Confidence Classic: What 80+ Years Of Research Says About Happiness with Dr. Marc Schulz

What actually makes people happy and healthy over the course of a lifetime? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mark Schulz, Associate Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, to share the findings from the Harvard study that breaks down why the quality of our relationships has the greatest impact on our happiness, health, and even how long we live. We also talk about loneliness, the role of friendships and everyday connections, and why it’s never too late to strengthen the relationships that matter most. Get ready to rethink happiness and discover why the strongest predictor of a good life is the people you choose to connect with. In This Episode You Will Learn The #1 predictor of happiness and health, according to 85 years of research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development. How loneliness can impact your health as much as smoking or obesity. The first step to building a happier life. Why even small daily interactions can improve your well-being. How meaningful connections can support brain health and slow cognitive decline. Why money and career success don’t predict long-term happiness. The surprising reason people often become happier as they age. How to evaluate your “social fitness” and strengthen your relationships. The most common regret people share in their 80s. Why it’s never too late to build stronger relationships or expand your social circle. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Get Dr. Marc Schulz & Robert Waldinger’s book The Good Life HERE! Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn

What happens when someone searches your name in AI? In today’s digital world, your personal brand is no longer optional. In this episode, I sit down with personal brand strategist and founder of The Borden Group, Melanie Borden, to break down why leaders, founders, and professionals must build a visible digital footprint to stay relevant in the AI era. Melanie shares how she went from having zero digital presence to building a personal brand that attracted inbound opportunities, media features, and launching her own company. Plus, we talk about the steps you can take right now to position yourself as the go-to expert in your industry. Tune in to learn how to take control of your digital reputation and future-proof your career in the age of AI. In This Episode You Will Learn Why a PERSONAL BRAND is a NON-NEGOTIABLE in 2026. How AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are changing how people RESEARCH and EVALUATE leaders. The mistake professionals make that keeps them INVISIBLE ONLINE. Why you don’t need 100,000 followers to create an OPPORTUNITY. The steps to FUTURE-PROOF your career before layoffs or industry shifts. How to use LinkedIn strategically to build CREDIBILITY and attract opportunities. The difference between PERSONAL and PRIVATE content online. How to OVERCOME IMPOSTER SYNDROME and start sharing your expertise online. Why your stories and experiences are your MOST POWERFUL leadership asset. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Get your copy of Melanie’s book Theatre of the Mind HERE! Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Melanie on Instagram & LinkedIn

What if I told you it wasn’t failure holding you back, but leaving yourself a way out? If you’ve been hesitating, overthinking, or keeping a “just in case” backup plan, this episode will challenge you to rethink risk, trust your insight, and commit fully to the future you want. I sit down with entrepreneur, investor, Harvard Business School executive fellow, and Shark Tank guest shark Matt Higgins to talk about the mindset behind the “Burn the Boats” philosophy, why seeking validation often signals fear rather than strategy, how processing worst-case scenarios eliminates hesitation, and why anxiety can actually become a performance advantage when used correctly.  In This Episode You Will Learn How seeking APPROVAL can delay the decisions that move your life forward. Why processing the WORST-CASE SCENARIO reduces fear and increases action. The “BURN THE BOATS” mindset that forces real commitment. How OPTIMAL ANXIETY improves performance instead of limiting it. Why speaking to yourself in THIRD PERSON strengthens confidence under pressure. How shedding SHAME builds stronger leadership and connection. The difference between acting on LIGHTNING vs. waiting for validation. Why having a PLAN B can reduce motivation and follow-through. How going ALL-IN attracts support, momentum, and opportunity. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Matt on Instagram & LinkedIn

What if confidence isn’t about personality, but about the signals you send every single day? Get ready to stop sending accidental signals and start communicating with purpose so you can show up powerfully in every room you enter. In this episode, I sit down with behavioral researcher, and communication expert Vanessa Van Edwards to talk about the subtle signals shaping how people perceive your confidence, credibility, and leadership before you even speak. Vanessa shares the formula behind influence, how balancing warmth and competence unlocks trust, authority, and opportunity in business and life. Tune in to learn how to control the cues you send, elevate your presence, and become impossible to ignore. In This Episode You Will Learn Why CHARISMA is a SKILL you can learn, not a personality trait. The 2 TRAITS that instantly make people trust and respect you. How balancing WARMTH and COMPETENCE transforms leadership presence. The BODY LANGUAGE cues that show hesitation, confidence, or authority. How WORD CHOICE subconsciously programs how people respond to you. The EMAIL AUDIT that shows why people may not take you seriously. VOCAL INFLECTION shifts that increase credibility instantly. How SEATING POSITION in meetings impacts influence and decision-making. The conversation starter that builds RAPPORT and opportunity fast. Why CONFIDENCE grows when communication becomes INTENTIONAL. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Learn More About Vanessa Van Edwards HERE Get your copy of Vanessa’s book, Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication HERE Take the Charisma Quiz HERE Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Vanessa on Instagram & LinkedIn

Why do we suddenly need something the moment we hear “limited time,” “only a few left,” or “exclusive access”? In this episode, I sit down with digital marketing expert and psychologist Dr. Mindy Weinstein to talk about the psychology behind scarcity and why it drives some of your fastest decisions, strongest desires, and biggest purchases. Mindy breaks down the science behind FOMO, how scarcity impacts decision-making at a neurological level, and why businesses use ethical scarcity to build demand, community, and excitement. Tune in to understand how scarcity can transform the way you sell, buy, and make decisions In This Episode You Will Learn Why SCARCITY instantly changes how your brain makes decisions. How FOMO activates urgency and overrides logical thinking. How LIMITED ACCESS increases perceived value. The 4 TYPES OF SCARCITY used in marketing and business. How social media AMPLIFIES scarcity and buying behavior. The PSYCHOLOGY behind product launches, ticket presales, and viral trends. How businesses ethically use scarcity to INCREASE SALES and LOYALTY. How to avoid impulse PURCHASES triggered by urgency marketing. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Get your copy of Mindy's book "The Power of Scarcity" HERE Learn more about Dr. Mindy Weinstein HERE Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Mindy on Instagram & LinkedIn

What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with, but something you can practice into existence? In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned voice coach Caroline Goyder to break down the science and strategy behind powerful speaking. With over 9 million views on her TED Talk, Caroline shares how she went from being told she had “no presence” and a “thin voice” at drama school to becoming one of the most trusted experts in voice, gravitas, and executive presence. We also dive into breathing techniques that override your nervous system, the "Mafia secret" to stage presence, and why the most magnetic speakers are often the ones who try the least. Tune in to learn how to command any room with stillness and breath. In This Episode You Will Learn Why CONFIDENCE is a set of behaviors, not a personality trait. The "Mafia Secret" to why the most powerful person moves the least. Why LENGTHENING your exhale calms anxiety in time. How to use your DIAPHRAGM to project without straining your voice. How PAUSES serve as the most underrated speaking tool. Why standing up during virtual meetings changes your digital PRESENCE. Why introverts can be the most COMPELLING speakers in the room. The mindset shift that takes you from ANXIETY to AUTHORITY. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Learn more at https://carolinegoyder.com/ Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Caroline on Instagram & LinkedIn

What if the reason your manifestations aren’t landing isn’t your mindset, but your home? In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned Feng Shui master and The Secret teacher Marie Diamond to talk about the powerful third pillar of manifestation and how your space acts as a 24/7 subconscious vision board. She shares shifts you can make immediately to activate wealth, love, health, and new opportunities. Get ready to look at your home with brand-new eyes and unlock the manifestations that may already be waiting for you. In This Episode You Will Learn Why MANIFESTATION is incomplete without aligning your environment. The 3 PILLARS of manifestation. How clutter BLOCKS opportunities, cash flow, and forward momentum. Why facing a wall can block FINANCIAL flow and expansion. The power of sitting in a “KING OR QUEEN POSITION” at your desk. How your birthday DETERMINES your personal success direction. Why sleeping due north may block MONEY and intimacy. What your bedroom may be SUBCONSCIOUSLY PROGRAMMING about love. Why certain colors attract PASSION or trigger low energy and mood shifts. The 5-Bag Decluttering Method to instantly create energetic space. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Marie on Instagram & LinkedIn

You are not afraid of public speaking. You’re afraid of being judged, rejected, embarrassed, or getting it wrong. In this episode, John Assaraf, entrepreneur, brain performance researcher, and founder of MyNeuroGym, breaks down what’s happening inside your brain when fear, anxiety, procrastination, or self-doubt kick in, why 95% of what we think, feel, and do is automatic, and how to interrupt those patterns without relying on willpower. We talk about rewiring habits, strengthening your “neuromuscles,” why stress chemicals only last 90 seconds if you don’t feed them, and how to rewire your “Frankenstein brain” into your “Einstein brain.” Get ready to rewire the patterns that have been running your life on autopilot. In This Episode You Will Learn Why NO ONE is truly afraid of public speaking. The “FRANKENSTEIN BRAIN vs. EINSTEIN BRAIN” model for understanding fear and self-sabotage. The 90-SECOND RULE for calming stress and anxiety in real time. Why WILLPOWER fades after 3–4 PM. The “Take 6” BREATHING TECHNIQUE to instantly reset your nervous system. Why your brain remembers negative experiences 10X FASTER than positive ones. The 3-to-1 POSITIVITY RATIO to override automatic negative thoughts. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn John on Instagram & LinkedIn

What if your anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, or self-doubt isn’t a personality flaw, but subconscious programming you picked up years ago? In this episode, I sit down with board-certified hypnotists Todd and Gina Goodwin to talk about what’s really happening beneath the surface when you feel stuck. We break down why willpower doesn’t work long-term, how trauma imprints on the subconscious mind, and why so many high achievers are unknowingly driven by insecurity instead of inspiration. Get ready to clear the subconscious patterns holding you back and move forward with effortless confidence. In This Episode You Will Learn Why ANXIETY, PROCRASTINATION, and ADDICTIONS are symptoms. How subconscious BELIEFS formed in childhood drive adult behavior. The difference between COMPULSIVE DRIVE and INSPIRED MOTIVATION. How trauma IMPRINTS in minutes and can be neutralized just as quickly. Why IDENTIFYING with your problem keeps you stuck. The science behind VISUALIZATION, emotional conditioning, and mental rehearsal. How to REWIRE negative associations and create empowering anchors. Why you may be overworking to compensate for LOW SELF-WORTH. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Find out if hypnosis is a good fit for you - take the 62 second survey at goodwinhypnosis.com/survey Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn

What if the only thing standing between you and your dream is a story you made up about how it will end? In this episode, I sit down with executive coach, bestselling author, and speaker Ryan Leak to talk about the dangerous habit of pre-calculating failure and talking ourselves out of our own potential. Ryan shares the story behind his documentary Chasing Failure, including how he convinced an NBA team to let him try out (yes, really) and what he learned when he didn’t make it. We dive into why successful people are more willing to “sit in the bookstore alone,” how to stop overcomplicating your dreams, and why perfection is the fastest way to stay stuck. Get ready to stop talking yourself out of your dreams and start doing it scared. In This Episode You Will Learn Why you PRE-CALCULATE FAILURE and quit before you even start. How CHASING FAILURE can take you further than chasing success. The mindset shift that separates those who WIN from those who WON’T TRY. Why you must give your BEST to the opportunity in front of you. How to DO IT SCARED instead of waiting to feel ready. The most powerful SELF-AWARENESS question you can ask to elevate your leadership. How to move from a life you tolerate to a life you intentionally LEVEL UP. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Learn more about Ryan Leak HERE Get your copy of Leveling Up by Ryan Leak HERE Listen to The Ryan Leak Podcast HERE Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Ryan on Instagram & LinkedIn