The Happiness Playbook

By Neal Hooper and LaRee Florence

What's The Happiness Playbook about?

We help people practice happiness through the four principles of Play Theory; Be Present, Let Go & Play, Accept & Build and Look Outward.

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The Happiness Playbook episodes:

07.28.2023
You Can Go Around Again
I just returned from a 2 week trip to hike in the Dolomite mountains of Italy. For part of our travel we rented a car. Even though they drive on the same side of the road as here in the...
07.14.2023
How Can I Be Happy? Children Are Starving In China!
Right now someone is in agony. So how can we be happy? Navigating life on this big spinning orb can be tricky. Using the PLAY THEORY principles can help us sort out some tough things, like how to help others...
06.30.2023
Summer PLAY THEORY Tips
The berries are ripe on the vine and the freezer is full of popsicles. I love the feel of hot pavement under my feet and the cool splash of hose water pouring over my toes. I love the long evenings...
06.16.2023
What Are You Not Seeing?
Sometimes inspiration comes as a hopeful invitation leading to desired outcomes. And other times it comes as a warning of what not to do in order to avoid an undesirable outcome. This episode has turned into more of the latter. Looking...
06.01.2023
Accept It- You Can't Stop it
Is there anything in your life you want to stop doing? For me in Pickleball it’s missing put away shots that I keep putting into the net instead of past my opponents. Maybe it’s stopping eating junk food or stopping...
05.18.2023
Play to Win
How have the PLAY THEORY principles helped the NBA superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, develop into the MVP player that he is today? Today we talk about Giannis' early life, his rise to fame and his ability to Let Go and Play...
05.11.2023
Self Awareness is the Key
Researchers have found that 95% of those polled think they’re self aware but when tested only 10-15% actually are. And that's tricky cause it’s hard to change something that you don’t think needs fixing. Improving our self awareness is worth...
05.04.2023
May the 4th
It’s May 4th and for STAR WARS fans that means "May the fourth be with you!" Given, it’s just a multimillion, let’s call it billion dollar movie franchise that not everybody cares about. I however have been changed in profound...
04.27.2023
Below the Surface
Maybe in life we’re all like waterskiers; some are in the proverbial boat with friends watching the action, some are driving the boat and offering support and suggestions for success. And some of us are in the water. And just...
04.20.2023
Warts and All
Have you ever tried to erase that part of yourself that you perceive as unattractive or unacceptable. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t wanna be anyone’s joy kill when it comes to improving our self image with a new...
04.13.2023
Blissfully Aware
In this episode we're talking about a happiness power play that can lift you out of depression and alleviate the suffocating force of grief if only long enough to catch your breath for another deep dive into the abyss of...
04.06.2023
Trauma Drama
The long lasting effects of trauma are real. We don't do ourselves any favors by trying to ignore them or take a short cut on dealing with them. We need to Be Present with the uncomfortable emotions which will allow...
03.30.2023
127. Improv Yourself
In this episode you may be tempted to call me a liar because what I’m going to share may seem unbelievable to some of you. But I swear on a stack of bibles and my mother’s grave- it’s true. And...
03.23.2023
Acknowledge Other's Experiences
If you’ve you ever thought you heard one thing but ended up being wrong you'll enjoy this episode. Communication can be tricky. Misunderstandings happen despite having more ways of communication available than ever in the history of the world. We...
03.16.2023
Wanna Build? Accept the Box
Acceptance is necessary before we can build anything. But acceptance can be hard. There are some things we really struggle to accept, like other's opinions and perceptions. What if there was a script to help you develop more acceptance in...
03.02.2023
Shake It Off & Let It Go
Everybody has regrets- some are harmless while others can haunt us for the rest of our lives if we let them. In this episode I'll be sharing some of my regrets and hopefully helping you better manage yours by using...
02.23.2023
Practice Now
According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 in 3 of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder, and these numbers are steadily rising. Adults are no better off. How can Play Theory help turn...
02.15.2023
How's Your Mental Hygiene?
How many of you brush your teeth? Do you do it more than once in awhle? More than once a week? Daily? Twice a day? What would happen if you didn’t? That depends on what you consume. Is your life saturated...
02.09.2023
What Gets You Out of Bed?
In this episode we're sharing another Japanese secret to living a long and happy life. Ikigai is having something that makes you want to get up in the morning, work hard and makes you happy. The centurions of Okinawa all...
02.02.2023
Adapt or Die
How are dinosaurs and Imagine Dragons related to PLAY THEORY? Tune in to learn this surprising secret to gaining longevity and happiness.
01.26.2023
119. PLAY THEORY For the Win with Jaydee Sheppard
This week I sit down with one of my favorite people, Jaydee Sheppard. Tune in to learn how PLAY THEORY helped this mom of 8 launch a successful career in a very competitive real estate market, rising to...
01.19.2023
Just Breathe!
Did you know breathing in a focused way has huge health benefits?
01.12.2023
You Need a Happiness Practice
It takes regular and committed practice to develop and maintain a healthy mental mindset.
01.05.2023
Make You Dreams Come True
Dreams really do come true. So be careful what you wish for.
12.29.2022
New Year? NEW START
Good bye 2022! Anyone thinking about their New Year’s Resolutions? New Years’ used to be all about out with the old, in with the new, a chance to start anew; A NEW START. And that’s exactly what I’m super excited...
12.22.2022
For Happier Holidays 4 Tips
4 timeless tips to make the most of your holidays.
12.15.2022
Apology Expected?
When is an apology needed, and when is it not a positive thing. Not sure? Tune in for some great ideas on when and how to say you're sorry.
11.30.2022
Offering Help to the Grieving
in this podcast we share some ideas on how to offer support and care for those experiencing a heartbreaking loss.
11.23.2022
Holiday Happiness Power Play
Feel less stress and more connection during the holidays. If you’re listening in real time it's Thanksgiving week. That means lots of food, family and expectations. And we all know what happens when our expectations aren't met. We're disappointed, frustrated...
11.17.2022
Your Brain is Play Dough
How long has it been since you’ve indulged in some good old time playing with play dough? Remember the wonderful squishy texture that is so pliant without being sticky? Rolling it out into snakes or just squishing it in your...
11.11.2022
See Kindness
What if instead of focusing on the negative aspects of our society we looked for the good? One artist, Saira Siddiqui wants to help people see their world in a more positive light by inviting them to look for acts...
11.02.2022
Stop the ride! I want off!
When we’re feeling something awful it’s natural to want to escape and try to buffer from uncomfortable feelings. Some people escape into mind numbing social media or screen time. Some people drink alcohol that can numb negative feelings and increase...
10.26.2022
Ghosts and Ghouls Are Good for You
Theres nothing like a stroll through a graveyard to remind us to stop wasting our time on things that lack real meaning in our lives. The light heartedness of Halloween helps us accept a heavy subject and can help us...
10.19.2022
Does Happiness Elude You?
Who do you think is happier? Someone who was suddenly paralyzed in an accident or people who’d just won the lottery? Seems obvious right? You may be surprised to learn that according to a study by the University of Massachusetts,...
10.12.2022
You're Not a Plastic Bag
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag? Maybe that's why Katy Perry's hit song, Firework, resonates with so many of us. Life can feel overwhelming, like nothing we do matters and frankly, leave us feeling hopeless. Just like in...
10.06.2022
Yes! Anxiety is a Good Thing!
Here's part two of our discussion on anxiety and how accepting and building on our anxious feelings is the best way to manage those pesky negative emotions that are so common in today's social media saturated world. If you haven’t...
09.28.2022
Anxiety's a Good Thing?!
Today we’re talking about anxiety. If you haven’t experienced this challenging emotion or don’t know anyone else in your friend group or family then feel free to skip this and we’ll catch you on the next one. Otherwise stay tuned....
09.22.2022
Wanna Feel Better? Laugh More.
What if I told you there was a simple, FUN, enjoyable way you could reduce stress, boost your immunity, decrease pain, improve your connection to others, increase endorphins, improve your mood and enhance your sleep? Would you be interested? Of course...
09.14.2022
Wholly, Holy, Holey Now
How do these three words relate to happiness? It’s a bit of a listening puzzle but sorting out how being wholly present can create holiness and peace in our lives is valuable intel. Add holey, the last word, to understand...
09.07.2022
Reboot Your Mindset, Improve Your Mood
Upgrade your attitude with this quick happiness workout. In honor of our 100th episode of The Happiness Playbook we’d like to do a Play Theory workshop in real time with our listeners. Come along and experience the transformational power of...
08.31.2022
Your Worst Fear? We Got Ya.
What are you more afraid of... Ghosts, Zombies or Clowns? For three fourths of Americans the answer is none of the above. If you can relate to clammy hands and the knee knocking terror of speaking in front of a...
08.24.2022
To Get Somewhere, Start Where You Are
What part of your life is a struggle? A barking dog, a bank account in the red, poor health? If you want to make a change then you'll need to accept where you are and build from there. Denying where...
08.17.2022
Wanna Win? Then Say Yes To Losing
Have you ever played a game with someone who despite losing is still able to laugh and smile? This means they are at peace with themselves and aren’t defining their worth on circumstances that are out of their control. If...
08.10.2022
Travel Troubles? Play Theory Can Help
Flight cancelations? Lost Luggage? No Problem. In this special video episode (watch here on Play Theory's Youtube Channel) LaRee and Adeline Florence sit down together to share how Play Theory improved the outcome of their recent trip to Machu Picchu and...
08.03.2022
You Have a Super Power
Wanna learn more about your super power? Listen up. Science has proven that just by thinking we can cure stress-related insomnia, and lessen the side effects of cancer treatment, like fatigue and nausea. The many faith practices and wisdom traditions...
07.27.2022
When Your World is Caving in, Look Outward
In this episode we're talking about looking outward instead of inward. Looking at another’s need and seeking to fulfill it instead of our own is counter intuitive. We all have needs and being hangry is real. Looking outward doesn’t have...
07.20.2022
Bloom Where You're Planted
There will always be problems to focus on. We find happiness when instead of resenting them, we accept them and recognize them for what they are, opportunities for growth and development. There is no happiness without acceptance. And only when...
07.13.2022
Gamify Your Life
Games are created to have fun while pursuing a goal. Video games have set pathways to accomplish the game’s mission. There are rewards built in to keep us engaged. We can let go and play and apply these same tactics...
07.06.2022
You Can't Stop the Waves But You Can Learn to Surf
Do you have intentional practices that improve your feelings of happiness and joy? In life we can't control everything that comes our way but we can control how we react. Being mindful and developing equanimity helps us manage the ups...
06.29.2022
When We Teach We Learn
In this episode we continue our conversation with Janna Hargadon, the co-founder of Take Note Troupe, about how Play Theory began. We'll even learn a little Latin: Homines Dum docent, discunt. This idea, that when we teach we learn, is...

What's The Happiness Playbook about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Happiness Playbook episodes:

You Can Go Around Again

How Can I Be Happy? Children Are Starving In China!

Summer PLAY THEORY Tips

What Are You Not Seeing?

Accept It- You Can't Stop it

Play to Win

Self Awareness is the Key

May the 4th

Below the Surface

Warts and All

Blissfully Aware

Trauma Drama

127. Improv Yourself

Acknowledge Other's Experiences

Wanna Build? Accept the Box

Shake It Off & Let It Go

Practice Now

How's Your Mental Hygiene?

What Gets You Out of Bed?

Adapt or Die

119. PLAY THEORY For the Win with Jaydee Sheppard

Just Breathe!

You Need a Happiness Practice

Make You Dreams Come True

New Year? NEW START

For Happier Holidays 4 Tips

Apology Expected?

Offering Help to the Grieving

Holiday Happiness Power Play

Your Brain is Play Dough

See Kindness

Stop the ride! I want off!

Ghosts and Ghouls Are Good for You

Does Happiness Elude You?

You're Not a Plastic Bag

Yes! Anxiety is a Good Thing!

Anxiety's a Good Thing?!

Wanna Feel Better? Laugh More.

Wholly, Holy, Holey Now

Reboot Your Mindset, Improve Your Mood

Your Worst Fear? We Got Ya.

To Get Somewhere, Start Where You Are

Wanna Win? Then Say Yes To Losing

Travel Troubles? Play Theory Can Help

You Have a Super Power

When Your World is Caving in, Look Outward

Bloom Where You're Planted

Gamify Your Life

You Can't Stop the Waves But You Can Learn to Surf

When We Teach We Learn