How can you spend your money in ways that make you happier? Right in time for Christmas shopping we discuss five principles which help spending your money in a way that makes you and the people around you happier.

What beliefs stand in our way to change? How does change happen in our brain? Is happiness fixed and what influence do genes have? What can we do with all this information?

This episode is for the geeks, those interested in where Positive Psychology is headed and the fans of Aaron Jarden. We discuss the importance and advancement of assessments, the need to define concepts such as flourishing, current developments in positive psychology and how companies can help the cause to bring more flourishing to this world.

Therese Joyce will explain why play and humour is much more serious and important than you think.

Do we have to get away from traditional stereotypes of what it means to be a man? Is getting in touch with emotions only for women? Dr. Tim Lomas explains critical positive masculinity.

Think of optimism as the climate in your brain: is the weather generally good or would you prefer better weather? What is optimism, how does it influence your brain and life, what are the benefits, what concerns do people have and what can you do to get more of it?

Learn why the search for passion is over. Susanna explains the 5 components of a passionate life.

In the last episode Ryan Niemiec mentioned how movies can help us develop our character strengths. This week we will talk about how seeing 14 movies in 8 days gave me ample opportunity not just to watch out for strengths but see other positive psychology concepts in action too.

For more episodes check out http://strengthsphoenix.com/listen

Ryan Niemiec will be our guest in this episode of the Positive Psychology Podcast. He is a psychologist, coach and author who works on advancing the science and practice of strengths at the VIA Institute. We will talk about what strengths are, what to do once you know your strengths and how watching movies can help you get to know your strengths better.

For more episodes check out http://strengthsphoenix.com/listen

Acacia Parks discusses positive interventions. What are they? What works best and what can go wrong? How are positive interventions brought to the public? And how could a listener get started?

For more episodes check out http://strengthsphoenix.com/listen