Making Positive Psychology Work

Anna Box is a psychologist, story strategist, and founder of Screen and Soul, where she delivers film and thriving workshops, designed to deliver evidence-based well-being and performance psychology, all while feeling like a day at the movies. In all she does, Anna mashes the art of story with the science of thriving.

Connect with Anna Box:

Anna Box on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabox/

You'll Learn:

• [02:55] - Anna explains how to fuse storytelling and thriving in workplaces.
• [04:45] - Anna talks about the role of Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey Approach" in storytelling.
• [06:05] - Anna describes how she's teaching leaders to improve thriving in workplaces by helping them understand more about the hero's journey.
• [10:30] - Anna shares cautions about using film to teach wellbeing and how to protect from those things.
• [17:02] - Anna shares that the neuroscience of stories work.
• [18:14] - Anna discusses teaching leaders how to tell stories that might help to improve their people's wellbeing.
• [20:12] - The Lightning Round with Anna Box.

Your Resources:

• Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead - Brené Brown
• Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead - Brené Brown
• A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled - Ruby Wax

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!

Anna Box is a psychologist, story strategist, and founder of Screen and Soul, where she delivers film and thriving workshops, designed to deliver evidence-based well-being and performance psychology, all while feeling like a day at the movies.  In all she does, Anna mashes the art of story with the science of thriving.   

Connect with Anna Box:

Anna Box on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabox/

You’ll Learn:

• [02:55] - Anna explains how to fuse storytelling and thriving in workplaces.
• [04:45] - Anna talks about the role of Joseph Campbell’s “Hero's Journey Approach” in storytelling.
• [06:05] - Anna describes how she’s teaching leaders to improve thriving in workplaces by helping them understand more about the hero’s journey.
• [10:30] - Anna shares cautions about using film to teach wellbeing and how to protect from those things.
• [17:02] - Anna shares that the neuroscience of stories work.
• [18:14] - Anna discusses teaching leaders how to tell stories that might help to improve their people’s wellbeing.
• [20:12] - The Lightning Round with Anna Box.

Your Resources:

• Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead - Brené Brown
• Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead - Brené Brown
• A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled - Ruby Wax

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!

Scott Barry Kaufman is an author, researcher, speaker, and public science communicator. He is interested in using psychological science to help all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and meaningful life. Scott is a professor of positive psychology at The University of Pennsylvania. His research has been featured in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and the Harvard Business Review, just to name a few of the many publications. Scott is the host of The Psychology Podcast, which I highly recommend listening to.

In this conversation, you will hear Scott talk about creativity in the workplace. While creativity can be messy, and organizations typically don't like "mess," Scott explains how a "no agenda zone", openness to new experiences, opportunities for awe and other leadership behaviors can improve people's creativity. We also explore the psychological tools of growth mindsets, git and self-compassion that may be needed to support creative risk taking. shares some ways we can improve our creativity at work.

Connect with Scott Barry Kaufman:

Website: ScottBarryKaufman.com Podcast: The Psychology Podcast

You'll Learn:

• [02:26] - Creativity is messy and organizations typically don't like a mess. Scott explains how they can embrace creativity by embracing uncertainty.
• [05:10] - Scott discusses the relationship between positive emotion and the creative process.
• [07:42] - Scott talks about the latest in the neuroscience of creativity. He talks about the importance of "the imagination network."
• [09:14] - Scott shares way researchers are finding can improve our creativity at work.
• [11:20] - Scott explains how awe can impact our creativity.
• [13:46] - Scott talks about how unusual environments can foster creativity, and what organizations and leaders can do to create weird experiences.
• [16:15] - Scott talks about the psychological skills of growth mindsets and self-compassion that enables us to take creative risks.
• [17:20] - The Lightning Round with Scott Barry Kaufman.

Your Resources:

• Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind - Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire
• Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World - Adam Grant and Sheryl Sandberg
• David Burkus' books on creativity in the workplace
• Keith Sawyer's books on creativity in the workplace
• The Power of Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence - Dacher Keltner

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!

Scott Barry Kaufman is an author, researcher, speaker, and public science communicator. He is interested in using psychological science to help all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and meaningful life. Scott is a professor of positive psychology at The University of Pennsylvania. His research has been featured in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and the Harvard Business Review, just to name a few of the many publications.  Scott is the host of The Psychology Podcast, which I highly recommend listening to.

In this conversation, you will hear Scott talk about creativity in the workplace. While creativity can be messy, and organizations typically don’t like “mess,” Scott explains how a “no agenda zone”, openness to new experiences, opportunities for awe and other leadership behaviors can improve people's creativity.  We also explore the psychological tools of growth mindsets, git and self-compassion that may be needed to support creative risk taking.  shares some ways we can improve our creativity at work.

Connect with Scott Barry Kaufman:

Website: ScottBarryKaufman.com
Podcast: The Psychology Podcast

You’ll Learn:

• [02:26] - Creativity is messy and organizations typically don’t like a mess.  Scott explains how they can embrace creativity by embracing uncertainty.
• [05:10] - Scott discusses the relationship between positive emotion and the creative process.
• [07:42] - Scott talks about the latest in the neuroscience of creativity.  He talks about the importance of “the imagination network.”
• [09:14] - Scott shares way researchers are finding can improve our creativity at work.
• [11:20] - Scott explains how awe can impact our creativity.
• [13:46] - Scott talks about how unusual environments can foster creativity, and what organizations and leaders can do to create weird experiences.
• [16:15] - Scott talks about the psychological skills of growth mindsets and self-compassion that enables us to take creative risks.
• [17:20] - The Lightning Round with Scott Barry Kaufman.

Your Resources:

• Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind - Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire
• Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World - Adam Grant and Sheryl Sandberg
• David Burkus’ books on creativity in the workplace
• Keith Sawyer’s books on creativity in the workplace
• The Power of Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence - Dacher Keltner

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!

Dr. Suzy Green is a coaching and clinical psychologist and founder of the Positivity Institute, a positively deviant organization dedicated to the research and application of positive psychology for life, school, and work. She also holds a number of honorary academic positions at The Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, The Australian Catholic University, The Graduate School of Education at The University of Melbourne, and The Black Dog Institute. Her work has been published in articles around the world.

In this conversation, you will hear Suzy share the research on why cultivating positive emotions matter when it comes to our performance and wellbeing at work. Suzy shares the practical things employees, leaders and organizations can do to improve mood in workplaces and how to implement these approaches at a systems level.

Connect with Suzy Green:

Website - http://thepositivityinstitute.com.au

• [02:00] - Suzy and I recently had the opportunity to work together on researching and writing a chapter for the new Handbook of the Psychology of Positivity and Strengths-Based Approaches to Work. Suzy shares what stood out to her in this research.
• [04:17] - There has been a lot of debate about measuring positivity ratios as a way to assess our wellbeing. Suzy shares the advice that she gives her clients about that approach.
• [06:16] - Suzy explains the importance of self-awareness when it comes to managing our moods.
• [08:38] - If you are looking to boost your heart-felt positivity, Suzy gives you her go-to activities.
• [09:56] - Suzy shares some advice if you are in a leadership role and trying to boost positivity within your team.
• [12:03] - Suzy provides some advice to companies wanting to implement these ideas in authentic ways.
• [14:50] - Suzy talks about helping organizations go beyond training with these practices.
• [21:01] - Suzy shares what sees as the most compelling parts of the business case at the moment, based on research.
• [25:05] - The Lightning Round with Suzy Green

• The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of the Psychology of Positivity and Strengths-Based Approaches at Work
• Positive Leadership: Strategies for Extraordinary Performance - Kim Cameron
• The Positive Organization: Breaking Free from Conventional Cultures, Constraints, and Beliefs - Robert E. Quinn
• The Three Questions (Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy) - Jon J. Muth

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!

Dr. Suzy Green is a coaching and clinical psychologist and founder of the Positivity Institute, a positively deviant organization dedicated to the research and application of positive psychology for life, school, and work.  She also holds a number of honorary academic positions at The Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, The Australian Catholic University, The Graduate School of Education at The University of Melbourne, and The Black Dog Institute. Her work has been published in articles around the world.

In this conversation, you will hear Suzy share the research on why cultivating positive emotions matter when it comes to our performance and wellbeing at work.  Suzy shares the practical things employees, leaders and organizations can do to improve mood in workplaces and how to implement these approaches at a systems level.

Connect with Suzy Green:

Website - http://thepositivityinstitute.com.au

• [02:00] - Suzy and I recently had the opportunity to work together on researching and writing a chapter for the new Handbook of the Psychology of Positivity and Strengths-Based Approaches to Work.  Suzy shares what stood out to her in this research.
• [04:17] - There has been a lot of debate about measuring positivity ratios as a way to assess our wellbeing. Suzy shares the advice that she gives her clients about that approach.
• [06:16] - Suzy explains the importance of self-awareness when it comes to managing our moods.  
• [08:38] - If you are looking to boost your heart-felt positivity, Suzy gives you her go-to activities.
• [09:56] - Suzy shares some advice if you are in a leadership role and trying to boost positivity within your team.
• [12:03] - Suzy provides some advice to companies wanting to implement these ideas in authentic ways.
• [14:50] - Suzy talks about helping organizations go beyond training with these practices.
• [21:01] - Suzy shares what sees as the most compelling parts of the business case at the moment, based on research.
• [25:05] - The Lightning Round with Suzy Green

• The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of the Psychology of Positivity and Strengths-Based Approaches at Work
• Positive Leadership: Strategies for Extraordinary Performance - Kim Cameron
• The Positive Organization: Breaking Free from Conventional Cultures, Constraints, and Beliefs - Robert E. Quinn
• The Three Questions (Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy) - Jon J. Muth

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!

BJ Fogg is an experimental psychologist who directs the behavior design lab at Stanford University. He is renowned for creating breakthrough methods for changing human behavior. These methods are called, "Tiny Habits." Fortune Magazine has named BJ one of the 10 New Gurus You Should Know.

In this conversation, you will hear BJ talk about the tiny habits method. He explains how small behavior changes are easier to implement and sustain when it comes to creating lasting positive changes. He shares the three simple steps you can take to make tiny habits part of your daily wellbeing routine.

Connect with BJ Fogg:

Website: TinyHabits.com

You'll Learn:

• [01:29] - BJ talks about his research on making positive behaviors stick.
• [02:09] - BJ explains what a "tiny habit" is and how it works.
• [04:12] - BJ describes how he used the tiny habits method with daily pushups.
• [06:19] - BJ talks about our brains adapting to tiny habits.
• [07:23] - In case the habit isn't "taking." BJ shares how to tweak the recipe.
• [10:26] - BJ explains that simplicity lies at the heart of behavior change.
• [13:35] - BJ tells us why celebration is important to help behavior changes continue.
• [18:34] - BJ shares how his newest research is looking to uncover super tiny ha bits that have the biggest impact on our wellbeing.

Your Resources:

• Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do - BJ Fogg
• BJ Fogg Ted Talk

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!

BJ Fogg is an experimental psychologist who directs the behavior design lab at Stanford University.  He is renowned for creating breakthrough methods for changing human behavior. These methods are called, “Tiny Habits.”  Fortune Magazine has named BJ one of the 10 New Gurus You Should Know.

In this conversation, you will hear BJ talk about the tiny habits method.  He explains how small behavior changes are easier to implement and sustain when it comes to creating lasting positive changes.  He shares the three simple steps you can take to make tiny habits part of your daily wellbeing routine.

Connect with BJ Fogg:

Website: TinyHabits.com

You’ll Learn:

• [01:29] - BJ talks about his research on making positive behaviors stick.
• [02:09] - BJ explains what a “tiny habit” is and how it works.
• [04:12] - BJ describes how he used the tiny habits method with daily pushups.
• [06:19] - BJ talks about our brains adapting to tiny habits.
• [07:23] - In case the habit isn’t “taking.” BJ shares how to tweak the recipe.
• [10:26] - BJ explains that simplicity lies at the heart of behavior change.
• [13:35] - BJ tells us why celebration is important to help behavior changes continue.
• [18:34] - BJ shares how his newest research is looking to uncover super tiny ha bits that have the biggest impact on our wellbeing.
  

Your Resources:

• Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do - BJ Fogg
• BJ Fogg Ted Talk

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!

Dr. Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and the Director of The Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, both at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a renowned neuroscientist and one of the world's leading experts on the impact of contemplative practices, such as meditation on the brain. He is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work on the study of emotions in the brain. This conversation with Dr. Richard Davidson was recorded live at the 2014 World Congress on Positive Psychology. This recording has never been played before on our podcast.

In this conversation, you will hear Richard share what neuroscientists are discovering about ways to train our brains to improve wellbeing through small daily practices.

Websites:

http://richardjdavidson.com http://investigatinghealthyminds.org

• [01:38] - Richard shares what the latest neuroscience research shows in the area of ways to improve wellbeing.
• [03:10] - Richard explains that wellbeing can be improved with practice. He talks about practices when it comes to improving wellbeing.
• [05:30] - Richard recommends that people start implementing these practices gradually.
• [6:26] - Richard encourages you to go to InvestigatingHealthyMinds.org and download the Compassion Meditation Practice.
• [07:02] - Mindfulness-based stress reduction is another excellent place to start, according to Richard.
• [07:41] - Richard explains how gratitude practices can help train our brains.
• [09:30] - Richard says that turning behaviors into habits is an effective way to embed these practices, neurologically.
• [11:37] - Richard describes some of the newer research now underway to understand how we can train our brains for wellbeing.

Your Resources:

• The Emotional Life of Your Brain: How Its Unique Patterns Affect the Way You Think, Feel, and Live--and How You Can Change Them - Richard Davidson and Sharon Begley

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!

Dr. Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and the Director of The Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, both at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a renowned neuroscientist and one of the world’s leading experts on the impact of contemplative practices, such as meditation on the brain. He is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work on the study of emotions in the brain. This conversation with Dr. Richard Davidson was recorded live at the 2014 World Congress on Positive Psychology.  This recording has never been played before on our podcast.  

In this conversation, you will hear Richard share what neuroscientists are discovering about ways to train our brains to improve wellbeing through small daily practices.

Websites:

http://richardjdavidson.com
http://investigatinghealthyminds.org

• [01:38] -  Richard shares what the latest neuroscience research shows in the area of ways to improve wellbeing.
• [03:10] - Richard explains that wellbeing can be improved with practice. He talks about practices when it comes to improving wellbeing.
• [05:30] - Richard recommends that people start implementing these practices gradually.
• [6:26] - Richard encourages you to go to InvestigatingHealthyMinds.org and download the Compassion Meditation Practice.
• [07:02] - Mindfulness-based stress reduction is another excellent place to start, according to Richard.
• [07:41] - Richard explains how gratitude practices can help train our brains.
• [09:30] - Richard says that turning behaviors into habits is an effective way to embed these practices, neurologically.
• [11:37] - Richard describes some of the newer research now underway to understand how we can train our brains for wellbeing.

Your Resources:

• The Emotional Life of Your Brain: How Its Unique Patterns Affect the Way You Think, Feel, and Live--and How You Can Change Them - Richard Davidson and Sharon Begley

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.

Until next time, take care!