + debunks sleep myths: https://open.spotify.com/episode/73V8oVRD1ZbfAeeWC2mgGp?si=dbdB2SlkRKW7Ud1y8taFqQ

(00:00) Welcome, Dr. Charan Ranganath!

(01:41) What Shaped Dr. Ranganath?

(06:06) Is There A Connection Between Memory & Happiness?

(08:25) The Impact of Gratitude On Memory & Happiness!

(09:30) How We Remember vs What Actually Happened

(13:06) Do Teens Process Memories Differently From Kids and Adults?

(21:02) EVERYONE Should Know THIS About Brain Health

(22:30) Your Guide To The Different Types of Memory

(24:54) What We're Wired To Remember vs Forget

(28:11) Hacks To Boost Your Memory

(30:57) Why Do Certain Scents + Songs Trigger Memories?

(33:59) Can I Rewire My Brain To Forget Bad Memories?

(41:27) Study Tips For Teen (and adult) Brains

(47:41) How Will AI Impact Human Memory?

(52:34) How Can I Become More Curious?

(55:27) Debunking The Biggest Memory Myths

(56:13) Want To Become A Researcher? Start HERE

(58:54) If Dr. Ranganath Had A Time-Machine, He'd Revisit This Memory

(59:33) Dr. Ranganath To His Teenage Self

(1:02:18) What Brings Dr. Ranganath A Small Bit of Happiness?

(1:02:36) Dr. Ranganath's Motivational Quote

(1:03:42) Find Dr. Ranganath Here

(1:04:46) Key Takeaways

She’s won four Olympic golds, made hockey history, and earned her M.D., but Hayley Wickenheiser will tell you the real victory isn’t on the scoreboard.

From the rink to the ER to the Toronto Maple Leafs office, Hayley has mastered performing under pressure, and learned how to thrive in it. In this raw and inspiring conversation, she joins Mercedes and Anastasia top open up about her biggest pivots, how she handles failure, and what happiness means beyond achievement.

In this episode:

• How to reframe pressure so it fuels you.

• Tips for getting outside of your comfort zone.

• Hacks for managing emotions while stressed.

• Your guide to find self-worth beyond achievements.

• Why it's never too late to change your life (and how to get started).

  
  

This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or afraid to start over. Hayley’s story proves that your path can evolve, and that true joy comes from how you handle the moments in between.

Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness⁠⁠⁠

Get your Manta Sleep Mask: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Hayley on Instagram

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with 7x Olympic Medal Winner, Penny Oleksiak. In this episode, the iconic Canadian swimmer opens up about being a world-renowned athlete as a teenager + shares her hacks for accepting what we can't control: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2uqswKJLS3Q5ZUuRWHvCCR?si=GlSS9_DARrSt2F610RJgoQ

(00:00) Welcome, Hayley!

(01:58) Hayley's Early Days

(05:52) Family Pressure or Personal Drive? Hayley’s Hockey Story

(08:00) The Importance of an Impact

(10:34) How Can I Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable?

(12:40) Keeping Self Value Through External Doubt

(16:13) Tips For Controlling Emotions Under Pressure

(20:28) Hockey vs Medicine: A Breakdown

(22:11) Winning SILVER Not Gold...

(25:02) How Do I Avoid Tying My Self Worth To Achievements?

(28:04) Advice For Taking The Less Conventional Path

(32:05) Tips For Teamwork + Blueprint of a Good Teammate

(35:33) Hacks To Strong Relationships

(38:02) Feeling Stuck? Here's How To Pivot

(44:29) Working BTS As a Manager vs Being a Hockey Player

(46:06) GAME! The Stanley Cup of Joy

(50:15) Inside Hayley's Mind: Getting Inducted Into The Hockey Hall of Fame

(51:23) Hayley's Message To Young Girls

(54:03) Want To Become a Pro Athlete? Here's Your FIRST Step!

(56:15) Hayley To Her Teenage Self

(57:19) What Brings Hayley a Small Bit of Happiness?

(58:13) Hayley's Motivational Quote

(59:12) Find Hayley Here

(1:00:18) Key Takeaways

He turned a New York brewery into the best restaurant in the world, but the real story is how 'unreasonable hospitality' can change your life and happiness.

Will Guidara is a renowned restaurateur, bestselling author, and Emmy-winning producer of The Bear, whose philosophy of giving people more than they expect can be applied to any aspect of life - including happiness.

This week, Will joins Mercedes and Anastasia for an inspiring conversation on happiness, intention, creativity, and what it really means to make others feel seen. From childhood lessons with his father, to the journals he kept as a kid, to running Eleven Madison Park at the highest level, Will shares both behind-the-scenes stories and practical wisdom you can use in your everyday life.

In this episode:

• How Will turned a passion for hospitality into the world’s best restaurant.

• Perfection vs authenticity.

• Why making others feel seen is the greatest gift you can give.

• Lessons from restaurants and hotels you can apply to your own life.

• Will’s best tips for communication, leadership, and teamwork.

• Tips for being more intentional

• Behind-the-scenes stories from producing The Bear.

• Hacks to staying creative and energized, even in a competitive industry.

• The small gestures of hospitality that can change everything.

Whether you’re a teen dreaming big, a leader trying to inspire others, or simply someone who wants to find more meaning in the everyday, Will’s story proves that being 'unreasonably hospitable; might just be the secret.

Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness⁠⁠

Get your Manta Sleep Mask: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Will on Instagram

Sign up for Will's newsletter!

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with professor and psychiatrist, Dr. Kelli Harding. In this episode, Dr. Harding shares why kindness brings us happiness, actionable ways to be kinder daily, and some of the incredible science behind kindness: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gSvEhSCdKqchh9BQ4uTXq?si=MIElx7G2T9a4cVtp6YzDLg

(00:00) Welcome, Will!

(01:44) What Shaped Will?

(04:43) The BIGGEST Thing Will Learned From His Dad

(07:27) How Can I Be More Intentional?

(11:25) Being Intentional In Relationships

(12:22) Why Will Journaled As A Child

(16:44) Perfection vs Authenticity

(20:34) Storytime: A Time When Unreasonable Hospitality = A Small Bit of Happiness

(25:49) How Can I Be Unreasonably Hospitable In ANY Area of Life?

(26:27) A Lesson/Philosophy From The Restaurant Industry That Applies To Daily Life

(28:51) Top Tips For Strong Communication

(32:11) How Comfortable Are Teens/Gen-Z With In-Person Communication?

(35:16) Hacks To Find Something You're Excited For (& the CAVEAT to this!)

(39:54) A REFRAME To How You View Criticism

(45:32) Funny & Cool Stories From BTS of The Bear

(48:31) What Is Will's Driving Vision?

(51:17) A Night In The Kitchen of The # 1 Restaurant In The World

(54:14) Want To Become A Restaurateur? Here's Your FIRST Step!

(54:57) If Will Could Have Dinner With ONE Person, It Would Be...

(56:25) Will To His Teenage Self

(57:43) What Brings Will A Small Bit of Happiness?

(59:03) Will's Motivational Quote

(1:00:22) Find Will Here

(1:01:25) Key Takeaways

From college kitchen to global brand, Monique Volz's story began with healing. But, how did she turn pain into purpose?

Monique was a college student, trying to find peace with food and herself. She turned her kitchen into therapy and transformed her life and mindset. What started as a creative outlet became Ambitious Kitchen, a recipe blog that has since grown into a beloved brand, a bestselling cookbook, and a source of inspiration for millions.

Monique sits with Mercedes and Anastasia for a raw and empowering conversation about food, turning pain into purpose, entrepreneurship, and joy.

In this episode:

• Monique’s journey from college student to founder of Ambitious Kitchen.

• How she turned her struggles with anxiety and disordered eating into purpose.

• Her “no bad foods” philosophy and practical tips for a healthier food mindset.

• Advice to overcome the fear of judgment.

• BTS of writing a bestselling cookbook.

• Hacks for staying organized + balanced while chasing big goals.

• Tips for teens to turn a passion into a business, even in school.

• Quick, healthy meals for busy students & adults.

• Hacks for finding joy in both cooking and eating.

Whether you’re a teen navigating school stress, someone struggling with food and body image, or an aspiring entrepreneur with a big dream, this episode will remind you that your hardest moments can become the foundation of your greatest impact.

⁠Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up For Waking Up & Save $30! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out Monique's website

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with founder of Wellness in the Schools, Nancy Easton. In this episode, Nancy unveils tangible tips for prioritizing healthy eating within a busy lifestyle, go-to meals and snacks, and advice for handling the transition from living at-home, to cooking for oneself: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Hh94DkHn0NZp30qIljwQ5?si=TM-620eBTXa6efLxf4KGpQ

(00:00) Welcome, Monique!

(01:30) How Monique Got Started

(02:53) Did Monique Always Want To Be A Food Blogger?

(04:29) Feel Stuck? Listen To This

(06:30) What Monique Learned From Her Eating Disorder

(08:51) How Can I Build A Healthier + Happier Relationship To Food & My Body?

(11:02) Advice For Not Fearing Judgement

(15:56) Being A Content Creator AND In Daily Life: How To Find Balance In Work vs Rest

(19:09) Following Your Passion While In School/Work

(21:35) What Does 'Ambitious' Mean To Monique?

(24:19) A NYT Bestselling Cookbook: Rewards vs Challenges

(26:40) BTS of Monique's Recipes(29:05) Monique's FAVORITE Recipe Story

(31:13) How Can I Find Joy In Cooking & Eating?

(34:36) A Dark Moment That Turned Into A Catalyst For Monique's Success

(36:30) Want To Become A Food Influencer? Here's Your FIRST Step!

(37:34) College Food Hacks That You NEED

(39:18) If Monique Could Eat Only ONE Cuisine, She'd Choose This One

(39:41) Monique To Her Teenage Self

(40:45) What Brings Monique A Small Bit of Happiness?

(41:45) Monique's Motivational Quote

(42:29) Find Monique Here

(43:07) Key Takeaways

Most people think stress is something we just have to live with. Dr. Aditi Nerurkar knows that’s not true.

A Harvard physician, stress expert, and bestselling author, Dr. Aditi has dedicated her career to showing how we can reset our brains and bodies for resilience, using both cutting-edge science and timeless wisdom.

She sits with Mercedes and Anastasia for a fascinating and practical conversation on stress, resilience, happiness, and how to bring your best self forward. From breaking down the two types of stress, to explaining how the teenage brain handles pressure, to simple, doctor-approved “resets” you can use anytime, Dr. Aditi shares tools and insights that anyone can start using today.

In this episode:

• Dr. Aditi’s journey from Harvard-trained MD to global stress expert.

• The two types of stress, and how to know which one you’re experiencing.

• Quick “stress reset” practices you can use anywhere.

• How the teenage brain responds to stress.

• Tips for building true resilience (not toxic resilience).

• Ancient brain vs. modern life: why we react the way we do.

• Doctor-approved hacks for digital boundaries & reducing FOMO.

• How parents can help teens navigate stress and pressure.

• Hacks to bring your best self forward, even on busy days.

Whether you’re curious about your own stress patterns, struggling to find balance, or just want science-backed hacks to feel calmer and happier, this episode will leave you with tools you’ll actually use!

⁠Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up For Waking Up & Save $30! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with top psychologist, professor, and bestselling author, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett. In this episode, Dr. Feldman Barrett unboxes all that we need to know about non-verbal cues, shares advice + insights on our emotions, and her most fascinating research discoveries: https://open.spotify.com/episode/06kryg38VZ1cDONvr7zoQp?si=BD-rBT5qQsOfSB07X8k8BQ

(00:00) Welcome, Dr. Aditi!

(02:40) How Dr. Aditi Got Started

(05:42) Stressed Teenage Brain vs Stressed Adult Brain + Physical Signs

(10:28) What Are Stress Resets?

(15:38) What Makes For A 'Good' Stress Reset?

(16:19) How Can I Rewire My Brain?

(18:03) Hacks To Overcoming The Inner Critic

(21:03) Ancient Brain in Modern Life

(25:33) How Can I Tell If I'm Experiencing 'Good' or 'Bad' Stress?

(30:06) Dr. Aditi On Combining Medicine With Mindfulness

(36:07) Top Career Advice To Teens, From Dr. Aditi

(38:02) Key Takeaways

As the Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, Jason Feifer has a front-row seat to the minds shaping our world. Many people define themselves by their title or role. Jason refuses to.

In this episode, Jason sits down with Mercedes and Anastasia for an exciting and insightful conversation on optimism, resilience, identity, and the future of work. From his teenage years as a pessimistic kid to becoming one of the most optimistic voices in entrepreneurship, Jason shares how shifting your mindset can completely change your path. He opens up about the behind-the-scenes of interviewing icons like The Rock and Ryan Reynolds, what he’s learned from the world’s top entrepreneurs, and shares the top super-skills in both business and life.

Whether you dream of being an entrepreneur, creator, or simply want to build more confidence in yourself, Jason’s perspective will inspire you to say yes more often, think bigger about who you are, and build a future-proof mindset.

In this episode:

• Jason’s inspiring career journey to becoming Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine.

• How optimism can be learned, even if you don’t feel like a naturally positive person.

• Why rigidly defining yourself holds you back + how to think differently about your identity.

• Lessons from interviewing some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.

• The power of being responsive and kind (with a behind-the-scenes story about The Rock).

• Tangible tips on how to look towards the future while remaining in the present moment.

• His perspective on AI, the future of entrepreneurship, and which skills matter most.

• Hacks to being less afraid of risk & change.

  
  

Whether you’re building a business, chasing a dream, or simply navigating what’s next, Jason’s story and hacks are proof that we can take control over our confidence, happiness, mindset, and future.

Shop Mission: Family Time⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up For Waking Up & Save $30! ⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with #1 NYT Bestselling author, Malcolm Gladwell. In this episode, Malcolm shares the importance of diversity, the danger of a monoculture, and hacks to being more curious: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5suW2909CQMKoFj5qJ1jHL?si=1DbcweIoTk-UtLUhrsFrug

(00:00) Intro

(02:40) Jason's Journey: Small-Town Reporter To Editor-in-Chief

(03:46) Everyone Do This! Work Your Next Job(06:06) How Can I Become More Optimistic?

(11:12) Why Do I Say 'No' To Myself?

(13:19) Hacks To Re-Shape Your Mindset Around Your Identity

(20:05) Jason's Greatest Lesson From A Top Entrepreneur

(25:34) AI Is A Microwave Oven

(29:32) What Will The Future of Work Look Like?

(30:52) Key Takeaways

Most people wait for permission to chase their dreams. Lauren Roberts didn’t, and it changed her life.

At just 18, she self-published her debut fantasy novel Powerless, which went on to become a New York Times bestseller and a global phenomenon. Now at 23, Lauren has built a loyal online community of millions, navigated both self-publishing and traditional publishing, and continues to inspire a generation of young writers to chase their dreams without waiting for “the right time.” This week, Lauren joins Mercedes and Anastasia for a raw and inspiring conversation on discipline, self-doubt, creativity, and resilience. From writing late at night while balancing school, to handling online hate with grace, and to the behind-the-scenes story of what it really felt like to hit the NYT list, Lauren shares the real story behind her rise to the spotlight.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, chasing a dream, or someone who struggles with imposter syndrome, this episode will remind you that it’s never too early, or too late, to believe in yourself and start.

In this episode:

• How Lauren went from self-publishing in her bedroom to a New York Times bestseller.

• Hacks to being self-disciplined.

• Handling criticism/hate while choosing positivity.

• The role of BookTok in building a career as an author.

• Lauren’s advice for overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

• Behind-the-scenes: the moment she saw her name on the NYT list.

• Practical tips for writing, creating, and staying inspired.

• Advice for managing internal & external pressure.

  
  

Whether you dream of being a writer, creator, or simply want the motivation to keep pushing toward your goals, Lauren’s story proves that age is no barrier to making an impact.

Shop Mission: Family Time⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Sign Up For Waking Up & Save $30! ⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Shop Lauren's NEW BOOK - Fearful (out now!)

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with author of The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot. In this episode, Meg shares her hacks to managing criticism, how anyone can find inspiration, and gives us the insider scoop on her best-selling series: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sV3ZAnQf5UlnoSQBAmVGu?si=ZXkDzkPhROOomyHdUP2Uyg

(00:00) Intro

(01:30) What Shaped Lauren?

(04:37) Lauren Wants YOU To Gain This Takeaway

(04:59) How Did Lauren Publish A NYT Bestseller At 18?

(07:47) Publishing vs Self Publishing

(10:08) How Can I Be More Self-Disciplined?

(13:53) What Influences Lauren's Storytelling? Personal Experiences, Real People, etc...

(19:03) How Can I Reduce Self Doubt?

(27:04) Inside Lauren's Mind When She Hit The NYT Bestsellers List!

(30:14) Lauren's Hacks For Managing Pressure

(33:57) TEASER FOR LAUREN'S NEW BOOK, FEARFUL!

(38:35) How Does BookTok Impact Lauren's Life & Her Writing?

(42:13) Hacks For Higher Focus & Creativity

(47:16) The Moment That Lauren Asked "Wow, Is This Real?"

(50:01) How Can I Focus On The Positive? (Through Hate & Negativity)

(56:23) Want To Become An Author? Here's Your FIRST Step!

(59:04) If Lauren Could Read Only ONE Genre, She'd Read This One

(1:00:15) Lauren To Her Teenage Self

(1:01:17) What Brings Lauren A Small Bit of Happiness?

(1:02:23) Lauren's Motivational Quote

(1:03:38) Find Lauren Here

(1:04:26) Key Takeaways

The first woman on Million Dollar Listing New York didn’t just sell apartments, she changed the game.

With over half a billion in sales, a thriving brand, and a career in one of the most competitive markets in the world, Kirsten has proven that confidence, connection, and self-belief are just as important as closing the next big deal. She joins Mercedes and Anastasia for a raw and inspiring conversation on building self-trust, balancing ambition with family, and creating your own happiness in the middle of chaos.

From stories of her early career in Italy to breaking barriers in Manhattan real estate, Kirsten opens up about the mindset shifts, daily habits, and raw truths that keep her going and joyful, even under pressure.

In this episode:

• How Kirsten became the first woman on Million Dollar Listing New York.

• The truth about confidence: from self-doubt to self-belief.

• Hacks for believing in yourself.

• The sport of real estate: thriving in competition while staying true to yourself.

• Tips for building relationships and a personal brand that people respect - even as teens!

• Balancing career ambition with family and wellness.

• Behind-the-scenes stories from Million Dollar Listing.

Whether you’re chasing big dreams, trying to believe in yourself, or looking for small ways to create more balance and happiness, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to start building the life you want, on your own terms.

⁠Shop Mission: Family Time⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get your Manta Sleep Mask: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Browse Kirsten's Website⁠

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star Tracy Tutor. In this episode, Tracy shares her how she balances life, kids, and self-care, hacks for self-care, and takes us behind-the-scenes of this iconic show: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/3e8qOHvcUhmSOynrKRyqdl?si=t5mNMiE2TtyfRkOM2Lhw2g⁠

(00:00) Intro

(01:23) What Shaped Kirsten?

(02:32) How Athletics Shaped Kirsten's Life

(06:26) Italian Lifestyle Happy Hacks!

(08:30) Why Did Kirsten Move From Italy To NYC?

(09:42) Fears On Entering A 'No-Ceiling' Industry

(10:37) What Makes Working In Real Estate So Brutally Tough?

(12:19) How To Thrive + Feel Confident In Any Environment

(16:49) Important Lessons From Kirsten

(20:54) Real Estate Hacks (For Teens + Adults)

(22:21) This MIGHT Surprise You!

(25:58) How Can I Believe In Myself?

(29:25) Tips For Being Approachable & Making More Friends/Connections

(31:20) How Can I Be Perceived The Way I Want To Be Perceived?

(35:34) Advice On Fearing Judgment

(38:44) How Does Kirsten Balance Career, Family, and Self Care?

(41:33) Behind The Scenes of Million Dollar Listing: New York

(43:24) Crazy Storytime From Million Dollar Listing: New York!

(45:47) Want To Become A Real Estate Agent? Here's Your FIRST Step!

(47:45) If Kirsten Could Live Anywhere, She'd Live HERE

(48:27) Kirsten To Her Teenage Self

(50:52) What Brings Kirsten A Small Bit of Happiness?

(51:59) Kirsten's Motivational Quote

(53:37) Find Kirsten Here

(54:36) Key Takeaways