Shows
Open To Happiness107 - Are younger generations less grateful?In this episode Nicoleta is chatting about lifestyle, mental health and happiness with James Hart, the CEO of Lukah, a startup focussed on employee wellbeing.Dark times throughout the university years.Mental health struggles in the job market.The toxic society that makes us feel helpless. Why happiness is not a destination. Main challenges for Millennials today.How FOMO impact us all. Are younger generations less grateful?When hardship is leading to post-traumatic growth.The imp...2023-03-1544 min
Open To Happiness105 - What is the meaning of life?In this episode Nicoleta talks about [transgenerational] trauma and happiness with Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Founding Dean of The Meaningful Life Center from New York, USA. Insights from a baby boomer brought out in New York.Discovering spirituality through studying esoteric teachings.Finding a mission in life at a young age. How to connect with the “song” of your soul.The temporary happiness in the instant gratification.How to navigate pain and adversity.When you don’t take your blessings as granted.The po...2023-03-0145 min
Open To Happiness104 - Learning from adversityIn this episode Nicoleta is charting about resilience and happiness with Karey Spransy, resilience coach from Utah, USA.Starting life in the Mormon community.When you lose 2 lovers to suicide.Life of a single mom.Battling stage 4 colon cancer.The choice of gratitude.Impact of trauma explored.The power of awareness. Healing trauma and growing stronger.Best learnings from adversity.From hardship to resilience coaching.Find more about Karey here: https://www.k...2023-02-2243 min
Open To Happiness103 - Where are you coming from?In this solo episode Nicoleta explores an existential question: where are we coming from?https://nicoletaporojanu.com/2023-02-1516 min
Open To Happiness102 - There is hidden purpose in your painIn this episode Nicoleta is chatting about trauma and happiness with Laura Martin, trauma specialist from Texas USA. How childhood trauma informs the work we do.From suicidal ideation, eating disorder, drugs and alcohol misuse to domestic abuse and sexual assault.Losing the mother to addiction.The experience of awakening at 24.The important relationship with ourselves. Why you can’t be at war with your body and win.There hidden purpose in your pain.When trauma travels through generations.2023-02-0842 min
Open To Happiness100 - Celebrating 2 years of podcastingIn this solo episode nicoleta celebrates 2 years of podcasting and episode 100!What are her learnings?And what happens next?2023-01-2507 min
Open To Happiness99 - Find the yogic balance in your doshasIn this episode Nicoleta is chatting about holistic healing and happiness with Zeeba Khan, Ayuverdic clinician and meditation teacher from Singapore. Moving through various careers from modelling, to journalism and professor of intercultural communication.Returning back to the roots and training in Ayurveda.When happiness is sought in the external validation.About the condition of the modern woman.How women have been conditioned to please men throughout the history.The freedom from patriarchy and the status quo.Becoming authentic and embracing li...2023-01-1846 min
Open To Happiness98 - How to confront your old woundsIn this episode Nicoleta talks about trauma, healing and happiness with Rivka Malka, transformation coach from Baltimore, USAWhat counts as trauma really?The impact of molestation as a girl.How teachers can shut you down.When childhood trauma make us comfortable in abusive relationships.Key lessons about relationships. Why trauma gets covered by the labels we identify with. How to confront our old wounds.Ways of healing the past hurt.The power of self-compassion.Th...2023-01-1134 min
Open To Happiness97 - 90 min with 90 year old Bernie SiegelIn this episode Nicoleta chats about healing and spirituality with renowned American surgeon and author Bernie Siegel.What's inside:Reflections from a mystical life.The journey from a medical doctor to spirituality.Holistic healing beyond the conventional medicine.About the burden of children growing up without love.Insight from Bernie’s parents.How transgenerational trauma leads to illness. How to connect with your inner wisdom.About consciousness and conscious parenting.The power of energy and how to man...2023-01-041h 31
Open To Happiness96 - In conversation with a RabbiIn this episode Nicoleta chats about pain and happiness with Rabbi Amichai Cohen from Tzfat, Israel. From growing up in New York to being a sheppard in Galilee.How one copes with moving and displacement.When a mental breakdown leads to spiritual awakening. How Kabbalah can teach us to embrace joy and happiness.Why we live in internal conflict.How mental rigidity brings suffering.What Kabbalah teaches us about our true self.How living in the present can enhance our lives.Ab...2022-12-141h 02
Open To Happiness94 - What is your mind really?In this solo episode Nicoleta explores the depths of human mind.What is your mind? How it develops. And what does it do? Also how can you be well in your mind, in other words, how can you preserve or regain your mental health? Your helpful pdf guide: https://the3entangledmindsblueprint.nicoletaporojanu.com 2022-11-3009 min
Open To Happiness93 - Is happiness your choice?In this solo episode Nicoleta explores if happiness is a choice.If happiness is a choice why would you choose to be unhappy?Where is happiness taking place?Is happiness created by your or others?How can you get back in charge of your happiness?2022-11-2311 min
Open To Happiness92 - The secret of happy relationshipsIn this solo episode Nicoleta explores relationships and happiness from a fresh perspective:Are relationships complicated or we make them this way?What are the 3 rules we break in relationships?How do we resolve conflicts in relationships?Can relationships be repaired?Why awareness is key to happy and fulfilling relationships. Get your pdf guides to aid you in building mutually satisfying relationships here:https://therelationshiproadmap.nicoletaporojanu.com2022-11-1611 min
Open To Happiness91 - Traumatised parents can't see the abuse in their childrenIn this episode Nicoleta talks about hardship and happiness with Jenny Briard, trauma therapist from Leeds, EnglandLife when you are born to a single mother.Sexually abused by mother’s boyfriend.About the abuse without violence.How does one abuse invite others?Going through two rapes by manipulation and pushing boundaries.When mothers ignore the abuse against their children.Parents cannot face their children’s abuse because of their own trauma.Fear frightens the abused child to speak out.The ancestral pain behind our trauma.When the abus...2022-11-0946 min
Open To Happiness90 - How to heal your FOMOIn this short solo episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between FOMO and happiness.What is FOMO, the fear of missing out, what is underneath this fear, what is its impact and what can we do about it?Fear of missing out is real and is affecting many of us, but we can heal from this, we can liberate ourselves from conditioning and we can regain a sense of aliveness and vitality.To take this exploration further, here's a pdf guide that helps yoiu udnerstand the human mind:https://the3entangledmindsblueprint.n...2022-11-0210 min
Open To Happiness89 - I lost 2 adult children to parental alienationIn this episode Nicoleta talks about parental alienation and happiness with Dr. Marni Hill Foderaro, teacher and author from Chicago USA.How awareness brings light on a deceitful 27 years marriage.When your spouse throws at you gaslighting, financial abuse and a smear campaign.Feeling discounted and undermined and still ignoring red flags.When the physical assault and threat brings awakening and change.How a university professor lost her home, money and the entire support system.The traumatic experience of losing 2 adult children to...2022-10-2653 min
Open To Happiness88 - Adversity allows you to growIn this episode Nicoleta is exploring happiness with the author of The Breakthrough Code Tom McCharthy from California, USA.Why happiness is the choice to fulfil your life purpose.When suffering stems from our comparison to the others. Post-traumatic growth following the loss of a parent early in life.How trauma blocks your happiness.When you are stuck and how to let go of pain and suffering .How to extract meaning from your pain.The connection between body, mind and soul.H...2022-10-1945 min
Open To Happiness87 - You are blocking your happinessIn this solo episode Nicoleta explores with you that part of you that is blocking your happiness? It is your programmed mind, that software installed on your pure brain that lives in the darkness of your mentors.Luckily, you have an immense opportunity to tap into joy when you transcend your tunnel mind.Learn to use your power, the power of choice and stay present.Get your guide to get back the control over your minds:https://the3entangledmindsblueprint.nicoletaporojanu.com 2022-10-1205 min
Open To Happiness86 - The link between consciousness, genetics and happinessIn this episode Nicoleta talks about consciousness, genetics and happiness with dr. Bruce Lipton, stem cell biologist, best-selling author and internationally recognized leader in bridging science and spirit.Bruce and Nicoleta unpack the biology of belief and empower people with their lived experience.What is the connection between consciousness, matter and miracles?The shift from the classical Newtonian physics to the new quantum physics.Why matter is in fact energy.Learning from Max Planck who laid the foundation of quantum theory and won the Nobel Prize for...2022-10-051h 31
Open To Happiness85 - Your pain is self-inflictedIn this solo epidosde Nicoleta explores why we struggle to heal our trauma.You cannot heal your trauma in your conceptual mind.Trauma fragmented your soul, hurt your heart, your feelings, your emotions, and this is where healing needs to happen.Learn why your suffering is self-inflicted and how to properly heal.And download this helpful resource to get you strated:https://the7stepsofrealtransformation.nicoletaporojanu.com/2022-09-2815 min
Open To Happiness83 - Success equals gratitudeIn this episode Nicoleta chats about success and happiness with Derek Moore, the CEO from Coffee & TV.The journey from a humble start in life to a successful career.Merging creative work with business acumen. Between the illusion and the transient nature of success.The many layers of success. Lessons and wisdom from a rich life journey.The link between success and happiness.How mindset impacts both success and happiness.Awareness and consciousness as key to success and happiness. Find...2022-09-1443 min
Open To Happiness82 - Attachment issues destroy relationshipsIn this solo episode Nicoleta explores attachment as the main reason relationships struggle.When one partner says “you are controlling and needy” and the other partner answers “you are dismissive and distant” conflicts ignite and partners fall back into their painful and dysfunctional pattern of arguments, disengagement and rumination. The stress associated with the attachment issues in relationships is poisoning not just the partners, but also the entire family, their work environment and their friendship circles. Listen to this episode and find ouy what you can do about it!Get also your pdf R...2022-09-0707 min
Open To Happiness80 - Cosmetic surgery and your happinessIn this episode Nicoleta talks about happiness with retired cosmetic surgeon, speaker, coach, mentor and bestselling author Dr. Allen Lycka from Edmonton, Canada.When a doctor gets misdiagnosed with ALS. Living with an undiagnosed chronic illness. How a doctor handles depression and suicidal ideation?The importance of resilience and purpose in life.When the right thoughts attract the desired outcome.The link betweenphysical appearance and happiness.What is Botox doing to us?When cosmetic surgery is...2022-08-2435 min
Open To Happiness79 - Emotionally unavailable parents?In this episode Nicoleta talks about trauma and happiness with counsellor and psychotherapist Tatjana Simakova from Ireland. Why do we get traumatised?What causes trauma in the first place?What is transgenerational trauma and how it gets passed through generations?What’s the impact of emotionally unavailable parents on adolescents?How can parents help children to manage their emotional turmoil?What can parents do to manage their own traumatic past?How are the coping mechanisms changing is the modern world?C...2022-08-1741 min
Open To Happiness78 - Anxiety is caused by unresolved traumaIn this episode Nicoleta is talking about trauma and happiness with Stephen Travers, director of UK & International Havening from Dublin, Ireland.Join us in our quest to answer some very important questions:Why aren’t you happy?Can we be happy all the time?Should we be pursuing happiness?Is happiness the goal in life?What’s the purpose of life and the meaning of this existence?Why doing what you love and loving what you do is essential for your ment...2022-08-1042 min
Open To Happiness77 - Why men win at workIn this episode Nicoleta is talking about gender equalityand happiness with Gill Whitty-Collins, former vice-president at Procter & Gamble and author of "Why Men Win At Work ... and how can we make inequality history".From a 51% women population to over 90% men leadership.Why only 7% CEOs and 25% members of governments are women?When gender equality means 50% representation of women.How will the world look with a 50% representation of women?Life as a female senior vice-president in a male dominant culture2022-07-2046 min
Open To Happiness76 - Escape the "not enough" syndromeIn this episode Nicoleta talks about business and happiness with Sharon Valenti a British business coach based in Georgia USA. From alcoholic parents to distorted beliefs about the self.Childhood trauma and abusive relationships in adult life.About “not-enoughness” and the path of self-help and personal development.Insight into mental programing and the illusion of fear.The power of awareness and our self-made diminishing life.Acceptance of self as essential to life success and happiness.Mindset as the greatest challenge for entre...2022-07-1347 min
Open To Happiness75 - Why reading is not necessarily personal developmentIn this solo episode Nicoleta explores the trend of personal development bypass, where many of us follow others and search for information in the outside world hoping to grow within.Find why reading books and acquiring information does not necessary lead to personal development.And discover what can actually help you grow and develop into the person you really wish to be.Here's a quick pdf guide to help you in your inner transformation:https://the7stepsofrealtransformation.nicoletaporojanu.com 2022-07-0606 min
Open To Happiness74 - The power of radical acceptance In this episode Nicoleta talks about radical acceptance and happiness with Dr. Farah El Miligui, Counselling psychologist from London. From a happy home to curiosity about human condition and a degree in psychology.Mental health when the brain goes off track.Insight into humility and the meaning of life.When happiness requires to be ok with your inner darkness.The impact of the past and the need for awareness.About human suffering and some ways of healing.Self-therapy and the soothing of...2022-06-2955 min
Open To Happiness73 - The Pill For AwakeningIn this solo episode Nicoleta explores the experience of awakening.Why do we awaken through suffering?Why can’t we just take a pill and awakenOr make a spell and awaken straight away?What protects us from awakening?Can awakening come free of pain and suffering?How do you prepare for awakening?The real magic of wakening.Read more: https://the3entangledmindsblueprint.nicoletaporojanu.com 2022-06-1507 min
Open To Happiness72 - In therapy with criminal offendersIn this episode Nicoleta explores happiness in captivity with Clinical and Forensic psychologist Naomi Murphy from Peterborough, England.Alongside her clinical director role in a residential secure unit, Naomi is a Honorary Professor of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University and the co-host of the Locked Up Living podcast. When moving places in childhood leads to seeking stability in adult life. Looking for the humanity in people in the criminal justice system.Happiness equals safety, belonging, passion, excitement and a pinch of “unknown”. Stories from wo...2022-06-0854 min
Open To Happiness71 - Solution to OverthinkingIn this solo episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between overthinking and happiness.What is thinking and why do we overthink?Studies show us that 95% of our thoughts are repetitive anfd 80% are negative. When does thinking turn into overthinking?Do you ruminate about the past or worry about the future?What is the impact of overthinking on our wellbeing?Can we learn to control our thinking?What si the solution for overthinking?Get your free pdf and learn more about the human mind:...2022-06-0109 min
Open To Happiness70 - Today's dating wisdomIn this episode Nicoleta explores dating and happiness with counselling psychologist Dr. Rina Bajaj from London.From substance misuse, domestic abuse, children and forensic services to dating consultancy.Insights from the business of love industry.When 323 million people worldwide are using 1500 dating apps.Is dating about love or more about loneliness and connection?Has the corona pandemic changed how we seek a partner?The most common misconceptions about online dating.How to set realistic expectations in dating....2022-05-2538 min
Open To Happiness69 - Bridging mortality and happinessIn this episodes Nicoleta chats about mortality and happiness with Cassandra Geisel, a Canadian born mental health advocate and death educator living in London.From studying criminology, religion and spirituality to suicide prevention and training in psychotherapy.Gaining insight from the research on serial homicide.When people are treated unequally in life and death.Learnings from working in a funeral home. The link between suicidal ideation, self-harm and addiction and the fear of death.How to reacquaint o...2022-05-1851 min
Open To Happiness68 - “Blocking”, the pioneering tool for physical healthIn this episodes Nicoleta chats about physical health and happiness with Deanna Hansen, the founder of Block Therapy and Fluid Isometrics from Winnipeg, Canada.When the struggles allow us to transform our lives.The story of an athletic therapist struggling with health problems.How an anxiety attack led intuitively to soothing physical touch.What is fascia system and how can we keep it healthy?What to do when the scar tissue is blocking the oxygen and blood flow.2022-05-1144 min
Open To Happiness67 - Learn to open to happiness beyond hardshipIn this episode Nicoleta is doing a solo exploring how to open to happiness despite the life challenges.Find what challenges Nicoleta faced in the past and how she managed to surrender to the present moment, transcend the pain and connect with the infinite source of inner peace.A good guide to help you create transformation in your life is the 7 Steps of Real Transformation framework. Get your free copy here: https://the7stepsofrealtransformation.nicoletaporojanu.com2022-05-0419 min
Open To Happiness66 - It takes 5 years to overcome life quakesIn this episodes Nicoleta chats about success and happiness with Michael Biarness, neuroscientist and author from Philadelphia, USA.How losing his father inspired Michael to write “Redefining success. Stories, science and strategies to prioritise happiness and overcome life’s “Oh Shit” moments.Life through the lenses of a neuroscientist focused on improving patient’s outcomes.Interviewing dozens of people already perceived as “successful”.Why at every 18 months we face a disruptor in life. How we each go through 3 to 5 life quakes.Why it tak...2022-04-2742 min
Open To Happiness65 - Conscious Parenting 101In this episode Nicoleta talks about conscious parenting and happiness with Sue DeCaro, coach and educator from South Carolina, USA.What is conscious parenting?What does it mean to be a good parent?How cultural conditioning impacts our parenting.Why we think we need to “fix” the children instead of fixing ourselves.When transgenerational trauma gets passed through generations.How to you connect with yourself and heal your wounds?The result of the academic pressure on o...2022-04-2053 min
Open To Happiness64 - From injustice to poor mental healthIn this episode Nicoleta talks about justice and happiness with Frank Ramos, lawyer from Miami, Florida, USA.When parents inspire you to become a white collar professional. How hitting the rock bottom awakens you to take action and escape the darkness of depression.When happiness is about helping others.Following the inner calling and being of service to others beyond your job.The joy of mentoring young lawyers and professionals around life and career. Answering the important question: is...2022-04-1334 min
Open To Happiness63 - The impact of the absent father in a woman’s lifeIn this episode Nicoleta talks about the absent father and happiness with Jungian analist Susan Schwartz from Arizona, USA.There is little literature around father’s relationship with the children.How the absent father archetype gets passed through transgenerational trauma.When culture shapes the relationship between daughters and fathers.Unpacking the unconscious father/daughter relationship.Why most women haven’t had a “present” father.The crucial influence of father’s presence on woman’s development.How absent fathers affect women’s physical, inte...2022-04-0645 min
Open To Happiness62 - Find your statement of faith and let it guide you in lifeIn this episode Nicoleta talks about faith and happiness with pastor and podcaster Ken Primus, the author of “Threads of Enlightenment” and "The Blueprint of Faith". We are programmed by people that come from a place of trauma. Walking on the path of enlightenment in the search for meaning of life.Getting close to burnout within the “prison” of the Christian church.How a divorce made a pastor to leave the church.A pastor’s inner turmoil and the innate need for tru...2022-03-2958 min
Open To Happiness61 - When war ruins your happinessIn this episode Nicoleta talks about war and happiness with Brooke Siem, author and award winning chef, also passionate mental health writer and creator of the newsletter “Happiness is a skill”, from Reno, Nevada, USA.Why are we humans dragged into conflict and war?Is conflict innate in us people?How our programming leads to war and conflict.What is conflict and war doing to our mental health?How social media contributes to enhancing our anxieties and fears.Is it g...2022-03-2355 min
Open To Happiness60 - How obsessions and compulsions affect your happinessIn this episode Nicoleta talks about OCD and happiness with Mike Vatter, podcast host from Jacksonville, USA. When you get adopted and reconnect with your biological family following a DNA testing.Does OCD run in the family?The relationship between adoption and OCD.The “learned” and “inherited” components of OCD.How OCD impacts our happiness. Coping with obsessive-compulsive symptoms.The importance of mindset in OCD.Best tips from an OCD sufferer. Find more about Mike here: 2022-03-1654 min
Open To Happiness59 - Are we creating happiness machines?In this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between neurotechnology and happiness with Toby Pasman, neurophysiology researcher and entrepreneur from Eugene, Oregon, USA. Living in a small town and growing with an incessant curiosity to discover the world.From reading to developing passion for psychology and neuroscience.How applied neuroscience plans to bring “neuromodulation” to the masses. What kind of technology is neuro-modulation, neurofeedback and neurostimulation?Why after a century EEG is being used outside of the doctor’s cabinet to check if you p...2022-03-0943 min
Open To Happiness58 - Why men struggle to embrace self-reflectionIn this episode Nicoleta talks about men’s mental health and happiness with Joe-y Busuttil, psychotherapists, coach and podcaster from Melbourne, Australia.When 3 of your closest friends commit suicide the same week.How disability allows you to detach from a specific outcome.When personal challenges trigger the desire to become a psychotherapist.How coronavirus changed the way we live and connect.About awakening at a collective level. Why understanding and compassion are necessary in dealing with others.H...2022-03-0257 min
Open To Happiness57 - How to shift from anger to happinessIn this episodes Nicoleta chats about healthy anger and happiness with Marty Wolner, brain strength coach from Philadelphia USA.The stress of adolescence and its impact of physical health.When own challenges inform our choices and career in life.How a brain strength coach sees the world.What can you do to take charge of your brain. What brain research tell us about what is going on inside our brain.How to train our brain through neuroplasticity t...2022-02-2333 min
Open To Happiness56 - Why you are stuck in your mindIn this episode Nicoleta is talking about entertainment and happiness with Wize El Jefe, host of the “Stuck in My Mind” podcast, entertainment expert and podcaster, from Pennsylvania USA. How do you entertain after years of tragedies?The pain of becoming a widower at 31.When your father dies next day after you reconnected after 25 years.How do you move from anger back into joy?Secrets from the world of the casino entertainment.Life when you get paid to play...2022-02-1644 min
Open To Happiness55 - Find your purpose to find your happinessIn this episode Nicoleta is chatting about purpose in life and happiness with Janice Hooker Fortman (Dr. Jan), Relationship coach, author, speaker and host of Relationship Matters TV from Chicago USA. Meet an inspirational octogenarian podcaster.Learn about the passion for teaching others.Find purpose in inspiring and motivating people.Why your purpose is linked to what makes you happy.How being of service brings meaning and purpose in life. When the challenging relationship with your mom pr...2022-02-0929 min
Open To Happiness54 - Teachers can help repair early attachment deficitsIn this episodes Nicoleta chats about child development and happiness with Karen Strallard, integrative art therapist from London, UK.From the role of female minister in the Christian Church to the role of psychotherapist.What is it like to grow up surrounded by mental health problems.How faith and music soothes our sadness.Why the secure attachment is essential for good mental health.When trauma creates physical injuries into our brains. And how to rewire the brain and heal. H...2022-02-0238 min
Open To Happiness53 - Your 7 Steps of Real TransformationIn this solo episode Nicoleta explores with you what makes change so difficult. Learn a 7 steps of real transformation framework that has been tested over and over again and has never failed.Use this system to transform your life for good, so you can move into the direction of your realistic dreams.You are only 7 steps away!Get your pdf guide here: https://crafty-originator-2530.ck.page/7c7cfc01e7 2022-01-2623 min
Open To Happiness52 - Why your lifestyle determines your happinessIn this episode Nicoleta is chatting about lifestyle and happiness with The Holistic GP, Dr. Ashwini Gana Baskaran, from Perth, Australia, Learn about the shift from growing in Malaysia to relocating to Australia.Are you for conventional or holistic medicine?What is root cause medicine?Why childhood and parenting style are the most important in our health and wellness. When quick traditional medicine can burn out the GP.What to do when you missed a loving and stable en...2022-01-1927 min
Open To Happiness51 - The truth and lies about psychotherapyIn this solo episode Nicoleta is exploring with you the truth and lies about psychotherapy from the inside out.Is therapy really working?Can therapy harm you?What is psychotherapy anyway?Is psychotherapy and counselling the same or different?Why after more than 130 years since its birth in the modern world people still distrust therapy?Are there good and bad therapists?Who is the therapy generation?Is psychotherapy science or art?How many...2022-01-1216 min
Open To Happiness50 - Uncensored about Gender, Sexuality and PleasureIn this episode Nicoleta chats about pleasure and happiness with Adriana Borja Henriquez, a clinical psychologist and writer originally from Ecuador.Get inside the life of a queer activist dealing with hate crime and conversion therapy in South America.Explore the intimate work with refugees and LGTBQIA survivors of sexual abuse and torture from Colombia and Venezuela. Find if there is room for joy and erotism after sexual abuse and torture.Abut us modern humans and our relationship with pleasure.P...2022-01-0540 min
Open To Happiness49 - What are you most fundamental values?In this solo episode Nicoleta explores the values that make our relationships thrive (and survive).Titles and achievements mean nothing in the long run if your values are not clear and strong.Values are crucial to living a life of meaning and purpose. Get your pdf copy of the Essential Values Staircase here:https://crafty-originator-2530.ck.page/1cc74883ef2021-12-1516 min
Open To Happiness48 - Are parents aware of our pain?In this episodes Nicoleta chats about suicide and happiness with Mark Henick, TED Talk speaker, author and mental health advocate from Torronto, Canada.When early trauma shows up in adolescence.Are parents aware of our pain?It is hard for children to make sense of their depression and anxiety.How does it feel to be suicidal at 12 and feel like that is the only choice?When you spend your adolescence in hospitals.The despair 2021-12-0833 min
Open To Happiness47 - Let's open the difficult conversation of transgenerational traumaIn this solo episode Nicoleta starts exploring the transgenerational truama cycle of pain.This is a difficult converastion that we as a sociaty seem to avoid or postpone, but until when?Our ancestors' trauma shows up uninvited in our lives through our childhood trauma, and if we do not raise conscious awareness around this reality of our lives this will continue to hurt the next generations.In every family someone is born with this purpose: to awaken and to start healing the family's trauma. Let that person be you!2021-12-0110 min
Open To Happiness46 - Why do men struggle to commit?In this episodes Nicoleta chats about commitment and happiness with Samuel Morgan, business manager and first time author from Brighton, UK.From sustainability to psychology and personal development.When a book stays unpublished for 8 years.How sharing through writing is therapeutic and helps in the relationship repair process. Why do men struggle to commit?Are our attitudes towards relationships being shaped by our early years of life?When we fear to trust the other.2021-11-2434 min
Open To Happiness45 - Is your mind your friend or your enemy?In this solo episode Nicoleta explores The 3 Entangled Minds Blueprint, the ultimate guide to understanding your mind(s).Are you in charge of your mind or it's your mind running your life?Is there one mind or more than one mind?What are your 3 minds?How do your 3 minds work together?Why consciousness is not in the mind. How can you expand your brain?Download your own pdf blueprint here:https://crafty-originator-2530.ck.page/920a79...2021-11-1728 min
Open To Happiness44 - Best 3 learnings from being a parentIn this episode Nicoleta talks about parenting and happiness with Melissa Vera, a teacher turned full time blogger from North Carolina, USA.Seeing the world falling apart when your child is diagnosed with epilepsy, your father is put in a hospice and you have a car accident.When we turn our trauma and early experiences in positive parenting for our children. How do we raise children that are strong and in touch with their feelings?Is parenting easier or harder when y...2021-11-1036 min
Open To Happiness43 - Do you follow your life passion?In this episodes Nicoleta chats about life passion and happiness with Paul Harvey, podcaster and mid-life coach, from Highlands, Scotland.Do you follow your life passion?What triggers a mid-life crisis?Why would someone change their career after 3 decades. How to get out of a career that you don’t love.The transition from marketing to podcasting.How the pandemic benefited our lives. About the pursuit for happiness. When happiness can b...2021-11-0353 min
Open To Happiness42 - How compassion leads the way to happinessIn this episodes Nicoleta chats about human brain and happiness with Dawson Church, an award-winning science writer and researcher from California, USA.What is the connection between consciousness, emotion, and gene expression?How deep meditation release bliss neurochemicals in our brains.Enter a state of awareness and change your brain functioning by paying attention, relaxation and meditation.Why positive emotions such as altruism and compassion lead to happiness.Understand neural plasticity, how the brain is capable of rewiring itself.Remodel your brain by...2021-10-2759 min
Open To Happiness41 - Why diversity in the absence of equitable opportunity values nothingIn this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between our modern society and happiness with Dr Pamela Gurley, retired USA Federal Government veteran, these days professional speaker, author and social activist from Washington DC, USA.Meet a woman of many talents, a foodie that loves wine and has many hobbies, who is self-thought in many things, and loves to step out of her comfort zone. Find how a woman military moves through all 15 ranks in the US government in 14 years.When life is happy on the surface. How do...2021-10-2042 min
Open To Happiness40 - Be choosy with the digital technologyIn this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between digital technology and happiness with Sug Sahadevan, entrepreneur and CEO at Testhouse, London.What does an electronic engineer and past employee at the UK government communication headquarters thinks about technology?How can a software developer for national gas suppliers and international banks start his own tech business and build it to the level of a global organisation of over 500 employees, present not just in Europe, but also in the Middle East and America.What are the pro and cons of...2021-10-1343 min
Open To Happiness39 - Why moving and fittness helps you with your depressionIn this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between fitness and happiness with Zack Rutledge, personal trainer and nutrition specialist from New Jersey, USA.When you find it hard to go through breakups in adolescence.The experience of having your best friend killed at 18.Why moving and fitness helps with low mood and depression.How depression can be healed through forgiveness. When a man’s relationship with his father leads to self-imposed pressure on performance, to chasing titles and validation from the outs...2021-10-0640 min
Open To Happiness38 - How to nurture happy teenagersIn this episode Nicoleta talks about adolescence and happiness with Aayushi Kulsunge from Mumbai India, the Founder and CEO of Teen Mental Health Society. How does it feel to be diagnosed with clinical depression at 15?The world of a teenage girl fighting eating disorders.What makes an adolescent unhappy.Our subjective expectation around happiness.What are the main challenges at adolescence in this new world?The pressure of social media on teenagers.Why youngsters starve themselves to ma...2021-09-2939 min
Open To Happiness37 - Why success has little to do with money, power and fameIn this episode Nicoleta talks about the relationship between success and happiness with Michael Biarnes, a scientist form Washington DC, USA.How does a scientist in oncology, diagnostic, neuroscience and cardiovascular disease ends up writing about redefining success?Why would someone replace the aspiration of owning a biotech company or a big pharma with becoming a wellbeing advocate?How the loss of your parent makes you rearrange your priorities in life.What is the definition of success? What shapes o...2021-09-2238 min
Open To Happiness36 - About millennial entrepreneurship and happiness with James MulvanyIn this episodes Nicoleta chats about millennial entrepreneurship and happiness with James Mulvany, a serial entrepreneur from Manchester, UK.What makes the difference between an entrepreneurial mindset and a 9 to 5 corporate aspiration?How is life when you start your own business at 16?What does a millennial learn from setting up start-ups?What are the secrets in succeeding in business these days?Why some businesses work and others don’t despite the significant investment?What sacrifices come along with being a...2021-09-1536 min
Open To Happiness34 - Why women keep the abusive relationship secretIn this episode Nicoleta is chatting about relationships and happiness with Deb Morgan, relationship coach from Summerset, England.Why would a groom beat the bride on their wedding night?What is it like to live in multiple abusive relationships?How important is our family dynamic in the development of a relationship roadmap?Why do we get comfortable and know “our place” in an abusive relationship?What makes women keep the domestic abuse secr...2021-09-0138 min
Open To Happiness33 - Choose between antidepressants and happinessIn this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between antidepressants and happiness with Brooke Siem, an award winning chef and mental health writer from Nevada, USA.Why do we put children on antidepressants when they lose their father at 15?How is life when you live on antidepressants from 15 to 30 and you are still depressed and suicidal?Can you be so depressed to feel relieved at the thought that one day you’ll die and everything will be over?Are there any benefits to being medicated with an...2021-08-2551 min
Open To Happiness32 - Five best tips to become wealthyIn this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between economy and happiness with Michael Kelly, financial business consultant and founder of Investment Science from New York, USA.How does an economist look at happiness?Can an investor grasp happiness in between 2 deals?Do large corporations grow at the expense of everyone around us?Are the money raised by companies in Sillicon Valley spent properly?Is there happiness behind technological automation?How can we compete with the digital employees?...2021-08-1843 min
Open To Happiness31 - Why an unfulfilled life leads to alcohol addictionIn this episode Nicoleta chats about alcohol addiction with Gypsy Wonders a motivational speaker from Minnesota USA.Why is alcohol consumption keeping you in a state of disconnection from your real self?How do you stop drinking to find who you really are beyond your addiction?Can you find love, happiness and joy when you stop drinking?How do you wake up to a life you love?Why an unfulfilled life leads to alcohol addiction?Do people drink to escape...2021-08-1134 min
Open To Happiness30 - About the limits of human resilience with Terry Tucker In this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between resilience and happiness with Terry Tucker an author, motivational speaker and cancer survivor from Denver, USA.How is life for a college basketball player turned police investigator and SWAT hostage negotiator? Why you should always go and do the things that scare you…What are the limits of human resilience?How learning from your mistakes makes you resilient…Is there something else out there that is bigger than us?And why your life should...2021-08-0440 min
Open To Happiness29 - If you want to be happy be gratefulIn this episode Nicoleta chats about the relationship between gratitude and happiness with Deborah Hawkins, an author and blogger from Chicago, USA.Can you embrace gratitude after an unsured driver hits you and leaves you unable to walk?What helps you to navigate depression in your 50s?How do you develop a practice of gratitude?Can you be intentional in creating an attitude of appreciation? What are you gratitude themes?How to be thankful even through life...2021-07-2827 min
Open To Happiness28 - Can you open to happiness after bereavement?In this solo episodes Nicoleta explores the relationship between bereavement and happiness.Sharing her own experience of a very close family member sudden death, Nicoleta takes you through a number of very important questions:How do you move through the shock of a dear person's death?What it means to lose someone fairly young?How it feels to find someone you just met died unexpectedly?What kills us young these post-modern times?How is bereavement experienced these days and w...2021-07-2116 min
Open To Happiness27 - Find how the law of karma acts into your lifeIn this episode Nicoleta talks about the relationship between sanity and happiness with Wajid Hassan, actor, author and spiritual teacher based in North Carolina, USA.How is your perspective changed in life when you are born into a Muslim country, then you are raised in a Christian school in England, and then follow a yogi master and live your adult life in Los Angeles?Are we spiritual beings in a physical body?Will the spiritual life ever come first for humans in front of the material life?...2021-06-3039 min
Open To Happiness26 - About ageing gracefully in our post-modern worldIn this episodes Nicoleta chats about ageing and happiness with Clarissa Kristjansson, mindfulness and menopause coach, podcaster and speaker from Sweden.What does it feel to go through a burnout in your mid-50s when you are pre-menopausal, have extreme anxiety and you lose motivation in life?Can you escape stuckness and loneliness with the aid of mindful living?Why are women still caught up in traditional roles, over-giving and over-caring and why do they struggle to...2021-06-2340 min
Open To Happiness25 - Discover how music soothes the human spiritIn this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between music and happiness with Hope Sheree, a spiritual soul artist, author, blogger and host of “A Dose Of Hope Radio” from Virginia USA.Selected out of thousands of applicants, Hope is one of the 50 artists to be part of the world’s greatest gospel choir established by the multi-Grammy and Oscar winner Pharrel Williams that has toured the world and had been documented in the Netflix six-part docu-series called Voices of Fire.Why would a blues and R&B record...2021-06-1642 min
Open To Happiness24 - Why we still whisper when we talk about menopauseIn this episode Nicoleta chats about menopause and happiness with Lisa Adams, registered nurse and yoga teacher from Manchester. Find how Lisa embarked on a career in health care now spanning over 3 decades and in time developed interest in menopause and women’s health.Learn that there is not much happiness in the medical world due to organisational issues like underfunded services and overworked staff which generally keeps the morale low.How to find happiness inside yourself and how to reach that mental state where you feel at peace, content and balanced. Why...2021-06-0941 min
Open To Happiness23 - Self-love is the fuel for confidence, self-esteem and self-worthIn this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between self-love and happiness with therapist and coach Nicola Farnhill from Costa Blanca, Spain.Nicola shares how her traumatic childhood experience and her therapist mother informed her decision to become a therapist herself.They talk about the common experience of being therapists, about losing their mothers 10 years ago and what they learned throughout the decades doing their inner work.Discover why we struggle to show our vulnerable side and express our real self and what is...2021-06-0250 min
Open To Happiness22 - About our family dynamics, sexuality and happiness with Prof. Desa Markovic (Part 2)In this second part of the interview with Desa Markovic, Prof. in Systemic Psychotherapy at Regents University London, Nicoleta continues to explore the relationship between sexuality, family dynamics and happiness.They look at the parenting styles and the importance of healthy boundaries and privacy in educating children. Sometimes we fail to notice how, as parents, we send messages about sex to our children that end up shaping their sexuality.Learn why it is essential to know who you are and what you want in order to develop a healthy satisfying sexuality. 2021-05-2635 min
Open To Happiness21 - About our family dynamics, sexuality and happiness with Prof. Desa Markovic (Part 1)In this episode Nicoleta explores the relationship between sexuality, family dynamics and happiness with Desa Markovic, Professor of Systemic Psychotherapy at Regent's University London.Inspired by her own personal journey in life, Serbian born Desa has dedicated more than 2 decades to the field of sexual and family health starting with her training in clinical psychology in Yugoslavia, “a country that unfortunately does not exist anymore”. A senior practice consultant for Relate, the largest relationship counselling service in the UK, director of training at the Institute of Family Therapy In London and Head of Programmes in Ps...2021-05-1934 min
Open To Happiness20 - This is why sole proprietors need marketingIn this episode Nicoleta chats about the relationship between work in marketing and happiness with Ray Stanvius business developer for mental health professionals based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.Ray shares the cultural shock he had when he moved from America to Catalonia in his 30’s despite his multicultural background having being born American from Argentinian mother and Lithuanian father parents. A marketer with a degree in psychology, Ray shares the benefits of freelance work as opposed to the 9 to 5 jobs he had in the past. Ray is now helping mental health pro...2021-05-1237 min
Open To Happiness19 - How to become your own health expertIn this episode Nicoleta chats about illness and happiness with Rachel Lett, registered nutritionist, expert in metabolic and gut health and Chief Care Officer at SPAN Health.Rachel shares her experience of fighting Hodgkin Lymphoma 3 times as a child at 10, 12 and 16 and the shock she had when she relapsed after 9 years in remission at 26.Born and raised on a farm, Rachel feels that her experience with the illness made her interested in food early in life and informed her decisions to certify as a chef and later register as a nutritionist.Looking at the...2021-05-0542 min
Open To Happiness18 - Turning adversities into community connection and serviceIn this episode Nicoleta chats with Ray Baron Woolford, a civil rights activist, broadcaster and author from London.Ray shares his life story, how he came from nothing and created a life of service to pay back all those strangers that have been kind to him when he needed most. Born out of rape and abandoned by his mother, Ray has started his life in children’s homes, where he never felt love and where he was exposed to a lot of sexual abuse and violence. He run...2021-04-2844 min
Open To Happiness17 - Mental health struggles are more common than we thinkIn this episode Nicoleta chats about the research and policy making in mental health with Sarah Hughes the CEO at Centre for Mental Health UK which has been at the heart of some of the biggest policy changes and investments in mental health for the past 2 decades.Having seen family members struggling with mental health distress, Sarah embarked on a career in mental health - now spanning over 3 decades - in both community and secure units settings and is today bringing her vast experience into making policies and ensuring that mental health remains a priority on the...2021-04-2133 min
Open To Happiness16 - You don't have to be famous to be happyIn this episode Nicoleta chats with Milton Lopes, an award winning actor, musician, writer and director from London about performance and happiness.Milton shares his fantastic life journey from being born in Cape Verde and raised in the artistic area of Almada in the 80’ when Portugal was struggling with high levels of heroin consumption which led to decriminalisation of drugs in the 90’.He chose to do sports, music and theatre from early age and became an award winning actor in Lisbon before moving to London to expand his career 14 years ago .Milt...2021-04-1454 min
Open To Happiness15 - The relationship with yourself is everythingIn this episode Nicoleta has a soulful conversation with Lourdes-Anne Requena, life coach and Tai Chi & Qigong instructor from London. Lou shares her personal story of clinical depression, anxiety, low confidence and double suicide attempt and how her healing journey unfolded. She tried different avenues including counselling, psychotherapy, body movement and energy, and ended up working in mental health and training in Tai Chi, Qigong and life coaching.The conversation goes around our life struggles and explores why people are scared of self-discovery and change and how labels and di...2021-04-0754 min
Open To Happiness14 - Becoming a CEO after a mental breakdownIn this episode Nicoleta has a delightful conversation with an inspiring accomplished entrepreneur, the CEO of Future Perfect Charles McLachlan. Listen to his journey from growing up in a professional academic family, his years of computer science degree at Cambridge University and his challenge with a psychotic episode that relapsed whilst being a student and how he managed to overcome his mental breakdown.Charles built a successful software development business, became consultant to various senior executives and is currently growing CEOs helping them create a work environment defined by freedom and joy and move from t...2021-03-3135 min
Open To Happiness13 - Open to happiness and create the life of your dreamsIn this 1st episode following the Pilot Season Nicoleta is doing her first solo podcast.She shares what she’s been doing during the 6 months break following the Pilot Season and why she rebranded the podcast from Mental Wellbeing Journey into Open to Happiness. Nicoleta talks openly about her experience in the Pilot Season when she felt uncomfortable talking to the microphone and the screen and how she aims to make the Open To Happiness a permanent podcast.Find out what she plans to talk about with her guests and why her podcasting is...2021-03-2411 min
Open To Happiness11 - Here's the Mental Health First Aid training benefitsIn this 11th episode Nicoleta chats with Wendy Harris, managing director at WAG Associates, a telemarketing training company from England about the Mental Health First Aid.Since emotions and feelings always factor in business and work as well as in our all interactions in life, the question is: are we able to develop that awareness around our mental health and the wellbeing of others? Can you read other people's body language? Are you able to pick up on what is said between the words? Do you become mindful of what is happening within you when people express t...2020-09-0236 min
Open To Happiness10 - Restore your natural balance with AyurvedaHealth is not the absence of illness, but rather a state of balance between the body, mind and our consciousness.In this 10th episode Nicoleta chats with Xenia Bolomiti, ayurvedic therapist and wellbeing coach from London, about the benefits of ayurveda called the "science of life" in the Eastern world.How has this eastern practice that preceded today's conventional medicine managed to preserve its wisdom and knowledge from ancient times and survived as a holistic therapy and medicine practice for 5,000 years?Considered by many schoolers the older healing science, ayurveda aims to restore our natural balance...2020-08-2651 min
Open To Happiness9 - How to manage the intense feelings of grievingThe absence of someone or something that has been part of our lives for decades can be very upsetting and those feelings of emptiness can be perceived as a loss of purpose and meaning in life by some of us. In this 9th episode Nicoleta explores with her guest Willis Atherley-Bourne, therapist and supervisor from London, the loss of someone through death, breakup or divorce as well as the loss of a job, social status, home or an object, and how that loss taps into other wounds accumulated over the years. Can we still cherish th...2020-08-1956 min
Open To Happiness8 - The Devastation of Gambling AddictionHow does the pleasurable activity of gaming or gambling become an addiction that destroys lives? Why can one person play for fun and another one is unable to stop?In this 8th episode Nicoleta chats with counselling psychologist Annika Lindberg from London to find that gambling addiction is not about the amount of money lost, but rather about losing the control and not being able to stop despite the negative consequences it brings into our lives.From losing jobs, missing time with family, to accumulating massive debts and losing their homes, addicted gamblers are either...2020-08-1239 min
Open To Happiness7 - How to cope with the painful rejectionIn this 7th episode Nicoleta chats with French born Kensaye Russel, a DJ, music producer and radio host from London about rejection and its impact on our lives. From real life rejection to virtual rejection expressed in the number of likes and comments on social media, rejection can be painful and can knock down our self-esteem, confidence and sense of self-worth. Whether it’s a matter of circumstances, luck, taste or subjectivity, rejection is a simple life response that does not change who we really are.Rejection is rather a platform for learning, grow...2020-08-0533 min
Open To Happiness6 - 30 min investment in your spiritual wellbeingIn this 6th episode Nicoleta chats with Russian born and trained Oxana Fomina, a life & spiritual coach and numerologist from London and look at life from a body – mind – spirit – social world perspective. Listen to this episode and find out how psychology, psychotherapy, numerology and spirituality overlap and how they all tap into the same knowledge of this universe and how can they answer some of your life questions. Vivekananda said over a century ago that “human mind is a great master, but a lousy student” and we can all connect with that. We tend to function...2020-07-2936 min
Open To Happiness5 - 80% of your thoughts are negative. Change your mindset!In this 5th episode Nicoleta chats with DJ and music producer Serhat Gedik aka Subaholic’s from Northern Cyprus about the negative thinking and its impact on our lives. Starting from the studies that show that out of the 50,000 thoughts we have each day 80% of them are negative and 95% of them are repetitive thoughts, recycled day after day, they explore how to change our mindsets and search for happiness and positivity within, and what happens when we look for fulfilment in the outside world. Nicoleta looks at negative thinking from a psychological perspective and concludes that...2020-07-2245 min
Open To Happiness4 - 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abusedWhat is wrong with people (especially men) that use their power to intimidate, influence, persuade or even threaten others to get sexual gratification?In this 4th episode Nicoleta is having a rich conversation with her guest Michelle Denny-Browne, counsellor, supervisor and clinical manager at One in Four, the largest charity supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse and trauma in the UK.They look at the elephant in the room, this taboo of childhood (sexual) abuse through the lenses of the many high-profile cases we’ve seen coming out over this past decade:...From th...2020-07-1545 min
Open To Happiness3 - Life between burnout and balanceIn this 3rd episode Nicoleta has a deep conversation about burnout with her guest clinical psychologist and therapist Dragos Dragomir and explore the difference between stress ("the too much" in our lives) and burnout ("the not enough" syndromme). From paramedics, nurses, firefighters and police force affected by burnout in their challenging work to staff feeling burnt out when lacking support form their organisation and to the guest himself going through burnout when feeling underused in his skills, this is a rich conversation about what it means to live in our modern world driven by capitalism and consumerims. Are you...2020-07-0848 min
Open To Happiness2- Watch out the stress - this silent killer of our modern timesIn this 2nd episode Nicoleta talks about stress with her guest Chris Hodgkins, an accomplished jazz musician and broadcaster from London. Listen to this 30 min episode and find out what is causing stress in our modern world and the terrible impact it has on our mental activity, emotional life and physical body. Be reminded about the power of music in healing and coping with stress, and learn to find ways to spot stress early and act timely to remove this silent killer from your life. 2020-07-0130 min
Open To Happiness1 - Mental Health Pandemic & CoronavirusIn this 1st episode Nicoleta talks with her guest Munise Sabri, a colleague psychotherapist from London, about our mental health pandemic and the impact of the coronavirus on our lives. Listen to this empowering 28 min chat that looks at mental wellbeing from a fresh perspective. Is our society really open to talking? How do we cope with the social presure? From anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma to getting in touch with our selves and creating a happy and fulfilling life.2020-06-2428 min