The Hit of Happiness Podcast

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Heart Coach Courtney Dorne to discuss all things love. In a world where love can feel elusive, or we often settle rather than putting in the work to find our person, Courtney helps people call in their soul mate. In this episode, we talk about self-love, love languages, and so much more. If you're into love (and who isn't) this one is for you! Check out Courtney on Instagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Justin Weidenfeld, an entrepreneur, financial planner, marathoner, podcaster, philanthropist, thought leader, and so much more. After losing his father unexpectedly in college, Justin has made it his mission to help people with their financial planning so they don't have to go through the complications that he went through, so they can spend more time doing what they love with the people they love. This episode will help you think about money, purpose and grief in a completely new way. After listening, make sure to check out Justin's own podcast, The Currency of Grief!

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Brett Conti, a world-renowned YouTuber and entrepreneur living in New York City. Brett is someone who grabs life by the horns and shares it with the world through his content documenting his travels, his experiences in building a business, life in NYC, endurance feats, and so much more! Brett brings a unique perspective to everything he does and provides tons of insights on the mindset that went behind going from a finance employee to a full-time entrepreneur doing what he loves and being himself all the time. This episode will motivate you to reconsider what's possible in your own short journey in life and make it count!  

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Michael O'Brien, a certified executive coach, speaker, and author with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Michael is the founder of Pause Breathe Reflect, where he helps individuals and organizations expand their awareness, sharpen their focus, and approach life with equanimity. Michael draws on his personal story of overcoming a near-fatal cycling accident and shifting his perspective to fuel his recovery and create a better tomorrow. Michael's story will motivate you to reconsider what is important in life and take action to make your life count!   Pause Breath ReflectLinkedIn

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Peter Post, a Social Entrepreneur who believes that the world will be a better place if Sustainable Happiness is the primary objective of leaders, organizations and nations. After diving into social entrepreneurship, Peter shares tools and frameworks to build high performing teams and leaders, transform organizations, and governments. Beyond that, this is a fun episode where Peter and Brian dive into some of the bigger questions of life and think through how we can create a World of Happiness. Peter has a book coming on happiness coming out in 2025. If you are interested in making a difference in the world, this is a great episode for you! LinkedIn

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Orenda Fink, an American singer, musician, and writer renowned for her work in the indie rock and dream pop genres. Best known as one half of the duo Azure Ray, Fink has also been a member of bands such as Art in Manila, O+S, Closeness, and High Up. Beyond her musical endeavors, Fink has ventured into writing; in August 2024, she released her memoir, "The Witch's Daughter: My Mother, Her Magic, and the Madness That Bound Us," which delves into her tumultuous childhood and complex relationship with her mother. In this episode, we talk about the book, shadow work, triggers, the matrix, spirituality, and so much more! If you want like deeper conversations, this is the one for you. Orenda FinkThe Witch's Daughter (Orenda's Book)

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down Eric Barr and Brian Barr, two brothers and the founders of Feeling Swell, a surf and support community that harnesses the power of the ocean and the strength of inclusivity to promote mental well-being. Hear the stories of how these two founders turned a desire to help those with mental health struggles into a brand and a movement that is raising money for mental health through inspiring merchandise. With their slogan, "we're all out there," Feeling Swell is a reminder that we are all going through our own journey. Give is a listen and support the movement by buying some gear or checking out their store in Venice, CA! Feeling SwellInstagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Cecilia Tse and Dr. Thaya Vayali, the founders of naturopathic supplement company Hey Freya. Hey Freya is innovating women's health solutions in an evidence-based way to empower women to be their best. In this pod, we talk about entrepreneurship and the rollercoaster that comes with it, we talk about being a founder and a parent, we talk about biohacking, we talk about the movement behind the business, and so much more. Get ready to be inspired by these amazing founders! Hey Freya (Use code happiness25 for 25% off)Cecilia TseDr. Thara VayaliInstagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Strategic Intervention Life Coach, philosopher, and founder of the Zeus with Bruce podcast, Bruce Da Silva. Trained in Neurolinguistic programming, Bruce is wealth of knowledge when it comes to all thing's philosophy, sociology, psychology, culture, and mindset. At his core, Bruce is all about helping people embrace wisdom and reject ignorance, and this episode is filled with timeless wisdom that you can apply to your life today.  Zeus with BruceLinkedInInstagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with the CEO of Your Financial Therapist Erika Wasserman. Transforming lives through financial empowerment, Erika combines her education in finance and international economics with her passion for helping others to empower individuals, couples, and companies to reshape the way they think about money. She also a keynote speaker, a traveler, a coach, a mother, a fellow Florida gator (go gators), and so much more. If you're ready to have an honest conversation with yourself about finances, this is the pod for you! LinkedInYour Financial TherapistLet's Talk Finances Card Game

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with his long time Life and Leadership Coach Jason Bomberger. Brian has been working with Jay for over five years, and this episode gives you a taste of what it's like to work with a coach, including some live coaching during the episode. Beyond being a leadership coach with PwC, Jay is a father, a music aficionado, an ultramarathoner, a deep thinker, a spiritual gangster, and a dear friend. In this episode we dive into all things coaching, trajectory thinking, spirituality, life transitions, and the meaning of life!  If you've ever considered hiring a coach, give this episode a listen to learn how transformational the experience has been for Brian and how transformational it can be for you as well!  Jay's LinkedInReach out to Brian@hitofhappiness.com if you are interested in learning more about coaching. 

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, Dr. Michael Norton. Norton's research on topics ranging from the hazards of humble bragging to the rewards of matchmaking and volunteering has been published in top academic journals such as the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Forbes, and the New York Times. He co-authored Happy Money with Elizabeth Dunn. With the launch of his new book, The Ritual Effect, Norton offers practical ways to use rituals to enhance performance, foster preparedness, ease challenging situations, and enrichen our lives. In this podcast, we differentiate habits from rituals and discuss how athletes use rituals, how rituals can impact the workplace, and how rituals can impact relationships. Make sure to check out Norton's new book The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions and learn how rituals can dramatically impact your life! Michael Norton WebsiteRituals QuizBookTed Talk: How to Buy Happiness

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with coach, educator, and speaker Jordana Confino for a high-energy conversation on high achievers and perfectionism. After completing her JD from Yale and starting her career in law, Jordana worked herself to the bone before realizing she needed a shift. Jordana transformed her life by leveraging the science of positive psychology and human motivation theory, and she is passionate about helping others do the same. Jordana is also an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School, where she teaches a course on Positive Lawyering, which educates students on how they can harness the insights and science-backed strategies of positive psychology to reach their highest potential and build meaningful, satisfying careers in law. Tune in to learn all about perfectionism and self-compassion, and then make sure to check out Jordana's content and reach out if you have any questions.  WebsiteBlogLinkedInValues Discovery GuideSelf-Compassion GuideInstagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with the authors of Good Work, Grit and Gratitude Laura Koffsky and Adrian Dubow for a fun and meaningful conversation. Laura and Adrian have over 50 years of combined experience in the non-profit sector and are the founders of non-profit consultancy Good Work Miami. When Covid-19 hit, inspired by their experiences in the non-profit space, Laura and Adrian jumped into action to make a difference. Their actions inspired a book about the shared collective experience we all had during the uncertain times from 2020-2023. Give the pod a listen and then make sure to go to Amazon or your local bookstore to purchase the book!  Book-Good Work, Grit and GratitudeGood Work Miami

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with AI Philosopher and Ethicist Chad Woodford. Chad has over 25 years of combined experience in software engineering, law, product management, and AI research and has collaborated with leading tech companies such as Twitter, Google, and Facebook to address the future of Artificial Intelligence. On this podcast, Chad helps us understand some of the ethical and philosophical implications of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in our lives. We then dive deep into the consciousness of AI. Check out the podcast so you can ground yourself in the truth about how AI will impact our lives going forward.   Chad WoodfordCosmic WitInstagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Washington Post columnist, Pultzer Prize finalist, and winner of the Associated Press Red Smith Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports Journalism, Sally Jenkins! With the launch of her new book, The Right Call, Sally debunks how elite athletes and star coaches bring their “A game” consistently and in the big moment, not just once or twice, but day after day. She talks about the qualities that allow them to overcome pressure, elevate their performance, and achieve mastery. And most importantly, she talks about how all of us can harness these same qualities to become champions in our everyday lives. Check out Sally's new book THE RIGHT CALL: What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life and elevate your life to that of the top athletes in the world!   Buy The Right CallSally Jenkins

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with past PwC partner, TedX Speaker, Hit of Happiness business partner and happiness enthusiast Jürgen Müller. After spending years letting the hamster wheel get the best of him, Jürgen turned his life around to be a voice of reason for wellness in the corporate world. Leading with love and compassion, Jürgen aims to help individuals, teams and organizations realize that professional success and happiness are not mutually exclusive. Tune in to hear Jurgen's story and his view on the path to happiness in the workplace. LinkedInAfter listening, if you are inspired to learn how Hit of Happiness corporate consulting can support your workplace, reach out to brian@hitofhappiness.com

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with the world's leading expert on Fun, author of The Fun Habit, and Chief Digital Officer of Active Wellness, Michael Rucker! Here we talk about how Fun is a lost art in today's society, the various types of fun, and why it may make more sense to chase fun than happiness in pursuit of a satisfying and meaningful life. Check out Michael's new book "the Fun Habit" on how the disciplined pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life!  The Fun HabitMichael RuckerLinkedInInstagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Campowerment CEO Chelsea Leader Gold. Campowerment is an expert led woman's community, powered by play, to help women learn and grow together. With more than a decade of experience brand-building through the lens of human connection and collective impact, Chelsea is in the process of co-founding a second brand: Grand Exit, conversation-starting conversations on living, dying and living on. Tune in for an energizing conversation covering topics including community, life, death and everything in between! Grand ExitCampowermentInstagramLinkedIn

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with Trauma Informed Coach Adele Van Der Lecq to talk about what trauma is, how it impacts our lives, how to identify our triggers, and what we can do to work through it. With over a decade of coaching experience, Adele is convinced that emotional trauma is at the root of most human suffering. Adele helps her clients release their unwanted patterns and take steps towards the life and relationships they desire. Beyond this, Adele is a certified health and wellness coach and a breathwork facilitator. Regardless of what your past holds, Adele is here to lovingly support you on your healing journey. Give this pod a listen and then check out her website and set up a call if you want to learn more about her 12-week trauma-healing program!     Adele's WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with UCLA Professor and expert of all things related to time and happiness, Cassie Holmes. Cassie's academic research on the role of time in cultivating well-being has been published in leading academic journals, including Psychological Science, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and the Journal of Consumer Research. Most recently, Cassie published her new book, Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most, which is based on her wildly popular MBA course, “Applying the Science of Happiness to Life Design.” Her book has already been featured in reputable news outlets across the country (see below). Give this pod a listen then make sure to order her book so you can learn how to add more happiness into your hours!     Happier Hour on Amazon Wall Street Journal ReviewCBS Mornings FeatureFortune ExcerptLinkedIn

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with internationally recognized entrepreneur, educator, and master gardener Will Rosenzweig. Will has dedicated his life to building sustainable startups and mentoring mission-driven entrepreneurs around the world. One of his early startups included Republic of Tea, where will was the founding CEO. Now a professor at UC Berkley in Social Entrepreneurship and Food Systems Education, will empowers students to become ethical leaders, systems thinkers, and enlightened eaters. Tune in to learn more about Will's impressive and wholesome journey and his most recent initiative as the Co-Founder and Chair of Plant Futures, a non-profit dedicated to empowering future leaders who will transform our food systems through the power of plants. Plant Futures InitiativeEdible Education 101Idea GardenLinkedInInstagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with the world's premier digital habits coach and founder of the Brick community Tommy Sobel.  Tommy founded Brick to help people reclaim 20-40 productive hours each week by improving their relationship with screens. This was inspired by his excessive relationship with his phone while working in the entertainment industry. He now uses his background in neuroscience and behavior reconditioning to help his community live more of their life in a flow state and away from their screens. Tune in to learn more about Tommy's journey and advice on how you can save productive hours every week.BrickGuided Meditation by Tommy for Problem SolvingTop 5 Phone Smart Habits GuideLinkedInInstagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with artist, healer, experience facilitator, podcaster, producer, survivor and Love Extremist Ethan Lipsitz. Ethan is the founder of the Love Extremist community, a community committed to healing themselves, their relationships, their communities and the planet through embodied art, conscious conversation, honest, accountable conflict resolution and personal storytelling. After being diagnosed with stage III brain cancer at a young age, Ethan reprioritized his life to start living out his perfects days and leading with love. Tune in to learn more about Ethan's journey and get ready to feel the love! love extremist WebsiteEthan Lipsitz Artist websiteLove Extremist Instagram

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with blogger, published author, coach, trailblazer, podcaster and inspirational speaker Paul Millerd. Paul is the founder of the website and blog Think Boundless, where he creates content about imagining a new story for navigating the challenges of life, especially in a professional setting. He inspires a community of thousands of people to join the conversation on how we relate to work in a world still relying on outdated scripts.  After spending many years on the default path, Paul created his own Pathless Path where he lives life by his own rules and does what makes him happy. Most recently he published his book, The Pathless Path, all about his journey of coming alive. Tune in to learn more about Paul's journey and get ready to challenge the way you look at your relationship with work.  Check out Paul's website Think BoundlessBuy Paul's book The Pathless Path (you won't regret it!)Follow Paul on Twitter here

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with DJ, surfer, traveler, serial entrepreneur and group facilitator Sean Galla. Sean is the founder of MensGroup.com, a self-improvement community for men. With a mission to create community and conversations where guys can share what's really happening in their lives, Sean brings together men from all different backgrounds to connect and raise each other up. Tune in to learn about Sean's journey which led him to conclude that life is an inside job! Check out Mensgroup.com

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with triathlon coach, holistic health guru, entrepreneur and athlete Erinne Guthrie. Erinne is the founder of Full Circle Coaching in Miami and has dedicated her life to helping athletes push their limits and achieve their wildest dreams. Tune in to learn about her holistic approach to sport and to tap into your inner-athlete! Check out Full Circle CoachingFollow Full Circle Coaching on InstagramUltimate Tri Camp (March 22-27, 2022)* *Use Code HoH500 for $500 off

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with actress, writer, storyteller and creative scientist Nina Rubesa. Nina merges entertainment with self development in hopes of transforming her audience into the people they're meant to become. Most recently, Nina released her new mini-series I'm Not Mad. Listen to this pod today to learn how you can unleash your creative genius!Follow Nina on InstagramCheck out Nina's Mini-Series (more episodes coming soon!)Find all of Nina's creative projects here

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with real estate broker, family man, world traveler and athlete Anthony Askowitz. Anthony has spent his whole life working hard to build the life of his dreams while inspiring those around him to do the same. Don't wait until tomorrow, listen to this pod today! Follow Anthony on InstagramConnect with Anthony on LinkedInAsk Askowitz

On this episode of the pod, Brian is rejoined by life long friend and fellow triathlete Andrew Koffsky. Brian and Andrew recap their Ironman in Lake Placid and discuss the major takeaways from both the training and the race that are applicable to all aspects of life. Get ready to be inspired! 

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with the newest member of our HoH team Lexy Donaldson. Lexy opens up about her eating disorder and talks through the decisions she made to overcome her fear of food and get back to living a fulfilling and happy life. 

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with the founder and executive director of the JCK Foundation John Tessitore. John openly speaks about his battles with OCD in order to help give hope to others fighting their own battle and let them know that they are not alone. The JCK Foundation raises money to support mental health awareness and resilience amongst today's youth. Connect with John on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tessitore-13a03242/Follow the JCK Foundation on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jckfoundation/Learn more about the JCK Foundation:https://jckfoundation.org/10% of all purchases on the Hit of Happiness Store will be donated to the JCK Foundation

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with comedian, author, speaker, corporate culture cultivator and college football enthusiast, John Garrett. John is passionate about changing corporate culture by helping teams break down barriers, foster unity and strengthen bonds. Get ready to be inspired and laugh at the same time! Connect with John on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohngarrett/Listen to his What's Your "And?" Podcast:https://thejohngarrett.com/podcast/Buy his book:https://thejohngarrett.com/whats-your-and-book/

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with advisor, author, father and athlete Ed Marx. Ed is passionate about accelerating digital transformation across healthcare, currently serving as the Chief Digital Officer of Tech Mahindra Health and Life Sciences. In his free time, he competes in Duathlons for Team USA,  dances, travels, and volunteers. He may or may not be the most interesting man in the world. Tune in to learn more!Connect with Ed on LinkedIn to follow his blog:https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardmarx/Listen to his DGTL Voices podcast:https://dgtlvoices.podbean.com/Buy his books on Amazon:Extraordinary Tales from a Rather Ordinary GuyHealthcare Digital Transformation

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with attorney, certified mediator, business owner, consultant and coach Elise Scheck. Most recently, she added the title author with her new book MORE. Tune to to learn about her book and how you can get MORE out of life. Buy her book on amazon below:https://www.amazon.com/More-Get-Life-Less-Complication/dp/1922497460 

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with professional dietician and chef Sami Blumenthal. Sami is currently building a community where she uses cooking as a way to help reconnect with themselves and others. Tune in to learn more! 

On this episode of the pod, Brian sits down with endurance athlete Andrew Koffsky. Andrew is currently training for the Lake Placid Ironman and is welcoming the uphill battle he is about to face. Tune in to learn more!