The hosts celebrate their 18th episode and reflect on their journey. They discuss how the podcast unexpectedly strengthened their friendship, share feedback from listeners, and tease the idea of inviting guests for a fresh twist in the next season. The hosts are taking a break but promise to return with more happiness insights and a sprinkle of AI magic for episode titles.

If you're eager to join the conversation, reach out via email or a personal message. Stay tuned for more happy vibes!

The episode begins with Nikita expressing his confusion about the meaning of love, a sentiment shared by many. Vasily, ever pragmatic, joins in, pondering whether love can be truly defined. They discuss various types of love, from romantic to platonic, and even touch on the concept of love as an action rather than a state. Throughout the conversation, they share personal anecdotes and question common perceptions, making it a relatable and engaging listen for anyone who's ever wondered about the complexity of love.

Links:

• 9 Different Types of Love According to the Ancient Greeks by GreeceHighDefinition

• Summary of Brave New World, book by Aldus Huxley

Is helping others all about them, or is there a sneaky bit of self-interest involved? Vasily and Nikita jump into this debate, tossing around ideas and laughs as they try to figure out if we're naturally nice or just looking for that karma boost. The conversation may make you wonder about the last time you lent a hand.

As the episode unfolds, things get even more interesting. The duo dives into the brainy side of being kind, wondering if our grey matter has a say in our good deeds. They keep it light and engaging, mixing brain talk with their playful banter. This episode isn't just a chat; it's a journey through the intriguing twists and turns of why we do what we do for others. It's perfect for anyone from curious minds to everyday heroes, offering a fresh take on the age-old question of why we help others.

Tune in for a dose of fun, facts, and maybe a new perspective on the power of giving.

Links:

• Nikita’s blog post: Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reasons

If you could take a pill to make you happier and healthier, would you? What about sitting alone in silence for 10 days straight - sound fun? Maybe not! 

In this candid discussion, Vasily and Nikita break down the pros and cons of using hardcore biohacking versus more spiritual practices like meditation to achieve next-level well-being.

They also break down the science and psychology around what really impacts "happy chemicals" in the brain. From dopamine detoxes to longevity-obsessed gurus, no stone is left unturned in this fascinating clash between spirituality and science on the quest to optimize life.

Links:

• Book The Mind Illuminated by John Yates, Matthew Immergut, and Jeremy Graves 

• Mr. S.N. Goenka, revered teacher of Vipassana Meditation

• Dave Asprey’s Bulletproof Coffee – How-to

• The Ultimate 10 Rules of Dopamine Detox by Dante Kim

Remember when Facebook was just about connecting with friends? Now, it's all about fighting the urge to scroll endlessly.

Join Vasily and Nikita as they explore their attempts to quit Instagram (spoiler: it's tough!) and laugh at their old social media selves. Nikita provides step-by-step instructions for completely detaching from social media. Vasily warns against the dangers of social media technologies that target our attention. Plus, the hosts get real about the FOMO and how it messes with our heads.

Tune in to hear their take on the evolving digital landscape, and maybe even get inspired to join them on this less-traveled path away from constant connectivity.

Links:

• Nikita’s blog post ‘The Right to Be Wrong’ 

• Nikita’s blog post ‘Unsubscribe’

• Book by Cal Newport: ‘Digital Minimalism’ and ‘Deep Work’ (and more) 

• The Social Dilemma Documentary

Introvert, extrovert, ENFJ, Virgo - do personality types really capture the full essence of who you are? Vasily and Nikita are skeptical. They argue that tricky terms like "introvert" don't even come close to describing whole, complex human beings. Vasily thought he was an introvert for years until he realized he also had plenty of extroverted qualities. He and Nikita point out that people are multifaceted - any given individual can't be neatly boxed into a single category.

Are personality quizzes like Myers-Briggs real science or just for fun? The hosts of the show say labels like "introvert" or "Leo" barely scratch the surface of who people really are. Vasily thought he was introverted until he realized he's also extroverted sometimes. So he and Nikita doubt these buzzwords describe real, complex individuals.

While labels can help understand others, don't let them box you in! Though tests are popular distractions, Vasily and Nikita don't think they truly map your whole personality. Tune in as the hosts debate: do we uncover truths or just limit ourselves when we try to define people so neatly?

Links:

• Book 50 Popular Beliefs That People Think Are True by Guy P. Harrison  

• 16Personalities: Get a “freakishly accurate” description of who you are with this online test

In this episode, Vasily and Nikita tackle the delicate topic of ending relationships. The conversation is sparked by a personal story of a road trip that resulted in a permanent falling out with another couple. This real-life example sets the stage for a broader discussion on the challenging decisions of cutting ties, especially when influenced by clashing political views and divergent worldviews in today's divisive climate.

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in an introspective debate on the balance between self-preservation and the moral responsibility of staying connected. They ponder the fine line between creating a protective echo chamber and the necessity of distancing oneself for mental well-being. True to the podcast's nature, their exchange is raw and honest, mirroring the struggle between the human desire for connection and the essential act of setting boundaries. This episode of "Happy Maybe" resonates with the harsh reality that sometimes, ending relationships, however painful, is crucial for personal growth and happiness.

Nikita thinks most folks selling themselves as life coaches just want your cash. But Vasily says some coaches can help you get motivated to improve your life. Nikita warns about social media influencer types who act like gurus but don’t really know you. Vasily thinks hiring a coach can work if they get you taking action and hold you accountable.

They tell stories of coaches who were helpful and others who just talked big without delivering. In the end, Nikita and Vasily agree you need to be smart about who you take advice from. Not everyone who seems ultra confident has the answers. The trick is finding a mentor who calls you to be your best self, not just tells you what you want to hear.

Links:

• Tim Ward’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TimothyWard

• Pieter Levels on X (Twitter) https://twitter.com/levelsio

• Darren Silver https://www.darrensilver.earth/

During their discussion about anger and happiness, Vasily and Nikita get into a lively debate. They share personal stories about anger, revealing how it can affect people's behavior and emotions. The hosts discuss situations where anger emerged unexpectedly, like when a cab driver took a wrong route, and how people reacted. They examine the challenges of managing anger healthily, especially in today's society, where expressing anger can be challenging.

Vasily and Nikita also share their thoughts on the fine line between justified anger and destructive outbursts, emphasizing the importance of understanding and acknowledging this complex emotion. Throughout the episode, they touch on the discomfort and unease that often accompany anger and ponder the limited outlets available for expressing it.

Links:

• Break Bar NYC

• The Rage Cage in Brooklyn

In this episode, Vasily and Nikita discuss therapy. They talk about why people might consider doing it as Vasily shares his personal journey trying therapy for the first time. They describe different therapeutic modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS). They talk about how IFS views individuals as having different inner "parts" or facets, each with its own role and voice, and how this approach can be liberating as it removes perceived judgment.

The episode emphasizes that therapy isn't about dealing with being "crazy" but self-improvement and seeking support when needed. Vasily explains why he decided to give therapy a try. They especially highlight the importance of finding a therapist you can trust.

It's a good listen for anyone curious about therapy or thinking about giving it a try.

Links:

• The Sopranos – American crime drama TV series (IMDB)

• Shrinking – American sitcom series (IMDB)

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) official website 

• The book "No Bad Parts" by Dr. Schwartz

• Nikita's blog post 'Above All Else, We Want to Be Understood'