Finding Real Happiness Beyond Toxic Positivity | Hank Smith

This record-breaking episode of The Lisa Show is back from the vault with its critical advice for intentionally boosting your happiness, mindset, and emotional well-being. Author, professor, and speaker Hank Smith joins Lisa to explore what truly creates lasting happiness and joy. Together, they discuss habits that shape our perception of joy and fulfillment, the three "levels of happiness," and how to move beyond the pressure to “just be positive,” toward real and lasting mindset shifts. Dr. Henry “Hank” Smith grew up the son of a golf professional in St. George, Utah. After earning a Master’s Degree from Utah State, Hank completed a Ph.D. at BYU, where he is now an Associate Professor in the Religion Department. His weekly podcast Follow Him is enjoyed by millions across the globe. The greatest part of his life is his wife Sara and their 5 children. Originally aired Aug 27, 2024

From The Lisa Show vault, this fan-favorite episode has something for everyone--whether or not your kids live at home. Steven Sharp Nelson's stories and perspective on parenthood resonate as a heartfelt tribute to the often unrecognized but extraordinary impact of parental love. While he’s best known as the world-renowned cellist from The Piano Guys, Steven is also a dad who is passionate about building meaningful relationships with his children. He and Lisa talk about everything from encouraging kids through challenges, helping them understand what matters most, creating stronger connections, and the all-too-universal experience of praying in the garage before going inside. For more of Steven's work be sure to check out his website: https://thepianoguys.com/pages/steven-sharp-nelson Originally aired Nov 12, 2024 (0:00) Intro (4:01) Steve's Musical Awakening (6:59) Parents, Discipline & Incentives (8:52) Music, ADHD & Mental Health (16:04) Music as a Vehicle for God's Comfort (19:20) One-on-One Moments With Kids (23:47) Spinning Plates: Balancing Priorities (28:18) Garage Prayers (32:34) Closing Thoughts & Credits

Some episodes are worth revisiting, and this The Lisa Show favorite is more timely than ever in 2026. Rachel Hunt, founder of tinykindness.org, shares how documenting and sharing small acts of kindness helped her navigate seasons of grief, isolation, and depression. Whether unexpected texts, thoughtful gestures, or moments of connection between strangers, Rachel and Lisa explore the transformative impact tiny kindness can have on our lives. From collective memory to the Baader–Meinhof phenomenon, there's good reason why even the smallest meaningful moments can remind us that we’re not alone. For more of Rachel's work be sure to check out her website: tinykindness.org Originally aired Sep 10, 2024 (0:00) Intro (6:22) Meet Rachel Hunt (10:02) Collective Memory in Action (12:06) Kindness Through Hard Times (19:59) Everyday Joys and Small Moments (23:12) Give People Their Flowers (25:39) Outro & Credits

A popular T-shirt claims "If I had known having grandchildren was this fun, I would have had them first!" But as anyone on the other side knows, becoming a grandparent can come with a variety of stresses and unexpected transitions too. DeeDee Moore from More Than Grand joins Lisa for a conversation all about how to prepare (and when needed, repair) critical relationships so that grandparents and their loved ones can make the most out of that special bond. DeeDee's insights include important conversations to have, what new grandparents wish they had known sooner, important pitfalls to avoid, and how to tactfully navigate the unique strengths and challenges which make today's parents the most educated (and sometimes, the most anxious) generation of parents to date. For more of DeeDee's work be sure to check out her website: https://www.morethangrand.com/

Life rarely goes according to the story we imagined, and sometimes the hardest moments come from the expectations we didn’t even realize we were carrying. Lisa sits down with Michele Reyes to talk about resilience, navigating life’s unexpected plot twists, and five strategies that can help us move through disappointment and frustration.  Be sure to check out Michele's Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/themichelereyes For more of Michele's work be sure to check out her website: https://michelereyescoaching.com/

Money has a way of stirring up emotions we don’t always expect like stress, shame, pride, even confusion about what we “should” be doing. Lisa sits down with Dr. Ashley LeBaron Black, professor of Family Finance, to talk about why money feels so personal and why it can be intimidating to talk about, especially in relationships.

Movies, television, and even a simple billboard can remind us of the goodness still happening in the world. Lisa sits down with Curt Dahl of the “Pass It On” campaign for a conversation about meaningful storytelling, purposeful seeking, and how finding the good around us can help us feel closer to God and each other.

Food has a way of bringing us back to childhood memories, family traditions, and the people we love most. But what happens when the house gets quieter and the meals get smaller? Lisa sits down with Liz Edmunds and Lizi Heaps of "The Food Nanny" for a heartfelt conversation about nourishment, connection, and learning to care for yourself with the same love you so easily give to others. Be sure to check out The Food Nanny on their various socials: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodnanny/ https://youtube.com/@thefoodnanny You can find more of The Food Nanny on their website: https://www.thefoodnanny.com/

Family history can sound intimidating, overwhelming, or even a little old-fashioned. But Lisa’s conversation with professional genealogist Aimee Cross might just change your mind. Aimee, creator of the popular YouTube channel Ancestry Aimee, shares simple, meaningful ways to start discovering your family’s stories without needing hours of free time or expert-level research skills. For more of Aimee's work be sure to check out her Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AimeeCrossGenealogyHints

So many of us imagined a more creative version of ourselves, only to grow up and find ourselves struggling to find the time to even begin. Lisa talks with bestselling author and teacher Ally Condie about what creativity really looks like in the middle of busy, imperfect lives. Together, they explore perfectionism, gratitude, and why creativity doesn’t require ideal conditions to matter. It’s an honest, hopeful conversation for anyone trying to make something beautiful while juggling real life. Check out more of Ally's work at her website: https://www.allycondie.com/