Podcast Archives ⋆ The Happier You

28May 2025 by Bona No Comments

Thriving Through the Empty Nest Transition with Coach Diana McIntosh EP#127

Podcast

Navigating Change with Confidence and Clarity In this week’s episode of The Happier You, we’re talking about how to thrive through the empty nest transition with certified coach Diana McIntosh. Whether your youngest just left for university or you’re a few months away from a quieter house, this episode is packed with insights to help you embrace this new chapter. Finding Yourself After the Kids Move Out Diana shares her own story of facing the empty nest season and how she moved from anxiety and uncertainty to confidence and clarity. We talk about the messy middle of change, how to reframe this time in your life, and the simple, everyday actions that can reignite your sense of purpose. Tools to Help You Thrive We also discuss the power of mindset,…

07May 2025 by Bona No Comments

Happiness by Design: Chris Ayotte on Building a Life Around What Matters Most

Podcast

Today's podcast is about Happiness by Design with Chris Ayotte. What does it look like to step away from a successful military career—not because you have to, but because you choose to prioritize what matters most? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Chris Ayotte, a former Army officer who made the courageous decision to leave the military so he could be fully present during the final two years of his daughter’s high school experience. After years of service and repeated deployments, Chris found himself at a crossroads—and gave himself six intentional months to reflect on what life after the military could and should look like. We talk about that critical window of transition, the emotional weight of changing identity, and the process of building a new life that…

24Feb 2025 by Bona

The Power of Creative Expression: Healing & Transformation with Sam Horton EP#125

Podcast

The Power of Creative Expression: Healing & Transformation with Sam Horton Unlock the Healing Power of Creativity In this episode of The Happier You podcast, Sam Horton joins us to explore how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and happiness. Sam shares her personal journey and insights on embracing creativity in all aspects of life—not just through traditional art forms, but in everyday experiences like cooking, home decor, and gardening. Creativity isn’t just about painting or music; it’s about how we bring beauty and meaning into our lives. Whether you’re designing a cozy, inspiring home, experimenting in the kitchen, or cultivating a vibrant garden, creative expression can be a form of self-care and personal growth. Sam discusses how these creative outlets help process emotions, reduce stress, and…

06Feb 2025 by Bona

Breaking the February Funk: How to Find Joy in the Toughest Month

Podcast

Break the February Funk and Find Joy in the Toughest Month February is often considered the toughest month of the year. The winter blues are at their peak, the holiday bills are due, and we’re still reeling from the aftermath of indulgent holiday seasons. Plus, there’s Valentine’s Day—an occasion that can either feel like a pressure cooker or a reminder of what’s missing in our lives. It’s no wonder so many of us feel stuck in a funk during this time. But what if we can break the February Funk and it didn’t have to be that way? In this episode of The Happier You podcast, I dive into how you can break free from the February slump by making small mindset shifts and taking intentional actions. You can transform…

23Jan 2025 by Bona

Mastering Transitions: Strategies to Thrive During Life’s Big Changes

Podcast

In this episode, Mastering Transitions: Strategies to Thrive During LIfe's Big Changes, I sit down with transition coach Jodi Webster to discuss navigating life’s major changes. Whether a transition is planned or unexpected, it can be difficult to handle. Jodi shares her personal journey into transition coaching, reflecting on her own career shifts and the challenges she faced without guidance. This episode dives into Jodi’s top tools and advice for navigating transitions, from practical strategies like maintaining an up-to-date resume and building an emergency fund, to emotional tools like celebrating small wins and overcoming self-doubt. Jodi also explains why it’s crucial to plan ahead, invest in your skills, and approach job searching with resilience. For anyone facing a career transition—or just wanting to be better prepared—this episode is packed with…

10Jan 2025 by Bona

2025 Planning Made Easy: Celebrate Wins, Set Goals, and Love Your Life EP#122

Podcast

2025 Planning Made Easy: Celebrate Wins, Set Goals, and Love Your Life Do you want to make 2025 the year you truly love? In this episode, I simplify the process of goal-setting and annual planning with a fun and practical approach designed to work for you. Whether 2024 left you feeling accomplished or drained, this framework will help you celebrate your wins, set meaningful goals, and create a life you’re excited to wake up to every day. If you’ve ever struggled with staying motivated or sticking to resolutions, this episode is packed with tips to make 2025 planning easy, inspiring, and totally doable. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why celebrating your wins is the most overlooked (but essential!) part of planning. A 4-step system to simplify your annual planning and…

18Dec 2024 by Bona

Happiness Isn’t Always Easy: A Real Talk About Struggles, Joy, and Resilience EP#121

Podcast

Happiness Isn’t Always Easy: A Real Talk About Struggles, Joy, and Resilience What does it really mean to find happiness when life throws challenges your way? In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, I’m joined by someone incredibly special to me—Patricia Vander Laan. Patricia has been my happiness mentor for over four years, and she continues to amaze me with her resilience, grit, and unwavering ability to find joy, even in the face of adversity. Overcoming Adversity with Resilience Patricia’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. This year especially, she has weathered immense challenges, and yet she remains steadfast in her pursuit of happiness and meaning. Her wisdom and authenticity shine as she shares how she finds moments of joy every day, even in difficult times. This episode is a real…

05Dec 2024 by Bona

Gratitude, Spoons, and The Gap: Why Happiness Takes Practice

Podcast

Gratitude, Spoons, and The Gap: Why Happiness Takes Practice Gratitude is a simple yet life-changing tool—but let’s be real, it’s not always easy to practice. In this episode of The Happier You podcast, I share why gratitude is such a powerful happiness tool and how we can strengthen it, even during life’s busy and stressful moments. Spoiler Alert: Happiness takes practice! Inspired by the book The Gap and The Gain by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan, this episode explores the concept of living in “The Gap” (focusing on what you’re missing) versus “The Gain” (celebrating what you have). You’ll hear a heartfelt story about rubber spoons, sibling squabbles, and a powerful reminder about how often we focus on what’s missing instead of appreciating the blessings right in front of us.…

22Nov 2024 by Bona

December Gratitude Challenge: A Great Way to Unlock Holiday Happiness EP#119

Podcast

December Gratitude Challenge: A Great Way to Unlock Holiday Happiness Podcast Episode Summary:The holiday season is often described as "the most wonderful time of the year," but for many of us, it can also feel overwhelming, stressful, or even lonely. That’s why I created the December Gratitude Challenge—to help us shift our focus from holiday chaos to holiday happiness. In this episode of The Happier You, we explore how practicing gratitude can transform your mindset, helping you find joy even amidst the hustle and bustle of the season. Whether you're managing endless to-do lists or navigating holiday blues, gratitude is a simple yet powerful tool to help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with the blessings in your life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why gratitude is the key to…

07Nov 2024 by Bona

The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself EP#118

Podcast

The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself This Holiday Season 🎁 With the holiday rush around the corner, have you paused to consider: what’s the best gift you could give yourself this season? Spoiler—it’s not something you’ll find in a store or wrapped in paper. As holiday ads flood our screens, we’re often led to believe that happiness can be bought. But here’s the reality: the best gifts are rarely things. In this episode of The Happier You podcast, we explore what it truly means to give yourself a meaningful gift and why it doesn’t come with a price tag. Discover How the Five Love Languages Can Transform Self-Care In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of the Five Love Languages—originally a relationship tool, but one with immense…