In a world obsessed with quick fixes and temporary pleasures, what if true happiness is actually about something far more profound? This week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia interviews psychology Assoc. Prof. Matthew Hammerton on what makes life worth living. Having joined Singapore Management University in 2018, Assoc. Prof. Matthew Hammerton specializes in moral philosophy. His work covers a myriad of topics, including consequentialism, deontology,...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 77
Our daily lives are often disrupted by our anxious thoughts. How can we stop our anxiety from being joy’s thief? This week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia interviews Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength co-founder Dr. Ashley Smith on the impact of anxiety on daily joy and how we can handle our anxiety. An inspiring figure overcoming her rare visual impairment, Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed psychologist, professional speaker, and author o...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 76
What if the workplace were a sanctuary where wellness isn’t merely a corporate buzzword, but a vibrant culture in which employees flourish? This week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews Quantum Sense founder Pam Buchanan on what soul health is, and how it could revolutionize workplace wellness. Pioneering in soul health innovations, Pam Buchanan and her company, Quantum Sense, stand at the intersection of corporate prowess and soulful innovation. W...
Feb 13, 2025•58 min•Ep. 75
In the quiet spaces between our bustling thoughts lies a landscape of spirituality waiting to be explored. This week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews positive living expert Diane Lang,MA, PPC on what it means to cultivate our spirituality. Having dedicated her career to helping people turn their lives around, Diane Lang,MA, PPC is now on a mission to help people develop a sustainable positive attitude through her therapy, education, and life coa...
Jan 30, 2025•55 min•Ep. 74
Join host Lu Ngo as she sits down with naturopathic physician Dr. Jared C. Pistoia to explore how we can overcome mental barriers and reclaim control over our well-being. This episode promises to guide you toward resilience and joy. Dr. Jared C. Pistoia is a licensed naturopathic physician with over 15 years of experience in health and wellness. He is the author of two books and serves as the legislative chair of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association. With a background in nutrition...
Jan 16, 2025•58 min•Ep. 73
What if beauty could be a gateway to spirituality? Join host Lu Ngo as she explores the fascinating connection between beauty and spiritual experiences with Rhett Diessner, an expert in psychology and beauty appreciation. This episode promises to reveal how engaging with the world’s beauty can deepen our spiritual lives and enrich our sense of happiness. Rhett Diessner is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Lewis-Clark State College and an Adjunct faculty member at the Bahá’í Institute of Higher...
Jan 02, 2025•53 min•Ep. 72
In this episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, we dive into an often-overlooked emotion: resentment. Host Lu Ngo sits down with Allison Broennimann, Ph.D. to uncover how resentment, when properly understood, can lead to meaningful personal growth. Could embracing negative emotions actually bring us closer to happiness? Allison Broennimann, Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical Psychologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with over a decade of experience in psychotherapy and n...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 71
In a world where professional networking often feels daunting, what if the key to success lies in joy? In this episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo delves into the transformative power of joyful networking with the remarkable Dr. Natascha Saunders, Ed.D., CPCC. As the Founder of The Youth Career Coach Inc. and a Career Coach at Harvard Kennedy School, Dr. Natascha Saunders, Ed.D., CPCC brings a wealth of experience from the realms of higher education, leader...
Dec 05, 2024•59 min•Ep. 70
Ever wondered how accepting life’s challenges could lead to greater happiness? Join host Lu Ngo as she explores the transformative power of radical acceptance with TEDx speaker and positive psychology expert Sha-En Yeo (MAPP, CSP). Sha-En Yeo (MAPP, CSP) is a graduate of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. As the Founder of Happiness Scientists, she has trained over 20,000 people in Singapore and beyond in the science of well-being. Featured on na...
Nov 21, 2024•51 min•Ep. 69
Is true happiness in love found in grand gestures, or does it lie in the everyday moments we often overlook? In this episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, Lu Ngo sits down with Linda Bloom, L.C.S.W., a seasoned psychotherapist and marriage counselor, to explore the beauty of savoring everyday happiness in relationships. Discover how small acts can make a big difference in nurturing lasting love. Linda Bloom, L.C.S.W. is a renowned psychotherapist and marriage counselor, ...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 68
Get ready as host Lu Ngo delves into the awe-inspiring world of existential psychology with Dr. Kirk Schneider. Discover how encounters with excellence can elevate our happiness and transform our lives. Kirk Schneider is a prominent figure in existential-humanistic and existential-integrative psychology. He serves as an adjunct faculty member at Saybrook University and has taught at Teachers College, Columbia University. As a cofounder and president of the award-winning Existential-Humanistic In...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 67
Ever wondered if there's a better way to balance work and life? On today's episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, Lu Ngo welcomes Melinda Fouts, Ph.D. an expert in the field of executive coaching and emotional intelligence. Get ready to dive into the world of work-life integration and discover how it can reshape your definition of success and happiness! Melinda Fouts, Ph.D. is a speaker, author of Cognitive Enlightenment and has over 25 years of experience as an executive...
Oct 10, 2024•55 min•Ep. 66
Welcome to another episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast with host, Marie Stella Quek. In this episode, we're diving into the world of teamwork and happiness with an expert who knows the ins and outs of creating joyful and high-performing teams. Get ready to boost your serotonin as we explore how stronger social bonds can elevate joy in any team setting! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Liane Davey, Ph.D., widely recognised as the 'teamwork doctor.' With over ...
Sep 26, 2024•51 min•Ep. 65
Prepare to dive deep into the heart of love and mindfulness with host Lu Ngo and guest Rev. Connie Habash, LMFT. This episode uncovers the secrets to being fully present in our relationships and how this presence can enhance our capacity to love and be loved. Join us for a conversation that blends spirituality and psychology, offering a path to greater happiness. Rev. Connie L. Habash, LMFT is a multifaceted expert in emotional and spiritual well-being. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapis...
Sep 12, 2024•51 min•Ep. 64
Are you ready to delve into the science of happiness and the intricate dance of human relationships? In this episode of "Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast," our host, Lu Ngo, invites you to explore the world of social interdependence and romantic relationships. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will make you rethink how you connect with others and boost your happiness. Our guest today is Julie Nguyen, a certified relationship coach, matchmaker, and mental health wr...
Aug 29, 2024•56 min•Ep. 63
Ever wondered how grudges might be holding you back from true happiness? Join host Lu Ngo as she unravels the complex psychology of grudges with wellness-driven storyteller Sonya Matejko. This episode promises to reveal transformative insights and practical strategies for breaking free from the chains of resentment and embracing a happier, healthier life. Sonya Matejko is a talented storyteller with a passion for wellness. She crafts compelling narratives for brands, founders, and publications, ...
Aug 15, 2024•45 min•Ep. 62
Get ready to laugh and learn as host Lu Ngo dives deep into the intriguing world of humour and happiness with our special guest, Dr. Caleb Warren. This episode promises a blend of scientific insight and practical advice, revealing the surprising ways humour can enhance our lives and even boost business success. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that might just change the way you see a good joke! Dr. Caleb Warren is a proud member of the Marketing Department at the University of Arizona....
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 61
One guarantee of happiness that most experts, regardless of belief system, agree on is rooted in the act of being kind to others. So, this week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo chats with assistant professor of management Hayley Blunden, Ph.D., to learn more about how a scarcity of kindness affects happiness. Spanning the domains of advice, feedback, voice, and virtual work, Hayley Blunden's research focuses on how leaders can make challenging workplace interact...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 60
Welcome to another exciting episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast! Today, we're diving into the art of making friends as adults. Joining us is the brilliant Dr. Mary Kempnich, a psychologist and social network researcher. Get ready to uncover the secrets to forming meaningful connections in our fast-paced, technology-driven world. Dr. Mary Kempnich is a renowned psychologist specialising in social networks and connections. As a conscious connection coach for high achiever...
Jul 04, 2024•55 min•Ep. 59
Join your host Lu Ngo on this episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast as we dive deep into the inner workings of your brain and we explore the intriguing world of happiness and wellbeing. Today, we're joined by Loretta Graziano Breuning, Ph.D., the brilliant mind behind the Inner Mammal Institute. With her extensive background as a professor and author of 8 enlightening books, Loretta Graziano Breuning, Ph.D. has dedicated her life to deciphering the complexities of our mam...
Jun 21, 2024•47 min•Ep. 58
Have you ever wondered how charity impacts your happiness? Discover how acts of kindness can have a rippling effect, fostering connections and enhancing the overall quality of life. Whether you're interested in economics, or psychology, or simply curious about the dynamics of generosity, this conversation offers illuminating perspectives on the transformative potential of charity. Join Lu and special guest Dr. Adrienne Sudbury for a thought-provoking discussion on the transformative power of gen...
Jun 06, 2024•52 min•Ep. 57
Are you ready to revolutionize workplace happiness? Welcome to Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast with your host, Lu Ngo. In today’s episode, we're exploring emotional intelligence in the workplace with our guest, Dr. Daisung Jang. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the remarkable world of Dr. Daisung Jang, an academic luminary whose research illuminates the dynamics of negotiation processes, individual differences, and the profound impact of emotions in professional setting...
May 23, 2024•59 min•Ep. 56
In this captivating discussion, we delve into the fascinating world of oxytocin and its profound impact on love and relationships. Oxytocin plays a pivotal role in shaping our experiences of intimacy, trust, and attachment. Join our host, Lu, with Dr. Paul J. Zak, a distinguished University Professor at Claremont Graduate University and one of the most cited scientists globally. With over two decades of groundbreaking research in behavioral neuroscience, Dr. Zak has ventured from the corridors o...
May 09, 2024•52 min•Ep. 55
Ever wondered how the way you see yourself impacts your happiness? Welcome to Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, where we uncover the secrets to lasting joy! Join our host Marie Stella Quek as we delve deep into the world of self-concept with our guest, the brilliant Melissa J. Robinson. Melissa is an Assistant Professor of Corporate Communication at PennState University, and her recent co-authored journal, 'How Activated Self-Concepts Influence Selection and Processing of Body-...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 54
Ready to unlock the secrets to happiness through belonging? Join Dina Sargeant as she delves deep into the core of what it means to truly feel at home, both within ourselves and in our workplaces. Get ready to explore how self-acceptance can be the key to unlocking a world of belonging and joy! Joined by Matthew Cahill, a renowned speaker, coach, and the brilliant mind behind Percipio Company, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. He specializes in the intricacies of ...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 53
Join us as we delve into the evolutionary roots of sadness and its role in our lives. With Chuck Schaeffer, Ph.D.'s expertise guiding the discussion, we'll gain a deeper understanding of how sadness serves us and how we can navigate our emotional experiences more effectively. Chuck Schaeffer, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, clinical advisor, and adjunct clinical faculty member at New York University. With over a decade of experience, Chuck Schaeffer, Ph.D. has dedicated his career to helping i...
Mar 28, 2024•56 min•Ep. 52
Have you ever met someone with achievements, talents, or qualities that have left you in complete awe, inspired to accomplish even half of what they have? Join us in this episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, where host Lu Ngo is joined by clinical psychologist Josh Gressel to explore this fundamental aspect of social interaction and personal growth. With extensive experience in the field of psychology, Josh Gressel is a clinical psychologist hailing from San Francisco. ...
Mar 15, 2024•53 min•Ep. 51
Resentment is that simmering feeling that arises when we perceive unfairness or injustice, quietly eroding our well-being if left unaddressed. But what exactly is resentment, and why does it matter? Join us in this episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast as we dive deep into the intricate world of emotions, focusing on the often misunderstood and underestimated feeling of resentment with our host, Lu Ngo, and the esteemed Allan N. Schwartz, a prolific writer and seasoned ps...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 50
Join our host, Lu Ngo, and clinical child psychologist, Dr. Andrea Mata, on the latest episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast. In this thought-provoking conversation, they delve into the profound effects of loneliness and share strategies to mitigate its impact. Dr. Andrea Mata brings a unique perspective to the discussion, having grown up in a gang-infested neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion for treating antisocial ...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 49
Embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery with the latest episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast! This week, join our host, Lu Ngo, as she delves into the profound topic of "The Psychological Impact of Guilt" alongside the renowned Licensed Professional Counselor and Author, Andrea Mathews. Andrea is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the US and an Author and Trainer for other counselors. She has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field and has writ...
Feb 02, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 48
