Shows
Researching Happy060 - Researching Unhappy: The Harsh Reality of Research Funding in Australia | Dr Shane Huntington CEO of Australian Society of Medical ResearchIn this episode, Dr. Shane Huntington discusses the challenges faced by early career researchers in the health research sector, particularly regarding funding applications. He highlights the significant decrease in success rates for grants, the importance of communication skills in grant writing, and the need for more funding to support researchers. Dr. Huntington also emphasizes the importance of redefining success for researchers and raising public awareness about the achievements in research. The conversation concludes with a call to action for advocacy efforts to address the issues within the research communityKeywords:
2025-12-0242 min
Researching Happy059 - We need to rehumanize the workplace | Dr Denise QuinlanIn this conversation, Dr. Denise Quinlan discusses her journey in positive psychology, emphasizing the importance of context, cultural sensitivity, and the need for a human-centric approach in workplaces. She critiques the current state of wellbeing science, advocating for collaboration with other fields and addressing societal issues such as polarization and economic precarity. The discussion highlights the shift from shareholder to stakeholder capitalism and the need for organizations to value their employees as integral to their success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Happiness Research01:00 Denise Quinlan's Journey and Current Work05:10 The...
2025-11-1259 min
Researching Happy058 - Why don't governments take wellbeing seriously? Diane Bowles & Dr Kate SollisIn this episode, Dr. Matthew Iasiello engages in a critical conversation with Diane Bowles and Dr. Kate Sollis about the importance of wellbeing in policy and the challenges faced in promoting it in Australia. They discuss the Measuring What Matters framework, the role of government, and the significance of community engagement in developing effective wellbeing policies. The conversation also touches on the Future Generations movement and local initiatives making strides in wellbeing. The guests emphasize the need for collaboration between government, community, and business to create a sustainable wellbeing economy and the importance of...
2025-10-161h 12
Researching Happy057 - Facebook VP to Stand-up Comedy: a search for reasonable happiness | Paul OllingerIn this engaging conversation, Paul Ollinger shares his unique journey from being a Facebook executive to a stand-up comedian, exploring the intersections of happiness, purpose, and societal expectations. He reflects on the impact of wealth on happiness, the importance of belonging, and the challenges of raising children in a materialistic society. The discussion also delves into the role of comedy in addressing social issues and the need for nuance in conversations about happiness and fulfillment.Chapters00:00 Exploring Happiness Through Diverse Perspectives01:09 From Facebook to Comedy: A Unique Journey05:22...
2025-10-0259 minResearching Happy056 - The Science of Wellbeing, Resilience, and Health | Prof Claudia Trudel-FitzgeraldIn this episode, Dr Matthew Iasiello speaks with A/Prof Claudia Trudel-Fitzgerald about her research in psychological, social, and behavioral determinants of mental health. Prof Trudel-Fitzgerald is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, with an appointment as a Regular Researcher at the Research Center of Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal.They discuss the importance of mental health in physical health outcomes, the role of resilience and coping strategies, and the need for cultural sensitivity in wellbeing measurement. Claudia shares her journey into positive psychology, the misconceptions surrounding resili...
2025-09-181h 07
Researching Happy055 - WHO gets to define flourishing? And what are the stakes? | Professor Sarah WillenIn this conversation, Professor Sarah Willen discusses the role of anthropology in understanding flourishing and wellbeing. Dr Willen is Professor of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut and Co-Director of the Research Program on Global Health and Human Rights at the university’s Human Rights Institute.She emphasizes the importance of structural circumstances and individual experiences in defining flourishing, while also critiquing the limitations of positive psychology. The discussion explores the concept of languishing, the significance of context in wellbeing, and the ethical implications of policy decisions related to health and flourishing. Prof Willen advocates fo...
2025-08-211h 17
Researching Happy054 - Self-care redefined, balancing the system and individual responsibility | Prof Narelle LemonIn this episode of "Researching Happy," Dr. Matthew Iasiello sits down with Professor Narelle Lemon, a leading expert in education and positive psychology, to explore the intricate balance between self-care and professional demands. They delve into the challenges faced by educators, the importance of wellbeing literacy, and how self-care can be redefined beyond commercialized notions. Join them for an insightful conversation on nurturing resilience and fostering a supportive community in educational settings. #Wellbeing #Education #SelfCare
2025-08-061h 00
Researching Happy053 - How grateful parents can transform family dynamics | A/Prof Katherine Nelson-CoffeyIn this episode of Researching Happy, Dr. Matthew Iasiello is joined by Dr. Katherine Nelson Coffey, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University and a leading expert in positive psychology. They discuss the impact of parenting on well-being, the importance of parental happiness, and how positive psychology interventions can enhance family dynamics. Dr. Nelson-Coffey shares insights from her research on gratitude and its ripple effects on family life, offering practical tips for parents to improve their well-being and relationships.
2025-07-091h 01Researching Happy052 - A Call to Action for Positive Psychology | Prof Mike StegerIn this episode of Researching Happy, Dr. Matthew Iasiello sits down with Professor Mike Steger, a leading voice in positive psychology from Colorado State University, to explore the future of well-being science. They dive into Mike’s recent paper, Regenerative Positive Psychology: A Call to Reorient Well-Being Science to Meet the Realities of Our World, discussing how the field can expand beyond individual happiness to address social, political, and environmental challenges. Mike shares his journey from a curious kid in Buffalo to a prominent researcher, offering insights for PhD students and early-career researchers on how to make a meaningful impa...
2025-06-251h 07
Researching Happy051 - Stop Phubbing Up Our Happiness: Smartphones, Social Connection, and School Bans | Dr Carli OchsIn Episode 51 of Researching Happy, host Dr Matthew Iasiello engages Dr. Carli Ochs, a postdoctoral researcher at Georgetown University’s Happy Tech Lab, in a lively discussion about the impact of smartphones on social wellbeing. Dr. Ochs, fresh from her PhD in Switzerland, explores "phubbing" (phone snubbing), where smartphone use disrupts face-to-face interactions, and its effects on mood and social connectedness. Drawing from her field experiments, she reveals how even brief phone-free breaks in university settings boost conversations and wellbeing, while highlighting cross-cultural differences in social norms around phone use. The episode delves into the case for smartphone bans in...
2025-06-1154 min
Researching HappyE50! DEBATE: Are we LYING to ourselves in Positive Psychology? Prof Todd Kashdan, Dr Eri Mountbatten-O'Malley & Dr Matthew IasielloIn this milestone 50th episode of Researching Happy, Dr. Matthew Iasiello hosts a dynamic debate with Prof. Todd Kashdan and Dr. Eri Mountbatten-O’Malley on the state of positive psychology. Titled “Are We Lying to Ourselves in Positive Psychology?”, the discussion critiques the field’s disconnect from real-world impact, over-reliance on reductive science, and ethical pitfalls. Todd defends wellbeing science’s potential, while Eri calls for philosophical grounding and context-sensitive research. Together, they explore how to make positive psychology more inclusive, ethical, and effective. #PositivePsychology #Wellbeing #MentalHealth
2025-05-201h 21
Imperfect UsEpisode 52. Researching Happy with Dr. Matthew IasielloIn this episode, we speak with Dr. Matthew Iasiello. An award-winning researcher in mental health and wellbeing, Matthew shares his journey into wellbeing research, emphasising the importance of practical applications and evidence-based strategies. Our conversation highlights the evolving field of wellbeing research and its future directions.O02:02 Matthew's Journey into Wellbeing Research04:16 Understanding Wellbeing and Its Measures12:36 The Dual Continuum Model of Mental Health18:30 Practical Strategies for Enhancing Mental Health24:18 Exploring Wellbeing Literacy25:42 Technology and Wellbeing30:09 Daily Wellbeing Habits31:44 Emerging Trends in Wellbeing Research...
2025-05-1846 minResearching Happy049 - Could pro-social behaviour be the FOURTH psychological need? A/Prof Frank MartelaLearn about the fascinating career of A/Prof Frank Martela. We cover:Frank's unique academic journeyThe inspiration for his work on purpose and pro-social behaviourHis experiences working with Prof Richard Ryan and the effort to test whether Beneficence could be the fourth human psychological needFrank's recent theory of wellbeingLearn more about Frank's work at https://www.frankmartela.com/
2025-05-0653 min
Quillette CeteraFrom Languishing to Flourishing, Dr. Matthew Iasiello on the Science of Well-BeingMental health isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about learning how to thrive. In this episode, mental health researcher Dr. Matthew Iasiello explains the “dual-continuum” model: a framework that sees mental illness and well-being as distinct but connected. With insights from his podcast Researching Happy and his work at SAHMRI and Be Well Co, Matt joins Zoe to unpack the idea of languishing, why we need better ways to measure well-being, and how culture shapes our mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-04-2757 min
Researching Happy048 - How can we avoid positive psychology's blindspots? Empathetic collaboration | A/Prof Mark FabianDr Mark Fabian is an associate professor of public policy at the University of Warwick and an affiliate researcher at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at Cambridge University.He is an area specialist (well-being) rather than a discipline specialist, which we discuss throughout the episode, and publishes in journals across multiple fields.This was a fantastic, broad-reaching discussion, where we covered:Mark's favourite footy teamPositive Psychology and its blind spotsThe role of gratitude for wellbeingThe intersection of suffering and humilityBalance between individual agency and structural challengesEmpathetic collaboration for wellbeing policyMark's latest book on well...
2025-04-231h 07
Researching Happy047 - Mental health crisis, politicians asleep: commentary on the Australian Federal budget | Dr Stephen CarboneIn this episode of Research Happy, we dive into Australia’slatest federal budget and its implications for mental health with Dr. Stephen Carbone, a seasoned mental health advocate and former GP. Recorded on April 3, 2025, Dr. Carbone shares his candid disappointment with the budget’s lack ofvision, describing it as "piecemeal" and insufficient to address the growing mental health crisis. From a meager $40 million for digital mental health to the absence of funding for prevention and promotion, he critiques the government’s reactive approach and the opposition’s vague promises. We explore why mental health remains underfunded despite its risin...
2025-04-0254 min
Researching Happy046 - The Wellbeing Revolution in Europe, social safety nets, and the Easterlin paradox | Dr Kelsey O'ConnorKelsey J. O’Connor is a Senior Researcher in the Economics of Well-Being with STATEC Research (part of the national statistics office of Luxembourg). He serves as Associate Editor (economics) for the Journal of Happiness Studies, and on the Executive Board of the International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS).This is a fantastic conversation with Kelsey, we cover a range of topics:How to measure progress as nations and individualsThe surprising role of social safety nets for national wellbeingKelsey's experiences working with the late Professor EasterlinCultural perspectives of happinessAnd the place for meaning an...
2025-03-191h 17
Researching Happy045 - LIVE from SPSP: A taxonomy and item bank of positive mental health | Dr Matthew IasielloDr Matthew Iasiello's live presentation from the 2025 Society for Personality and Social PsychologyWe agree mental health is more than the absence of mental illness... but what is it? It was an honour to give an invited talk at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology Annual Convention in Denver last week. I spoke about our efforts at Be Well Co to develop a taxonomy of positive mental health, across a series of three studies. .There was lots of positive feedback for the work, with senior academics acknowledging the 'messiness' but importance of...
2025-03-0321 min
Good Humans with Cooper Chapman#192 Dr Mathew Iasiello - Understanding Mental Wellbeing, Languishing & the Future of Mental HealthIn this episode of the Good Humans Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Matthew Iasiello, a leading mental wellbeing scientist whose research is transforming how we measure and promote positive mental health.Matt's work centers around the dual-continua model of mental health, which challenges the idea that mental illness and mental wellbeing are simply opposite ends of the same spectrum. Instead, his research shows they are distinct but interconnected, leading to new approaches in mental health treatment, prevention, and recovery.One of Matt’s key areas of focus is languishing—a mental state wher...
2025-02-131h 05Good Humans with Cooper Chapman#192 Dr Mathew Iasiello - Understanding Mental Wellbeing, Languishing & the Future of Mental HealthIn this episode of the Good Humans Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Matthew Iasiello, a leading mental wellbeing scientist whose research is transforming how we measure and promote positive mental health.Matt's work centers around the dual-continua model of mental health, which challenges the idea that mental illness and mental wellbeing are simply opposite ends of the same spectrum. Instead, his research shows they are distinct but interconnected, leading to new approaches in mental health treatment, prevention, and recovery.One of Matt’s key areas of focus is languishing—a mental state wher...
2025-02-131h 05
Researching Happy044 - Does wellbeing have a marketing problem? Celebrating the LAUNCH of Be Well Co’s LANGUISHING campaignWelcome to Episode 44 of Researching Happy.
This is a special episode of the show, as we celebrate the launch of Be Well Co’s Face of Languishing Campaign.
Dr Matthew Iasiello is joined by Amy Smith and returning guest Dr Joep van Agteren, as they discuss the marketing problem that so many people in mental wellbeing promotion will recognise - that wellbeing is still seen as a ‘nice to have’ rather than being valuable in its own right.
That’s why Be Well Co has launche...
2025-02-061h 08
Researching Happy043 - The hidden truth about mental health | Dr Matthew IasielloWelcome to Episode 43, Matt walks through the dual-continua model of mental health, which suggests that mental illness and mental wellbeing are separate, yet related, concepts.
Starting with a clip from the Bad Friends podcast, Matt discusses the controversy around the relationship between mental health and mental illness - and what this means for our mental health care system.
Show notes:
- Keyes 2005
- Pawelski 2016
- Caccioppo and Berentson 1994
- Iasiello et al. 2020
- Zhoa and Tay 2024
...
2025-01-2141 min
Researching Happy042 - New Year Same Me? Setting consistent habits for achievable goals | Dr Naomi KakoschkeListen to Dr Naomi Kakoschke from CSIRO on Researching Happy talking us through reliable ways to set consistent habits for achievable goal setting.
We discuss the common pitfalls that let us down when it comes to goal setting and New Year's resolutions.
Show notes: Find paper and app-based habit trackers as well as a Healthy Habits quiz CSIRO developed and Naomi’s CSIRO profile
2025-01-061h 20
Researching Happy041 - Why is wellbeing science like the UFC?Why is wellbeing science like cage fighting? Find out here!
Dr Matthew Iasiello reflects on the passing on some wellbeing science leaders in 2024, the differences and similarities between wellbeing science and the UFC, and considers the criteria for future leaders for the field.
Link to Todd's substack article: https://toddkashdan.substack.com/p/why-do-smart-adults-downplay-hedonism
Sign up for updates at www.researchinghappy.com or follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/researching-happy/
2024-12-1310 min
Walk and TalkWalk and Talk - An invitation to eavesdrop with Matthew IasielloMatt is in the positive psychology and wellbeing space and has a passion for research, particularly around intervention design and definitions! Listen along as Sue and Matt discuss the importance and impact of definitions and the future of Matt's research!
2024-11-2432 min
Researching Happy040 - Childhood maltreatment is a public health emergency | Dr Lucy GrummittWelcome to Episode 40. We are fortunate to have the very impressive Dr Lucy Grummit from the University of Sydney. We recorded this on just one of those days, nothing was going right, but fortunately Lucy carried us through with grace.
Lucy is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use. Her research focuses on the prevention of mental health and substance use problems among adolescents and young adults, with a particular focus on populations that suffer disproportionate rates of mental illness, such as those exposed to childhood adversity and t...
2024-09-1549 min
Researching Happy039 - Flourishing at the end of life (and dying) | Dr Xavier SymonsEpisode 39 of Researching happy. I’m Matthew Iasiello,
trying to bring you the latest ideas and evidence in wellbeing research, direct from the academics who create it.
Dr Xavier SIMMONS is a Director of the Plunkett Centre
for Ethics at ACU. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Human Flourishing Program in the Institute for Quantitative Social Science at Harvard University. His research interests include ethical issues at the beginning and end of life, conscientious objection, the ethics of resource allocation, and the philosophy of wellbeing.
This is a conversation that ju...
2024-08-1555 minWalk and TalkWalk and Talk - An invitation to eavesdrop with Sue - Review of Iasiello Paper on Quality of life Resilience Wellbeing and CopingIn this episode, Sue reviews a paper by Matthew Iasiello and others. Listen along as Sue delves into the importance of consolidating the dimensions of positive mental health and how we can measure it.
2024-08-0528 min
Researching Happy038 - Neural mechanisms that promote resilience to trauma | A/Prof Sanne van RooijThis episode is our first step into Neuroscience with Assistant Professor Sanne van Rooij from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University, and investigator and Associate Director of Scientific Outreach at the Grady Trauma Project.
Her research aims to identify neurobiological predictors for PTSD development and treatment response, and the investigation of novel neuromodulation treatments in a low resourced, civilian population.
We explore the neurobiological mechanisms that drive Resilience in people who have experienced Trauma. The work is fascinating and challenging - but Sonne does a great job of walking us through t...
2024-07-3148 min
2024-07-2403 min
Researching Happy037 - Concept creep and the inflation of mental health language | Prof Nick HaslamThis Matthew Iasiello and Episode 37 of Researching Happy, a podcast focused on the latest science on mental health and wellbeing, DIRECT from the researcher who product it.
I’m trying something different where every episode will focus on one research paper, this will help keep me a bit on track, but also help you decide which episodes will be most interesting to you.
I’ve also launched the Journal Club, which is a mailing list for the show, where I’ll keep you up to date on upcoming Guests and give...
2024-07-1759 min
Young Blood - Men’s Mental HealthThe Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living | Dr Matthew IasielloWe all want to be happy... it's the ultimate goal most of us would say we're always shooting for; but what actually is happiness? And is it even attainable?
My guest today is Dr Matthew Iasiello, he's a researcher dedicated to better understanding all the elements of wellbeing and how to build it.In his spare time, Matt
hosts his own podcast, 'Researching Happy' where he chats to experts all over the world about this topic, so he's got a fair bit of knowledge to tackle some of the big questions.
This conversation is a deep dive into the thoughts...
2024-07-091h 11
Researching Happy036 - Mental health literacy and priorities for preventionJoin the JOURNAL CLUB www.researchinghappy.com
Prof Tony Jorm is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Melbourne and NHMRC Leadership Fellow. His research focuses on building the community’s capacity for prevention and early intervention with mental disorders.
Prof Jorm is the author of 37 books or monographs, over 700 journal articles and over 40 chapters in edited volumes. He has been awarded a Doctor of Science for his research and elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. He is Editor-in-Chief of Mental Health & Prevention. Previous positions he has he...
2024-07-0459 min
Researching Happy035 - What happens when you use the right methodology | A/Prof Mohsen JoshanlooJoin the JOURNAL CLUB at www.researchinghappy.com/home
Dr Mohsen Joshanloo is an Associate Professor in Psychology at Keimyung University, South Korea. He is a personality psychologist and cross-cultural psychologist, and has dedicated his career to understanding mental well-being and the role of culture in shaping it.
We work through Mohsen’s longitudinal research, and the powerful implications of using within-person, longitudinal research methods. It gets slightly technical, but Mohsen walks us through some examples where his work has shown some surprising results, in part from using uncommon research methods which ca...
2024-06-111h 21Imperfect UsEpisode 44. Live with Zest with Roz RimesToday, we are speaking with Roz Rimes. A passionate canine-assisted educator and coach, Roz has witnessed firsthand the wellbeing benefits of therapy dog interactions with people.
Roz contributed to the 2024 Dogs in Schools: Pedagogy and Practice for Happy, Healthy and Humane Interventions Book published by Routledge and holds a Master's of Education policy, a Master of Applied Positive Psychology, and Advanced Animal Assisted Therapy qualifications.
Connect with Roz Rimes Website: www.livewithzest.com.au
LinkedIn: Roz Rimes (MAPP, MEd) | LinkedIn
Roz's Resources
Dogs in Schools: Pedagogy and Practice for Happy, Healthy, and...
2024-06-0759 min
Researching HappyE.34 Disillusioned about prevention? I want to hear from you!Quick update from Matt - really looking for feedback!!
2024-05-2806 min
Researching HappyE33. We MASSIVELY undervalue mental health | James LatheMatt sits down with James Lathe, who is an exciting prospect for the future of mental health economics. This conversation is mostly Matt getting overexcited, with James tempering expectations.
We walk through James' first PhD paper, published in Lancet Psychiatry available here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2215036623004364
James' work is the answer to a lot of people's questions so share this widely!
2024-04-161h 34
Researching HappyE32. Wellbeing as the core role of economics | Prof Arthur GrimesLearn more from an expert of economics and wellbeing, Professor Arthur Grimes.
Find more information on Arthur's work here: https://www.motu.nz/about-us/people/arthur-grimes/
And a copy of his paper on Freedom of Speech and Wellbeing: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167268123002007?ssrnid=4098909&dgcid=SSRN_redirect_SD
2024-03-241h 01
Researching HappyE31. Implementing mental wellbeing promotion | Prof Margaret Barryhttps://phaa.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/preventive-mental-health-symposium/website
2024-03-0447 min
Researching HappyE30. Next steps for a stronger positive psychology | A/Prof Aaron JardenWelcome to Episode 30 of Researching Happy.
This week we chat with Associate Professor Aaron Jarden of the University of Melbourne Centre for Wellbeing Science. Aaron is a great friend of the show and we have a fantastic wide-ranging conversation.
We talk about the International Journal of Wellbeing, an exciting, multi-disciplinary open-access journal that Aaron co-developed, the ethics of positive psychology practice, the role of philosophy in guiding strong academic work, and Aaron's interesting work on lay perspectives of wellbeing.
Some links:
The...
2024-02-191h 13
Researching HappyE29 | Life Coaching from a Clinical Psychologist? Dr Suzy GreenWelcome to Researching Happy
This week we sit down with Dr Suzy Green, CEO and Founder of the Positivity Institute and Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney. Suzy shares her valuable experience, talking about the early days of Coaching, the differences she experiences as a clinical psychologist vs being a coach, and working with a founder of coaching research Tony Grant.
Find out more about Suzy's work at: https://thepositivityinstitute.com.au/
And check out the Beyond Blue What Works for Mental...
2024-02-0544 min
Researching HappyE28. Aquinas on Happiness | Dean Jennifer FreyWelcome to Researching Happy with Dr Matthew Iasiello
This is the weekly podcast, sharing the stories behind the studies of the wellbeing research world.
Welcome to Episode 28. This week we host Professor Jennifer Frey onto the podcast, who is the recently appointed Dean of Honors College at the University of Tulsa. Listen I get up pretty early for some of these conversations, and this week it was early enough for me to forget that we even have Deans at Australian Universities… which is sad when you think one of my...
2023-12-0654 min
Researching HappyE23. Designing Eudaimonia using Architecture, Engineering, and the Built Environ | Dr Jenna MikusWelcome to Researching Happy with Dr Matthew Iasiello
This is the weekly podcast all about the stories behind the studies of the happiness and wellbeing research world.
Welcome to Episode 23. This is an exciting example of us learning about efforts to improve wellbeing coming from other fields than psychology - this time from architecture and the built environment.
Today we welcome Dr Jenna Mikus, who uses her education and years of experience in engineering, architecture, and design to curate environments and experiences for flourishing, an...
2023-12-051h 20
Researching HappyE27. All things FLOW | A/Prof Marta BassiWelcome to Researching Happy with Dr Matthew Iasiello
This is the weekly podcast, sharing the stories behind the studies of the wellbeing research world.
Welcome to Episode 27. This week we go back to Italy, back to Milan in fact, to chat with Associate Professor Marta Bassi. Marta is FLOW researcher at the University of Milano, Her research interests primarily focus on optimal experience and its role in psychological selection. She has conducted research concerning individuals’ quality of experience in areas such as education, leisure and health. She is a founding member of the...
2023-11-071h 20
Researching HappyE26. Workplace as an opportunity to shift population mental healthWelcome to Researching Happy with Dr Matthew Iasiello
This is the weekly podcast, sharing the stories behind the studies of the wellbeing research world.
Welcome to Episode 26. This week we host Steve Peralta, the Co-Founder and Chief Wellbeing Officer of Unmind, an impressive workplace wellbeing company with offices in New York, London, and Sydney. https://unmind.com/
This was a great conversation, talking about how the workplace wellbeing scene has changed over the years, how Unmind empower employees and organisations to shift culture towards mental health and we...
2023-10-311h 04
Researching HappyE25: EVERY QUESTION about coaching explained | Yannick JacobWelcome to Researching Happy with Dr Matthew Iasiello
This is the weekly podcast all about the stories behind the studies of the happiness and wellbeing research world.
Welcome to Episode 25. Coaching is massive these days, if you heard my wrap up from the IPPA conference you’d have heard me say that the conference felt like 60% coaches at the conference… and I had a fantastic conversation with Existential Coach Yannick Jacob.
Yannick is a Positive Psychologist (MSc), Coach Trainer & Supervisor (DIP) and Mediator (SPCP Dispute Resolution). Yannick is part of the teaching faculties at Cambr...
2023-10-141h 25
Researching HappyE24. Should we be more CONNECTIVIST? | Paul Tupou-VeaWelcome to Researching Happy with Dr Matthew Iasiello. This is the weekly podcast all about the stories behind the studies of the happiness and wellbeing research world.
Welcome to Episode 24. This week we have someone who came highly recommended to the show, Paul Tupou-Vea. Paul is the Director of Clifftop Wellbeing and the former President of the New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology.
Paul has years of experience in the promotion of wellbeing in schools, and works to meet the diverse wellbeing needs and challenges of learners, teachers, leaders and the community around the school. An...
2023-10-021h 03
A Window On SAHMRIWorking For Wellbeing | Be Well CoJoep Van Agteren, Monique Newberry and Matthew Iasiello are a trio of people dedicated to building community wellbeing through the practical application of research innovation.
They've each experienced their own mental health struggles throughout their lives and have been inspired to create a toolkit that can be used by anyone to proactively build wellbeing.
Together they lead the team behind Be Well Co, SAHMRI's first spin-out company, translating mental health research into practical interventions aimed at helping people cultivate awareness and happiness.
Building Be Well Co from the ground up has been a...
2023-10-0130 min
Researching HappyE22. Want thriving at work? Let Good Work Design help! | Prof Karina JorritsmaMy name is Dr Matthew Iasiello, welcome to Researching Happy
This is the podcast all about the stories behind the studies of the happiness and wellbeing research world.
Welcome to Episode 22. We are very fortunate to have Professor Karina Jorritsma with us this week, Professor at Curtin university and leader of Thrive at Work which is a world-first well-being initiative centred on designing work that helps employees, organisations and industry to thrive.
Karina walks us through the origins of her work, the foundation of T...
2023-09-111h 17
Researching HappyE21. Human rights, wellbeing, lived experience, and the LAW | Simon KatterlThis is the weekly podcast all about the stories behind the studies of the happiness and wellbeing research world.
Welcome to Episode 21, we take a different approach today. While this show is mostly about the researchers, there’s an entire ecosystem around mental health research that’s worth listening to. Today is a new aspect to that ecosystem for the show, human right’s advocacy.
This week we host Simon Katterl, fresh from a legal battle with the Mental Health Complaints Commission of Victoria. Simon advocates for improved mental health and community services by promoting human rights, co-design and consumer leadershi...
2023-09-051h 10
Researching HappyE20. Scientism, wellbeing, and the future of education | Dr Jonathan BealeThis is the podcast all about the stories behind the studies of the happiness and wellbeing research world. Support the show at: researchinghappy.locals.com
This is episode 20 - a mini milestone - and really happy with the progress so far! It’s been an honour to chat with so many respected researchers all of whom are doing amazing things in the world. Thanks for all of the support for the show, feedback, and ideas - as I’ve said every episode - please keep it coming!
Dr Jon Beale is a researcher, coach and educat...
2023-08-291h 11
Researching HappyE19. Lay conceptualisations of wellbeing | Annalise RoacheSUPPORT THE SHOW: researchinghappy.locals.com
This week Matt chats with Annalise Roache, Co-President of the NZ Association of Positive Psychology and a PhD Candidate at AUT Auckland. We walk through Annalise’s PhD work, focused on Lay Perspectives of wellbeing - put simply - Annalise asked over 1000 New Zealanders what wellbeing means to them.
After an intense process of thematic analysis, Annalise constructed a model of two interwoven aspects of wellbeing, The Elements and The Golden threads, each working together yet unique and influential in their own right.
T...
2023-08-211h 55
Researching HappyE18. Happiness through suffering and existential positive psychology | Dr Paul WongSUPPORT the show: researchinghappy.locals.com
This week I am joined by Professor Paul Wong, Professor Emeritus of Trent University and Trinity Western University.
At 86 years young, he has published eight books and 300+ journal articles and chapters; he is one of the most cited psychologists in areas related to existential positive psychology.
This was a great conversation, and raises lots of interesting questions, top of the list is the role of a transcendent creator or God in happiness, compared with other humanistic ideals like science and reason… This is not somet...
2023-08-141h 06
Researching HappyE17. Gad Saad on Happiness: A Book ReviewSupport the show: researchinghappy.locals.com
Trying something different this week! Professor Gad Saad, Professor of Marketing at Concordia University has just released a book on 8 secrets of the good life. Love him or Hate him, this will be one of the best selling happiness books of all time.
On a 15 hour flight home from the IPPA World Congress in Vancouver, Matt reads and reviews the book, finding some really great insights from Professor Saad (AKA the Gadfather, AKA Dr Good Looks) who brings levity, fun, and playfulness whilst...
2023-08-0135 min
Researching HappyE16. LIVE from IPPA World Congress 2023 and two of Matt's presentationsComing to you LIVE from Vancouver BC. Hear some thoughts on the past 4 days of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) World Congress. Attached at the end are two of the presentations Matt gave at the conference. You can watch the slides in Spotify or on Youtube
Support the show at: researchinghappy.locals.com
2023-07-241h 14
Researching HappyE15. Could wellbeing literacy be the key to population mental health? | Dr Lindsay OadesDescription coming soon
2023-07-081h 27
Researching HappyE14. What’s God got to do with wellbeing? Theology, love of enemy, and more | Dr Brendan CaseSUPPORT THE SHOW: researchinghappy.locals.com
Dr Brendan Case joins the show this week. Brendan is the Associate Director of Research at the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. He works to develop integrative research strategies that draw together explorations of human flourishing from across the social sciences and humanities. Brendan introduces us to the field of Theology and its relevance to investigation of human flourishing. We talk about the strength Theology and Philosophy bring to the multi-discipline team at the Human Flourishing Program, particularly ensuring that the other disciplines are not naive to th...
2023-07-011h 30
Researching HappyE13. How to be practically more mindful | Dr Craig HassedSUPPORT THE SHOW: researchinghappy.locals.com
This week we are joined by Professor Craig Hassed OAM from Monash University and the Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies. Hear Dr Hassed’s incredible experience on the topic of mindfulness, having introduced mindfulness into the Monash University medical program since 1992. We discuss the differences between informal and formal mindfulness, and their relative merits in day-to-day life. Find out more on Prof Hassed’s work at https://www.monash.edu/medicine/sphpm/general-practice/our-people/craig-hassed
As always, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the show, s...
2023-06-261h 07
Researching HappyE12. A wellbeing science repository for government, business, and community | Nancy HeySupport the show at researchinghappy.locals.com
This week’s guest is Nancy Hey, Executive Director of the ‘What Works Wellbeing’ centre in the UK, an independent body for wellbeing evidence, policy and practice. They collect well-being data, analyse it, and aim to communicate it to the public and make it consistent, robust, usable and accessible.
Nancy talks about the process for creating a centre which tries to bring together different perspectives on wellbeing from many disciplines and have them speak a consistent language around what they can do to improve wellbeing. She discusses the di...
2023-06-171h 09
Researching HappyE11. Eating Disorders, Help-seeking, Wellbeing, and Border Closures | Dr Kathina AliSupport the show at: researchinghappy.locals.com
Today I sit down with a great friend and colleague Dr Kathina Ali. Kathina is a clinical psychologist and researcher, passionate about understanding and breaking down the barriers towards seeking professional help which is such an important (but difficult) step for someone experiencing serious mental illness.
We talk about her work in Eating Disorders, and learn that it’s always more complicated than it may appear! Kathina reflects on her clinical practice, noticing that sometimes the symptoms of Anorexia can produce happiness and...
2023-06-091h 37
Researching HappyE10. Can wellbeing therapy and eudaimonia prevent relapse? | Dr Chiara RuiniSupport the show at: https://researchinghappy.locals.com/
This week I chat with Associate Professor Chiara Ruini from the University of Bologna. Along with her colleagues, Chiara has been focused on the development and evaluation of Wellbeing Therapy, a clinical approach to supplement traditional therapies with positive psychological interventions with the aim of preventing relapse. We talk Italy, culture, immigration, and what it takes to pull together a European research grant!
2023-06-051h 24
Researching HappyE9. What do YOU mean by Flourishing? | Dr Eri Mountbatten-O’MalleySupport the show and join the Researching Happy community: https://researchinghappy.locals.com
This week I chat with Dr Eri Mountbatten-O’Malley, Senior Lecturer in Education (Policy) at Bath Spa University.
We discuss a topic that has been largely overlooked, the poor use of language in positive psychology. Namely, Eri has focused is PhD research on the topic of Flourishing, a term that has the risk of becoming an overused buzzword that could ultimately meet the same fate as terms such as grit and resilience. We also discuss an exciting community-based series of Events that Eri has developed, FlourishCafe, aimed at...
2023-05-271h 29
Researching HappyE8. The many many benefits of wellbeing | Dr Ziggi SantiniSupport the show at https://researchinghappy.locals.com/
2023-05-201h 41
Researching HappyE7. Genetics of wellbeing, and improving the scientific quality of positive psychology | Dr Meike BartelsThis week’s guest is Dr Meike Bartels, Professor in genetics and wellbeing, and president of IPPA - the International Positive Psychology Association.
Meike talks a bit about her background in the study of genetics as it relates to wellbeing, and clears up some of the misinterpretations of the relationship between the two. She talks about what it was like coming from the field of genetics which demanded a high level of scientific rigor and accountability, to positive psychology conferences which focused a lot on subjective experiences. Rather than let this dissuade her, she remained in the positive psychology wo...
2023-05-1258 min
Digi-Talks#37: Mind Over Matter with Matthew IasielloSince 2015, Matthew has been working on the development and dissemination of mental well-being interventions across the Australian community. So, who better to join us as we talk about the importance of mental well-being and changing the conversations around mental health. In a new world where we are consuming more information on a daily basis than ever before and putting unrealistic pressures on ourselves, Matthew talks us through the BeWell program in workplaces.
We hope you love what you hear - so much so you want to give us a follow and maybe a 5 star...
2023-05-081h 00
Researching HappyE6. A theory of wellbeing from psychology, philosophy, and economics | Dr Mark FabianThis week I chat with Dr Mark Fabian, Associate Professor at the University of Warwick. We have a in-depth conversation on all things wellbeing. Topics covered include the challenges of multi-disciplinary research, Mark's efforts to pull together the academic literature from psychology, philosophy, economics and public policy. We hear Mark's clear picture for what he would like to see in the world, and come challenges in wellbeing measurement that we should try and improve in the future.
Mark's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Theory-Subjective-Wellbeing-Mark-Fabian/dp/0197635261/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3OJ1PGBPFKE8E&keywords=mark+fabian&qid=1683325195&sprefix=mark+fabian%2...
2023-05-061h 31
Researching HappyE5. Researcher to CEO for real-world change | Dr Addie WoottenThis week on Researching Happy I talk to Dr Addie Wootten, CEO of Smiling Mind, a mindfulness-based App.
Addie talks about the power of mindfulness as an intervention for managing mental illness, but also as a strategy for prevention and maintaining mental health. We discuss how strongly research backs the effectiveness of mindfulness across different cohorts, and where Addie would like to see more uptake and implementation from Governments.
Addie goes into the unique opportunities and challenges that come with a web-based format for a wellbeing intervention and being...
2023-04-281h 11
Researching HappyE4. Fighting for prevention in mental health | Dr Stephen CarboneThis week on the show I talk to Dr Stephen Carbone, CEO of Prevention United.
Stephen brings the nuance that the mental health and wellbeing sector sorely needs, (1) more funding is needed for mental health care services and (2) we need to do much more in terms of mental illness prevention and promotion of wellbeing. Somehow these two points are confused and presented as competing interests. At the heart of this conversation is the Dual-Continua Model of Mental Health (which you may remember from our episode with Prof Corey Keyes).
...
2023-04-211h 37
Researching HappyE3. Social Anxiety, purpose, and upsetting the wrong people | Dr Fallon GoodmanIn this episode of Researching Happy, I talk to Dr Fallon Goodman, Assistant Professor at George Washington University.
Fallon tells us about her work in the area of social anxiety, and the role that a sense purpose can play for those affected. She details how social anxiety is common, treatable, overlooked, underfunded, and a major barrier to happiness.
Fallon recounts how some of her work as a young researcher upset the wrong people, and what led to her decision to stand up to some big names and journals in positive psychology to defend her work. She reiterates...
2023-04-141h 25
Researching HappyE2. Turning research into sustainable real-world benefits | Joep van AgterenIn Episode 2 of Researching Happy, I talk to Joep Van Agteren, a friend, colleague, and co-lead of the Be Well Co…
Joep talks us through his journey in the world of happiness research, from his beginnings in behavioural change psychology, through to starting a business and leading a team of people in developing, researching and rolling out wellbeing programs to thousandss of people across various fields. Joep and I discuss the challenges involved with funding rigorous, good quality wellbeing research, and also making it translational to effect real-world change. He outlines the unique set up of the Be Well Co, wh...
2023-04-061h 12
Researching HappyE1. Languishing and the origins of Positive Psychology | Dr Corey KeyesSupport the show and join the conversation at ResearchingHappy.locals.com.
Matt sits down with Emeritus Professor Corey Keyes, to discuss Corey’s foundational work in the field of positive psychology, particularly on the concepts of flourishing and languishing. Corey talks about languishing as a form of invisibility, it's prevalence in society, and how it poses a risk factor for mental and physical illness. They discuss the dual-continua model of mental illness and mental health, how this challenges traditional models of wellbeing, and Corey shares some fascinating stories about the origins of positive psychology.
Show notes:
Find more about Corey's re...
2023-03-311h 33
Researching HappyE0: Welcome to Researching HappyWelcome to Researching Happy, a podcast all about the world of happiness and wellbeing research.
Join the Researching Happy community at https://researchinghappy.locals.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/researchinghappy/
Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/matthew-iasiello
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Matthew-Iasiello
Podcast: www.anchor.fm/researching-happy
2023-02-2604 min
The Mental Wellbeing ShowTMWBS Clips: Simple, daily mindfulness strategiesMatthew Iasiello is a Researcher and Project Co-ordinator at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Matthew is also a PhD candidate at Flinders University, whose PhD focuses on the relationship between mental health and mental wellbeing. This clip is part of an episode of The Mental Wellbeing Show titled "Mental Wellbeing Strategies"
2022-06-1902 min
The Mental Wellbeing Show3. Matthew Iasiello- Mental Wellbeing StrategiesMatthew Iasiello is a Researcher and Project Co-ordinator at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Matthew is also a PhD candidate at Flinders University, whose PhD focuses on the relationship between mental health and mental wellbeing. In this episode of The Mental Wellbeing Show, we discuss what mental wellbeing is, why it matters to everyone regardless of mental illness status, and strategies anyone can implement to improve their own mental wellbeing. 0:00 Intro 0:15 Dual-continua model of mental health 4:34 What is mental wellbeing? 8:44 Having low mental wellbeing 11:58 Effective interventions for your mental wellbeing 15:19 Finding the best intervention for you 19:01 The...
2022-06-1929 min
Auscast WellbeingCurious about you state of mind? Special guest Matthew Iasiello - The Mental Health Show with Mark AistonAre you a little curious about you state of mind? Well Matthew Iasiello has been involved in a brand new online program, that is here top help. Matthew is a researcher at the Wellbeing and Resilience Centre, Lifelong Health, at SAHMRI in South Australia. And he's been behind the research and development of this powerful tool. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2020-09-2226 minThe Mental Health ShowCurious about you state of mind? Special guest Matthew Iasiello - The Mental Health Show with Mark AistonAre you a little curious about you state of mind? Well Matthew Iasiello has been involved in a brand new online program, that is here top help. Matthew is a researcher at the Wellbeing and Resilience Centre, Lifelong Health, at SAHMRI in South Australia. And he's been behind the research and development of this powerful tool. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2020-09-2226 min