In this Walk and Talk, I dip into the fascinating world of affective forecasting - the way we predict our future feelings and how those predictions shape our choices. From holidays and hikes to dentist appointments and morning coffee, our brain is constantly making emotional predictions. Yet the science shows we are not always as accurate as we think.
As we explore the components of valence, specific emotions and intensity, I share how understanding these patterns can help us make wiser, more aligned decisions in daily life and in the bigger picture.
In this Walk and Talk, I reflect on my recent conversation with philosopher Dan Weijers about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we think, connect, and make choices.
We explore the ethics of AI companions, the role of philosophy in developing critical thinking, and how we can use awareness and reflection to make wiser, more intentional decisions in a world overflowing with information.
Learn more about Dan’s work here: www.danweijers.com
In this Walk and Talk, I explore one of the components of Psychological Capital - Efficacy - and how it shapes our sense of self-belief. I share some of the research on efficacy and what it really means to believe in our ability to make things happen.
You will hear reflections from recent conversations with leaders who’ve experienced imposter thoughts (not a syndrome!) and how reframing these moments can strengthen our belief in ourselves. Together, we will unpack the difference between confidence and efficacy , vand explore practical ways to mobilise our motivation, skills, and support networks to achieve what matters most.
I am joined by Dr Lucy Hone for a heartfelt conversation on grief literacy, living losses and what it truly means to flourish. We explore the science of grieving, how language shapes healing, and ways to find hope after loss.
This episode leads up to the launch of Lucy’s new book How Will I Ever Get Through This? - available for pre-order via Australian retailers:
Allen & Unwin
https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Lucy-Hone-How-Will-I-Ever-Get-Through-This-9781761472602
Booktopia
https://www.booktopia.com.au/how-will-i-ever-get-through-this--lucy-hone/book/9781761472602.html
Readings
The Nile
https://www.thenile.com.au/books/lucy-hone/how-will-i-ever-get-through-this/9781761472602
Amazon
Today I wander through an idea that has been bubbling away for a while - ageing and identity. I share a sweet adventure with my mum, Hazel, a few reflections from friends and colleagues, and a lens from Brian Lowery’s Selfless that invites us to see how others shape our self-image across the years.
Together we explore a mindset that supports vitality: staying curious, building social connection, moving our bodies in ways we enjoy, and contributing so we feel a strong sense of mattering. You will also hear nods to Lucy Ryan’s Revolting Women and the wisdom of Anne Riches.
In this Walk and Talk, I chat with Professor Andreas Krafft, whose research into hope and future thinking has inspired people around the world. We explored how hope is not just a feeling - it is an active choice to move forward with purpose and possibility.
Andreas shared how our perception of the future shapes our wellbeing, and how walking into the future together builds trust, agency, and connection. It’s a conversation about human potential, collective hope, and the small actions that help us flourish - individually and as communities.
In this week’s Walk and Talk, I am joined by the wonderful Leona Brandwene. We explored what it means to flourish - feeling good, functioning well, and having the tools to meet life’s challenges with purpose and energy. Leona shared her journey from cardiac rehabilitation to corporate wellbeing and now to teaching in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. We spoke about identity, service, meaning, and how younger generations are shaping their own vision of flourishing. It is a rich and inspiring conversation that left me reflecting on the value we bring through the roles we play in life.
I catch up with my long-time colleague and friend Clive Leach. Clive and I explore what makes strengths-based, Positive Psychology coaching so powerful. It is about weaving performance and wellbeing into one powerful approach.
Clive shares his insights from years of coaching in schools, organisations, and leadership programs, reminding us that wellbeing is the foundation of sustainable success. When we nurture it, true performance follows naturally.
Join me for this inspiring conversation and see how blending performance and wellbeing can change the way we think about success.
From lifelong friendships to my own 30-year partnership, I know that relationships can be our greatest source of joy, and sometimes our biggest challenge.
In this week’s Walk and Talk, I share what I’ve learned about helping relationships flourish, drawing on decades of research, personal experiences, and a little humour. I explore why social connection is one of the strongest predictors of wellbeing, the role of shared history and language, and simple ways we can build deeper bonds that stand the test of time - whether with a partner, friend, or family member!
In this episode, I sit down with Professor Stewart Donaldson to explore why our attention may be the most valuable asset we have. From building the first PhD program in Positive Psychology to championing human flourishing across the globe, Stewart shares powerful insights into how science and practice come together. We talk attention, wellbeing, and why I believe the 'Future is Human'.
In this Walk and Talk, I reconnect with my friend and colleague David Caruso - someone I first met more than 20 years ago, right at the start of the emotional intelligence journey. Together, we reflect on the origins of EI, its distinction from EQ, and how the science has grown and strengthened over the decades. David shares candidly about his career, his role in developing the MSCEIT assessment, and what he has learned about the real-world application of emotions in leadership, relationships, and even everyday life.
We also explore the “dark side” of emotional intelligence, the role of culture, and why managing emotions may be the most important ability of all. It is a conversation that is both practical and deeply human - with insights you can apply whether you are a leader, practitioner, or simply curious about how emotions shape our world.
Episode links:
EI and “EQ”: https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-05658-001.html
MSCEIT 2 5-Study Article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1539785/full
I had the joy of sitting down with my long-time friend and colleague Dr Suzy Green. We talked about the evolution of positive psychology coaching, the lessons of running a business, and what it means to step into our “third act” of life.
Suzy shared her own journey with honesty, warmth, and humour - from wellbeing practices that sustain us on the tough days, to leadership maturity and the legacy we hope to leave.
It is a rich and inspiring conversation that reminds us of the power of learning, growth, and truly walking the talk!
I had a wonderful conversation with positive psychologist Llewellyn van Zyl about what it really takes for people to flourish. We explored why happiness is only the beginning, how emotions can act as data to guide us, and why hyper-personalisation is so important when it comes to wellbeing. We also talked about the challenges of making interventions scalable and accessible, and how our environment, resources, and support networks shape what is possible. This episode is full of insights on the future of positive psychology, as well as practical reflections on how we can all feel good, function well, and thrive in our own way.
Travel for work can throw our wellbeing routines off balance - sleep gets disrupted, exercise drops off, and food choices are… well, whatever’s on offer!
In this Walk and Talk, I share how small shifts in perception can turn even the most exhausting travel days into moments of joy.
From noticing rainbows around plane shadows to savouring fish tacos in a lounge, discover how curiosity, gratitude and openness can help you see the beauty in the everyday.
In this episode, I’m joined by positive clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Chiara Ruini. We explore her journey from traditional clinical practice to shaping positive psychology education and research for more than two decades.
We chat about the evolving field, the importance of systems thinking, and the small daily actions that make the biggest difference to wellbeing. Plus, Chiara shares exciting work using virtual reality to support positive mental health.
Whether you are a practitioner, leader, or simply curious about how wellbeing science is growing and adapting, this conversation is full of insights and inspiration.
Psychosocial risks are front of mind for many organisations right now - yet I believe we need to go beyond audits and start promoting true flourishing at work.
In this episode, I share thoughts on prevention, emotional labour, workplace meaning, and how we can support wellbeing before issues arise.
If you are passionate about building thriving workplaces, I hope this episode offers both insight and inspiration.
A fascinating conversation with Shige Oishi on his groundbreaking work around psychological richness - a concept that adds a powerful third dimension to how we understand wellbeing.
Traditionally, wellbeing has been explored through the lenses of hedonic (happiness) and eudaimonic (meaningful) living. Shige’s research challenges and expands this framework, offering psychological richness as an alternative pathway to a flourishing life.
In this episode, we dive into what inspired the idea from both a personal and academic perspective. We discuss the cross-cultural research - including analysis of obituaries and wellbeing preferences across nine countries - that underpins this work, and explore practical ways we can intentionally invite more psychological richness into our everyday lives.
If you are curious about different ways to think about what makes life worth living, this episode is for you.
What a joy it was to be at the IPPA World Congress in Brisbane and to connect in person with so many passionate people in our field. Denise Quinlan and I have spent days reflecting on the incredible conversations, the spontaneous hugs from over 50 of our Diploma alumni, and the deep sense of connection that filled every corridor. It’s moments like these that remind me why this work matters because it’s not just about research or theory, it’s about real people, real change, and long-lasting impact.
One key message that stood out was the power of narrative - our stories shape us, and they are not fixed. We can evolve them. Hope came through strongly too, especially the idea that we can actively shape the future rather than feel overwhelmed by it. Whether through meaningful conversations or models of wellbeing grounded in real-life experience, the takeaway was clear: personalised, socially connected approaches matter. Let’s keep choosing hope and sharing it.
Hope is more than wishful thinking - it’s a powerful force for motivation and change.
In this podcast, I delve into the science of hope, exploring what it really means from a psychological perspective and how we can cultivate it, especially in challenging times. With increasing uncertainty in the world, hope can feel elusive, yet research shows it’s a critical resource for wellbeing, resilience, and even performance.
I unpack the foundational theory from Snyder and Lopez, highlight exciting new developments from Andreas Krafft, and share why hope is both deeply personal and profoundly collective.
In Celebration of International Hope Day, this episode is for anyone leading a team, facing life’s curveballs, or simply wondering how to shift from “I hope” to “I can.”
I had an energising live conversation with Ryan Smith, Founder of TruDiagnostic, where many of you joined me.
We were all engrossed with energy, passion and enthusiasm for the science, where he explained the latest cutting edge research around the work of genetics and epigenetics in such a way that we were all keen to find out more.
Many of us left feeling excited to test ourselves (again in my case) with the TruAge and TruHealth testing. This podcast is a short snippet from the live event – packed with insight and energy and and I look forward to having Ryan back on another occasion as the biological science of longevity starts to cross over with the psychological side of things.
You can purchase your TruDiagnostic Kit here: https://langleygroup.com.au/product/trudiagnostic-kit/