Hack Your Happiness

• Find Hope In Any Moment - Even The Impossible Ones: Astronaut Hayley Arceneaux

  She went from fighting for her life as a child to flying into space as the youngest American astronaut. In this episode, Mercedes and Anastasia are joined by Hayley Arceneaux. Hayley talks us through her experiences as a child with cancer, getting her dream job, and her unexpected opportunity to go to space! From her seat on the Inspiration4 mission (literally called “Hope”) to her daily habits of self-care and optimism, Hayley shares what it really means to dream big, take risks, and live fully, even in the face of fear.You’ll hear:How Hayley found joy + purpose, even while sick. Hacks for stepping outside of your comfort zone. Behind-the-scenes of becoming an astronaut (including funny stories!)Advice for finding hope in everyday life. Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, chasing a wild dream, or just in need of a dose of hope, this episode will lift you up and remind you of what really matters!Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness⁠Sign Up For Waking Up & Save $30! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hayley on InstagramReady to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with 4x Astronaut, Ellen Ochoa. In this episode, Ellen shares her experience as the first Latina to go to space, advice for overcoming rejection, and hacks for managing imposter syndrome. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KA0uRdJI88JVXYIgm8dRV?si=yyttjMZCRqm4nxix6CbCaQ(00:00) Intro(02:41) How Hayley Got Started(03:13) From Cancer Patient To Astronaut(06:53) How Did Cancer Shape Hayley's Perspective?(09:41) Hayley On Finding Optimism During Her Toughest Days(11:41) The Importance of Taking Risks(14:13) How Can I Set Outside of My Comfort Zone?(16:18) What Does 'Hope' Mean To Hayley?(18:01) Hayley's Top Three Tips(20:13) Space Training: Physical & Mental Prep(24:15) What Was The Most Challenging Part of Space Training?(26:14) A Funny Story From Space(28:04) Hayley's Most Memorable Moment In Space(31:02) Seeing The Earth From Space(33:58) Staying Positive + Avoiding Burnout(36:38) Hayley's Favorite Travel Destination(39:25) What Can I Learn From Hayley's Story?(41:37) How Parents/Caregivers Can Support Struggling Children & Teens(44:06) Hayley's Mindset During A Challenge(46:12) Want To Become An Astronaut? Here's Your FIRST Step!(47:54) Working vs Training For Space(50:13) Hayley's Planet of Choice!(51:07) Hayley To Her Teenage Self(52:23) What Brings Hayley A Small Bit of Happiness?(53:30) Hayley's Motivational Quote(54:20) Find Hayley Here(55:28) Key Takeaways

  --------  

  57:48

  --------

  57:48
• How To Keep Going When The Stakes Are High: Broadway Music Director, Andrea Grody

  She’s the musical powerhouse behind some of Broadway’s most unforgettable shows! Andrea Grody has shaped productions like Suffs, The Band’s Visit, and more. This week, she's sitting with Mercedes and Anastasia for an honest and heartfelt conversation about following an unconventional career path, being a leader, and navigating chaos + uncertainty. Listen to learn about:How Andrea first fell in love with music and what inspired her to pursue it as a career.Her time studying in Scotland and what she learned about happiness from the Scottish culture.The pressure to achieve while you’re young, and whether Andrea wishes she’d slowed down along the way.Why live theatre still matters in a world of TV.​How to handle moments of high pressure & high stakes! Behind-the-scenes stories from Broadway (including some unexpected moments).Andrea also shares how she protects her own joy in the midst of busy productions, her favorite moments when music has captured what words can’t, and what she’d tell any teen dreaming of a life in theatre.Whether you love musicals, want to pursue a creative career, or just need encouragement to stay true to yourself, this is the episode for you! Shop Mission: Small Bits of HappinessGet your Manta Sleep Mask: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠Visit Andrea's website! Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with Emmy-nominated composer, Laura Karpman. In this episode, Laura shares her experiences working on films, her perspective on overcoming obstacles, and hacks to persevering through difficult situations. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RZ85GCVWIJBk8oc03Ztjr?si=WUazHSjURYKbbVgce3Z-zg(00:00) Intro(02:01) How Andrea Got Started(04:11) Andrea On Changing Her Goals(05:55) What Did Andrea Learn While Living in Scotland?(08:23) Does Andrea Feel Like She Lost Her Youth To Her Work?(15:35) How Do I Find A Work-Life Balance (as a teen vs adult)?(16:20) TV vs Theatre(19:39) Andrea's Experience of Turning Your Passion Into Your Job(22:59) How Does Andrea Convey A Storyline Through Music?(24:33) Advice On Staying Confident, As A Leader(28:34) Behind-The-Scenes of a Night On Broadway(31:27) Crazy Broadway Storytime!(33:52) Hacks For Staying Focused & Diligent(37:08) How Can I Stay Grounded While Overwhelmed?(41:27) A Powerful Moment In Andrea's Career(42:53) Want To Work In Theatre? Here's Your First Step!(44:57) Something Andrea Used To Chase, That She's Now Released(48:03) Andrea To Her Teen Self(49:36) What Brings Andrea A Small Bit of Happiness?(50:02) Andrea's Motivational Quote(51:13) Find Andrea Here!(52:18) Key Takeaways

  --------  

  53:38

  --------

  53:38
• How to Think Like a Disney Imagineer - Hacks To Creativity: Former Disney Head of Innovation, Duncan Wardle

  If you've ever said "I can't do this" or "I'm not smart enough" this conversation is for you! This week, Duncan Wardle sits with Mercedes and Anastasia. Duncan spent decades creating magic as the Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, leading teams at Imagineering, Pixar, Marvel, and more. Today, Duncan is a global speaker and author, helping people of all ages rediscover their creativity and curiosity. In this episode, he’s joining Mercedes and Anastasia for an eye-opening conversation about innovation, resilience, tapping into your inner child, and the future of our world in technology and creativity. Duncan talks about:How he landed his dream job at Disney and why he never stopped calling, even after hearing “no”.What his time at Disney taught him about creativity, curiosity.Why play is essential for happiness!Why grades don’t define your potential (and what actually does).Simple ways to build creativity and embrace more serendipity in everyday life.The inspiration behind his new book, plus his favorite tangible prompts for sparking imagination!If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or afraid to try something new, listen in. This conversation will remind you that your imagination isn’t gone. You just have to let it out. And, here's why letting it out will help you feel happier.Shop Mission: Family TimeGet your Manta Sleep Mask: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠Check out Duncan's websiteReady to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with New York Times Bestselling Author, Malcolm Gladwell. In this episode, Malcolm discusses the importance of diversity, being curious, and the dangers of monoculture. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5suW2909CQMKoFj5qJ1jHL?si=eL-uZzs8T4yJZ2l1Ndue5w(00:00) Intro(01:28) How Duncan Created A Book Unlike Any Other(03:53) How Duncan Got Started(05:36) Duncan's Time At Disney(08:16) Education vs AI(10:03) Tips To Bring Creativity & Imagination BACK(14:37) Duncan Proves Diversity(17:33) How Can I Start Thinking Different?(20:33) Case Study: How Disney Saw The Challenge Differently(22:24) The Hack That Works For EVERYONE(24:34) Duncan's Hacks For Presenting(27:17) Why Do We Need Fresh Stimulus?(28:14) How Can I Get Fresh Stimulus & Ideas?(30:39) The Importance of Play (even as teens & adults)(34:01) Do THIS To Play(37:03) The Future of University and Education(38:55) AR vs VR(43:00) Your Guide To Innovative Thinking(44:40) Here's What You MUST AVOID(45:22) Duncan's Greatest Contributions To Disney(47:08) Product vs Experience(47:52) Where Is The Intersection Between Human Thinking vs Modern Tools?(50:55) Duncan To His Teen Self(51:07) What Brings Duncan A Small Bit of Happiness?(52:26) Duncan's Motivational Quote(53:10) Looking Towards The Future(53:13) Key Takeaways

  --------  

  55:38

  --------

  55:38
• Gain Confidence From Rejection & Criticism: Wakanda's Oscar-Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter

  She made history as the first Black woman to win an Oscar Award for costume design — and she did it twice. Ruth E. Carter is the visionary behind the unforgettable costumes of Black Panther, Malcolm X, and Do the Right Thing. This week, she’s joining Mercedes and Anastasia for an inspiring conversation about changing your path (initially, Ruth wanted to be a teacher!), resilience, and telling powerful stories through design. Ruth gets deep about: How she got started in costume design and found the courage to change her career path.The skills every great costume designer needs + how she blends history, fantasy, and modern trends into her work. Her top tips for collaboration, handling criticism, and staying inspired on big projects.Behind-the-scenes stories from Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever!Advice for getting your creativity back.Whether you dream of a creative career or simply want to hear from one of Hollywood’s most trailblazing artists, this episode will leave you feeling braver, bolder, and ready to design your own path.Shop our Happiness Products⁠Get your Manta Sleep Mask: ⁠⁠⁠Shop Now⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠Visit Ruth's website!Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with 4x Oscar-winning Costume Designer, Catherine Martin. In this episode, Catherine unveils her hacks for a happy lifestyle, work-life balance, and her guide to feeling more confident: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0U5IjZZnu6KzYSVbkWP9Vw?si=hnzcLPFOTZy5M4mpL9la-g(00:00) Intro(02:42) How Ruth Got Started(05:56) How Ruth Switched Life Trajectories(09:22) Want To Make A Life Change? Do THIS First!(10:15) What Are The Most Important Skills In Costume Design?(13:00) Ruth On Mentorship(16:25) The Lesson Ruth Wished She Had Learned Earlier(20:46) How Does Ruth Blend History & Trends In Her Designs?(27:48) Ruth's Top Tips For Collaboration(31:55) How Can I Handle Criticism?(37:18) Looking To The FUTURE Of Costume Design (AI, 3D Printing, And Beyond)(42:30) How Can I Get Out of A Creative Slump?(45:39) Behind The Scenes: Ruth's Most Challenging Costume(48:17) Ruth's Most Memorable/Crazy Moment On SET!(52:50) Ruth To Her Teen Self(54:40) What Brings Ruth A Small Bit of Happiness?(56:20) Ruth's Motivational Quote(58:40) Key Takeaways

  --------  

  1:00:38

  --------

  1:00:38
• Stay Authentic When Everyone Wants You To Fit A Mold: Down With Webster

  They were just teens when they started making music. Soon, they were on stage at the JUNOs. Tyler Armes and Cameron Hunter are two of members of the Canadian genre-blending band Down With Webster. Today, they’re joining Mercedes and Anastasia for a real talk about creativity, courage, and carving your own path.Tyler and Cam dive into:How Down With Webster got started, and how they balanced music with being teens in school. What gave them the courage to go all in on music — even when it wasn’t the "safe" or conventional career path.How they’ve stayed authentic, energized, and joyful after two decades in the music industry.How to stay calm during creative stress, and their advice for navigating change.Tyler and Cameron also share the music they love listening to, next steps for DWW, and more! Whether you're dreaming of a creative career or just want to hear from two wildly talented, down-to-earth artists, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to go for it.Shop our Happiness ProductsGet your Manta Sleep Mask: ⁠⁠Shop Now⁠⁠Support UsListen to DWW on SpotifyCheck out DWW at this year's Calgary Stampede!Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with Country Music Star, Chris Lane. In this episode, Chris opens up about his journey, from chart-topping hits to life on the road, top tips for public speaking, and hacks for being more creative. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6BDfXW1UH1eYdHsya7t6rn?si=h0lz1TFvTliMGLHcFcZTzw(00:00) Intro(02:10) How DWW Got Started(03:18) Balancing DWW With School, Friends, & Being A Teen(06:42) How Can I Be More Perseverant?(10:30) Navigating The Friend vs Coworker Boundary(12:19) Advice For Pursuing A Less Conventional Career(15:47) What Gave Tyler & Camm Courage To Pursue An Unconventional Career?(18:30) Hacks To Finding Fun In Daily Life(22:10) How Do Tyler & Camm Manage Stress?(24:06) Tyler & Camm On Their DWW Hiatus(30:10) Must-Hear Analogy For LIFE(31:46) Facing Pressure To Fit Into A Mold + Tips For Staying Authentic(35:08) Navigating Industry & Personal Change(37:40) Why Release 'Love Is Not Enough'?(40:25) How Can I Be A Better Collaborator?(42:33) Tyler & Camm's Favorite Music(44:04) Advice To Aspiring/Starting Musicians(45:37) Tyler & Camm To Their Teen Selves(46:42) What Brings Tyler & Camm A Small Bit of Happiness?(47:42) Find Tyler & Camm Here(48:53) Key Takeaways

  --------  

  50:54

  --------

  50:54

More Health & Wellness podcasts

Trending Health & Wellness podcasts

About Hack Your Happiness