The Happiness Playbook: Recent Episodes
Neal Hooper and LaRee Florence
We help people practice happiness through the 4 principles of Play Theory; Be Present, Let Go & Play, Accept & Build and Look Outward.
I just returned from a 2 week trip to hike in the Dolomite mountains of Italy. For part of our travel we rented a car. Even though they drive on the same side of the road as here in the USA, driving in Europe can be stressful not knowing what some of the road signs […]
Right now someone is in agony. So how can we be happy? Navigating life on this big spinning orb can be tricky. Using the PLAY THEORY principles can help us sort out some tough things, like how to help others who are suffering by being present with our needs so we are in a better […]
The berries are ripe on the vine and the freezer is full of popsicles. I love the feel of hot pavement under my feet and the cool splash of hose water pouring over my toes. I love the long evenings and refreshing mornings. Summer brings changes, growth in the garden, advancements in school grades, and […]
Sometimes inspiration comes as a hopeful invitation leading to desired outcomes. And other times it comes as a warning of what not to do in order to avoid an undesirable outcome. This episode has turned into more of the latter. Looking Outward is essential if you want to feel connection, community and purpose. Not seeing other's service […]
Is there anything in your life you want to stop doing? For me in Pickleball it’s missing put away shots that I keep putting into the net instead of past my opponents. Maybe it’s stopping eating junk food or stopping being sarcastic or dismissive when you talk to your parents, spouse or siblings. In this epsisode I’ll be sharing why stopping doing these things just won’t work. But stick with me, I won’t leave you without hope.
Play of the Week: Stop trying to stop it. What ever it is that you don’t want to keep doing. Instead- accept that there’s a reason or need behind whatever that negative choice is that you keep making and then build a better way to meet that need.
Follow these accounts on instagram. Find them on The Happiness Playbook Instagram account as well.
jamslam2012
pathway_to_extraordinary
deairesworld
How have the PLAY THEORY principles helped the NBA superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, develop into the MVP player that he is today? Today we talk about Giannis' early life, his rise to fame and his ability to Let Go and Play in the NBA and in life. There are some inspiring life lessons form this amazing young man's journey to success.
Play of the Week: Remember to be grateful that you are still in the game and able to PLAY- even if you’re losing. Maybe it’s missing a line in a scene you’ve worked hard on. Maybe it’s not getting the grade you hoped for on a test. Maybe it’s not connecting with that friend group you thought would be fun to hang out with. Whatever your dissappointment, take a step back and remember that you’re still in the game, you’re living your life! And that is a big deal. So smile and enjoy the opportunity to be here. Doing so will help you stay motivated to do the needed work to achieve your goals and ultimately bring the success you’re looking for.
GIANNIS: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP
https://sports.yahoo.com/giannis-antetokounmpo-gives-impassioned-speech-after-ot-loss-to-heat-its-not-a-failure-its-steps-to-success-134958186.html
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22484740/giannis-antetokounmpo-change-anybody-nba
Researchers have found that 95% of those polled think they’re self aware but when tested only 10-15% actually are. And that's tricky cause it’s hard to change something that you don’t think needs fixing. Improving our self awareness is worth it though because when we do, we are more in tune with our feelings, thoughts, and actions. Self awareness also helps us identify our strengths and challenges and recognize how other people see us. Without it, we can’t see ourselves clearly and therefore we can’t make make improvements. The key to developing self awareness is finding the method that works for us combined with consistent practice.
Play of the Week: Establish a regular practice of self awareness. This could be focused breath work, yoga, journaling, meditation or spending a few minutes in nature observing the sounds, smells and tactile sensations you are experiencing. Take a few minutes RIGHT now and pick something you will do regularly to strengthen your awareness.
It’s May 4th and for STAR WARS fans that means "May the fourth be with you!" Given, it’s just a multimillion, let’s call it billion dollar movie franchise that not everybody cares about. I however have been changed in profound ways by the characters and storyline of this beloved epic. So I’m gonna roll with it and talk about how the principles of PLAY THEORY helped shape these iconic stories into the cultural touch point they are today.
Play of the Week: If you haven’t watched STAR WARS; A New Hope GO WATCH IT! You won’t regret it. It’s a classic for a reason. AND be on the look out for other examples of effective collaborative creation in your home, your friendships, your school, your workplace, in our greater community and culture.
https://screenrant.com/star-wars-iconic-quotes-fans-didnt-know-improvised/#quot-don-39-t-get-cocky-quot
Maybe in life we’re all like waterskiers; some are in the proverbial boat with friends watching the action, some are driving the boat and offering support and suggestions for success. And some of us are in the water. And just like being in the water- some things in life are harder for some than for others. We can at times feel sunk by overwhelming pressures and burdens. There are addictions, relationship struggles, loneliness and health challenges. They can be so deep below the surface that no one else sees the struggles and pressures and others have no idea we are dealing with that makes trying to get up so hard.
That's why Looking Outward is so important. We can't see what's below the surface.
Play of the Week: Imagine every person you see this week facing a struggle to get up out of the water and rise up above the forces trying to keep them down. If there’s someone you know who is struggling, Look Outward and offer support. Maybe it’s checking in with "How ya doing?" Maybe you can offer a hug? Maybe it’s a quick word of encouragement or validation. I promise, there is someone you know that needs this from you.
Have you ever tried to erase that part of yourself that you perceive as unattractive or unacceptable. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t wanna be anyone’s joy kill when it comes to improving our self image with a new outfit, a workout routine or even some plastic surgery. To each his or her own. I am gonna throw down though and say that there is an elusive fine line between dissatisfaction with our perceived flaws and going past what is a healthy self image. In this episode we're talking about this happiness power play of Self Acceptance which can benefit you and those around you.
Here’s a definition of Self Acceptance that I like. "Self Acceptance is the ability to see oneself as a whole person with virtues and flaws.”
Play of the Week: Get out your phone and add an event or note, or use that old fashioned paper and pen, however you want to do it, and then answer these questions. Remember that you are a multifaceted developing, growing human with strengths and flaws.
I excel at...
I need to work on...
Something I like about me is...
Others have told me that I am good at...
Takenotetroupe.org
16 Self-Acceptance Exercises & Activities for Adults
In this episode we're talking about a happiness power play that can lift you out of depression and alleviate the suffocating force of grief if only long enough to catch your breath for another deep dive into the abyss of despair. Such gasps of air are life saving if you’re in the throes of a devastating loss or disappointment. Even if you’re not facing a terrible loss you do not want to miss this happiness power play that is key to elevating your mood and helping you find long term mental and physical well being.
Play of the Week: Let's get some bliss in your life. When something sparks your happy, be it a puppy, a small rodent’s ticklish whiskers or seeing a patch of blue sky after days of rain, LEAN IN WITH ENTHUSIASM and love it! Cherish the happy thought and treasure the idea or moment that brings a smile to your face. Let go and play with this spark of happiness and fan it into flames of joy by flexing your emotions into a feeling of intense gratitude and bright happiness. Then take a deep breath, savor the feeling and bask in the bliss you’ve just created.
The Art of Bliss
The long lasting effects of trauma are real. We don't do ourselves any favors by trying to ignore them or take a short cut on dealing with them. We need to Be Present with the uncomfortable emotions which will allow us to eventually Let Go and move past them into a place of greater awareness, understanding and acceptance.
Play of the Week: Be Present and notice if you're holding emotions brought on by trauma. Notice if there is a figurative tap tap tapping going on in your heart or head. If so, sit with it and Be Present with the emotions and then Let Go and move past the emotions. Be open to the idea that you may benefit from the help of a professional counselor who can help mitigate the long term effects of trauma.
Jordan Peterson Interview
In this episode you may be tempted to call me a liar because what I’m going to share may seem unbelievable to some of you. But I swear on a stack of bibles and my mother’s grave- it’s true. And by the way that’s not a typo in the title.
Play of the Week: EVERY time you interact with an other person use one of the PLAY THEORY principles: Be Present, Let Go & Play, Accept & Build or Look Outward. These are the building blocks of a successful improv scene and the foundation of positive interactions among humans. Doing so will lower your anxiety and increase your sense of well being. I wanna hear how you’re doing on this challenge. If you know me, drop me a text, or shoot me an email, lareeflorence@gmail.com. If you’re on Social Media, follow, like and comment on our posts and reels @The_Happiness_Playbook. Or leave a comment here in the comment section.
Improv Can Improve Confidence, here's How to Apply It to Your Everyday Life
If you’ve you ever thought you heard one thing but ended up being wrong you'll enjoy this episode. Communication can be tricky. Misunderstandings happen despite having more ways of communication available than ever in the history of the world. We all still see things from our own perspective which makes effective communication and understanding challenging. Saying "you're wrong" or “stop thinking that way” to someone you disagree with is the antithesis of looking outward and instead is a reflection of a selfish desire to control another person by demanding that they accept your perception and reject their own feelings and experience.
Play of the Week: When you're not understanding or seeing another person’s truth, try to imagine standing in their shoes, or to say it another way, try looking outward, beyond your own perception and accept what their perception is, even if you don’t agree with it.
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Acceptance is necessary before we can build anything. But acceptance can be hard. There are some things we really struggle to accept, like other's opinions and perceptions. What if there was a script to help you develop more acceptance in relationships and conversations? You're in luck cause Tony Overbay, a certified Marriage Family Therapist and host of The Virtual Couch Podcast and Waking Up to Narcissism Podcast, has come up with The Four Pillars of a Connected Conversation which we will break down in more detail in this episode.
Play of the Week: Use the 4 pillars of a connected conversation to strengthen a relationship in your life. Here they are again. And if all else fails use the shortcut script of "Yes, and.."
- Assume the other’s good intentions.
- Accept the other’s perception as their truth.
- Ask questions before commenting.
- Don’t go into victim mode.
Tony Overbay, Learn How to Be a Better You
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Everybody has regrets- some are harmless while others can haunt us for the rest of our lives if we let them. In this episode I'll be sharing some of my regrets and hopefully helping you better manage yours by using the PLAY THEORY principle, Let Go and Play.
Play of the Week: Listen to Taylor Swift's Shake It Off. Turn it up and dance! Then when you feel yourself giving into your doubts, remember how it feels to Let it Go and Play and shake it off.
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According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 in 3 of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder, and these numbers are steadily rising. Adults are no better off. How can Play Theory help turn this trend around? Being in the now dissolves anxiety and regret. In this episode we explore 8 ways to practice being more in the now, an essential happiness skill.
Play of the Week: Everyday, take a minute and choose one of the 8 ways to enter the now— and PRACTICE being present. Here's a quick review of the 8 ways: breath meditation, focus on the inner body, focus on touch, recite a mantra, wait for the next thought, be aware of sounds within silence, listen closely to another's words, focus on movement.
8 ways to enter the present moment by Einzelgänger
Anxiety in Teens is Rising: What's Going On?
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How many of you brush your teeth? Do you do it more than once in awhle? More than once a week? Daily? Twice a day? What would happen if you didn’t? That depends on what you consume. Is your life saturated in empty, societal sugars devoid of nourishing nutrients that instead of fueling you fuels the bad players in your mental health? If so, you're not alone, and... you need a Mental Hygiene Practice. You've come to the right place.
Play of the Week: SHARE PLAY THEORY with a teenager in your life that needs a Mental Health Hygiene practice.
CDC Numbers
Downsides to Sugar
What Eating Too Much Sugar Does to Our Brains
In this episode we're sharing another Japanese secret to living a long and happy life. Ikigai is having something that makes you want to get up in the morning, work hard and makes you happy. The centurions of Okinawa all have ikigai. In Japan people never really retire, there isn’t even a word for retirement in the Japanese language. They keep working or if not employed, stay busy with meaningful activities. The centurions living in Okinawa are no different. They have meaningful, purposeful activities that keep them busy everyday.
Play of the Week: Start each morning with a review of your purpose for the day. Then ask if that daily purpose is serving your larger ikigai. Purpose is often found in serving others. So Look Outward and ask what is needed to make your corner of the community better.
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy LifeEpisode 89: How it all Began
In this episode we're talking about an idea that contributes to the well being, longevity and happiness of the women of Okinawa: Shikata ga nai, a Japanese concept meaning “it cannot be helped.” Some similar sayings are "roll with the punches," "shake it off" and the musically now infamous “Let it go.” There’s also "adapt or die." That one’s kinda harsh but there’s truth in this idea. Remember the dinosaurs? They were the toughest guys on the planet. But they didn’t adapt and now they’re dead. Adapt or die. Think on that when you’re struggling to flex your acceptance muscle. It’s worth the struggle!
PLAY of the WEEK: Write down shikata ga nai and post it somewhere you'll see it to remind you to accept that somethings cannot be helped and to let them go. Review this idea regularly during the week so that when you feel that frustration of not having something go your way, maybe it’s a test, or a even just missing the green light and having to wait a few minutes longer than planned you can LET IT GO and ACCEPT it.
Boston University School of Public Health Study
KINTSUGI WELLNESS: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit by Candice Kumai.
This week I sit down with one of my favorite people, Jaydee Sheppard. I love her for so many reasons. She is amazing and down to earth. Tune in to learn how PLAY THEORY helped this mom of 8 launch a successful career in a very competitive real estate market, rising to the top 3% in just 18 months.
Play of the Week: Value your process over the end result or product. This looks like putting in the effort to study for long term comprehension rather than for a specific test. In a career or other situation where the outcome is not entirely in your control, what you can control is the process that you put in place to achieve a desired outcome.
https://www.jaydeesheppard.com
Did you know there’s one thing that EVERYONE can do to improve their overall well being and increase their longevity? Have you heard the term breath work? Don’t let the name discourage you cause it’s not hard to do. And the rewards more than make up for any effort. Our ability to control out breath is unique when compared to all the other systems in our bodies. When we do breath work we are consciously able to affect our bodies, and therefore our feelings and well being on a subconscious level. And this has some wonderful benefits.
Play of the Week: The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, angry, triggered, or have trouble sleeping do some breathe work to bring you back to the present and help calm that sympathetic fight or fight energy. When you’re feeling distracted, or you find yourself focused on something in the past or the future instead of being in the current moment, square your shoulders and take a deep long breath, following it all the way to the tips of your lungs, then just sit with it for a moment or two. As the need to inhale grows try to identify the exact moment your lungs switch form holding the air in to letting it go out and then as you breath in, find the moment that the lungs stop exhaling and start to draw air in. After a few minutes of this focus, as you return to your regular activity notice the increased awareness and peace that you feel.
Wimhof Breathing Method
It takes regular and committed practice to develop and maintain a healthy mental mindset. Every day we have to get up and try again. It takes intention and the commitment to follow through on those intentions Encouragement and support are essential as we take these transformational steps. That’s what The Happiness Playbook is all about. We want to be your personal trainer for your happiness practice.
Play of the Week: Go all in on your commitment to a happiness practice. Lean in and accept the weekly challenges and take action with intention. If you’re on Social media tag The Happiness Playbook on a post and let us know you’re officially on Team Happiness.
Improving Her Depression, Woman Tries Something New Every Day for a Year–And Vows to Keep it Up
How do we make our dreams come true? What if I said that’s a trick question? You see we are constantly bringing what we’re dreaming about, or in other words focusing on and desiring, into reality. When I desire to binge the next K-Drama on Netflix more than I desire to write curriculum or edit a script, that’s my current dream and guess what, I can easily make that dream come true. The real question we need to ask ourselves isn’t how do I make my dreams come true. The question we should be asking is what's my real dream? Because... Dreams really do come true. So be careful what you wish for.
Play of the Week: Be more present with your desires. The next time you reach for the remote instead of your homework or the draft of your novel be present, take a deep breath, calm your mind, look outward towards what your real, deep down desires and then ask yourself “Is this what I truly want?”
Good bye 2022! Anyone thinking about their New Year’s Resolutions? New Years’ used to be all about out with the old, in with the new, a chance to start anew; A NEW START. And that’s exactly what I’m super excited to share with you today; 8 foundational Principles for a NEW START to improve your mental well being.
Play of the Week: Take a few minutes to evaluate which of the 8 principles from Dan Banos' Ted Talk you can better implement in your life right now. Then make a plan on how you can shift your current routine to embrace these changes in natural ways.
Full disclosure, this is a repost of an episode from last year. Some things bear repeating and these 4 timeless ideas continue to be helpful when put into practice. So make the most of your Holiday season and keep practicing Play Theory!
- Your presence is the real present
- Accept and build on the intent behind the gift, even if it's tube socks
- Let Go of expectations and strings attached to gifts
- Look Outward and validate others' experiences and be a generous receiver as well as giver
Play of the Week: Don't let your happiness practice slide just cause it's the holidays. Keep up for intentional focus on Being Present, Letting Go and Playing when things don't go your way, Accepting and Building even if that means you validate the gift giver despite hating the gift and finally Looking Outward and asking where and how you can lift and serve others during the holidays.
When is an apology needed, and when is it not a positive thing. Not sure? Tune in for some great ideas on when and how to say you're sorry.
in this podcast we share some ideas on how to offer support and care for those experiencing a heartbreaking loss.
Feel less stress and more connection during the holidays. If you’re listening in real time it's Thanksgiving week. That means lots of food, family and expectations. And we all know what happens when our expectations aren't met. We're disappointed, frustrated and discouraged. So how do we navigate a season with so many expectations riding on […]
How long has it been since you’ve indulged in some good old time playing with play dough? Remember the wonderful squishy texture that is so pliant without being sticky? Rolling it out into snakes or just squishing it in your hands over and over was so soothing. Clay is an amazing medium. Our brain is […]
What if instead of focusing on the negative aspects of our society we looked for the good? One artist, Saira Siddiqui wants to help people see their world in a more positive light by inviting them to look for acts of kindness. Her Peace Dots Project invites others through out the world to track random […]
When we’re feeling something awful it’s natural to want to escape and try to buffer from uncomfortable feelings. Some people escape into mind numbing social media or screen time. Some people drink alcohol that can numb negative feelings and increase feelings of well being. Others may turn to drug use, illegal or medically prescribed medications. […]
Theres nothing like a stroll through a graveyard to remind us to stop wasting our time on things that lack real meaning in our lives. The light heartedness of Halloween helps us accept a heavy subject and can help us build the emotional strength needed to face our fears. Play of the Week: If Halloween […]
Who do you think is happier? Someone who was suddenly paralyzed in an accident or people who’d just won the lottery? Seems obvious right? You may be surprised to learn that according to a study by the University of Massachusetts, people who were paralyzed from an accident had more hopeful outlooks than people who’d won […]
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag? Maybe that's why Katy Perry's hit song, Firework, resonates with so many of us. Life can feel overwhelming, like nothing we do matters and frankly, leave us feeling hopeless. Just like in the song, hang in there for the chorus. Things will get better and you can […]
Here's part two of our discussion on anxiety and how accepting and building on our anxious feelings is the best way to manage those pesky negative emotions that are so common in today's social media saturated world. If you haven’t listened to Episode 103 do yourself a solid and wait to listen to this one […]
Today we’re talking about anxiety. If you haven’t experienced this challenging emotion or don’t know anyone else in your friend group or family then feel free to skip this and we’ll catch you on the next one. Otherwise stay tuned. You don’t want to miss this. I promise I’ll either royally tick you off or […]
What if I told you there was a simple, FUN, enjoyable way you could reduce stress, boost your immunity, decrease pain, improve your connection to others, increase endorphins, improve your mood and enhance your sleep? Would you be interested? Of course you are! Who wouldn’t want more of these powerful attributes that contribute to our overall […]
How do these three words relate to happiness? It’s a bit of a listening puzzle but sorting out how being wholly present can create holiness and peace in our lives is valuable intel. Add holey, the last word, to understand how important it is to not wait till we have all the information to take […]
Upgrade your attitude with this quick happiness workout. In honor of our 100th episode of The Happiness Playbook we’d like to do a Play Theory workshop in real time with our listeners. Come along and experience the transformational power of the four principles of Play Theory. You’ll feel more centered, calm and happy. We promise, […]
What are you more afraid of... Ghosts, Zombies or Clowns? For three fourths of Americans the answer is none of the above. If you can relate to clammy hands and the knee knocking terror of speaking in front of a group then this episode is for you. We'll cover how to use the four Play […]
What part of your life is a struggle? A barking dog, a bank account in the red, poor health? If you want to make a change then you'll need to accept where you are and build from there. Denying where you're really at is like getting directions on your map app and listing your location […]
Have you ever played a game with someone who despite losing is still able to laugh and smile? This means they are at peace with themselves and aren’t defining their worth on circumstances that are out of their control. If we can’t manage to keep our cool when the stakes are low, how will we […]
Flight cancelations? Lost Luggage? No Problem. In this special video episode (watch here on Play Theory's Youtube Channel) LaRee and Adeline Florence sit down together to share how Play Theory improved the outcome of their recent trip to Machu Picchu and their time on the beautiful Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit trek in Peru. Videos and photos of […]
Wanna learn more about your super power? Listen up. Science has proven that just by thinking we can cure stress-related insomnia, and lessen the side effects of cancer treatment, like fatigue and nausea. The many faith practices and wisdom traditions that focus on the power of our belief have tapped into this superpower. There are […]
In this episode we're talking about looking outward instead of inward. Looking at another’s need and seeking to fulfill it instead of our own is counter intuitive. We all have needs and being hangry is real. Looking outward doesn’t have to happen at the expense of meeting our own needs. It may mean making some […]
There will always be problems to focus on. We find happiness when instead of resenting them, we accept them and recognize them for what they are, opportunities for growth and development. There is no happiness without acceptance. And only when we accept and build on the circumstances we are in can we truly bloom where […]
Games are created to have fun while pursuing a goal. Video games have set pathways to accomplish the game’s mission. There are rewards built in to keep us engaged. We can let go and play and apply these same tactics by turning tasks into quests, setting up rewards and creating stimulating experiences that keep us […]
Do you have intentional practices that improve your feelings of happiness and joy? In life we can't control everything that comes our way but we can control how we react. Being mindful and developing equanimity helps us manage the ups and downs of everyday life and helps us savor the precious passing moments. With an […]
In this episode we continue our conversation with Janna Hargadon, the co-founder of Take Note Troupe, about how Play Theory began. We'll even learn a little Latin: Homines Dum docent, discunt. This idea, that when we teach we learn, is a powerful tool to help us deepen our understanding of ideas and practices we value […]
Ever wonder how Play Theory got started? I sit down with Janna Hargadon and talk about the origins of Take Note Troupe, the theater program where Play Theory was conceived. Without Janna, Take Note Troupe nor Play Theory would exist. In our conversation we cover the impetus behind the creation of Play Theory and how […]
To find ourselves we have to look past our reflection and see the others in our sphere of influence. As we do this we’ll develop deeper connection and more satisfying relationships. In this episode we take a look at how looking outward and serving others is ironically the best way to serve ourselves. Play of […]
Pain is a very real part of our lives. It’s unavoidable. It's even essential for our well being. But what about suffering? All suffering is pain without acceptance. This is where the PLAY THEORY principle, Accept and Build, comes in. We all experience pain. When we refuse to accept it and instead resist it, is when […]
Has this ever happened to you? You’re enjoying an evening of cards with friends and someone gets unlucky one time too many and suddenly everyone is walking on eggshells cause they know that person is about to lose it. What do you do? How do you defuse the negative energy? How can you rise above it […]
In this episode we’re focusing on the PLAY THEORY principle, Be Present and the power of focus. Another word for focus is attention. The longer our attention span the greater our ability to focus. So who do you think has a longer attention span, us or goldfish? Listen to find out. We also cover why our attention […]
Part 2 of our conversation with Ryann Bailey Wawro about her journey through eating disorders.
This convo with Ryann Bailey Wawro about creativity, crossing into adulthood from adolescence and her journey with eating disorders is not to be missed. We reminisce about some choice memories and address the elephant in the room, Ryann's battle with food and how Play Theory was one axis in her recovery. Ryann is an accomplished […]
In this episode we learn about Kigatsuku (Key gots cuh) a Japanese word meaning “an inner spirit to act without being told what to do. The ability to focus is at the root of this principle cause that’s where it all starts. If we don’t even notice the trash on the trail or the dirty […]
Do you have a happiness practice? Practice is the act of rehearsing a behavior repeatedly in order to master a skill. In today's episode we talk about why you need to practise happiness regularly (yes I used an "s"). We think you'll enjoy this enlightening perspective on the power of practice with your team happiness […]
Can stress be a good thing, even a necessary thing? We're exploring the idea of Antifragility and how it relates to the Play Theory principles, Accept and Build and Let Go and Play. Play of the Week: When you're feeling frustrated, disappointment or hurt ask yourself "How is this strengthening me?" Stingless Bees Bring Life […]
Can listening and acknowledging another's pain defuse a tense confrontation? You bet. Letting go of expectations and leaning in with curiosity rather than judgement can make all the difference. In this episode we'll share how Play Theory can make all the difference when life comes at you with fists clenched and nostrils flaring ready to […]
Find your metaphorical rowboat in the pond of calm. In this episode we dive deep into the power of focus. We talk about depression and how focus can be the first step to overcoming it. We also cover some of the challenges our current culture creates as we are submerged in stimuli 24/7/365. There's never […]
Today is such a special episode and you get to hear from our team, captain, LaRee Florence, and one of our major MVPs, Sandee Clark. Sandee is a powerhouse in so many ways and you're going to get to know her a little better because she and LaRee sit down and chat through some major […]
Self awareness. It's one of those things that we hear about all the time, but what is it really? And more importantly, how can it change our lives for the better? In today’s episode we’re really exploring a powerful element of Be Present. I'll share with you some research and experiences with self awareness, and […]
We are going to keep REAL today, I'm talking with my wife Aubrea about play theory and just going big in life. I feel like we're just going for it right now in life and we have been relying on play theory for survival. And so I just wanted to have Aubrea on to just […]
As I was thinking what to share with you today. I could not help remembering a part of a conversation with Bryce pool, who you heard from a few months ago. We got a lot of feedback that you all really liked our previous conversation so I dove back in because there were so many […]
Alright team, it’s time…let’s Talk About Bruno! Disney’s Encanto has taken the world by storm and delighted millions of people across the globe. Today we are going to do a deep dive into the magical lessons of Encanto and how we can better connect with others through principles of Play Theory. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA PLAY […]
Whether it’s a final exam, public performance, or just leaving your house and socializing with others, these can all be nerve-wracking experiences requiring pressure to perform. Today we’re doing a deep dive into PLAY THEORY to find ways to ease the pressure and boost your performance! Let’s dive in YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA PLAY OF THE […]
Happy Thursday Team happiness! With so much turbulence, uncertainty, and distraction grounding in the moment seems harder than ever. Today we are going to revisit some tactical aspects of be present and how we can be where our feet are! Let’s do this. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA PLAY OF THE WEEK: Delete the social media apps […]
We are in for a real treat today! This has been a long time coming, but our dear friend, Tony Overbay has come onto the show and shared so much value. And it was such an honor and a privilege to have him join us. So I cannot wait for you to dive into the […]
Hello Team Happiness! And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I missed you during our break but it was really nice to be with family and recharge. With 2021 officially behind us I want to reflect with you today and share something VERY exciting that we’ve prepared for you. 2021 was a challenging year for many of us, […]
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are so lucky and excited to have the one and only LaRee Florence with us for today's show. This amazing woman needs no introduction, but for anyone who's new here on the happiness playbook, LaRee is the founder of play theory and the director and founder of take […]
Bryce Poole has spent 15 years delving into the mind and the subconscious. Using his degree in Computer Engineering, he has taken principles of coding to uncover the main functions of the subconscious brain and how to “reprogram” limiting beliefs. He has hacked the subconscious mind, and his program, Whole Life Transformation, is the backdoor […]
Did you know there is a one-way ticket to your happy place? It’s not easy at first, but as you practice this very important happy skill, your mindset and emotional well being will skyrocket. Of course, I’m talking about gratitude. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA PLAY OF THE WEEK: Come join the conversation and play with us! […]
What can we learn from Tarzan about let go and play? Whether it’s starting a new chapter of life, changing your habits, or forming a new relationship, it’s so crucial to first let go in order to play the role at hand more effectively. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA PLAY OF THE WEEK: Is there a habit […]
This last week my family and I had the opportunity to go to Disneyland and we had an absolute blast. In todays’ show we are going to dive deep into what the happiest place on earth can teach the happiest podcast on earth about the skill of happiness and playing the game of life right! […]
Today’s episode is excerpts of a conversation between LaRee Florence and Camille Scribner. Camille’s story reminds us that you’re never too young to make a difference and step up and initiate action. As a 5th grader Camille noticed a need in her class that Play Theory could fill and she took action. Talk about a […]
Halloween is upon us...I know a lot of people who claim this spooky day as their favorite holiday. What makes Halloween so fun and special? Find out now on a spooky edition of the Happiness Playbook! YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA PLAY OF THE WEEK: This week I want you to increase the psychological safety, and thus […]
Busy busy busy...I’ve found that one of the biggest obstacles for good people to make a difference in the world, is succumbing to the allure of “Busy” and all that follows. That has certainly been one of my biggest challenges. How do we stop the endless hamster wheel of busyness? We’ll discuss today on a […]
Recall the most embarrassing thing that you can think of in this moment...remember those emotions? Whether it’s saying something dumb on a first date, trying something new and totally failing, or even thinking back on things you did in highschool...we’ve all been embarrassed! So what’s happening when we’re embarrassed? How can we navigate embarrassment and […]
Do you know what the long term effects of leaving your comfort zone are? How does your attitude REALLY affect your happiness? And what are the dangers of mislabeling TRUE success? Find out today on a jam packed episode of the happiness playbook! YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA PLAY OF THE WEEK: When someone gives an undesirable […]
Saying “YES AND” is not always an easy thing to do...in fact there are occasions where we get offers that we want nothing to do with! What do we do in this scenarios? Well now that you’ve gone through happiness bootcamp with LaRee I think we’re ready to level up! It’s good to be back! […]
This is week 5 (our LAST week!) of our Play Theory Bootcamp! This week, we're focusing on how we can practice Looking Outward. Make others look good, Validate, and asking "What is needed?" are all ways to describe this principle. Come practice happiness with us over the next couple of weeks as we give you […]
This is week 4 of our Play Theory Bootcamp! This week, we're focusing on how we can practice Accepting and Building. Validation of others, agree where possible, and having enthusiasm are all ways to describe this principle. Come practice happiness with us over the next couple of weeks as we give you ACTIONABLE happiness drills […]
This is week 3 of our Play Theory Bootcamp! This week, we're focusing on how we can practice letting go and playing. Leaving your ego at the door, taking risks, and having fun are all ways to describe this principle. Come practice happiness with us over the next couple of weeks as we give you […]
This is week 2 of our Play Theory Bootcamp! This week, we're focusing on the ability to be present. Mindfulness is another way to describe this principle. Come practice happiness with us over the next couple of weeks as we give you ACTIONABLE happiness drills to practice in your day-to-day life! LaRee will guide us […]
This is week 1 of our Play Theory Bootcamp! Come practice happiness with us over the next couple of weeks as we give you ACTIONABLE happiness drills to practice in your day-to-day life! LaRee will guide us through a very thought-out Play Theory experience for you to combat the pessimism and negativity we find ourselves […]
(IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! OUR FIRST ONLINE OFFERING!) Sign up at https://www.playtheory.org Welcome to a very special episode of the happiness playbook. Today I have the one, and only Adeline Florence here to discuss how Play Theory can enhance your relationship with your roommates or other people you live with. We chat about how we can apply […]
Today marks episode number 50 of The Happiness Playbook!!! This has been such a beautiful journey and diving into these principles and unpacking the recipe for happiness with you. And we cannot thank you enough for every lesson, every share every review, every bit of feedback, every message it is all meant the world to […]
Today is part two of my conversation with the one and only...amazing, beautiful, lovely Aubrea Hooper (my soulmate.) We discuss Accept and Build AND Look Outward (the MOST important principle for longterm marriage success) GET ON WAITLIST FOR VERY SPECIAL MARRIAGE / RELATIONSHIP EXPERIENCE! https://www.playtheory.org/optin/ Join the Magnetic Marriage Program by Tony Overbay and Preston […]
Whether you are in a marriage, a relationship, or you hope to one day have either of those things, today's episode is for you! I can confidently say, I have my favorite guest of all time on today's episode, this is going to be part one of a two part series that we're doing. We […]
We’re going into overtime on those automatic negative thoughts today! By the end of this show you will have the tools in place to become the master of your mind and dramatically increase your happiness! This is a good one folks, here we go! YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA PLAY OF THE WEEK: For the play of […]
Awareness is one of the most subtle yet powerful ways for us to take control of our lives and practice happiness! Join me as we dive into the depths of awareness and how you can leverage it to have better confidence, connection, and communication. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA PLAY OF THE WEEK: Option 1: Listen to […]
Do you love waves? I DO! Grab your surfboard and dive into some refreshing new perspectives and fun stories about accept and build today on the Happiness Playbook. And thank you so much for listening, if you want to help us out PLEASE go rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts. This is one of the […]
What do icebergs and sourdough bread have to do with happiness? Find out today as we explore the question of how we change culture, and develop the skill of happiness together. Today we’ll find wisdom in uncommon places in this soul filling episode of the Happiness Playbook. Let’s dive in! YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA This Week’s […]
Today we’re going to flip the script and listen in on the second half of the episode with Joe Anglesey where he interviews ME...you’ll get to learn a lot more about my journey and some of the why behind PLAY THEORY. A great conversation, and a fun new angle of the show I’m excited for […]
Disappointment is hard. Today’s episode is so important and the story you’re about to hear is POWERFUL. Let’s see if we can rise above those clouds of disappointment and thrive today... YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA This Week’s PRO TIP is: Come join the conversation and play with us! WEBSITE https://www.playtheory.org Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/playtheory/ Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1652343491608927/ […]
On today's show I sit down with Joe Anglesey and he's awesome. He's got a lot going on, he's got a YouTube channel (link below) that you should check out. We take a deep dive into some concepts that we've not gone into before on the show and I'm really excited for you to understand […]
We’re plunging into the questions of the SOUL today 🙂 we are examining Pixar’s Animated film Soul, which happens to be my favorite Pixar movie. I’m very excited for this one, let’s do this! YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA This Week’s PRO TIP is: Come join the conversation and play with us! WEBSITE https://www.playtheory.org Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/playtheory/ […]
Today is a quick (and different) episode. When life doesn't go as planned, we need to accept and build! I had a few obstacles come up this week and I share my thoughts about the importance of accepting and building on the annoyances and obstacles of life. Life is ALWAYS better when we get our […]
Today we I sit down with my dear friend Erik Eckern to discuss Play Theory in high pressure situations, navigating toxic culture, and how to build relationships. Erik is currently the director of marketing analytics with a team of 9 where they work with clients to improve their ad campaigns and marketing. Erik has taken […]
May the 4th be you! In today's very special episode of the Happiness Playbook, we look to the wisdom and truth found in Star Wars for inspiration. Buckle up and hang on as we dive deep into Star Wars and PLAY THEORY principles! YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA This Week’s PRO TIP is: See the good in others, […]
Today we let go and play, and chat about the relation between leaving your comfort zone and how that impacts your growth! You’ll even get to see me being bad at pickleball if you’re watching this on YouTube! Buckle up and said adios to the comfort zone because here we go! YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA This […]
OUR FIRST VIDEO EPISODE! Today we are going to be ULTRA present! I am out here in nature, one of my favorite places to discuss the power of Be Present. This is also the first episode of the Happiness Playbook that we are going to put out in video form as well so if you’d […]
What do Tony Robbins, Candles, and fireworks have in common? Find out on today’s episode of the happiness playbook where we scuba dive in the beautiful reef of look outward with some truly great quotes and stories. This Week’s PRO TIP is: The next time you are speaking to someone, I want you to say […]
Today’s show is very special and jam packed with tons of value. Trust me, you will not leave today’s show anything but inspired. Back by popular demand...we dive back into the mind of the one and only BILL MURRAY!!! We learn a little bit more about Bill’s past and teachings that led to such a […]
I’m so excited to have Steve Taubman with us today, a magician, author, and mindset expert, Dr. Steve helps people discover their blindspots and awaken to their true potential. Steve has a very diverse background and brings lots of perspective and experience to our conversation. He's definitely making big waves of positivity and I can’t […]
Dripping paint, curveballs of life, and the secret to true satisfaction...these are just a few of the golden crispy nuggets you can look forward to on today’s episode of the happiness playbook as we accept the good and the bad, and build upon life to create awesome-ness! Neal shares some profound “Accept and Build” lessons […]
We have a special guest on our show today, on today’s show we go deep on how to apply play theory in relationships and processing trauma from a licensed therapist - Jennifer Lehr. Jennifer specializes in educating couples on the relationship skills they need to build a solid, connected and loving partnership. She has had […]
What is the secret to being charismatic?! What animal sound are we going to hear today? And what is the chief cause of failure? Find out today on the happiness playbook! Today we tune into Russell Brand for some wisdom on how to be more charismatic through the power of presence! We go deep in […]
You do not want to miss today’s episode...Clair Mellenthin is a very accomplished spreader of light. She is first and foremost a mother, a wife, a sister, and a friend. She has three rambunctious kids who she refers to as “her insanity makers and her sanity savers”. She is married to her best friend and […]
We’re going deep today you lovely people. There are inspiring sound clips, practical grocery tips, and lots of feel good conversation. Join me at the pool of pondering as we marinade in the essence of life. . This Week’s PRO TIP is: To practice getting outside of yourself and your needs, for this week’s pro […]
Jennifer Jerald is an international 2 time #1 Best-selling author, speaker, and dedicated transformational coach who knows what it takes. Join us as we discuss the power of PLAY THEORY and overcoming trauma through the HEAL framework. This Week’s PRO TIP is: Do the thing! Or “do the next right thing…” for you Frozen fans […]
Happy Groundhog day, everybody. This is going to be a fun episode and I am so honored to be joined with LaRee Florence for today's episode. Why we do a deep dive into the classic Groundhog day with the one and only bill Murray. We're so excited to share some insights and to celebrate this […]
Today I sit down with a very special guest, David Butler, to discuss everything from leadership, employee engagement, and how to live a fulfilling life. You don’t want to miss this one! David has over 30 years of leadership, consulting, and enterprise growth experience. His international business portfolio is impressive. He is the founder of […]
What does failure, Nintendo, and launching cars off massive trampolines all have in common? Find out today as we talk about the art and beauty of failing forward. This Week’s PRO TIP is: Think back on a failure that you may have thought at the time was a pit or a "green turtle shell" that […]
Mandy is a wonderful and daring soul who can be found at any moment chasing, and often catching, her dreams. She is helping others do the same through her health and lifestyle coaching program. She is thrilled to be living out her dream life with her family and helping others do the same. This Week’s […]
It’s a new year! We have big plans but a lot of us are still shaking off 2020 and struggling to be present… and therefore productive. Today I’m gifting you a master class in Being Present but more specifically in productivity. We’re going to discuss how eliminating distraction, changing your environment, and not relying on […]
Well here we are, we’re finally getting near to closing a very hard and trying chapter of humanity’s book of life...2020. For very obvious reasons to all listening right now, 2020 has been one of the hardest years across the globe. There’s a staggering list of reasons why 2020 was rough year: Devastating wildfires in […]
This is a fun one! It’s that time of year, hot chocolate, holiday parties, and of course Christmas Movies! Today we want to extract the principles of happiness out of some Christmas classics you’ve grown to love and give YOU a Christmas present from us here at the Happiness Playbook. Hold onto your cocoa, because […]
Today's episode is PACTED with great insights from Robin Towle into overcoming darkness in our lives through grit, mindfulness, and connection. You don't want to miss this one! In July of 2019 Robin Towle was thrilled to be crowned Mrs International 2019. This was the perfect opportunity to share her platform for suicide prevention internationally. […]
What is my purpose? What am I doing with my life? What work should I leave behind? These soul searching questions are important, and we are going to give you one massive pro tip today on how to find the answers to them! "Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a […]
The holidays are upon us...those in the US have a potentially big event coming up (depending on stay-at-home-orders in your city / state)...it’s Thanksgiving! Everyone else is looking forward to other family gatherings. And in a very potent way, this is GAME day! What happens over the holidays can impact your relationships and wellbeing for […]
The holidays are upon us...those in the US have a potentially big event coming up (depending on stay-at-home-orders in your city / state)...it’s Thanksgiving! Everyone else is looking forward to other family gatherings. And in a very potent way, this is GAME day! What happens over the holidays can impact your relationships and wellbeing for […]
Jordan Fultz joins us today to discuss the importance of going above and beyond (accept and build) in the workplace, validating cheeky clients, and being a good friend. Jordan is a husband and father of two young lads. He works for a marketing agency to benefit clients who need help with their paid search channels. […]
Failure is not the end of the road...it’s the PATH! Today we explore Let Go and Play and how to pivot when things don’t work out the way we were planning. Remember that “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” - Winston Churchill. CALL TO ACTION: […]
On today’s show I sit down with Guy Gibbons to chat about everything from content creation, subtracting the fluff outta life, and validating your children to create magic! Hop over to https://subtractapparel.com and use the discount code “HAPPINESSPLAYBOOK10” to get 10% off some incredible merch AND provide direct support to the OSSO organization. Let’s make […]
Today, we are going to address the timely topic of civil discourse, why it’s important, and how we can do it better! So excited to have LaRee Florence with me today on the show! This Week’s PRO TIP is: Engage in civil discourse with someone who does not hold the same view or opinion as […]
Deep breathes, pink elephants, canyon hikes...we have a great show lined up for you today! Buckle up, because we are exploring Be Present! Some mountain bikers talk about a phenomenon where whatever you look at while riding is where your tire is going to go. So if you notice a nail in the road and […]
Today I’m going to share part 2 of my conversation with Kristen Metzger. As I mentioned in our last episode, there was just too much good stuff to cover and I couldn’t delete it so we turned our delightful conversation into two parts. If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go back and listen […]
Today I sit down with Kristen Metzger, the creator of the Red Carpet Humanitarian podcast where she highlights the stellar humans she meets that should have paparazzi crowding their huts & homes. Bringing the red carpet to the humblest of influencers around the world. She is an actress, singer, director, world traveler and humanitarian living […]
Today we explore the crown jewel of Play Theory, Look Outward. This principle is a powerful lens we can use to see the world more positively. We also ask if it's enough to simply decide to see things differently? Is happiness a skill that can be DEVELOPED just like Pickleball and playing the violin. Tune […]
We’ve got a great show ahead of us today for anyone interested in applying PLAY THEORY to business, entrepreneurship, marketing, and mental health! We sit down with Ben Willson and discuss how Play Theory benefits the marketing process and how to leverage Play Theory to navigate the loneliness and hardship of entrepreneurship. Ben Willson is […]
Accept and build is one of the most powerful Play Theory principles! On today’s show we take a deep dive into the power of accepting and building on offers that come our way in life. What does it mean to accept and build? It means we validate and contribute to the thoughts and offers from […]
Calling all parents and caretakers! On today's show we sit down with Stephanie Whiting to discuss PLAY THEORY and parenting. We chat about parenting, marriage, anxiety, shyness, and performing and how PLAY THEORY positively impacts ALL of them! Such good content... Stephanie is an amazing warrior momma of 6 kids (5 girls, 1 boy)…She loves […]
On today's show we discuss the powerful principle of Let Go & Play. We dive into what it takes to let go and play, leave your ego at the door and be humble which ups the fun and helps us live life to its fullest. This means leaving your comfort zone and taking chances. Play […]
On today's show I sit down with Truman Florence and dive deep into the mechanics of design and collaboration as well as humility and how it benefits relationships. A little on Truman: Truman is a Creative superhero… His current role is Art Director at BYU’s prestigious AdLab where he works collaboratively to develop campaigns for […]
On today's show we discuss BE PRESENT and how through gratitude and mindfulness we can ground ourselves in the moment and experience greater happiness and joy. I share a scene from one of my FAVORITE movies of all time "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and we learn the importance of eliminating the distractions (cameras) […]
What is PLAY THEORY? On today's show I sit down with PLAY THEORY's founder, LaRee Florence, to discuss what it is, and how it came to be. We are so thrilled to have you on this journey with us! Remember that Life is a team sport, so let's play together! Visit playtheory.org for more information.