Happy You Asked: The Podcast That Explores Happiness One Awkward Conversation at a Time

In this episode I chat with Dr. Emily C. Friedman, a scholar and critic of tabletop role-playing games, never-published manuscripts, and the language of smell. I know pretty much nothing about role-playing games, yet this was one of the most fascinating conversations I have ever had.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Jeff Woods, Vice President for Member Engagement at the Council of Independent Colleges. We chat about the relationship between leadership, happiness, and power, and together we invent the future of higher education under AI. Just solving world problems over here: no biggie.

I am joined by Professor of Psychology Dr. Jason Warnick, who specializes in psychopharmaceuticals (which I discovered I cannot say quickly) and in barriers to meditation. Did you know it freaks some people out to sit quietly? Yep. 

In this episode, I chat with composer and professor of music Dr. Matthew Kennedy about how the tension and dissonance of music mirrors life, and why we should be wary of giant carrots.

Dr. Emily Issacson—a professor of English at Heidelberg University—joins me to chat about how to bloom in the community you’re planted in…from the importance of carrying a book with you to the reasons why you should wait in the long line at the tamale truck. (Because you know a line means those tamales are banging!)  

This episode features Dr. Kristen Lee, who is a best-selling author of four books on psychological resilience and risk-taking. We chat about how "deliciously awkward" it is to be human, and how a key to happiness is embracing the messy awkwardness of life.

Dr. Caleb Lack, professor of psychology and a leader in the field of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, chats with Erin about how our modern world can make us feel like we're constantly in danger. He gives some tips for navigating our seemingly scary "village." For example, naming your pig Ham Solo can certainly help.