Getting NAKED with HAPPINESS

How can we be more satisfied in life?

Stephen Lew and Jade Seah return for more insights on HAPPINESS!

Social norms may have taught us to believe that a nice house, car, and spending power are necessary for a ‘good’ life.

But according to the science of wellbeing, the things we own will not give us the deeper lasting satisfaction that we may be looking for.

Instead, we are more likely to be happier when we have a strong sense of meaning. Learn how we can do so in this episode!

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

“Its very easy for us to buy into the idea that we are what we think. But recognise that we have the power to change our thoughts. And then we can change our mindsets and paradigms and change our lives.”

Jamie Nonis is an accomplished journalist based in Singapore, and is no stranger to the winding path to wellbeing.

Catch her rich insights on how to stay sane while watching the news, and how one simple mindset shift can bring us much happier lives.

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

We need positive emotions. Not just to feel good, but also because of the range of benefits on our wellbeing and health. Join host Stephen Lew, and Media Personality Jade Seah in this live chat on why happiness is so important, how we can measure our happiness, and what intentional steps we can take to be happier.

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Why are we overly demanding/controlling/needy in relationships? 

As a child, you may have had unmet emotional and physical needs that become inner wounds during adulthood. These wounds often surface in romantic relationships. 

For Sheila Sim, the shadows of her childhood losses continued to shape her adult life until she realised that healing work had to be done. 

Sheila is a Singaporean model and actress, and co-founder of Wonder and Wellness.

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

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"Most change managers attempt to persuade people to change their minds.  I'm suggesting just a small step of making it easy for people to change their hearts."

In order to change an environment, a leader will need to change mindsets. 

Roslina offers an overview on building a firm foundation in compassionate leadership, through willingness, clear goal-setting, forgiveness, and self-awareness.

This series of episodes with Organisational Inclusivity Expert, Roslina Chai, is all about clear steps to positive change in companies.  

We highly recommend starting with the main episode on Planting your seeds of INCLUSION, and then delving deeper into these topics on organisational change:  

- Finding creativity within hierarchy 

- How to truly respect our subordinates 

- The importance of compassion in the workplace

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Skip the intro to 01:02

When problems arise at work, honesty and openness from employees are crucial for leadership response to be effective. 

Roslina goes through a four-step process for compassionate conversations at work, to empower employees with safety and ownership. 

This series of episodes with Organisational Inclusivity Expert, Roslina Chai, is all about clear steps to positive change in companies.  

We highly recommend starting with the main episode on Planting your seeds of INCLUSION, and then delving deeper into these topics on organisational change:  

- Finding creativity within hierarchy 

- How to truly respect our subordinates 

- Leading organisational transformation

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Skip the intro to 01:11

As leaders in an organisation, does caring for our employees and wanting optimal performance from them feel like competing goals?

Employees work closely with stakeholders, and it is essential for them to have the space to be innovative and engaged. For Roslina, having trust and generosity towards our subordinates is therefore vital for company success.  

This series of episodes with Organisational Inclusivity Expert, Roslina Chai, is all about clear steps to positive change in companies.  

We highly recommend starting with the main episode on Planting your seeds of INCLUSION, and then delving deeper into these topics on organisational change:  

- Finding creativity within hierarchy 

- The importance of compassion in the workplace 

- Leading organisational transformation

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Often, companies implement a top-down directive to improve creativity and engagement among employees. But employees may find themselves struggling against organisational culture to bring this to effect. 

How then can we navigate this situation, when the bosses say yes but the culture says no?  

This series of episodes with Organisational Inclusivity Expert, Roslina Chai, is all about clear steps to positive change in companies.  

We highly recommend starting with the main episode on Planting your seeds of INCLUSION, and then delving deeper into these topics on organisational change:  

- How to truly respect our subordinates 

- The importance of compassion in the workplace 

- Leading organisational transformation

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

When it comes to workplace marginalisation, Roslina Chai has plenty of novel approaches to improving how we work together.  

What we can do to foster inclusivity, and why is it so important anyway?  

Because if employees are afraid to take risks or speak out at work; if they feel excluded and unappreciated, then this sets the scene for unhealthy organisational habits that accumulate and can eventually cause disasters within a company. Think silo mentality, in groups and out groups, and poor workplace engagement. 

Organisational Inclusivity Expert Roslina Chai thinks of fostering inclusiveness as “planting seeds”. 

Find out how you can plant your own seeds in this episode!  

This is part ONE of our five part series with Roslina. Do check out our other installments on:

- Finding creativity within hierarchy 

- How to truly respect our subordinates 

- The importance of compassion in the workplace

- Leading organisational transformation

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

"If happiness is a goal you want to attain, then what happens when you reach it? Is there nothing left in your life aside from that?"

Sha-En Yeo is a TEDx speaker, best-selling author and is the first Singaporean to attain the prestigious Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011. She has since used her knowledge and experience to promote wellbeing in individuals and workplaces, through her organisation 'Happiness Scientists'. 

We are so excited that she can share her wisdom with us today, on  

- The myths of happiness 

- A stronger mindset to overcome challenges 

- Wellbeing vs Mental illness 

- The importance of celebrating the smallest victories

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

*TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of extreme violence, and may be triggering to some people. If you feel an intense physical or emotional reaction while listening, please press pause. Reach out to someone you trust, or a trained counsellor, to process your feelings and thoughts. If you need crisis support, please do not lose hope. Reach out to your local crisis support hotline.  If you are experiencing physical, emotional, or mental abuse, please reach out to https://www.pave.org.sg/contact-us.php for support.

"So this is how I’m going to die - at the hands of my boyfriend.”

In this special episode with host Stephen Lew and co-host Jade Seah, we speak with Rachel Lim, survivor of extreme dating violence in Singapore. 

The bones in Rachel's face and hands were broken when her boyfriend at the time, a medical doctor, locked her in his room and punched her repeatedly, strangling her till she thought she was going to die.  

Rachel shares vital insights for those who might face a similar situation, or those who know someone who might.  

“I think what could have helped me was to know my situation is not unique.”  

“In the past, when I read stories of people getting abused, I always didn’t understand why they would stay in a relationship with someone who hits them. I couldn’t envision myself being with a guy who beats the hell out of me. And then it happened to me. … and it could really happen to anyone.”  

We asked:

 - Why did she stay in the relationship? 

- Thoughts after the abuse 

- Did talking to friends help? 

- How did you heal emotionally?

 - What NOT to say to a friend/loved one in an abusive relationship

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Chris Brennan is the founder of a successful luxury-end design and build company based in the UK. He also co-authored multiple vegan cookbooks, and has proudly converted his entire organisation's team to a vegan diet.

What does being ethically conscious have to do with his personal and business success? And why is it so important to our wellbeing, to care about what we consume?

In this episode:

- How Chris convinced all his employees to go vegan

- On being sustainably vegan

- How to face our inner darkness

- Daily habits for success

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Are there good or bad habits you've developed during lockdown, which you want to keep or break?

One crystal clear insight we've gained from our podcast guests so far is that habits are CRUCIAL in helping us create better versions of ourselves.  

How do we harness the power of habits?

In this episode: 

- Why are habits so important? (we check out the book 'The Power of Habit' by Charles Duhigg')

- Creating a habit and making it stick

- Breaking bad habits 

More psychological tools await you, with Psychotherapist and Founder of The School of Positive Psychology, Stephen Lew, and Media Personality Jade Seah!

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

In our last live session, we discussed how to spot emotional abuse. This time, we take a look at toxic relationships, where usually, both parties play a part in fuelling the damage to each other.

Psychotherapist and Founder of The School of Positive Psychology, Stephen Lew, and Media Personality Jade Seah return to shed further light on this topic. 

As they get vulnerable with their unhealthier side of relationship behaviours, learn what causes us to stay in relationships that are evidently bad for us.

In this episode:

- What is a toxic relationship?

- What behaviours feed toxicity?

- Can we save a toxic relationship?

- What can we do to move on?

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Lisa Edwards was emotionally abused and manipulated during a 6 year relationship.

The man she loved had even created fake Facebook accounts of non-existent ‘colleagues’, using one of these accounts to verbally abuse her.

She was ready to marry him when she found out that the entire relationship was a lie.

Our next episode is about love. While the story starts with deep hurt, it transforms into one of great healing and growth.

Learn from Lisa’s journey of healing, about why we end up in bad relationships, and what we can do to transform ourselves to be happier, and more loving towards ourselves.

Lisa also explains two methods to change our inner narrative:

- Repetition

- Simple self-hypnosis


Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Jade Seah and Stephen Lew look at how relationships can be emotionally abusive, even if we feel love from and for the person.

Relationships play a big part in our happiness, but they could also be causing a lot of our unhappiness.

How can we identify unhealthy relationship behaviours, and what can we do once we spot them?

In this episode:
- Signs of an abusive relationship.
- What counts as abuse?
- What steps can we take to help ourselves?

Often, we unknowingly set thinking traps for ourselves, which trip us into a cycle of negative thoughts. These thinking traps, otherwise known as COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS, are like our inner bullies, convincing us that we are not good enough, and not worthy of happiness or love.

In this episode, we explain 3 forms of Cognitive Distortions: Polarised thinking, Filtering, and Emotional Reasoning, and see how they contribute to depressive states.

You will also learn the 4 Ds to overcome these negative thought patterns, and also a very simple Positive Psychology Intervention exercise to shift you into a more positive state!

Learn the tools to support yourself and others towards healthier mental states, right now!

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

1 in 7 people in Singapore have or will experience a mental disorder in their life. This also means there is a high chance that either ourselves or someone we know will at some point need support through the struggle of a mental disorder.

In this episode, we take a look at DEPRESSION. How can we understand this condition better, so that we are able to provide better support to ourselves or others? How can we recognise it, and what can we do to cope?

Jade Seah and Stephen Lew offer us a clear way to identify depression, and 5 actions we can take to alleviate our depressive state.

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

"Within us is a person who can endure so much more than we currently can. By endlessly striving for comfort, all we’re doing is turning ourselves into a most feeble version of a human being. And then of course people are struggling. They start becoming scared of everything."

Our next episode with Chris Brennan is all about STRENGTH.

Chris started "from the bottom of the UK rat race" in his 30s, and a few years later ended up in tangled in stress, debt, and marital problems. Today he is the founder of his own successful low-carbon footprint building company, and a passionate wellbeing advocate.

How did he go from crisis to purpose? "I had to work a lot", he explained. But what were his psychological ingredients and daily habits to keep himself strong and focused? And why does he plunge himself into freezing water every day?

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Introduction music by Nordgroove from Fugue

Why do we feel bored?

Two possible explanations: your skills are not being challenged, or you feel a lack of meaning in an aspect (or aspects) of your life.

Our solution? PLAY!

Playing - engaging in an activity for fun rather than for a serious or practical purpose - increases endorphin (happy hormone) production, increases our mental toughness, promotes problem-solving skills, connects us with people, and creates new situations for us to discover our strengths. 

Join Stephen Lew and Jade Seah once again as they delve into a deeper understanding of why games are so important to our wellbeing, and learn how knowing our strengths can keep us MOTIVATED!

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

Optimism is a skill that we have to develop over time, and it is not simply about thinking positive, or being blind to the negative.

How then do we 'train' our optimism?

Here is one exercise we covered in the episode, which you can try for yourself! When you go through something bad, ask yourself these three questions: Is it really just you? Is it really everything? And is it really permanent?

How does it help? And what else could we do if we find ourselves stuck feeling low?

Listen now to learn about positive action habits and Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) that you can practice to build a psychologically healthier you.

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

What is resilience, and what does it do for us? What are some different types of resilience?

We take a close look at the latest buzzword - RESILIENCE. It has never been more important to build the skills to stay adaptable and in control, as we see unprecedented levels of change and hardships in this time of physical isolation and career disruptions.

Learn applicable tools you can use in daily life to boost your wellbeing, as Jade Seah and host Stephen Lew delve into how Positive Psychology Interventions can help us! This episode was broadcast live to our audiences on Facebook and Youtube.

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

"All emotions are good, whether negative or positive. But we should not spend too much time preoccupied with one set of emotions - aside from things that make us feel negative, we should make space for more positive events too."  

How do we stay emotionally healthy when we are unable to do many of the things that we usually enjoy? And how do we do so if we struggle to find our own space at home?  

In this episode, we explore ways to manage our emotions, and navigate boundaries in our relationships at home!  Join Jade Seah and Stephen Lew as they delve into insights from positive psychology research, on applicable actions you can take to be mentally and emotionally healthier!

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

"It's not about thinking positive. It's about focusing on healthy habits."

In  this special series of episodes, we explore psychological tools you can use to navigate a world struck by the Covid-19 pandemic. Hear from Stephen and local media personality Jade Seah on dealing with fear,  building resilience, and staying socially connected despite 'social distancing'!

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

"It was painful to have SARS - the difficulty breathing, the fever that goes up and down..."

What was it like to be diagnosed with SARS? Our guest Ashraf Khan managed to survive the ordeal, and is here today to recount the distressing experience.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), is a form of Coronavirus which caused a pandemic, killing 774 people worldwide in 2003. 

This is a special episode especially in light of the Novel Coronavirus, Covid-19, that is spreading rapidly around the world.

What does someone who has been 'on the other side' have to say about Covid-19? Listen now!

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

What is the most powerful tool for healing?

For Deirdre Maguire, it's the mind. 

When cancer came knocking at her door, Deirdre realised that her life had been DRIVEN by STRESS. She set out to HEAL her body THROUGH HER MIND, by releasing the thought patterns that create illness in our bodies. 

For her, cancer was the ultimate test of the techniques she used in coaching others. And today she is proud to share her survival story. 

"I like to say I made peace with cancer."

Hear about Deirdre's 'stress release techniques', and how she changed her mind to change her fate. You can heal with your mind too!

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

“I don’t know why my father made that decision. But I've learnt that sometimes, the answer is that there is no answer.”

When Dierdre’s father committed suicide, she saw herself as a failure for not having been able to save him. Her journey of healing inspired her to support others facing suicide and trauma, and today she is a life coach, master change agent, and expert in stress relief.

How did she get through the pain of such a loss, to being able to transform others' lives?

*Dear listeners. This episode is about suicide, and may be triggering to some people. If you feel an intense physical or emotional reaction while listening to this episode, please press pause. Reach out to someone you trust, or a trained counsellor, to process your feelings and thoughts. If you need crisis support, please do not lose hope. Reach out to your local crisis support hotline.

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

“If you want to handle more, you need to be more mature."

Psychological maturity is something that needs constant development. As Barney Wee shares his expert insights into life transformation, learn how YOU can evolve your mind to become limitless!

Barney Wee is a master neurolinguistic programming (NLP) trainer, and an experienced expert in transforming people. For him, the more you FACE YOUR LIMITATIONS, the more you can take on the stresses and complexities in your life.

What does he mean by 'facing our limitations’? And why are fears good for you?

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

What are the secrets to relationship success? Winifred Ling is back to divulge her expert relationship knowledge and tips.

Having been a couples therapist and psychologist for more than a decade, Wini in well-versed in helping couples out of breaking point.

Is your relationship heading towards trouble? What are some quick ways to solve issues with your partner?

Learn how you can CREATE your perfect match in this episode!

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"I am grateful for this kidnapping experience, because now I'm going to help a lot of people."

Gloria Goldberg was kidnapped for ransom when she was 25, and mother of a young daughter. But her family didn't want to pay for her release.

Having made it out alive, Gloria still suffers episodes of depression and anxiety. But she is proud to say she is happy, and thankful for what she has gone through. She continues to work towards full recovery, and holds no resentment towards her kidnappers.

Is gratitude the secret to resilience? And what are Gloria's daily habits for a happy life?

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"At the end of the day, people can solve problems. But it's the RELATIONSHIPS that can make magic."

Karen Temple experienced clinical depression as a young teenager. If not for the perceptiveness of her mother, she would not have known about it, or been able to get herself out of that situation. Karen's story is a clear reminder of the need for community and family in helping us through obstacles, and beyond.

Today Karen has a doctorate in Materials Chemistry and passionately manages relationships and develops teams working to change the world through technology. How did she get unstuck and find her place of happiness? Hear for yourself now!

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"A lot of people who struggle with sleep because of light exposure."

How does light affect our health and wellbeing? Holistic health expert Raimar Geffken ignites insight into how we can function better through light.

Raimar is a lighting professional and founder of the company Ralum, an award-winning provider of lighting solutions. He also uses his project Biocentric Life to spread the message of holistic wellbeing to the world.

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"When I was a child, I woke up in fright to the sound of the bombs; there was a lot of confusion, uncertainty and and fear, after a while, we got used to it... these events marked a place in my heart and my soul"

“However empty your glass, if you keep adding to it, it will eventually overflow.”

Ammar Ahmad feared for his life at the tender age of 11. Fleeing from the 2003 Iraq war to Denmark, his struggles continued as he faced post-traumatic stress, as well as ostracism and loneliness. 

Today, Ammar passionately leads two non-profit social enterprises, as well his own podcast channel, Denmark Real. 

How did he bring himself from war, to soar? What have gratitude, focus, and awareness have to do with resilience?

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"I realised that if you feed the soul internally first, you'll be better able to feed other people's souls externally."

Jeremy Tan, is the founder of AT Asia, an expert headhunter who goes the extra mile in defining human capital performance. Before his breakthrough, he often blamed others and himself, not knowing that he was spiralling in and out of depression. 

In this episode, he shares his experience of stepping up, finding passion, and making a positive difference in helping others to fulfil their dream jobs.

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology

"If do not face your fears in life, I guarantee you, you will be haunted for the rest of your life."

Hear the incredible story of how Judith survived the September 11th World Trade Center attacks, and how she coped with the trauma that came after.

As she recounts her experience with PTSD, learn how our voice, and our relationships can help us emerge from obstacles to resilience.

Judith currently works as the Regional Director at Roffey Park Institute in Singapore.

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"There is this chase to earn money, to be better than your neighbour, but it's a mindless chase."

In part two of our conversation with Jade Seah, hear how a setback on TV taught her to be stronger, and get through the pressure of having to be perfect.

She shares how happiness and meaning is more about the quality of relationships than money or material achievements, and why it was important for her to know her strengths.

Jade is a TV celebrity, host, model and one of Singapore’s top social media influencers.

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"You never get over grief, you just move forward."

In the first of this two-parter, Jade Seah shares her happiest childhood memories, why her mother is her hero, and how she came to terms with the loss of a loved one. 

She speaks about awkward condolences at funerals, discusses the importance of applying positive psychology for personal resilience.

Jade Seah is a TV celebrity, host, model and one of Singapore’s famous social media influencers.

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"People say the stupidest things when you are grieving."

After the suicide of his daughter, Richard Wickes shares his personal experience of owning up to depression.

Richard is a Taichi grandmaster, Kungfu expert, psychology practitioner and the creator of Wickes Way - a healing method that deletes pain.

He further shares wellbeing tips related to overcoming pain and talks about the importance of physical wellbeing.

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"I spent 15 years in a hole after losing my career and loved ones" "I got really good at suffering..."

Davey Mars is the founder of the "The UNDIG project". 

In this episode, he shares about his personal experience of "digging a bottomless hole", and how he finally decided to put his shovel down and get back to the road of life.

The UNDIG Project is his way of helping others to take their lives back, no matter how deep the hole or how long they've been digging.

Another episode brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.

"Suffering taught me compassion and empathy."

Winifred Ling is the Director at W3ave Ptd Ltd and a Couples Therapist /Relationship Coach at Promises Winslow Clinic.

Winifred Ling embarked on a transformation journey to become a relationship therapist; firstly, to fix her marriage, and secondly, to help others to save theirs.

In this episode, Winifred shares her journey of personal healing, discusses the importance of emotion regulation, and how shutting down during intense emotional events can destroy our relationships and marriages.

"The longest journey you will ever take in life is from your heart to your mind."

After a family tragedy that happened on his birthday, Stephen Lew wrestled with depression and anxiety for more than 20 years. He embarked on a personal healing journey and encountered many life-changing breakthroughs that led him to the practice of psychotherapy and positive psychology. In 2007, he founded The School of Positive Psychology with the mission to empower individuals and communities to develop authentic connections to build a collaborative world.

In this introductory episode, he shares the analogy that everyone has an inner light that shines brightly, even at the darkest of times; and why it is important to have "NAKED" conversations for the development of resilience and wellbeing. 

Brought to you by The School of Positive Psychology.