Contemplating death is often seen as grim, but emerging research reveals that it can actually enhance our happiness and well-being! So, in this episode of Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella consults social scientist Kimberly Wade-Benzoni on the psychological benefits of facing our mortality, in a world that often evades the topic.

An internationally recognized leading scholar on the topic of intergenerational decisions and the psychology of legacies, Kimberly Wade-Benzoni is a Professor of Management & Organizations and Center of Leadership and Ethics Scholar at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Impressively, Kimberly Wade-Benzoni’s research has been widely published in prominent management and psychology journals.

In this episode, Kimberly Wade-Benzoni emphasizes the importance of discussing and understanding mortality awareness, revealing the psychological benefits of confronting mortality. Additionally, she reveals that life-threatening events have shown to instill gratitude and contribute to happiness.

Together, Marie and Kimberly Wade-Benzoni discuss the potential struggles individuals face when confronting mortality, and exchange effective practices and habits for reflecting on mortality. So, tune in this week for an incredibly insightful episode on how confronting mortality can contribute to happiness!

Follow Kimberly Wade-Benzoni’s work via the following platforms: Duke University: https://www.fuqua.duke.edu/faculty/kimberly-wade-benzoni The Hot and Cool of Death Awareness at Work: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/211386783_The_hot_and_cool_of_death_awareness_at_work_Mortality_cues_aging_and_self-protective_and_prosocial_motivations

Produced by the Happiness Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

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From the pages of classic literature to the plotlines of modern blockbusters, the concept of revenge has held a longstanding grip on our collective psyche. So, this week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychiatry lecturer James Kimmel, Jr., JD to investigate the neuroscience behind revenge.

Based at the Yale School of Medicine, James Kimmel, Jr., JD is not only a lecturer, but also the founder and co-director of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies. In his work, James Kimmel, Jr., JD largely focuses on neuroscience, psychology, revenge, addiction, forgiveness and violence. Additionally, he is the author behind a new book, ‘The Science of Revenge’, to be released in May 2025.

In this episode, James Kimmel, Jr., JD starts out with an enthralling personal anecdote, illustrating how revenge turns into addiction. Furthermore, he goes into detail about the evolutionary origins of revenge.

Together, Marie and James Kimmel, Jr., JD discuss how the same interventions used to combat addiction could be applied in a revenge context, and how forgiveness towards oneself and others is a key practice in easing the cravings of revenge. So, whether you’re struggling with vengeful behavior, or simply fascinated by the brain’s mysterious movements, tune in to this episode!

Follow James Kimmel, Jr., JD’s work: https://medicine.yale.edu/research-profile/james-kimmel/

Connect with James Kimmel, Jr., JD via email: james.kimmel@yale.edu

Produced by the Happiness Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://ha.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Happiness Science Labs.

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Imaginary relationships have had a longstanding history of being frowned upon for its perceived juvenility and lack of real-world purpose. Yet, research seems to show otherwise. This week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella consults psychology researcher Naomi Aguiar to learn more.

An expert in how children and adults create imaginary relationships for themselves, either entirely on their own or with help from the media, Naomi Aguiar has published research on a broad range of topics in psychology and education. Additionally, she is an expert in how children and adults perceive and form relationships with AI chatbots, and how this may affect their real-world learning and behavior.

In this episode, Naomi Aguiar reveals that imaginary relationships—though often perceived as offering no positive real-world impact—may offer opportunities for people to practice being in a relationship that they may not otherwise have. Additionally, Naomi Aguiar asserts that imaginary relationships tend to be a vehicle for coping with adversity, offering reprieve from arduous real-world circumstances.

Together, Marie and Naomi Aguiar discuss various habits that may prove useful in evoking imagination and amusement for overall happiness. So, tune in this week for awe-inspiring expert insights, backed by research, on how imaginary relationships can offer real happiness!

Follow Naomi Aguiar’s work via the following platforms: Naomi Aguiar: https://naomiaguiar.wixsite.com/research Imaginary Friends and the People Who Create Them: https://www.imaginaryfriendsbook.com/

Produced by the Happiness Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://ha.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Happiness Science Labs.

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As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. So, this week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo interviews philosophy professor Dr. Chris A. Kramer to learn about what we can apply to our daily lives based on the works of American orator Frederick Douglass.

Based at Santa Barbara City College, Dr. Chris A. Kramer serves as both Assistant Professor and Chair of Philosophy. That aside, he is the advisor to the Philosophy Club and a professor for the Umoja and Raices programs. His interests intersect across the philosophy of humor, mind, religion, informal logic, existentialism and phenomenology, and oppression. His dissertation was on “Subversive Humor”, half about humor, half about oppression. Readers will laugh and cry, but mostly cry, and mostly because they are reading a dissertation; what has become of their lives?

In this episode, Dr. Chris A. Kramer delves into the various definitions and approaches to humor, citing notable philosophers such as Aristotle and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Additionally, he highlights how Frederick Douglass wielded intellectual play to challenge slavery and fight for equality, while evading cognitive biases and belief traps, in his speeches, autobiographies and interactions with other people.

Conversely, Lu and Dr. Chris A. Kramer also discuss when humor may not be the best prescription, as well as practical advice for evoking humor and laughter in our daily lives. So, tune in to learn about how humor can disrupt power dynamics, foster solidarity, and so much more!

Follow Dr. Chris A. Kramer’s work: https://sbcc.academia.edu/ChrisKramer

Produced by the Happiness Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://ha.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Happiness Science Labs.

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Ever wondered why some people seem to breeze through life’s challenges, while others struggle with daily inconveniences? The answer just might lie in your locus of control! So, this week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carrie Barron on how our locus of control contributes to our perspective of happiness.

A renowned associate professor in the Department of Medical Education at The University of Texas at Austin, Carrie Barron also leads as director of Creativity for Resilience at Dell Medical School. In addition to having published several peer-reviewed journals and the Harvard Business Review, Carrie Barron is the co-author behind the innovative and insightful book ‘The Creativity Cure: A Do-It-Yourself Prescription for Happiness’.

In this episode, Carrie Barron establishes the differences between an internal and external locus of control, as well as how it may affect an individual’s mental health and happiness. Additionally, Carrie Barron reveals the various factors that may influence one’s locus of control, and offers advice on how to adopt a more empowering mindset.

Together, Marie and Carrie Barron explore journaling as a way to reflect on one’s self-awareness and locus of control, from writing to recording. So, tune in this week for an interesting conversation on how shifting your perspective can lead to better relationships, improved mental health, and a more fulfilling life!

Follow Carrie Barron’s work via the following platforms: Carrie Barron: https://www.carriebarronmd.com University of Texas at Austin: https://dellmed.utexas.edu/directory/carrie-barron Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/carrie-barron-md

Produced by the Happiness Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://ha.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Happiness Science Labs.

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You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sero-boost-the-happiness-science-insights-podcast/id1648514660 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tAnnsetgCxHVig1HZDE7E Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9010428a-46cd-44c2-a253-699a3586c156/sero-boost-the-happiness-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-sero-boost-the-happiness-s-102890037/ Podbean: https://happinessinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402528 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/sero-boost-the-happiness-scien-4914858