To me, he's an expert in happiness. He's written books, taught classes, and now has his own MASTERS course in happiness at Centenary University in New Jersey. We talked about what got him into the study of happiness, what happiness ISN'T, and how happiness can impact our overall mental health. 

Five minutes. That's all it takes. Even this podcast is less than 5 minutes (minus the mandated corporate advertisements.) Here's a little positive psychology hack the next time you are either overwhelmed or faced with tasks that you just don't want to do. For more positive psychology follow @HeartHeadHelps. 

If you're ever feeling off - try this little positive psychology trick and check in with your well being - SPIRE is an acronym I've been learning about and wanted to share with ya.  Enjoy!  www.heartheadhelps.com 

Since I'm getting certified in Positive Psychology, I'm learning a LOT and I want to pass that knowledge on to YOU.  This week we'll discuss optimism and how you can start weaving it into your everyday life, producing more positive results and creating a greater sense of natural optimism.  Instead of "Have to" change it to "GET TO".  

WARNING - This episode contains discussion of Carson's suicide attempt at the age of 14.  Carson now uses his voice to advocate for suicide prevention and awareness.  He is sharing the story of his attempt in the hope of saving lives.  Talk can save lives.  You're NOT alone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273-8255 or you can text "HELLO" to 741741 and reach the crisis text line.  

@Cmolle35 on IG and TikTok

Creating content for YouTube or TikTok for a living sounds like a kush job, on the surface - but much more goes into it.  If you stress over your social media as a normal every day person, imagine if your BANK ACCOUNT depended on it?  This week we get inside the mind of a content creator.  How did he get where he is, how does he manage the stresses of creating and posting, and what happens if it all goes wrong someday?  We discussed it all with my friend Jack Alexus for MENtalHealthMonday. 

Follow Jack - find him on YouTube and TikTok -@JackAlexus 

Kody Green - a.k.a. the @SchizophrenicHippie on social media has quite an interesting and inspiring story to tell.  From a Schizophrenia diagnosis as a teenager, to addiction, time in jail, recovery, and now running his own non-profit giving people a second chance at work, and publicly speaking and advocating about Schizophrenia.  

Follow Kody:  @SchizophrenicHippie on TikTok & Instagram

First time ever did a FB live that turned into a podcast.  I think productive people call that feeding two birds one scone.  Drew was my guest back on episode 30, and since then has started his own Therapy Practice - PodHealth LLC (www.podhealthllc.com) We had some questions towards the end from our viewers, and I asked some questions about PTSD and Anxiety along the way.  If you wanna watch our glowing faces - its at www.facebook.com/riggsradio - or just listen to this, its just as informative and awesome.  

Getting your emotions OUT instead of keeping them inside is a MAJOR key to leading a happy life mentally.  Your friends and family aren't psychic, and they can't see what's going on inside your mind - don't expect them to mind read - SAY SOMETHING if you see or feel any signs of something off in your brain.  Trust me - better out than in with emotions.  

Ronnie Preston uses his knowledge of Native culture and history and performs his one man show around the nation, keeping the stories of his people alive and inspiring the audiences he speaks to.  He also realizes the importance of mental health discussions in our Native communities - and he has become a strong advocate for mental health and suicide prevention as well.  He was also my first ever guest to sing us out at the end of an episode.  

A collaborative effort with the craft beer industry and "Hope For The Day" to let brewers and consumer know that its okay to NOT be okay, and start a conversation around mental health.  It's grown from an idea in a small brewery and is now available all over the world.  What's the story behind the beer though?  I talked with Nicole Henzel from Malteuop Malting Company and Jake Schinker of Eagle Park Brewing in Muskego, WI about this kickass mission.  

www.thingswedontsay.beer