Members Content

How to Invent Yourself with Innovative Thinking with Ann Makosinski

Ann Makosinski is our youngest guest in Happy[ness] Hour history but don’t let that fool you her accomplishments are much greater than your average 23 year old. Ann is an inventor, writer, global keynote speaker, and CEO of her own company! A person with aspirations this high who is able to achieve so much at a young age is someone we can all learn something from. She will show us the power of innovative thinking. How it has changed her life and how it has the potential to change all of ours.

Image: A cat laying on a blanket, looking at the camera. The same type of cat who guards artwork at this Russian museum

These Cats Take Care of This Iconic Museum’s Art!

Does your cat think it rules the house? Does it expect to be treated like royalty? Don't worry, you aren’t alone. These crafty cats in Russia secured a gig from Empress Elizabeth herself, who welcomed a handful of cats to work in the museum keeping it free of mice and rats. These "guardians of the gallery" are "paid" in room and board, and have been protecting the museum for the last 250 years.

Fit What Matters into the Jar

The reality is that we can't be perfect, but we can put important things to the forefront. Essentially, we can budget our time to spend it on what we truly care about.

Where is Your Attention Being Skewed?

Oliver brings to our awareness that shifting our focus can help our be better change makers in life. We can limit distractions from our everyday lives.

48 min listen

Your Best Time Management: Knowing What to Let Go with Oliver Burkeman (Episode #83)

There is a fresh - rather freeing - perspective when it comes to "time-management" that can relieve us from stressing over our inboxes and to-do lists. Our guest, Oliver Burkeman, is just the one to have discovered it. For 10 years, he wrote a column for the Guardian about time-management. And then one day, realized that much of the schemes and advice for managing time were nonsense. Instead, the solution to our overwhelming dilemma with time starts somewhere we might never look. This conversation is both freeing and fun.

Image: One of the mushroom slabs that is cut to create mushroom bacon.

Mushrooms Could Start Replacing Leather, Bacon, and Styrofoam in the Next 5 Years

Have you ever tasted bacon made of fungi? Received a package cushioned by mushrooms? My guess is not yet… but probably soon! New York-based company Ecovative has created an alternative to plastic, which can save water, time, money, and the planet, too!

Image: A high school student preparing to throw a football to his teammates. A metaphor for purpose driven goals.

Why Purpose Driven Goals are Most Important

There is a real lesson to be learned from the story of NFL quarterback Alex Smith. And when we apply it to our goals and lives, everything becomes more fulfilling. So, what is this valuable lesson?

man in black t-shirt holding coca cola bottle

Our Local Partnerships Are The Most Important

Christoph explains why and how important the role of the locals are in the places where charities are trying to help.

Just Do Something

Christoph reminds us that there are many needs in the world and why any contribution matters.

48 min listen

The One Big Problem We Know How to Solve with Christoph Gorder of Charity: Water (Episode #82)

Water is a human need and human right to which billions (with a B) of people still lack access. This is a natural resource that the rest of us normally take for granted. But Christoph Gorder, who grew up in the Central African Republic, is working to change that and seeking every day to improve people’s lives and conditions through his organization: charity: water.

Image: A whale breaching the ocean's surface, with barnacles stuck to its chin

A Whale Saved Her From a Shark, Then Came Back to Visit

Nan Hauser has been researching humpback whales for 30 years, but she never expected that one would save her life! Let’s learn how a whale's altruistic behavior changed her life forever, and how we can return the favor.

Image: A woman using plant fertilizer on her crops, the same way battery plant food will be used.

Turning Batteries Into Plant Food

Batteries are extremely useful. Many ordinary household items are powered by single use batteries including, TV remotes, toys, flashlights, and even smoke detectors. But what happens when the batteries are used up and have to be replaced? Could they be turned into... plant fertilizer?

Follow Us