Episodes
Welcome to the third and final episode on the topic of humility! In this episode you’ll hear the audience Q&A portion of the event with guests A.J. Jacobs and Dr. Serene J Khader. Topics discussed: The relationship between humility and artists, one way to change our approach to self-promotion for our projects, how can we make less harmful choices with our wallets, how we can re-frame the popular notion of self-care, and more!...
Published 05/28/19
Published 05/28/19
In this episode you’ll learn what the French philosopher and eccentric, Auguste Comte can teach us about the relationship between faith, humanity, and humility. You’ll also hear what the bestselling author A.J. Jacobs has learned about gratitude and luck via his many personal quests for knowledge and self-improvement. This episode is part two in a three part series on HUMILITY. #thehappierhour TheHappierHour.org/podcast/comte Facebook.com/TheHappierHour Twitter.com/MissMMcCarthy
Published 05/21/19
In this episode you’ll learn what the poet and feminist icon Audre Lorde can teach us about identity and the importance of speaking up for the oppressed. You’ll also hear why philosophy professor Dr. Serene J Khader believes we should rethink the way we empower women, and why humility is not one size fits all. This kicks off a three part series on HUMILITY. #thehappierhour Show notes: TheHappierHour.org Facebook.com/TheHappierHour Instagram.com/MissMMcCarthy Twitter.com/MissMMcCarthy
Published 05/14/19
In this episode you’ll hear the audience Q&A from the live Happier Hour event with Debbie Millman (design expert and host of Design Matters), Dr. Kathleen Wallace (professor of Philosophy at Hofstra University), and host Monica McCarthy. You’ll learn how Immanuel Kant and Jacques Derrida can help us design our personal brand online and in interviews, and how we can better achieve our dreams by designing our lives....
Published 05/07/19
Is it possible to design a universal moral code? Is it ever acceptable to lie? Hear what the philosopher Immanuel Kant had to say about ethics and his influence in philosophy today. You’ll hear from Hofstra philosophy professor Kathleen A Wallace about Kant’s Categorical Imperative, and whether or not it can help life suck less. #thehappierhour Show notes: TheHappierHour.org Facebook.com/TheHappierHour Instagram.com/MissMMcCarthy Twitter.com/MissMMcCarthy
Published 04/30/19
In this episode you’ll hear how designing our lives can help us be happier. You’ll learn what the award winning design expert and podcast host Debbie Millman has to say about pursuing success and fame, and what the philosopher Jacques Derrida can teach us about meaning and giving voice to the voiceless. #thehappierhour Shownotes: thehappierhour.org Facebook: facebook.com/thehappierhour Instagram: instagram.com/missmmccarthy Twitter: twitter.com/missmmccarthy
Published 04/23/19
In this episode you’ll hear how a 14th century Franciscan friar can teach us to make better choices, and what cynicism, skepticism, and optimism have in common with science, Socrates, and musical theater. This is the audience Q&A portion of the event on DOUBT featuring philosophy professor Nick Pappas and molecular biologist turned science advocate, Maryam Zaringhalam. #TheHappierHour Shownotes:...
Published 04/18/19
In this episode you’ll learn the difference between science and pseudoscience and how the philosopher Karl Popper radically changed how we view both. You’ll also hear from molecular biologist turned science advocate, Maryam Zaringhalam, about why diversity is imperative for progress, and how all of us can (and should) ward off science skeptics in order for all of us to be happier. #thehappierhour TheHappierHour.org Facebook.com/thehappierhour Twitter.com/MissMMcCarthy Instagram.com/MissMMcCa
Published 03/26/19
In this episode you’ll hear the philosophical history of “doubt” and learn why a healthy dose of skepticism can help us face our fears in work and life today. Philosophy professor Nick Pappas and host Monica McCarthy chat about Socrates’ contributions to the topic of doubt and how we can apply his lessons in order to live more well-examined lives. #TheHappierHour TheHappierHour.org Facebook: @TheHappierHour Twitter: @MissMMcCarthy Instagram: @MissMMcCarthy
Published 03/19/19
Kicking off Season 3 of The Happier Hour, is guest Olivia Goldhill, a journalist who specializes in philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience as we explore the topic of FAILURE. You’ll learn what Jean-Paul Sartre and the Existentialists can teach us about failure, and why so much of the current self-help advice gets failure wrong. #TheHappierHour Show notes: TheHappierHour.org Facebook: @TheHappierHour
Published 03/07/19
Celebrating the one year anniversary of the Happier Hour by looking back at 2018 through the lens of each guest and philosophy featured on the show. From Resolutions to Love to Rebellion to Money to Creativity to Discovery to Revelry to Legacy, in this episode you'll hear the best of philosophy to help life suck less. Happy New Year! #TheHappierHour TheHappierHour.org Facebook.com/TheHappirHour Twitter.com/MissMMcCarthy Instagram.com/MissMMcCarthy
Published 12/29/18
In this episode you’ll hear from all three guests (Scott Barry Kaufman, Barry Lam, and Mary Pilon) in the series on LEGACY as they answer questions from the audience on topics including: success, American culture, religion and spirituality, and the psychological concept of The Dark Triad. #TheHappierHour Website: TheHappierHour.org Facebook.com/TheHappierHour Twitter.com/MissMMcCarthy Instagram.com/MissMMcCarthy
Published 12/23/18
In this episode you’ll learn what the controversial German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche can teach us about taking charge of our own legacies. You’ll also hear from author and investigative reporter Mary Pilon about Olympic athletes, our culture’s obsession with winners, and why we should welcome the long road to success. #TheHappierHour TheHappierHour.org Twitter: @MissMMcCarthy IG: @MissMMcCarthy Facebook: @TheHappierHour
Published 12/19/18
When is fiction more important that fact? In this episode with Vassar philosophy professor and host of the Hi-Phi Nation podcast, Barry Lam, you’ll learn what the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume can teach us about storytelling and the importance of emotions and storytelling in a polarized world. #TheHappier Hour Website: TheHappierHour.org Facebook.com/TheHappierHour Twitter.com/MissMMcCarthy Instagram.com/MissMMcCarthy
Published 12/16/18
What does it mean to leave a legacy and how can we practice being better people starting today? In this episode you’ll learn how the American philosopher and leader of the Pragmatism Movement, William James, can teach us about habits, and what psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman has discovered in his research on self-actualization. #TheHappierHour TheHappierHour.org
Published 12/12/18
In this episode you’ll hear what all three guests on the topic of REVELRY have to say in the audience Q&A. From beauty to movies to dancing to immigration and Latinx culture, revelry has a role to play. You’ll also learn what the ancient Greek tragedy The Bacchae can teach us today. Woa, that rhymes! #TheHappierHour TheHappierHour.org
Published 12/09/18
Are we too repressed? In this episode you’ll learn what the philosopher historian Michel Foucault had to say about oppression, resistance, and power, and what NYC burlesque dancer and instructor Jezebel Express can teach us about taking ownership of our own bodies. #TheHappierHour Website: TheHappierHour.org
Published 12/05/18
Are fiestas an answer to combating loneliness? In this episode you’ll learn what the poet and diplomat Octavio Paz can teach us about belonging and why philosophy professor Daniel Campos believes partaking in revelry is especially important for immigrant communities. #thehappierhour Show notes: thehappierhour.org
Published 11/29/18
Can nostalgia help us be happier? In this episode you’ll learn the difference between good and bad nostalgia according to Russian philosopher Svetlana Boym, and how a toy cotton candy machine became a side hustle for the founders of Not Your Average Cotton. #thehappierhour Website: thehappierhour.org 
Published 11/26/18
In this Q&A episode with all three guests on the topic of DISCOVERY you’ll learn: Does taking a cruise count as travelling? What does consciousness have to do with social media? What knowledge is needed to discuss philosophy? What is luck? Which books have had the biggest impact? #thehappierhour Website: thehappierhour.org Facebook: Facebook.com/thehappierhour
Published 11/21/18
In this episode with neurologist and comedian Shannon Odell, you’ll learn how your brain shapes your experiences and how your brain processes social media. You’ll also learn about the parallels between self-discovery in neuroscience and the ideas posed by the ancient Islamic scientist and philosopher Avicenna, who is often described as one of the most influential philosophers of all time. #thehappierhour thehappierhour.org
Published 10/30/18
In this episode with professor Elise Crull, you’ll hear what just what the heck metaphysics is, how Einstein’s inter-disciplinary education and interests improved his scientific discoveries, how his view of science inspired his dedication to civil rights, and the relationship between philosophy and technology. #thehappierhour Show notes: thehappierhour.org Facebook: @thehappierhour Twitter/IG: @MissMMcCarthy
Published 10/24/18
In this Happier After Hours Bonus Episode you’ll learn about travel through the lens of the destination with travel public relations consultant Jessica Parker. How does a place become a “brand” and how does one get to the essence of a destination? This is a follow up episode to #031 with travel writer David Farley about travel and transformation and the lessons of philosopher George Santayana. #thehappierhour
Published 10/21/18
This episode kicks of The Happier Hour Season 2 as well as our conversations on DISCOVERY. You’ll learn how travel writer David Farley and the philosopher George Santayana can help us find more meaning in our lives by looking at how and why we travel. You’ll also hear unconventional advice about travel writing and the ways in which travel has the ability to transform us. #thehappierhour Shownotes: thehappierhour.org Patreon: patreon.com/thehappierhour Facebook: @thehappierhour Twitter/IG:...
Published 10/17/18