• Nicole L. Mead: The Purposeful Purse – Finding Meaning in Spending | Doing Well #81
    Jun 25 2025

    Every dollar you spend is a reflection of what you value the most. Yet, many of us fall into habits of mindless consumption, missing the opportunity to use our resources for genuine fulfillment. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo interviews marketing professor Nicole L. Mead on what it means to spend meaningfully.

    The founder and director of the Well-Being Research Lab (WiRL), Nicole L. Mead aims to uncover novel psychological insights that can be harnessed to improve personal, societal, and environmental well-being. Impressively, her research has been published in Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Journal of Consumer Research, and Journal of Marketing.

    In this episode, Nicole L. Mead delves into the various misconceptions most people have about well-being, as well as how it can be affected by our spending. Additionally, Nicole L. Mead shares useful pointers on shifting from impulsive to intentional spending, prioritizing purchases that align with long-term goals, and using money as a tool for personal growth, rather than momentary gratification.

    Together, Lu and Nicole L. Mead discuss practical tips for transforming our relationship with money and spending more meaningfully. So, if you’re ready to make every dollar count towards a happier, more meaningful life, tune in to this episode and join us on the journey to well-being!

    Visit Nicole L. Mead’s work via the following platforms: York University: https://schulich.yorku.ca/faculty/nicole-mead/ Science Direct: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X22000446

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

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

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    You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast/id1648515329 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63Gni7VN4Ca6IicSuttwQL Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7cd001d1-b7ba-4b22-a0f3-17c1a9c6e818/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-doing-well-the-wellbeing-s-102890038/ Podbean: https://wellbeingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402363 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/doing-well-the-wellbeing-scien-4914859

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Joyce Marter, LCPC: Financial Well-Being – Understanding Healthy Financial Behavior | Doing Well #80
    Jun 9 2025

    Financial well-being is a cornerstone of overall health and happiness, yet it’s often misunderstood or neglected in pursuit of materialism. This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant interviews financial wellness expert Joyce Marter, LCPC on what healthy financial behavior looks like.

    With over 20 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist and entrepreneur, Joyce Marter, LCPC’s current mission as a speaker, corporate trainer, coach, and consultant, is to inspire others to improve their mental and financial health, work-life balance, and relationships, using proven strategies and innovative tools from psychology. The author behind best-selling book The Financial Mindset Fix, Joyce Marter, LCPC also writes for various media outlets by the likes of MoneyGeek, Psychology Today, and The Huffington Post.

    In this episode, Joyce Marter, LCPC sheds light on the emotions behind financial decision-making, as well as how financial stress can affect an individual’s mental and physical health. Additionally, Joyce Marter, LCPC shares personal anecdotes of her experience with financial stress during her entrepreneurial journey, revealing that a shift in mindset played a major role in achieving her financial goals.

    Together, Dina and Joyce Marter, LCPC exchange practical tips for building healthy financial habits. So, whether you’re looking to take control of your finances, or simply want to understand how money affects your well-being, tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights backed by science!

    Visit Joyce Marter, LCPC’s work via the following links: Joyce Marter, LCPC's Website: https://www.joyce-marter.com/ The Financial Mindset Fix: https://www.joyce-marter.com/book/the-financial-mindset-fix/

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

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

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    You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast/id1648515329 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63Gni7VN4Ca6IicSuttwQL Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7cd001d1-b7ba-4b22-a0f3-17c1a9c6e818/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-doing-well-the-wellbeing-s-102890038/ Podbean: https://wellbeingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402363 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/doing-well-the-wellbeing-scien-4914859

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    45 mins
  • Helen Morris Brown: Building Social Well-Being in Virtual Work Environments | Doing Well #79
    May 23 2025

    In today's increasingly digital world, many of us find ourselves working remotely or in hybrid environments. But how do we maintain our social well-being when we're physically distant from our colleagues? This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo is joined by business psychologist Helen Morris Brown to learn more.

    Formerly a theatre stage manager and corporate film producer, Helen Morris Brown holds a master’s degree in occupational psychology. Having been a management trainer, consultant, and speaker since the mid-1990s, Helen Morris Brown’s background in show business inspires her to entertain and educate audiences when speaking in organizations and at conferences. Impressively, she has worked with international companies by the likes of Honda, Janssen, and the Home Office, as well as a slew of smaller businesses and charities.

    In this episode, Helen Morris Brown reveals insights on the importance of social well-being for remote workers, as well as practical tips for fostering virtual team bonding. To add, she details the common challenges faced by remote workers and offers advice on managing them.

    Together, Lu and Helen Morris Brown discuss the various ways to support remote employee well-being. So, whether you’re a remote worker, team leader, or human resources professional, tune in to this episode for valuable takeaways on maintaining your social well-being in remote working environments!

    Visit Helen Morris Brown’s work: https://www.helenmorrisbrown.com/

    Connect with Helen Morris Brown via the following platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_helen_mb/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenmorrisbrown/

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

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

    Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellbeingsciencelabs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/showcase/wellbeing-science-labs Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeScienceLabs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbeing.science.labs

    You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast/id1648515329 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63Gni7VN4Ca6IicSuttwQL Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7cd001d1-b7ba-4b22-a0f3-17c1a9c6e818/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-doing-well-the-wellbeing-s-102890038/ Podbean: https://wellbeingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402363 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/doing-well-the-wellbeing-scien-4914859

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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Dr. Bella DePaulo: Autonomy and Well-being — Thriving in the Single Lifestyle | Doing Well #78
    May 9 2025

    Are you ready to embrace the single life and thrive? This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo is joined by social scientist Dr. Bella DePaulo to learn more about what it takes to thrive as a single person in a relationship-centred world.

    Having been dubbed America’s foremost thinker and writer on the single experience, Dr. Bella DePaulo is the leading expert on single life. Dr. Bella DePaulo has always been single, and has pledged to remain single. In addition to writing a The Times best self-help book ‘Single at Heart’, her TEDx talk ‘What No One Ever Told You About People Who Are Single’ has been viewed over 1.7 million times.

    In this episode, Dr. Bella DePaulo explains the misconceptions about being single, as well as the concept of well-being. She sheds light on how people cope with being single, be it positive or negative, and how this affects their mental well-being.

    Together, Lu and Dr. Bella DePaulo discuss the idea of autonomy, and what strategies one can set up to foster a sense of autonomy and ultimately combat loneliness to cultivate a more fulfilling single life. So, tune in this week for expert insights and actionable advice on singlehood!

    Follow Dr. Bella DePaulo’s work: www.BellaDePaulo.com.

    Follow Dr. Bella DePaulo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-depaulo-2865405/

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

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

    Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellbeingsciencelabs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/showcase/wellbeing-science-labs Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeScienceLabs Discord: http://discord.gg/WESL TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbeing.science.labs

    You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast/id1648515329 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63Gni7VN4Ca6IicSuttwQL Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7cd001d1-b7ba-4b22-a0f3-17c1a9c6e818/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-doing-well-the-wellbeing-s-102890038/ Podbean: https://wellbeingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402363 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/doing-well-the-wellbeing-scien-4914859

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    1 hr
  • Carina Yeap: Overcoming Perfectionism Blocks to Foster Personal Growth | Doing Well #77
    Apr 25 2025

    Many of us struggle with perfectionism - a desire to complete a task to an impossibly high standard, sometimes rendering it too overwhelming to even begin. Many people thrive on a hardworking lifestyle, or on creativity, but perfectionism may push them to a point of burnout, or of creative block.

    Joining host Lu Ngo for this episode is certified Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) practitioner Carina Yeap. She is the founder of Emerged Butterfly in Singapore and seeks to help stressed out individuals unlock their inner cheerleader through realistic, positive self-talk. Carina Yeap’s mission is to promote better understanding of mental wellness, improve self-confidence, and a deeper connection to oneself. Having worked with individuals from all over the world, Carina Yeap believes strongly that what you want is available to you once you truly see yourself for who you are – whole and enough.

    In this episode, Carina Yeap dispels the mysteries of wellbeing and perfectionism, and explains how RTT can address the patterns found in those suffering from perfectionism.

    Together, Lu and Carina Yeap discuss the concept of neuroplasticity, as well as practices that everyone can implement to get through perfectionism blocks.

    Follow Carina Yeap on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergedbutterfly.co Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CarinaYeap/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emergedbutterfly.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergedbutterfly.co/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carinayeap LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-yeap/ Main website: www.emergedbutterfly.com Link to free resources/downloads:https://emergedbutterfly.com/links

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

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

    Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellbeingsciencelabs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/showcase/wellbeing-science-labs Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeScienceLabs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbeing.science.labs

    You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast/id1648515329 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63Gni7VN4Ca6IicSuttwQL Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7cd001d1-b7ba-4b22-a0f3-17c1a9c6e818/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-doing-well-the-wellbeing-s-102890038/ Podbean: https://wellbeingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402363 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/doing-well-the-wellbeing-scien-4914859

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D.: Nudging—The Catalyst to Ignite Your Love of Learning | Doing Well #76
    Apr 11 2025

    Can a simple nudge spark a lifelong love of learning? This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo is joined by behavioral researcher Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D. to find out more.

    A behavioral researcher at Persistence Plus, Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D. applies his expertise in behavioral science to develop scalable interventions that improve college student retention. He travels around the United States speaking on how nudging can reshape the college student experience. His research has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Psychological Science and Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, and he has co-authored a chapter on behavioral nudging in the book Decision Making for Student Success.

    In this episode, Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D. sheds light on what it means to nudge, especially in the context of developing a love for learning, not just in terms of academic performance, but also personal growth. To add, he addresses the age-old misconception that well-being involves being happy or feeling good all the time.

    Together, Lu and Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D. discuss the ways in which mindfulness can help any individual get through times of anxiety and hardship. So, tune in to this episode to learn how tiny changes in mindset and habits can lead to transformative outcomes!

    Visit Ross E. O’Hara, Ph.D.'s works via the following links: Persistence Plus: https://www.persistenceplusnetwork.com Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nudging-ahead

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

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

    Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellbeingsciencelabs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/showcase/wellbeing-science-labs Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeScienceLabs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbeing.science.labs

    You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast/id1648515329 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63Gni7VN4Ca6IicSuttwQL Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7cd001d1-b7ba-4b22-a0f3-17c1a9c6e818/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-doing-well-the-wellbeing-s-102890038/ Podbean: https://wellbeingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402363 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/doing-well-the-wellbeing-scien-4914859

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Mark A. Hawkins, Ph.D.: From Boredom to Brilliance – How to Harness Creative Energy | Doing Well #75
    Mar 27 2025
    With the rapid development of the internet and social media, occupying pockets of boredom with mindless scrolling has never been easier. But what if those mundane moments are the key to imaginative brilliance? This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo consults clinical counsellor and educator Mark A. Hawkins, Ph.D. to explore various ways to turn boredom into creativity. Apart from his professions as a clinical counsellor and educator, Mark A. Hawkins, Ph.D. is also an author, having penned two books on what it takes to create meaning in life, ‘The Power of Boredom’ and ‘The Mismatched Human’. His research primarily focuses on interdisciplinary understandings of meaning and purpose as they relate to human well-being. Impressively, Mark A. Hawkins, Ph.D. has also been interviewed by several media outlets, from The New York Times to The Daily Telegraph. In this episode, Mark A. Hawkins, Ph.D. highlights that, while boredom may feel uncomfortable to the point of restlessness, having the space to think—without external disruptions—is essential for sparking creativity. To add, Mark A. Hawkins, Ph.D. reveals that some of his great ideas have been conceived on long flights. Together, Lu and Mark A. Hawkins, Ph.D. weigh up the various ways to go about practicing boredom and freeing the mind of stimulation. So, tune in to this episode and get creative! Visit Mark A. Hawkins, Ph.D.'s work via the following platforms: Cold Noodle Creative: https://coldnoodlecreative.com/ The Power of Boredom: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63271542-the-power-of-boredom The Mismatched Human: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mismatched-Human-Fight-Meaningful-Existence-ebook/dp/B0BHJ6S8F1 Connect with Mark A. Hawkins, Ph.D. via the following platforms: Cold Noodle Creative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coldnoodlecreative/ Cold Noodle Creative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldnoodlecreative/ Produced by the Wellbeing Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://we.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Wellbeing Science Labs. Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellbeingsciencelabs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/showcase/wellbeing-science-labs Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeScienceLabs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbeing.science.labs You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast/id1648515329 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63Gni7VN4Ca6IicSuttwQL Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7cd001d1-b7ba-4b22-a0f3-17c1a9c6e818/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-doing-well-the-wellbeing-s-102890038/ Podbean: https://wellbeingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402363 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/doing-well-the-wellbeing-scien-4914859
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    53 mins
  • Svetlana Bykovec, AThR: Unlocking Inner Artist in You for Better Well-being | Doing Well #74
    Mar 14 2025

    Recent studies have shown that creativity is associated with better well-being. So, this week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Joahanna Wickramaratne interviews art therapist Svetlana Bykovec, AThR to investigate the psychological benefits of creative expression and how even the most non-creative individuals can tap into their artistic selves.

    For over 15 years, Svetlana Bykovec, AThR has woven empathy and empowerment through the healing of creative arts therapy. As a senior therapist and team leader at Evolution Creative Arts Therapies (eCAT), she guides a team of passionate practitioners in igniting joy and transforming lives, upholding eCAT’s ethos.

    In this episode, Svetlana Bykovec, AThR reveals her perspective on the meaning of well-being and creativity. She sheds light on the psychological benefits of creative expression, and shares personal anecdotes on the connection between creativity and physical well-being.

    Together, Joahanna and Svetlana Bykovec, AThR weigh up various habits and practices that may prove effective in fostering creativity. So, whether you’re looking to paint, write, dance, or simply express yourself in new ways, tune into this episode for expert insights on channeling your inner artist!

    Visit Svetlana Bykovec, AThR’s work: http://www.evolutioncat.com.au

    Connect with Svetlana Bykovec, AThR via the following platforms: Art Therapy Reflections Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art.therapy.reflections eCAT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolutioncreativeartstherapies LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/svettmoondog

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

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

    Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellbeingsciencelabs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbeing.science.labs/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/showcase/wellbeing-science-labs Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeScienceLabs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbeing.science.labs

    You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast/id1648515329 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63Gni7VN4Ca6IicSuttwQL Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7cd001d1-b7ba-4b22-a0f3-17c1a9c6e818/doing-well-the-wellbeing-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-doing-well-the-wellbeing-s-102890038/ Podbean: https://wellbeingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402363 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/doing-well-the-wellbeing-scien-4914859

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    1 hr and 2 mins