Realistic Happiness

Realistic Happiness

By Daisy Ilaria | Podsterdam Studio ProductionEducationSelf-Improvement
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Realistic Happiness episodes

  • Gina Schinkel: Travel or Career? Why Not Both?

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    In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by Gina, founder of Driftawave, a company that helps professionals and teams design transformative workcations and offsites. Gina has lived and worked across the globe, from Australia to Latin America, building a career that blends adventure, corporate experience, and entrepreneurship.


    We discuss:

    - Breaking Away from the Conventional Path: How Gina carved a unique career by embracing travel, adaptability, and non-traditional work experiences.

    - Pivoting & Transferable Skills: Why you don’t have to stay in one job forever, and how every experience can shape your future career moves.

    - The Power of Networking & Relationships: How keeping in touch with people across industries and countries opened unexpected doors for career growth.

    - Overcoming Fear & Taking the Leap: Gina’s mindset shift before moving to Latin America alone, and how to navigate fear when making big life and career changes.

    - The Future of Work & Meaningful Connections: Why remote work, company retreats, and offsites are more crucial than ever for employee engagement, retention, and work-life balance.

    If you’re a professional feeling stuck in the 9-to-5 grind or you're wondering if there’s more to life than the standard career trajectory, this episode is packed with real-life insights on career reinvention, work-life balance, and the power of saying yes to new opportunities.


    Connect with Gina:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaschinkel/

    Driftawave LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/driftawave

    Website: https://www.driftawave.com/

    Connect with our Realistic Happiness Community:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappiness

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realistichappinesspodcast/

    Connect with your host, Daisy:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy.ilaria

    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@daisy.ilaria

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaisyIlaria

    Connect with our producer, Jamie:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.everett1/

    1 hr 13 min
  • Karim El Oteify: Fear, Power & Belonging (Roots of Exclusion)

    In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by Karim El Oteify, a DEI Consultant, Entrepreneur, and Speaker focused on building inclusive workplaces and dismantling systemic barriers.We discuss:- The Roots of Exclusion & Bias: How human biology, socialisation, and power structures contribute to exclusion—and what we can do about it.- Intersectionality & the Myth of Normal: Why society segments people into silos and how embracing intersectionality can drive real inclusion.- The Responsibility Allergy in Leadership: Why those in power resist making change, and how fear holds back true diversity and equity.- Breaking Barriers in Work & Society: The real impact of systemic bias on neurodivergent and disabled individuals, and how companies can take meaningful action.- Reframing Success & Inclusion: Why businesses that prioritise diverse voices outperform others, and how to listen, advocate, and open doors for others.If you’re looking to better understand systemic inequality, improve workplace inclusivity, or become a stronger ally, this episode is packed with insights that challenge the status quo and inspire action.Connect with Karim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimeloteify/Website: https://thewheelsofimpact.com/Connect with your Realistic Happiness Community:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappinessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realistichappinesspodcast/Connect with your host, Daisy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy.ilariaThreads: https://www.threads.net/@daisy.ilariaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaisyIlariaConnect with our producer, Jamie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.everett1/

    1 hr 10 min
  • Emily Cook: The Science of Deep Focus & High Performance

    In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by Emily Cook, a performance and neuroscience coach who transitioned from a high-intensity finance career to studying peak performance, flow states, and sustainable success.We discuss:- Redefining High Performance: How Emily shifted from working long hours in finance to understanding sustainable success through neuroscience and peak performance research.- The Power of Flow States: What flow is, why it matters, and how it enhances productivity, creativity, and well-being.- The Myth of Busyness: Why working longer doesn’t mean working better, and how to structure your time for deep focus and high efficiency.- Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout: The impact of stress on performance, how it blocks flow states, and strategies to reduce stress while maintaining excellence.- The Science Behind Focus: Understanding the neuroscience of deep work, distractions, and why our modern work environments make it harder to focus.- Practical Strategies for Achieving Flow: A step-by-step guide to entering flow states, managing energy, and making productivity feel effortless.- Flow in Teams and Leadership: How leaders can support group flow for better teamwork, decision-making, and creative problem-solving.- The Importance of Recovery: Why rest is a non-negotiable part of performance, and how to switch off at the end of the day without guilt.If you’re struggling with focus, feeling constantly busy but unproductive, or looking to optimise your work and life with neuroscience-backed strategies, this episode is packed with insights to help you work smarter, not harder.Connect with Emily:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilycook-coach/Website: https://www.found-coaching.com/Connect with your Realistic Happiness Community:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappinessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realistichappinesspodcast/Connect with your host, Daisy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy.ilariaThreads: https://www.threads.net/@daisy.ilariaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaisyIlariaConnect with our producer, Jamie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.everett1/

    1 hr 22 min
  • Ania K-B: Positive Psychologist talks Happiness

    In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by Anna Koziarska-Bergink, a positive psychology expert and mindfulness trainer, to explore what happiness really means in today’s world.

    We discuss:
    - Happiness vs. Pleasure – Understanding the difference between momentary pleasure (hedonism) and long-term fulfillment (eudaimonia), and why we need both.
    - Slowing Down & Connecting with Yourself – How to resist the pressures of constant productivity and external validation to truly connect with what brings you joy.
    - The Role of Gratitude & Acceptance – Why practicing gratitude feels difficult, how to overcome resistance, and how accepting discomfort can lead to sustainable happiness.
    - Intercultural Happiness – How different cultures define and experience happiness, from Japan’s Ikigai to Denmark’s Hygge and the Netherlands’ Gezelligheid.
    - Generational Perspectives on Happiness – How work-life balance, social media, and shifting priorities have shaped different generations’ views on happiness.
    - The Power of Silence – What Ania learned from a five-day silent retreat, the impact of technology on our mental well-being, and how moments of silence can transform our mindset.
    If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing happiness but never quite reaching it, this episode offers powerful insights into how to redefine happiness on your own terms.
    Connect with Ania:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-koziarska-bergink-9311a263/
    Website: https://ann-power.com/
    Connect with your Realistic Happiness Community:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappiness
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realistichappinesspodcast/
    Connect with your host, Daisy:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy.ilaria
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@daisy.ilaria
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaisyIlaria
    Connect with our producer, Jamie:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.everett1/

    1 hr 13 min
  • David Buirs: Are You Leading, or Just Managing?

    In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by David Buirs, a leadership coach and expert in guiding emerging leaders to build confidence, develop self-awareness, and lead with authenticity.

    We discuss:
    - The Leadership Myth: Why being great at your job doesn’t automatically make you a great leader—and what skills are actually required.
    - Task vs. People-Focused Leadership: How to find the right balance between driving results and fostering a supportive, engaged team.
    - The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership: Why showing your struggles builds trust and respect rather than undermining authority.
    - Healthy vs. Toxic Work Environments: How leadership styles impact workplace culture, psychological safety, and innovation.
    - Mastering Delegation: Avoiding micromanagement while ensuring your team is challenged and motivated.
    - Leadership as Influence: Understanding how managers shape behaviours, company culture, and even the well-being of their teams.
    - Preventing Burnout & Sustainable Success: Why rewarding hustle culture over well-being leads to disengagement—and how to shift the mindset for long-term impact.
    - Who Are You Without Your Job? Exploring leadership beyond work identity and the deeper questions every leader should ask themselves.
    If you're a new or seasoned leader looking to improve your leadership skills, create a more positive team culture, and balance ambition with well-being, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow.
    Connect with David:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbuirsleadershipcoaching/
    Connect with your Realistic Happiness Community:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappiness
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realistichappinesspodcast/
    Connect with your host, Daisy:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy.ilaria
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@daisy.ilaria
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaisyIlaria
    Connect with our producer, Jamie:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.everett1/

    1 hr 21 min
  • Hannah Roan: Readiness is a Myth

    In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by Hannah Roan, a career coach and advocate for embracing change and alignment in our lives and work.We discuss:- Taking Action Despite Fear: Learn why readiness is a myth and how to move forward even when uncertainty and fear are present.- Aligning Career and Values: Explore the impact of misaligned values in your career and how understanding your core values can lead to purposeful decisions.- Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Discover how beliefs like "I’m not enough" or waiting for external validation hold you back and how to break free through micro-shifts and self-awareness.- Reframing Failure and Change: Shift from a mindset of fear to one of growth, recognizing how challenges and even chaos can signal meaningful progress.- Redefining Success: Reflect on what success truly means for you and why societal definitions, like titles and financial goals, often fall short of delivering fulfillment.If you're navigating career transitions, struggling with self-doubt, or seeking clarity on what truly aligns with your values, this episode provides actionable insights and inspiration for taking the next steps toward a life that feels right for you.Connect with Hannah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahroancoaching/Website: https://www.hannahroancoaching.com/Connect with your Realistic Happiness Community:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappinessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realistichappinesspodcast/Connect with your host, Daisy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy.ilariaThreads: https://www.threads.net/@daisy.ilariaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaisyIlariaConnect with our producer, Jamie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.everett1/

    1 hr 7 min
  • Yor Smit: Positive Masculinity Redefined

    In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by Yor Smit, an advocate for positive masculinity and founder of the Gouden Pad (Golden Path) initiative. Yor brings a fresh perspective on navigating modern masculinity, embracing empathy, and creating safe spaces for everyone.

    We discuss:
    - Positive Masculinity in Practice: Redefining what it means to "be a man," embracing emotions, and rejecting harmful stereotypes in favor of compassionate leadership.
    - The Violence Pyramid: How seemingly small actions, like locker room talk, can contribute to a culture of violence and how to address it constructively.
    - Navigating Toxic Influences: Yor's personal journey of escaping toxic masculinity and the red pill/incel communities, and his mission to guide others toward healthier mindsets.
    - Generational Shifts in Masculinity: Exploring why Gen Z is becoming more conservative and how social media algorithms perpetuate stereotypes and misinformation.
    - Building Inclusive Communities: Practical advice on being an ally to marginalized .groups and creating environments where everyone can thrive.
    If you’re ready to redefine masculinity, embrace empathy, and create positive change in your life and community, this episode is a must-listen.
    Connect with Yor:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yorsmit/
    Website: https://gouden-pad.nl/
    YouTube: @GoudenPadNL
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goudenpadnl/
    Connect with Us:
    LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappiness
    Daisy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/
    Jamie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/

    1 hr 15 min
  • Szonja Zsiros: Overcoming Constant Dissatisfaction

    Do you ever feel stuck or wonder, “Is this all there is?”. In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we unpack why so many of us feel this way - and what you can do to change it.

    I’m joined by Szonja Zsiros, a Career Counsellor who helps millennials in the Netherlands tackle life and work challenges. With her signature mix of humor and realism, Szonja shares strategies to navigate dissatisfaction, find purpose, and take meaningful steps forward.
    We cover:
    - The beliefs that keep you stuck - and how to challenge them.
    - Why humor is a powerful tool for dealing with tough situations.
    - How to let go of the pressure to have all the answers and embrace progress.
    - Discovering what truly energises and motivates you in a fast-changing world.
    - How self-compassion helps you handle uncertainty and dissatisfaction.
    Connect with Szonja:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/szonja-zsiros/
    Website: https://www.szonjazsiros.com/
    Connect with Us:
    LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappiness
    Daisy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/
    Jamie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/

    51 min
  • Irene Anggreeni: Master Your Inner Saboteurs

    In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by Irene Anggreeni, a passionate advocate for integrating mental well-being into professional lives. With her extensive background in psychology and personal development, Irene shares practical strategies and stories to inspire a healthier, more balanced approach to career and life.

    We discuss:

    - Spotting Self-Sabotage: How to notice when you’re getting in your own way and what to do about it.

    - Shifting Your Mindset: Simple ways to turn negative thoughts into growth opportunities.

    - Turning Stress into Strength: How to manage burnout and come out stronger on the other side.

    - Being Kinder to Yourself: Why self-compassion matters and how to practice it.

    - Building Everyday Resilience: Easy habits to stay calm and confident through life’s challenges.

    If you’re feeling stuck, doubting yourself, or searching for ways to stop holding yourself back, this episode is packed with ideas to help you move forward.

    Connect with Irene:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenevanjava/

    Website: http://ireneanggreeni.com/

    Connect with Us:

    LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappiness

    Daisy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/

    Jamie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/

    1 hr 20 min
  • Marta Budzynska: Ditch Perfection. Start Growing

    In this episode of Realistic Happiness, I’m joined by Marta Budzynska, an inspiring confidence coach and viral content creator. Marta is all about helping people own their careers, boost their confidence, and embrace their authentic selves.


    We chat about:

    - Getting Over Self-Doubt: Marta opens up about her leap from a corporate job to entrepreneurship and shares how she stopped letting self-rejection hold her back. It’s all about building confidence and going for what you really want.

    - Social Media Without the Stress: Love it or hate it, social media can be a game-changer for your career. Marta spills her secrets on using platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn to stand out without losing your authenticity.

    - Rejection Doesn’t Mean the End: Ever felt like a rejection was the worst? Marta shares why it’s often a redirection to something better, with real stories from her own career.

    - Finding Your Vibe (aka Your Niche): Whether you’re starting to create content or just figuring out what you’re passionate about, Marta has practical tips to help you stand out and stay true to yourself.

    - Owning Your Career Like a Boss: Marta explains why no one will care more about your career than you. From visibility to feedback, she breaks down how to take charge and make moves, whether you’re in corporate or going solo.


    If you’re feeling stuck in your career, curious about growing your personal brand, or just need a pep talk to get back on track, this episode is for you. Tune in for honest advice, real-world strategies, and a reminder that you’ve got what it takes.


    Connect with Marta:

    Instagram: instagram.com/helloitismarta

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martabudzynskacoach/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helloitismarta


    Connect with Us:

    LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappiness

    Daisy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/

    Jamie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/

    1 hr 18 min

About Realistic Happiness

From the publisher's feed

Realistic Happiness is a podcast designed to explore a practical, grounded approach to achieving and maintaining happiness in everyday life, particularly in the workplace and through personal…