Is happiness a choice? Today's guest is Tal Ben-Shahar, best-selling author of Happiness Studies and Happier, No Matter What. He also taught two of Harvard's most popular classes, "Positive Psychology" and "The Psychology of Leadership." He consults and lectures to executives in multinational corporations, the general public, and at-risk populations, and is the co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Happiness Studies Academy.
Tal and our new host, Will Houghteling, discuss whether happiness is truly a choice in the midst of so much turbulence and how we should give ourselves permission to be human through it all.
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Tim Ferriss: The 4-Hour Work Week
Tim Ferris, author of 5 #1 NYT/WSJ bestsellers, early-stage investor, and host of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast, shares how one snarky comment from a college student and a night of insomnia set him down a path to be a New York Times bestselling author and a 4-hour thought leader.
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Venki Ramakrishnan: Aging, Longevity, and the Science That Could Change Everything
Dr. Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel Prize–winning chemist and author of Why We Die, shares a fascinating look into the biology of aging and the scientific breakthroughs that could extend not just our lifespan, but our healthspan. He explains how the body breaks down over time, what evolution teaches us about longevity, and why community, purpose, and sleep may matter more than we think. Venki also weighs in on vaccines, genetic engineering, and the emerging frontier of age-reversing technologies—offering both clarity and hope in the quest to live better, longer.
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Gregory Walton: The Small Acts That Spark Big Change
Dr. Gregory Walton, Stanford professor and co-director of the Dweck-Walton Lab, shares insights from his new book Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Drawing from decades of social psychology research, he explains how simple, intentional gestures—like wise feedback, affirming someone’s strengths, or showing belief in their potential—can transform lives and unlock performance. Whether you’re a leader, educator, parent, or friend, this conversation will inspire you to recognize the extraordinary power you hold in everyday moments to help others feel seen, valued, and capable.
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John Tregoning: The Science of Aging, Wellness, and What We Can Actually Control
John Tregoning, immunologist and author of Live Forever: A Curious Scientist’s Guide to Wellness, Aging, and Death, shares science-backed insights into how we can live longer—and better. With clarity and candor, he walks through the top causes of death from heart disease to dementia, explaining what really drives them and how simple, everyday habits—like movement, food, connection, and curiosity—can improve both lifespan and quality of life. From the dangers of sugar and stress to the surprising benefits of social ties, this fast-paced conversation will change the way you think about health, aging, and the future of your body.
Tune in to FranklinCovey On Leadership, where host Will Houghteling interviews top business thinkers, best-selling authors, researchers, and speakers. Each episode explores practical insights on building resilient cultures, establishing trust with teams and clients, driving breakthrough results, and discovering what makes truly great leadership.
To learn more and take your leadership skills to the next level, visit www.FranklinCovey.com
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