The Michelle McCullough Show

Episode Overview:  How does social media affect your well-being? Can reducing screen time boost your happiness and strengthen connections? In this MiniCast episode, I share data-backed information on the relationship between social media usage and personal happiness. I conducted a personal month-long experiment, blending research insights from my Happiness Research with actionable strategies to reduce screen time and create intentional, meaningful moments offline and I share my findings of that.  Whether you're aiming to reclaim your time, foster better connections, or just learn how to balance social media and real life, this episode is packed with tips, reflections, and action items to improve your relationship with social media and your personal happiness.   00:00 Introduction and Background 00:20 The Research on Social Media 01:15 Personal Screen Time Reduction Journey 01:46 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Goals 02:21 Tracking Happiness and Connection 02:30 Challenges of Social Media Comparison 03:04 Social Media as a Tool 03:30 Approach to Reducing Screen Time 09:34 Results and Reflections on the Journey 09:55 Encouragement for Listeners 11:54 Conclusion and Additional Resources   Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps the show grow and share more actionable content with amazing listeners like you!  Find me on social media for more everyday content! Instagram @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist Facebook Threads X LinkedIn YouTube

Episode Summary:  Should businesses offer remote work, hybrid options, or require employees to return to the office? This week, I’m sharing research and offering insights for managers and business leaders to consider the answer to this question. While research shows that office-based employees often feel happier and more resilient, the desire to have a choice in work environments remains significant. Join today’s conversation as I discuss connection and collaboration across remote and hybrid teams, emphasizing the importance of intentional team-building activities.  00:00 Introduction to Remote Work Debate 00:08 Research Findings on Employee Happiness 00:44 Importance of Team Connection 01:13 Practical Steps for Team Building 01:37 Case Study: Remote Sales Team 02:25 Connection Questions 03:24 Learning Clubs and In-person Meetings 04:03 Conclusion: Importance of Connection Stay Connected:  If you’re ready to cultivate better connections within your team, start the conversation today.  Tune in next week for more insights on leadership, productivity, and creating thriving workplaces!  And don’t forget to Download the Happiness Research Reports Here Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps the show grow and share more actionable content with amazing listeners like you!  Find me on social media for more everyday Happiness content! Instagram @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist Facebook Threads X LinkedIn YouTube

Episode Summary  Let’s explore the critical roles of coaching and mentoring in the workplace and their impact on both personal and professional growth in today’s mini episode. Drawing on findings from the United States Happiness Report, I discuss how these practices can foster happier and more resilient employees. In this episode, I share personal stories and unique examples of coaching initiatives, as well as actionable advice for integrating coaching and mentoring into your organization. Whether you're a leader or an aspiring mentor, this episode offers valuable guidance on building stronger, more successful teams. 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring 00:15 Research Findings from the United States Happiness Report 00:35 Roles of Coaches and Mentors in Organizations 01:24 Personal Experience as a Coach 02:06 Unique Approaches to Coaching and Mentoring 03:05 Balancing Physical and Emotional Wellness 05:06 Early Career Experience with Coaching 06:50 Employee Engagement and Retention 08:15 Training Managers as Mentors 10:58 Conclusion and Upcoming Content   If you’re curious about creating a culture of mentorship and coaching in your organization, start with our free happiness research report! United States Happiness Report Blog Bank to Learn How to Train Managers as Mentors in Your Organization Stay tuned for the next episode, where we discuss "How to Build Emotional Intelligence in Leaders." Don’t forget to subscribe! Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps the show grow and share more actionable content with amazing listeners like you!  Find me on social media for more everyday content! Instagram @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist Facebook Threads X LinkedIn YouTube

Episode Summary:  How can you attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market? In this episode, let’s discuss the connection between emotional intelligence, workplace happiness, trust, and resilience in creating a strong company culture. How do you get the right people to work for you and how do you keep them for a long time? Join me in today’s episode for actionable strategies, data-driven insights, and advice on creating an environment where employees thrive and choose to stay long-term.  This episode is packed with essential resources for leaders and HR professionals aiming to elevate their organizational culture and boost talent management.  00:00 Introduction and Key Statistics 00:15 The Role of Happiness and Resilience 00:58 Beyond Food and Fun 01:56 Importance of Emotional Intelligence 03:13 Building Trust 04:29 Organizational Solutions 05:47 Resources and Closing Remarks   Resources Mentioned:  United States Happiness Report - Volume 1 & 2: Gain insights into emotional wellness, happiness, and leadership’s role in workplace culture.  Visit SpeakMichelle.com: Explore additional resources, training, and expert guidance on building emotional intelligence and resilience in your organization.  Connect With Us:  I’m here to help you create a workplace culture where employees love to stay. Visit my website for more resources and training opportunities. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll unpack how to drive productivity and innovation in your organization.  Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps the show grow and share more actionable content with amazing listeners like you!  Find me on social media for more everyday content! Instagram @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist Facebook Threads X LinkedIn YouTube   Download the United States Happiness Report to start transforming your workplace today.  Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss our next episode!

Episode Summary What role does emotional intelligence play in workplace productivity? Turns out, it’s a big one! In today’s episode, I share how emotional intelligence—along with happiness and resilience—impacts innovation, teamwork, and overall performance. All insights come from my happiness research report. In this episode, I share actionable tips for leaders to implement emotional intelligence trainings and foster a positive, more productive work culture for their teams. Tune in to learn how you can create a happier, high-performing team!  00:00 Introduction 00:13 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 01:36 Practical Applications and Solutions 04:02 Leadership and Empowerment 04:45 Conclusion and Resources Download the Happiness Research Report  Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps the show grow and share more actionable content with amazing listeners like you!  Find me on social media for more everyday content! Instagram @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist Facebook Threads X LinkedIn YouTube

Episode Summary: In today’s episode, Karen McCullough, a renowned generational diversity expert, joins me as we discuss the complexities and opportunities of multi-generational workplaces. We discuss the challenges leaders face when managing different age groups and the impact of changing communication styles, work-life balance perspectives, and technology. Karen shares insights drawn from years of experience working with top organizations like NASA, McDonald's, and World Bank, offering practical advice for thriving in workplaces powered by generational diversity.  Whether you're a leader striving for adaptable leadership or an employee navigating cross-generational interactions, this episode delivers actionable tips for bridging the divide and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the Episode  00:34 - Karen's Journey into Generational Studies  01:17 - Generational Dynamics in the Workplace  04:23 - Generational Stories and Work Ethics  09:42 - Adapting and Authenticity in Leadership  13:07 - Challenges in the Workplace  26:13 - Virtual Work and Building Relationships  29:42 - Final Advice and Closing Thoughts  About Our Guest, Karen McCullough: Karen McCullough is a leading speaker and expert in generational diversity, founder of Your Killer Keynote Academy, and a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA). With experience working with top organizations like the World Bank, McDonald's, Johnson Space Center, Humana, and NASA, Karen inspires and educates audiences with actionable tools for workplace success. Through her work, she unlocks the secrets to crafting impactful messages and mastering the stage.  Links & Resources: Learn more about Karen McCullough and her work HERE. Connect with Karen on social media  Instagram LinkedIn Facebook YouTube X Follow the Podcast: Don’t miss upcoming episodes—subscribe and follow for more insightful conversations on happiness, high performance, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this discussion or found it helpful, share it with your team, write a review, or tag a colleague who needs to hear this!  Stay tuned for more episodes designed to inspire and empower your workplace journey.

Episode Overview Let’s focus on the vital role of employee engagement and emotional well-being in today’s MiniCast episode. In this episode I share the research findings on ways bosses, leaders, and managers can enhance the happiness and productivity of their teams and employees.   Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Low Employee Engagement 00:27 Staggering Statistics: The State of Workplace Happiness 01:15 Actionable Strategies for Improvement 01:57 Promoting Open Communication Channels 02:44 Emotional Intelligence: A Top Priority 04:26 Conclusion: Implementing Emotional Wellness Training   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast, and join the conversation on social media @speakmichelle I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about resilience!   And if you’re curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.

Episode Overview Let’s talk about the critical topic of leadership and its impact on team productivity in today’s MiniCast. In this short episode, I share five toxic leadership traits that can undermine team resilience and productivity. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to the role, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you refine your leadership skills.   Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction 00:18 The Importance of Resilience 01:01 Leadership Traits to Avoid 01:06 Trait 1: Lack of Support 01:27 Trait 2: Dishonesty 01:55 Trait 3: Unreliability 02:14 Traits 4 and 5: Selfishness and Laziness 03:02 Conclusion   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast, and join the conversation on social media @speakmichelle I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about resilience!   And if you’re curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.

Episode Overview With life's constant challenges, building up your resilience reserves can make all the difference. In today’s MiniCast, I share my 3 favorite strategies to boost your mental and emotional strength which will aid you in tackling issues like overwhelm, fear of failure, lack of confidence, and mental health struggles. Don’t miss it. Key Segments 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Real-life Example 02:25 Statistics and Overwhelm 05:06 Fear of Failure 05:19 Lack of Confidence 11:05 Mental Health Struggles 11:56 Conclusion and Encouragement   I hope this episode gives you the tools and inspiration to start building your resilience reserves today. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show, and join the conversation on social media @speakmichelle I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about resilience! And if you’re curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.

Episode Overview In this mini episode, I talk about the pressing issue of why your employees aren’t sticking around. This working pandemic affects businesses across the globe and in just 4 minutes I share effective strategies to reinvigorate your workforce. I talk about understanding the emotional commitment employees have towards their organization and why it is crucial in fostering a productive and committed team. High engagement in employees not only enhances productivity, but it also boosts morale, retention rates, and innovation. Tune in as I discuss practical tips for leaders to create a thriving workplace culture. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The Current State of Employee Engagement 00:22 Challenges Affecting Employee Engagement 01:35 Impact of Mental Wellness and Sense of Purpose 02:05 Actionable Tips for Leaders 02:46 Benefits of Live Events and Mentorship 03:13 Importance of Managerial Influence 03:42 Additional Research Insights 04:00 Closing Remarks Curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.

Episode Summary Join me in today’s episode where Lois Creamer, a renowned speaker and consultant in the speaking industry, and I have a conversation on the art of monetizing your message and the strategies that can transform speaking engagements into lucrative opportunities.  Lois dives deep into current trends affecting the speaking industry, emphasizing the importance of video content and virtual presentations, Lois's early interactions with the National Speakers Association (NSA) and her direct approach in helping speakers find their niche. This episode is packed with valuable insights. She also shares highlights from her newly updated book, “Book More Business: Make Money Speaking” which provides crucial advice on navigating modern market challenges. Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction to Lois Creamer 00:17 Initial Meeting and Insights on Positioning 01:01 Lois Creamer's Direct Approach 01:48 Transition to Helping Speakers 02:54 Importance of Niche Audiences 04:45 Current Trends in Speaking Industry 07:44 Virtual Presentations and Aftercare 10:07 Lois Creamer's New Book 15:42 Video's Role in Modern Speaking 21:05 The Importance of Direct Communication 24:00 Setting Speaking Fees 27:32 Conclusions and Where to Find Lois Links Connect with Lois: Facebook  LinkedIn Instagram   Work with Lois Order Your Copy of “Book More Business: Make Money Speaking” Try OpusClip - The AI Video Repurposing Tool   About the Guest Lois Creamer is highly sought-after for speakers, consultants, and subject matter experts aiming to monetize their messaging effectively. She authored "Book More Business: Make Money Speaking" and "The Speaker Author" with Cathy Fyock. With a background in sales and marketing at United States Steel Corporation and business management for successful speakers, Lois has been a pivotal figure in the speaking industry since 1998. Her expertise has been showcased at every chapter of the NSA across the U.S., at Canadian Association of Professional Speakers events, and at various international speaking associations. Honored as "Honorary Fellow" by the Professional Speakers Association UK/Ireland, Lois brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to her clients. Lois resides in Missouri with her husband and Buddy the Intern, her canine companion. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, beach vacations, and visiting her family in Lake Tahoe.

Episode Summary To say that happiness requires an intentional pursuit isn’t new, but today I share insights from the 2024 U.S. State of Happiness Report that validates the idea that happiness requires you to be intentional. I discuss factors that influence happiness, while examining data on generational trends, that provide us with actionable steps to build connections and joy in everyday life. I share research that shows how Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers view happiness differently. It’s a good one!   Key Points Discussed in This Episode:  00:00 Introduction 00:05 U.S. Happiness Study 2024 00:57 Universal Happiness Factors 01:32 Generational Differences in Happiness 02:08 Building Connections and Relationships 02:16 Challenges in Adult Relationships 03:06 Work Environment and Happiness 03:25 Intentional Happiness Strategies 04:32 Creating Your Happiness List 05:32 Reflecting on Past Joys 06:09 Adapting Happiness Over Time 07:29 Daily Pursuit of Happiness 07:46 Weekly Challenge and Community Engagement 08:38 Final Thoughts and Community Sharing   Curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here: https://www.speakmichelle.com/research

Episode Summary In today’s episode, I’m sharing all there is to know about resilience and why it should be considered a critical skill in the workplace, not just a personal trait. I share how resilience impacts productivity, teamwork, employee engagement, and present research findings that debunk the myth that resilience is merely a 'soft skill'.   Key Points Discussed in This Episode:  00:00 The Rollerblading Tale 02:08 Lessons from Embarrassment 03:37 Resilience in Life and Business 03:45 Research Findings on Resilience 05:51 Recommendations for Organizations 07:36 Training Methods for Resilience 10:08 The Importance of a Resilient Environment 11:31 Final Words   To learn more about resilience and its role in your life, download the 2024 State of Happiness Report. This comprehensive report includes an infographic and a three-video series about why happiness is a business challenge, complete with strategies to foster a happier and more productive team. Get it all sent straight to your inbox!   And make sure to follow @bethehappyist on Instagram where I share data-backed actions to take to grow your resilience reserves.

Episode Summary In today’s quick discussion, I take you back to my first taste of entrepreneurship as a kid. It was a fun experience that got me hooked on the idea of being my own boss. I learned some valuable lessons about money, happiness, and what gives life meaning—lessons that still resonate today. In this episode, I chat about how each of our financial situations affect our feelings, and the connection between a higher income and feeling more fulfilled. I answer the age-old question: “Can money really buy happiness?” with data I pulled from my 2024 State of Happiness Study.  Join me as I discuss ways you can create joy and satisfaction in your life, no matter where you stand financially. Key Topics Discussed 00:00 - Introduction: Childhood Money Memories 01:30 - Money and A Sense of Purpose 02:02 - Financial Stressors in Modern Times 03:08 - Income, Education, and Happiness 03:49 - Finding Purpose Beyond Money 06:39 - The Joy of Giving Back 07:07 - Conclusion: Control Your Happiness   To learn more about the intricate relationship between money and happiness, download the 2024 State of Happiness Report. This comprehensive report includes an infographic and a three-video series about why happiness is a business challenge, complete with strategies to foster a happier and more productive team. Get it all sent straight to your inbox!

Today I’m talking about "stretch capacity"—an analogy comparing your ability to handle the stressors and challenges of daily life to the elasticity of rubber bands. Join me as l discuss how everyone has different limits and how these limits are tied to resilience.    Key Points Covered in This Episode:  00:00 Introduction to Stretch Capacity  01:08 The Importance of Resilience  02:50 Impact of Current Events 03:31 Building Resilience Reserves: Three Principles  03:50 Principle 1: Focus on Habits  05:57 Principle 2: Movement  07:36 Principle 3: Practicing Gratitude  11:52 Conclusion and Resources    Call to Action:  If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Share this podcast with friends or colleagues who could benefit from learning about happiness and resilience. For more resources, visit my website https://www.speakmichelle.com/research Follow Me on Social Media:  @SpeakMichelle @bethehappyist

In today’s episode, I’m tackling a pressing issue—why women aren't as happy as men and what we can do about it. In my recent Happiness Research Study I conducted, I uncovered some surprising statistics about the happiness differences between men and women. And in this episode I explore factors contributing to these differences including confidence, career choices, and sense of connection. If you feel your happiness is lacking to that of your male counterparts, this episode is for YOU.   00:00 - Men’s Happiness vs. Women’s 00:23 - Statistical Differences 01:09 - Factors Affecting Happiness 03:51 - The Role of Connection 06:36 - Call to Action   These findings were nothing short of fascinating, and I was thrilled to share more on these insights with Fox 13 The Place earlier this month. Give it a watch and let me know what you think!   And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes. If you found this discussion helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Your support helps me reach more people and spread valuable insights on happiness.   Follow me on social media and join the conversation: Instagram: @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist

In today's episode, I discuss how comparing yourself to others can be a significant hindrance to your happiness and overall well-being. I explore the effects of social comparison, backed by research findings on happiness, and provide practical strategies to reclaim your joy and focus on your own path.   00:00 Introduction to Happiness Research 00:18 Workplace Interactions and Happiness 01:26 Impact of Social Media and Comparison 03:49 Strategies to Reclaim Your Happiness 03:56 Conclusion: Honor Your Path Let's face it - a lot of our happiness is affected by others, or at least perceived to be affected by others. That's what I discovered (and talk about!) in my 2024 State of Happiness research report. It's time we change that and reclaim our happiness.

In today’s episode, I share a personal story that touched me a few years ago about a memorable trip to Disneyland with my dad. He taught me the importance of having a sense of purpose and how it can significantly enhance the satisfaction of life. I share actionable advice to help you create and maintain a sense of purpose in your daily life that will bring you longer lasting joy and happiness.   00:00 - A Disneyland Trip to Remember 02:38 - The Meaning of Life 04:14 - Finding Purpose in Everyday Moments 06:12 - The Crossing Guard with a Difference 08:37 - The Impact of Small Acts 09:14 - Creating Your Own Sense of Purpose Looking for more ways to find happiness? Check out the findings in our groundbreaking happiness and resilience research, and follow along as we share the findings at www.speakmichelle.com/research.

Have you ever encountered someone completely captivated by a newfound hobby? Now, imagine that same devotion, but applied to the pursuit of happiness because that’s where I find myself right now! Eager to share my discoveries with you. My enthusiasm for happiness runs deep, and now, equipped with compelling evidence from my 2024 State of Happiness Study, I am more driven than ever to spread the joy. And that’s precisely what I do in today’s episode!   00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - Personal Background 01:23 - Key Statistics 01:42 - Significance of Happiness 04:10 - Actionable Tips 05:44 - Episode Wrap-up   Feeling inspired to add more happiness to your life? Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more doable tips backed by actual research!  Remember, happiness is contagious; let's spread it far and wide!

Join me today as I explore key communication strategies and insights from the book, 'Exactly What to Say' by Phil Jones in today's MiniCast. I recently attended Phil Jones' "Open Book Mastermind" in New York and was blown away by his insights, particularly his emphasis on focusing on one business at a time to foster growth. Phil's book further impressed me with its practical phrases for effective communication, especially in sales environments. His emphasis on simplicity and clarity in business strategy inspired me to streamline my approach and explore new revenue streams. I've since adopted his techniques in my interactions, witnessing positive shifts in my relationships and business endeavors. In this episode, I encourage you to explore resources to enhance your communication and build meaningful connections in all aspects of life. Buy the book here!   00:00 Introduction 00:14 Phil Jones - The Mastermind 00:45 Building the Right Business 02:06 Brand Building and Communication 02:27 Key Communication Phrases 06:53 Creating Win-Win Situations 07:23 Encouragement to Check Out the Book