Kourting Happiness Podcast artwork

Kourting Happiness Podcast

168 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings

Are you committed to happiness? Are you looking to create a happier workplace? Do you value learning more about how science can help? Well, if you answered yes, this podcast is for you. Dr. Kortni Alston is here to help. She is a Happiness Scholar who understands hardships, building resilience, and well-being at work. Plus, she is a TV Reporter, and News Director turned TEDx speaker, and a Transformational Trainer in positive psychology. Each episode will help you commit to happiness in your personal life and on the job. Dr. Kortni trains journalists, executives, and individuals who are looking for transformative change with evidence-based strategies. Are you thinking about changing your life? Are you focused on meaningful work? Do you want to create a workplace that values well-being? Discover why individuals, companies, and professional organizations turn to Dr. Kortni to increase their levels of happiness, commitment to well-being, and create a positive workplace.

Self-Improvement Education How To happinesspodcast positivepsychology workplacewellbeing compassionatwork happiness positive resilience selfhelp selfimprovement wellbeingatwork
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Episodes

125. Build Better Boundaries in the Workplace and in Your Personal Life

May 04, 2023 04:15 - 35 minutes - 50 MB

Are you a boss with your boundaries? If not, this episode is for you. Dr. Kortni Alston discusses how to tackle it and safeguard your well-being. She shares a Positive Psychology.com article titled -- How to Set Healthy Boundaries and Build Positive Relationships – by Dr. Jo Nash.   It will help you build better boundaries at work and in your personal life. 

124. Dr. Kortni Alston is Back. She Talks about the Importance of Taking a Hiatus.

April 13, 2023 04:15 - 12 minutes - 18.8 MB

Dr. Kortni Alston is back.  She discusses her hiatus. Why she needed to take one, and what she learned about the importance of time off.  Learn how powering down can help you recharge. 

123. Increase the Well-being of Your Team with Strengths-Based Leadership

February 27, 2023 01:22 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MB

Are you a leader that is ready to be a game-changer?  If you are shouting, "yes."   We have an approach that will increase well-being in your workplace.  On top of that, it will improve performance.  Strengths-Based Leadership is transformative.   Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, will help you uncover the superpowers in your team.   

This Week's Episode will be released this Sunday

February 24, 2023 02:02 - 43 seconds - 2.08 MB

This week's episode will be released this Sunday, February 26, 2023

122. Increase Your Well-Being with Our Wall of Gratitude

February 16, 2023 05:15 - 10 minutes - 15 MB

We are counting down to one of our favorite days of the year, and that’s the International Day of Happiness.  It takes place on March 20th. To celebrate, we are counting down with a positive activity to celebrate – and that’s our own digital Wall of Gratitude.  Our host Dr. Kortni Alston discusses the scientific benefits by the leading scholar in gratitude, Dr. Robert Emmons, published in his article by the Greater Good Science Center. Gratitude can help increase well-being.  Learn ho...

121. CNBC Features Happiness Scholar Dr. Kortni Alston's Top Book Picks and Big Bonus Only on Kourting Happiness Podcast

January 30, 2023 01:00 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MB

Are you ready to add books to help you elevate happiness in your library?  If you are shouting, "Yes, I am."  Well, this podcast is for you.   CNBC features our host and happiness scholar, Dr. Kortni Alston's top picks. Check out what they are.  Plus, Dr. Kortni mentions a bonus book only on Kourting Happiness.   

120. How to Develop Your Well-Being Strategy for 2023

January 19, 2023 05:30 - 12 minutes - 16.6 MB

Did you know that 40 percent of your happiness can be determined based on intentional activities?  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, discusses the science and how to develop your well-being strategy to jump-start 2023.  

119. A Key to Finding Happiness in 2023

January 15, 2023 21:53 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MB

Who can you call at 3:00 a.m.?  Not having that person could affect your happiness.   Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, talks about CBS News coverage of A Key to Finding Happiness.  The story focuses on community.   She discusses how you can create belonging and how the world's longest scientific study on happiness can help.  Check out the show notes for this podcast. 

118. New Year, New You: Happiness Crusader and Podcast Host Katie Jefcoat Shares How Intentional Margins Can Help You Find Harmony in Your To-Do List

January 05, 2023 05:15 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MB

Are you ready to achieve all your goals in 2023? If you said, yes, we have the perfect person to take you to the finish line.   Katie Jefcoat is a happiness curator, kindness crusader, speaker, and author.  On top of that, she is the host of Everyday Happiness podcast.   Katie discusses how you can find happiness and harmony between your to-dos and priorities all though Intentional Margins.  Her approach is a 5-part IMPACT Method that will finally help you jump off the hamster wheel of o...

117. Happiness Scholar Dr. Kortni Alston's Top Picks for Last Minute Holiday Gifts and Self-Care Ideas

December 23, 2022 01:07 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MB

We have a few days until Christmas. Are you searching for the perfect gift? If so, there is no judgment. Maybe, you are searching for some self-care goodies of your own. You are in the right place. Happiness Scholar Dr. Kortni Alston shares her top picks to help restore, recharge, and create your retreat. And —- gifts that can bring you joy. Check out Dr. Kortni’s top picks that will help you make your holiday merry and bright.  

116. How to Protect Your Mental Health During this Holiday Season

December 20, 2022 03:49 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MB

It's known as the most wonderful time of the year.   It can also be a stressful one. Our host Dr. Kortni Alston talks about how to make it happier.  She shares tips from National Alliance on Mental illness, also known as NAMI.  You will learn how to protect your mental health during this holiday season…

115. How to Create Healthy Holiday Boundaries

December 11, 2022 18:51 - 24 minutes - 33 MB

Christmas brings the sights and sounds of the holiday season.  However, it can also be stressful.   What can you do to make sure you keep your peace?   Give yourself the gift of boundaries. It's essential for our self-care.   Psychology Today holds some of those answers.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, talks about an article they published by Sharon Martin.  Learn how you can create a harmonious holiday by honoring yourself. 

114. Restful Strategies For Restorative Sleep

December 03, 2022 21:45 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MB

The world isn't getting a good night's rest. According to the Philips Global Sleep Survey, 62 percent of adults say they sleep somewhat/not at all well, with just one in 10 saying they sleep extremely well.   Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, shares an article published in Psychology Today to help restore your slumber.  In addition, she provides bonus tips too.   

113. Giving Thanks and Creating the Ripple Effect of Gratitude

November 25, 2022 23:20 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MB

Thanksgiving weekend means turkey, pumpkin pie, veggies, and lots of leftovers. It also can be served with large portions of gratitude.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, talks about how you can create a ripple effect of giving thanks, that goes beyond the dinner table. 

112. Learn how Mister Rogers and Putting Your Negative Feelings in a Guest House Can Help You

November 19, 2022 16:51 - 13 minutes - 18.6 MB

Do your negative emotions need a vacation?  If you say yes, you can put them into your guest house.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, explains how you can do just that. Learn how with the help of Mister Rogers and a poem that will empower your feelings to pack their bags and leave. 

111. Got Good Stress? Take Time to Take a Break.

November 12, 2022 17:27 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MB

Do you know what good stress is?  According to the American Institute of Stress, “Good Stress” is the type of stress we feel when we are excited.  There isn’t a threat or a fear. They compare it to going on a rollercoaster ride, being up for a promotion, or maybe evening going on a first date.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, talks about how to manage good stress and the importance of taking time.   This episode is truly your greatest permission slip to be human. 

110. How the R.A.I.N Approach Can Help You with Honoring Your Feelings

November 04, 2022 21:58 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MB

Let’s talk about rain. These are not the drops that fall from the atmosphere.  This R.A.I.N. is an acronym that will help you heal.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, shares how it will help you honor your feelings and create your umbrella approach to managing stress. 

109. The Ultimate Well-Being Journal Is Yours For Free with Bonuses

October 28, 2022 01:15 - 13 minutes - 17.9 MB

"Your well-being is your most important job," says our host Dr. Kortni Alston.  She dives into what you can do to create a well-being strategy that works for you.  On top of that, Dr. Kortni is sharing it all in a well-being journal that's yours for free.  Yes, free.   Find out how to grab yours today. 

108. Toxic Workplaces are Bad for Our Mental Health, and U.S. Surgeon General Provides Recommendations to Create Healthier Workplaces

October 21, 2022 01:15 - 25 minutes - 34.5 MB

The United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, tells Americans that toxic workplaces can harm your health.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, shares Dr. Murthy's recommendations on what organizations can do to create healthier workplaces that foster work-life balance, community, and growth. 

107. Breathe Well: The Power of Deep Breathing and Your Well-being

October 13, 2022 21:47 - 13 minutes - 19 MB

It's time to breathe well.  There is so much power in deep breathing. Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, discusses an article published in Positive Psychology that shares how it can combat diseases, increase positive emotions, and help our well-being.  

106. The Science and Power of the Handwritten Note

October 07, 2022 00:48 - 10 minutes - 14.8 MB

It's time to take note.  Not just to notice or give attention.  But the written word.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, talks about the power of a note.  Learn more about the science of the handwritten message and how it can increase your well-being. 

105. Positive Psychology in the Workplace: Thank God it’s Monday

September 30, 2022 17:01 - 22 minutes - 31.2 MB

Thank God It's Friday, also known as TGIF.  It has become the phrase used to discuss that the work week has ended, and it’s time to dive into the weekend.  What about the start of the week?  Yes, TGIM, or better yet, Thank God It's Monday.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, talks about an article published in positive psychology.com that will help make your workplace happier by adopting positive psychology.

104. 7 Tips to Elevate Empathetic Listening that Creates Connection and Fierce Compassion

September 23, 2022 00:09 - 20 minutes - 28.3 MB

Dr. Maya Angelou's quote says it best, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." How can we create spaces that do just that? Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, discusses seven tips on empathetic listening that will help you elevate conversation that make a connection.  She shares best practices created by the Crisis Prevention Institute. 

103. Dr. Kortni is Back from Surgery and says, "Honor Your Feelings."

September 16, 2022 15:41 - 16 minutes - 22.2 MB

Do you honor your feelings?  If you said, "Kinda" or "Not really." Well, this episode is for you.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, is back from surgery.  She is in recovery and discusses the importance of recognizing how you feel.  Dr. Kortni shares an article by Mike Robbins published in Forbes, Be Real About How You Feel.  You will learn how to give yourself permission to be human and the value of compassion when focusing on suffering. 

102. Dr. Kortni's Fiancé, Ken Lemon, Takes Over the Podcast to Discuss Her Surgery and Self-Care Squad

September 08, 2022 22:35 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MB

The Kourting Happiness podcast has been taken over by Dr. Kortni Alston's fiancé Ken Lemon.  He discusses her surgery and the power of her self-care squad.  Learn how life-changing it was to see a collective come together for comfort and connection. 

101. Feeling Overwhelmed? Four Action from Positive Psychology to Jump Start Your Well-Being published in Psychology Today

September 02, 2022 01:19 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MB

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have you ever felt that way? Do you think you have so much on your plate that things are falling off? Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, discusses an article published in Psychology Today that will help you jump-start your well-being strategy fueled by positive psychology. 

100. Celebrate 100 Episodes with a Special Gift Only on Udemy

August 25, 2022 23:23 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MB

Woohoo! It's time to celebrate the 100 episodes of Kourting Happiness.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, shares a special gift for the first 100 listeners that enroll today on Udemy.  She is offering Finding Happiness After Loss with Positive Psychology for free. 

99. CNBC Features Dr. Kortni's Three Best Tips to Thrive at Work

August 18, 2022 23:55 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MB

If you are feeling stressed out on the job.  Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, can help. CNBC Make It featured her three best tips to thrive at work.   Learn how it can serve you.  Plus, she shares a bonus tip to fuel your well-being strategy.   

98. Can Gratitude Reduce Your Stress at Work?

August 11, 2022 04:05 - 17 minutes - 23.8 MB

It appears that gratitude can help us manage stress at work.  Jill Suttie published a story about this topic for the Greater Good Science Center.  Her headline asks the question Can Gratitude Reduce Your Stress at Work? Our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, discusses the article and the new study behind it.  She also provides insight on how to begin developing gratitude in your workplace. 

97. The Benefits of Mindfulness and Being Present in the Moment

August 04, 2022 04:05 - 16 minutes - 23.1 MB

Have you ever heard the saying, “don’t let the future steal your present?”  That statement speaks to the value of mindfulness.  Dr. Kortni Alston talks about Mindfulness and Being Present in the Moment, an article published in Psychology Today by Dr. Elyssa Barbash.   Learn more about how it can help you feel more relaxed, calmer, and happier.   

96. How to Support Employee Wellness and Getting a Workplace Well-being Coach

July 28, 2022 04:05 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MB

The pandemic has taught us that employee well-being is essential.  Positive psychology can help create positive experiences, which can build a positive culture.  According to research, some benefits are increased engagement, performance, and productivity. Dr. Kortni Alston discusses an article published in positive psychology.com that shares how to support employee wellness and the importance of having a workplace well-being coach. 

95. How Storytelling is Good for Your Mental Health

July 21, 2022 20:23 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MB

Did you know that storytelling can be good for your mental health? Dr. Kortni Alston discusses an article published in Very Well Mind, which shares the benefits linking storytelling and mental health.  Learn how it can help you with empathy, active listening, and more.  To celebrate 100 episodes and our second anniversary to Kourting Happiness, we hope you share your story with us: https://www.drkortnialston.training/share-your-story 

94. Four Ways Dancing Can Make You Happier

July 14, 2022 19:35 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MB

Are you ready to move? We are talking about dance moves.  Dr. Kortni Alston discusses an article about the four ways dancing can make you happier published in Greater Good Magazine.  Learn how dancing can help build community and connection. 

93. Ways Managers Can Support Employees’ Mental Health

July 07, 2022 21:58 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MB

Are you a manager thinking about how to best support your team?   Dr. Kortni Alston discusses ways managers can support employees’ mental health. Kelly Greenwood and Natasha Krol share that in 8 Ways managers can do just that, published in the Harvard Business Review. Dr. Kortni talks about it and provides her insight as a trainer on workplace well-being.  Learn more in this episode of the Kourting Happiness podcast.  Check out this episode page right here. 

92. Sounds Good? How Music Therapy Can Help Workplace Well-Being

June 30, 2022 21:15 - 16 minutes - 22.1 MB

It's time to face the music.  Dr. Kortni Alston talks about the scientific article on the Role of Music Therapy in Emotional Regulation and Psychological Stress Relief of Employees in the Workplace.  The study is by researcher Nan Mao.  In this episode of Kourting Happiness, you will learn how music can positively impact your team, from productivity to mood. 

91. How Spreading Positive Gossip Can Help Your Workplace

June 23, 2022 20:41 - 26 minutes - 37 MB

Are you spreading office gossip? Often when we think about gossiping as having a negative connotation.  We have impactful news worth sharing at the water cooler.  Gossip can be positive.  Yes, positive. Dr. Kortni Alston discusses, What is Positive Gossip?, an article written by Kori Miller and published in PositivePsychology.com.  She shares how you can spread it in your workplace and best practices to create a positive ripple effect that will help your team feel seen.  

90. You are enough: How Practicing Self-Compassion Can Remind You

June 16, 2022 21:17 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MB

You are enough. When you hear that statement, how do you feel? If you think that you aren't, this episode is for you.  Dr. Kortni Alston talks about how self-compassion can help silence your inner critic.   

89. Power of Positive Communication and Strategies for the Workplace

June 09, 2022 19:20 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MB

Do you value positive communication at work? If you aren't sure what it looks like, this episode is for you.  Kourting Happiness Podcast Host, Dr. Kortni Alston, provides what it means, traits, and strategies for workplace strategy.   

88. Why Being Passionate About Your Job Isn't Always a Good Thing

June 02, 2022 20:29 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MB

Are you passionate about your job? If your answer is “YES." You may want to listen to this podcast episode on Kourting Happiness, because being passionate may not serve you. Dr. Kortni Alston discusses an article published by the Greater Good Science Center on why being passionate about your job isn't always a good thing. 

87. New Era for Mental Health at Work

May 26, 2022 22:39 - 24 minutes - 33.8 MB

According to the Harvard Business Review, we are in a new era for mental health at work. More employees are leaving their jobs for mental health reasons based on unsustainable and overwhelm in the workplace. Dr. Kortni Alston talks about the article and how to talking about mental health at work works. 

86. What's Quiet Quitting and Can Quitting Make You Happy?

May 19, 2022 04:15 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MB

We have heard a lot about the great resignation, but there might be another trend to talk about. Have heard of quiet quitting? Learn what it means on Kourting Happiness.  Before you start searching for your next job, Dr. Kortni Alston discusses if quitting can make you happier at work?  She shares the advice of two happiness researchers on how to process, plan, and visualize your new opportunity.  

85. It's Time To Take A Break: Learn How Work Breaks Can Help You

May 12, 2022 17:30 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MB

Let’s take a break.  On the Kourting Happiness podcast, we are going to do just that.  Dr. Kortni Alston tells us how breaks are good for us. She also shares best practices by author Meg Selig that can help improve your well-being, productivity, and creativity.  

84. Mental Health Awareness Month and Death of Country Singer Naomi Judd

May 05, 2022 01:17 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MB

The death of country music singer Naomi Judd shines a light on mental health.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States.  Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Dr. Kortni Alston shares NAMI's message focused on signs and where to get help worldwide.  Contact the NAMI HelpLine to find out what services and suppor...

83. The Life of Julia Child Will Inspire You to Live Your Own Timeline

April 28, 2022 03:01 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MB

We are cooking up an episode that will transform your life.  Dr. Kortni Alston dishes about the life of Julia Child.   She will inspire you to live your own timeline.  Julia published her first cookbook when she was 49 years old.  In 1966, she was awarded an Emmy for her work in Educational Television. She was 54 years old. Dr. Kortni talks about her favorite HBO Max limited series, which showcases the American-born chef, her love of cooking, and the recipe for Julia's love story with ...

82. How to Create Healthy Boundaries at Work and Avoid Burnout

April 21, 2022 04:15 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Do you often ignore your well-being at work?  If you are raising your hand and shouting, "Yes," this episode is for you.   Happiness Scholar and Host, Dr. Kortni Alston, shares her greatest confession about her workplace well-being slip-ups.  She talks about how it is a process and it is okay to be a work-in-progress.  Learn how to create healthy boundaries at work to avoid burnout.   As Dr. Kortni says, "Your well-being is your most important job." 

81. How to Ask Whether an Employee is Happy at Work

April 14, 2022 18:05 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MB

Have you ever thought about this -- how to ask whether an employee is happy at work.  Dr. Kortni Alston discusses the Harvard Business Review article written by Employee Appreciation expert Christopher Littlefield.  So, how do you ask an employee if they’re happy at work? Learn how to have the stay conversation and the lasting positive impression it made when Dr. Kortni's manager had it with her when she worked as a television reporter.   

80. Your Greatest Permission Slip: Find Out How to Honor What’s Good for You

April 07, 2022 04:42 - 19 minutes - 27 MB

Are you ready for your greatest permission slip?  Dr. Kortni Alston talks about how self-compassion and gratitude have improved her well-being.  Learn how it can help you.   Get ready to strengthen boundaries, take a break, and power up your well-being strategy.   

79. How To Be A Mindful Listener that Unlocks Empathetic Conversations that Helps Individuals Feel Seen, Safe, and Supported

March 31, 2022 18:45 - 18 minutes - 26 MB

Spending time with family and friends helps increase positive emotions, which is key to happiness.  Listening can help unlock good and empathetic conversations that improve our well-being.  Dr. Kortni Alston talks about six tips to help become an active listener. 

78. How to Support and Grow Kourting Happiness

March 24, 2022 04:15 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MB

The Kourting Happiness podcast needs your support. We are calling it our Take-Two campaign. It’s all about sharing and shopping to support the Kourting Happiness podcast.  Dr. Kortni Alston talks about how you can share the podcast. Plus, she discusses how shopping at the merchandise store helps grow the mission of Kourting Happiness.   Learn more by visiting the official Kourting Happiness merchandise store. 

77. How to Create a Self-Care Squad that Elevates Your Well-Being with Executives Jeanette Jordan and Rachel Mann

March 17, 2022 04:15 - 1 hour - 114 MB

Let’s talk about creating your own Self-Care Squad.  Positive relationships are central to our well-being.  In positive psychology, our connections with others help our well-being and significant ties to our happiness.  You can also see these findings in one of the founders of positive psychology, Dr. Martin Seligman’s well-being theory.  One positive intervention that our host, Dr. Kortni Alston, recommends during her training sessions is creating a Self-Care Squad. In this episode, you...