In this conversation, Dr. Michael Vlerick discusses the mismatch between our modern environment and our Stone Age brains, which can impact our happiness.   He highlights examples such as our predilection for sugary and fatty foods, our stress response, our sedentary lifestyle, and the artificial ways we seek dopamine boosts. Dr. Vlerick explains how our brains evolved to seek opportunities and rewards, but our modern environment often provides excessive and unhealthy stimuli. He also...

In this conversation, Aldo de Pape and Dr. Michael Vlerick discuss the simple recipe for happiness.   They explore the three major elements of a happy life: equanimity, contentment, and the quality of social connections. They emphasize the importance of working on oneself and cultivating a new relationship with negative emotions. They also discuss the illusion of control and the illusion of self, highlighting the liberating potential of understanding these concepts. The conversation...

In this conversation, Aldo and Dr. Michael Vlerick discuss the topic of happiness and how to train the brain for happiness. They explore the importance of remaining equanimous, developing contentment, and connecting with others in order to live a happy and meaningful life. They also delve into the practice of meditation and its benefits, including training attention, gaining insight into one's psychology, and developing a new relationship with thoughts and emotions. The conversation...

Dr. Michael Vlerick presents a concrete 10 step plan on how to become a happier person!   He emphasizes the need to develop good habits and discard bad habits, starting with small changes and being kind to ourselves. Living a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising, is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Meditation is also highlighted as a powerful tool for rewiring the brain and freeing ourselves from negative mental reactions and...

In this conversation, Aldo and Michael discuss the importance of happiness in life and how it becomes more apparent when reflecting back on one's life. They explore the idea that everything we do is ultimately in pursuit of happiness, whether consciously or unconsciously. They also discuss the need to be more conscious of our actions and behaviors and how they contribute to our long-term happiness. The conversation touches on the role of mourning and the coexistence of happiness and sadness....

In this conversation, Aldo interviews Kian Katanforoosh, CEO of Workera; a platform that measures competencies and provides insights in how people can acquire the right job skills for the future.   The two discuss the impact of AI on jobs and the future of work, and dive into how important it is to prepare our world for all the changes that are to come.  They also touch on the role of AI in different fields and the need for both durable and perishable skills.  Kian shares his personal...

Aldo talks to Pelonomi Moiloa, CEO and co-founder of Lelapa AI and discusses the importance of building language models for African languages and the challenges faced in using models built in other places.  Pelonomi emphasizes the need to make AI accessible for everyone and explains how Lelapa AI is working towards that goal. Pelonomi shares her background and journey, as well as the challenges in growing the company. She also discusses the recognition and achievements of  Lelapa AI as...

In this first episode of a series of 7, Aldo interviews Dr. Michael Vlerick about his new book, 'Why We Are Not Happier.'  They discuss the book launch and the reception it received. They explore the concept of happiness versus our genes, highlighting the hyperactive threat detection and negativity bias that can hinder our happiness. They also discuss the role of ambition and the importance of changing our perspective to achieve long-term happiness. The conversation explores the concept of...

Join us in this round table conversation with education giants: Wendy Kopp, Cindy Mi, and Dr. Shannon May as we explore the potential impact of AI on teaching and learning globally.    Aldo's guests discuss the importance of embracing AI with care and highlight the need for governments and education systems to take a proactive approach in adopting it. The panel also discusses the potential benefits and concerns of AI in education, including issues around equity and quality.    Listen in...

In this episode, Aldo interviews Cath Bishop, an Olympian and former war diplomat. Cath shares her journey from being a non-sporty child to becoming an Olympic rower, training rigorously and competing in three Olympic Games. She discusses the challenges she faced and the pressure to perform, as well as the importance of defining success beyond medals. Kath also talks about her transition to working as a diplomat for the British Foreign Office, where she focused on conflict issues and...

Ben Nelson, founder of the Minerva Project, talks to Aldo about the meaning of innovation and the importance of purpose-driven reform in education. He emphasizes the need for institutions to have a clear mission and values that guide decision-making. Nelson explains the selectivity of Minerva University and its focus on nurturing critical wisdom for the sake of the world. He highlights the interconnectedness of society and the need for leaders with integrity to make responsible decisions in...

Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, discusses with Aldo the difference between ‘Education' and ‘Learning’. Isabelle emphasises the importance of lifelong learning and why we should expand its definition beyond traditional schooling. She explains to Aldo the goals of the Accelerator to put vital research more quickly into practice so it can have a higher impact on education.  Isabelle also highlights the challenges of scaling impact and the importance...

A remarkable interview about resilience, passion and trying to make an impact on this world. Aldo speaks to Jo Besford and Mark Swartz, founders of GreenShoots an organisation focused on improving numeracy and Maths skills of all students in South Africa. You can find out more about GreenShoots here: https://www.greenshootsedu.co.za/ This interview was recorded at the World Innovation Summit for Education in Doha in November 2023. You can find out more about WISE by going...

Our very last episode of the year analyses what makes us human beings happy. Aldo speaks to Dr. Michael Vlerick, our most listened to guest of 2023, about his new book ‘Why We Are Not Happier’ and what makes us tick in an era of negative news clickbait and social media depression. We explore terms like ‘hedonic adaptation’ and ’negativity bias’ all carefully explained by this great philosopher who explains his reasons to publish his third book.  Michael is an assistant professor in...

Aldo shares his reflections on attending WISE11 in Doha on November 28th and 29th, 2023.  You can help out those who have been deprived of an education because of war by making a small donation to one of the following organisations: UNICEF for Gaza: https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal/ Education Above All: https://donate.educationaboveall.org Find out more about WISE here: https://www.wise-qatar.org/

Aldo takes you through the 12 books he read this year. Listen in and be inspired by this list of books, some of them recommended by previous guests on Messy and Masterful.  'A House for Mr. Biswas' by V.S. Naipaul: https://amzn.eu/d/davSL9e 'The Practice of Groundedness' by Brad Stuhlberg: https://amzn.eu/d/1ZLbTxx 'The Years' by Annie Ernaux: https://amzn.eu/d/gIS1yEC 'Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver: https://amzn.eu/d/gU4zce7 ‘Siddhartha' by Herman Hesse: https://amzn.eu/d/5lIu8n3...

A great conversation with Dr. Charles Wiles about entrepreneurship, education, software and AI.  Charles shares with Aldo his experience and insights on working for and building technology companies and explains what drives him to ensure his current endeavour will be a big success.  Find out more about Dr. Wiles company Zzish here: https://www.zzish.com/

A deep conversation about career choices, family life and health with professional negotiator and Headhunter Laurence Dewaele. Aldo speaks with Laurence about her journey from being a lawyer at one of the top firms on the planet to becoming an expert in negotiation and Executive Search.  Laurence speaks about the book she co-authored called ‘Eat Sleep Negotiate!’ together with Katia Tieleman.  The Dutch version of this book will be available as of March 2024 and you can pre-order it...

A frank conversation with Nandita Vij Tan who speaks about her journey coming from India to France, studying to become a journalist at one of the best schools in the country.  Nandita shares her professional insights and experiences (good and bad) on telling stories, what makes them different when told online and sheds a light on how to deal with confused information through social media manipulated with AI or into fake news or alternative facts.  You can read more about Nandita’s work...

Aldo speaks to serial entrepreneur Seb Francis about his turbulent journey starting a company in Education and creating his very own tequila.  An open conversation about what does and doesn’t work when starting your own business.  Find out more about Seb’s EdTech company Titus Learning here: https://www.tituslearning.com/meet-co-founder-seb-francis/ More on Seb’s tequila brand Hacien is available here: https://www.hacien.com/

Aldo speaks with Dr. Marion Debruyne, Dean of the top-ranked Vlerick Business School about her remarkable career to date.  Dr. Debruyne speaks about how she is finding her way through the hallways of business and academia, her ambitions to grow Vlerick and what we should look for when searching for optimal happiness in our careers.  Find out more about Vlerick Business School here: https://www.vlerick.com/en/ You can order Dr. Debruyne’s book ‘Making Your Way’ (with Dr. Katleen De...

Aldo speaks to Anthony Ward Thomas, founder of one of the biggest removal companies in the United Kingdom.  In this Episode this very grounded guest shares more about his life-long career building a huge company from nothing. Anthony speaks about what motivated him to start packing boxes, what brings him joy in running a company with hundreds of employees and why it is important to know yourself.  You can find more about Anthony and his company here: https://ward-thomas.co.uk/

This is an Episode for those who love to write!!  Aldo speaks to the wonderful Alison Jones, founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing about her journey as an author, coach and publishing entrepreneur.  Alison shares the details of her adventurous journey through the world of books and reveals why it so important to read and write, every single day! Find out more about Practical Inspiration Publishing here: https://practicalinspiration.com/ Alison coaches (first-time) book...

Amy Brand is an American Academic and the Executive Producer of the Emmy nominated Documentary 'Picture A Scientist'. She is the Director of MIT Press and a cognitive scientist by training.  Aldo speaks to Amy about her life-long career in and for academia, why there is still a lot of work to be done to get more women in STEM and how sounds, syllables & words play a crucial role in human development.  Find out more about 'Picture a Scientist' here: https://www.pictureascientist.com ...