The Happier Life Project

Tech-Life Balance: Reclaim Your Wellbeing in a Digitally Distracted World with Dr. Anastasia Dedyukhina

In today’s hyperconnected world, we’re constantly scrolling, checking notifications, and juggling multiple digital distractions. But what is the true cost to our mental health and overall wellbeing?
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson is joined by Dr. Anastasia Dedyukhina, a leading global expert in digital wellbeing, two-time TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of Homo Distractus. Once a senior executive in the tech industry, Dr. Dedyukhina made a bold decision: she gave up her smartphone for 1.5 years. The result? A profound transformation in her focus, productivity, and overall quality of life.That experience led her to found Consciously Digital, a global network of over 150 digital wellbeing coaches and the first-ever ICF- and NBHWC-certified digital wellbeing program. Through her work, she’s helping people everywhere take control of their relationship with technology.
In this enlightening conversation, Gabby and Dr. Anastasia Dedyukhina delve into the profound ways technology is reshaping our behavior and mental health. They explore the hidden impacts of tech addiction and screen overwhelm, offering insights into how we can set healthier boundaries without disconnecting entirely. They also touch on how women, in particular, can be more vulnerable to the emotional toll of technology, from the pressures of curated online lives to the anxiety-fueled habit of doomscrolling that disrupts sleep, focus, and overall wellbeing. In addition, Dr. Anastasia unpacks what digital wellness truly means and shares practical, everyday tips for managing technology mindfully in our fast-paced, always-on world.
For anyone feeling the weight of constant connectivity, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how to reclaim focus, balance, and wellbeing without completely unplugging from the digital world.
To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcastTo follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleselfDr. Anastasia Dedyukhina’s website: https://www.anastasiadedyukhina.com/Consciously Digital website: https://www.consciously-digital.com/To purchase Dr. Anastasia’s ‘Homo Distractus’ book: https://www.consciously-digital.com/book

Get Stuff Done Without the Stress: A Stress Awareness Month Crossover Special with Risa Williams

In honour of Stress Awareness Month, The Happier Life Project joins forces with The Motivation Mindset podcast for a special crossover episode—bringing together two powerful platforms to explore practical ways to manage stress, boost mental well-being, and reclaim your calm.
Risa Williams, psychotherapist, time management coach, author, and host of the award-winning productivity podcast The Motivation Mindset, joins us to mark Stress Awareness Month 2025 and this year’s theme, #LeadWithLove, by diving into her empowering latest book, 'Get Stuff Done Without the Stress'.
In this episode, host Gabby shares some of her favourite tools from the book, while Risa explains the psychology behind why they work so well. Risa also offers strategies for shifting away from hustle culture, toxic productivity, and harsh self-talk, guiding us toward approaching our goals with kindness, calm, and clarity.We explore what it really means to lead with love in our productivity habits, how we can manage time, tame stress, and boost motivation using practical, compassionate tools, and why rest, play, and self-compassion are not luxuries—they’re essential ingredients in actually getting things done.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list, burned out by pressure, or stuck in a cycle of procrastination, this episode is for you. Risa shares science-backed, self-compassion-fueled strategies to help you reclaim your time, protect your mental energy, and get things done—without sacrificing your peace of mind.
To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcastTo follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleselfTo follow Risa Williams on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risawilliamstherapy/Risa Williams website: www.risawilliams.comTo purchase Risa’s book Get Stuff Done Without The Stress: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Stuff-Done-Without-Stress/dp/1684816874/ And check out The Motivation Mindset podcast in all the usual podcast places. 

Stress Awareness Month: Expert Guidance on Managing Life’s Pressures with Dr Bernadette Dancy

Stress is a natural part of life — bills, work, relationships, health, and everything in between. A little pressure can actually be a good thing, helping us rise to challenges, stay motivated, and grow. But when it starts to feel constant, overwhelming, or like it's running the show? That’s when stress becomes a real threat to our mental and physical health.
April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to pause, reflect, and find better ways to cope. This year’s theme, #LeadWithLove, encourages us to treat ourselves and others with compassion, even in the most trying moments. So, in honour of that, we're sharing a fantastic stress themed episode from The Happier Life Project archives.
In this Ask the Expert special, we put your stress-related questions — sent in via email and social media — to Dr Bernadette Dancy, a stress management specialist, coach, and corporate speaker. With years of experience helping people navigate stress and burnout, Dr Bernadette shares practical mindset shifts and lifestyle tools that dig deeper than the usual “just take a bath” advice.
Stress can manifest and present in all kinds of ways, which your questions really demonstrate — from stress eating, to burnout at work, a stressed-out partner, to fertility issues… we’ve got you covered.Whether you're feeling a little frazzled or on the edge of burnout, this episode is packed with empowering guidance to help you take back control and lead a calmer, more balanced life. You're not alone — and you don’t have to just “deal with it.” Let’s dive back in.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcastTo follow My Possible Self on Instagram: @mypossibleselfFor all things Dr Bernadette Dancy: https://www.bernadettedancy.co.uk/To follow Dr Bernadette on Instagram: @bernadettedancy_stresscoach/To learn more about Stress Ed: https://stress-ed.co.uk/To take the Stress Ed test: https://stress-ed.scoreapp.com/

Train Your Brain: Mastering Visualisation & Mental Fitness with Maya Raichoora

The Happier Life Project is your go-to podcast for exploring ideas that help you feel good and live better. In this episode, host Gabby Sanderson dives into the transformative world of visualisation and mental fitness, which are powerful tools for building resilience, focus, and emotional strength when faced with life’s challenges and striving toward your goals and dreams.
Joining Gabby is Maya Raichoora, a trailblazing expert in mental fitness and visualisation. Maya, founder and CEO of Remap Mental Fitness and Nike’s first-ever mental fitness and visualisation trainer, brings a wealth of experience, having worked with top athletes, business leaders, and major brands like Amex, LEGO, and PWC. She shares insights from her own inspiring journey and her new book, 'Visualise: Think, Feel, Perform Like the Top 1%'.
In this episode, you’ll discover Maya’s five key areas of mental fitness and the crucial differences between visualisation and manifestation. She explains why elite athletes and business leaders rely on visualisation and how you can get started to experience its benefits. Maya also shares how visualisation builds resilience during tough times, can help with confidence and self esteem and introduces the powerful ‘Predator Mindset’ technique to help you take control of your future. 
Additionally, Maya breaks down the five types of visualisation from her book, which is full of practical tips and exercises to strengthen your mindset, overcome setbacks, help your body heal, and unlock your full potential. Tune in for a compelling conversation with actionable insights and proven strategies to harness the power of your mind, elevate your performance, and create lasting positive change in your life.
To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcastTo follow Maya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maya.mental.fitness/For all things Maya: https://mayaraichoora.com/To order Maya’s book ‘Visualise’: https://mayaraichoora.com/visualise

From Pregnancy to Parenthood: Overcoming Maternal Mental Health Challenges with Chlo Hodgkinson

Becoming a parent is often described as one of the most life-changing experiences, filled with love, excitement, and a whole new level of responsibility. But alongside the joy, many new mums experience emotional highs and lows, sometimes more intense than expected. It’s completely natural to feel a mix of emotions, but for some, those low moments don’t just come and go; they linger and deepen. Postnatal depression (PND) can develop anytime within the first year after birth, often appearing in those early months.
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, released just in time for Mother’s Day in the UK, we welcome back My Possible Self contributor Chlo Hodgkinson — a personal trainer, women's diet, fitness, and hormones coach, and founder of Chlo & Co Media, a social media company dedicated to the fitness and wellness space.
Chlo shares her remarkable journey from pregnancy to parenthood, reflecting on everything from coming to terms with the big news and preparing for a smooth labour, to navigating the emotional challenges of caring for a newborn. She also discusses her experience with postnatal depression, which emerged at the five-month mark and, according to the NHS, affects over 1 in 10 women, sharing how she gradually reclaimed her well-being. Chlo candidly addresses the pervasive mum guilt she continually struggled with, the societal pressure to ‘bounce back’ after giving birth, and how she protected herself from the overwhelming social media content directed at new mums.
With host Gabby, Chlo also talks about how she found balance between her thriving career and the demands of motherhood, offering listeners an inspiring message of resilience and self-compassion. Through her honest account, we aim to provide understanding, support, and solidarity for mums everywhere.
Whether you're a new parent navigating similar challenges or supporting someone through their postpartum journey, tune in for heartfelt insights, practical advice, and the reassurance that it’s okay to ask for help. Don’t miss this empowering and compassionate episode of The Happier Life Project.
 
To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself
To follow Chlo Hodgkinson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chlohodgkinson/

Preserving Fertility: My Egg Freezing Journey & What I Learned Along the Way with Gabby Sanderson

In this special episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson switches roles to become the guest, sharing her personal two-year journey of egg freezing. Interviewed by fellow My Possible Self contributor Chlo Hodgkinson—a personal trainer, women's diet, fitness, and hormones coach and business owner—Gabby opens up about the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the process.
From making the decision to freeze her eggs to navigating hormone treatments, egg retrieval, and recovery, Gabby breaks down every step. She shares why she was so sure this was the right choice for her, why selecting the right clinic is crucial, and what she wishes she had known beforehand.
Gabby is a highly experienced radio and podcast presenter, producer, and journalist, working for leading audio channels in the UK, USA, and Europe. She has been hosting My Possible Self’s podcast since its conception three and a half years ago, bringing insightful and meaningful conversations about mental health and wellness, to listeners worldwide.
Egg freezing is an increasingly popular option for those looking to preserve their fertility, but it’s not always talked about openly. This episode sheds light on the realities of the process, helping to demystify the experience and provide support for those considering it.
If you're curious about fertility preservation, considering egg freezing yourself, or simply want an honest conversation about reproductive choices, this episode is for you. Tune in for insights, advice, and an empowering discussion on taking control of your fertility future.
To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself
To follow Gabby Sanderson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiogabby/
To follow Chlo Hodgkinson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chlohodgkinson/

The Anxiety Prescription: Healing from Chronic Anxiety & Alarm with Dr. Russell Kennedy

Anxiety. It’s something we all experience at one point or another, but for some, it’s a constant companion, a heavy weight that can feel impossible to shake off. For many, anxiety becomes a familiar pattern of worrying thoughts, tightness in the chest, and an overwhelming sense of dread that lingers in the background of daily life. But what if everything we’ve been told about anxiety is only scratching the surface?
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we explore a radically different approach to anxiety with Dr. Russell Kennedy, a physician, neuroscience expert, somatic intuitive, certified yoga instructor, meditation teacher, and professional stand-up comedian. Dr. Kennedy has spent decades grappling with chronic anxiety, and his own journey to understand and heal it led him to develop a groundbreaking method for treatment. He shares his insights in his Amazon #1 bestselling book, The Anxiety Prescription (or Anxiety Rx for our U.S. and Canadian listeners).
Dr. Kennedy’s approach challenges the traditional understanding of anxiety, proposing that it’s not just a mental health condition, but an “alarm stuck in the body.” This shift in perspective has transformed how he heals himself and his patients.
In this conversation, Dr. Kennedy explains how anxiety is often rooted in childhood trauma and presents that all anxiety is, at its core, separation anxiety. He introduces the concept of the "alarm-anxiety cycle," describing how it keeps us trapped in a never-ending loop of stress and panic.But here’s the potential game-changer: Dr. Kennedy emphasizes that healing isn’t about changing your thoughts—it's about changing how you feel in your body. He shares his powerful philosophy, “When you get anxious, look into your body,” and walks us through how somatic work—body-focused practices—can help us quiet the alarm and break free from the cycle of chronic anxiety.
Throughout the episode, Gabby Sanderson and Dr. Russell Kennedy dive into the profound link between anxiety and addiction, exploring how anxiety often fuels harmful coping or masking mechanisms. They also discuss how to make peace with the alarm in your body, even when the person or people responsible for it aren’t around, or are not capable to talk things through.
Packed with practical advice, deep insights, and transformative tools, this episode will empower anyone struggling with anxiety, burnout, or addiction. If you’ve ever felt like anxiety is controlling your life rather than the other way around, Dr. Kennedy’s approach could shift your perspective and give you the clarity and tools to heal.
To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcastTo follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleselfTo follow Dr. Russell Kennedy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanxietymd/Dr. Russell’s website: www.theanxietymd.comLanding page with links to Dr Russell’s book, MBRX program, and podcast: www.theanxietymd.com/linkinbioThe rest of Dr. Russell’s Social Media Handles:X @THEanxietyMDYouTube @DrRussellKennedyTHEANXIETYMDTikTok @theanxietymdFacebook: Russell Kennedy (The Anxiety MD)

More Than a Bad Habit: Solutions for Skin Picking, Hair Pulling & other BFRBs with Nathan Peterson

Do you struggle with skin picking, hair pulling, nail biting, or other repetitive behaviors you just can’t seem to stop? These actions, known as Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), go far beyond “bad habits” and can have deep emotional and psychological roots. But what causes them? And more importantly, how can they be managed?
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, licensed therapist and BFRBs specialist Nathan Peterson joins us to explore the complexities of these compulsive behaviors. With years of experience working in mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, and his private practice in Texas, Nathan has dedicated his career to helping people navigate OCD, anxiety, tics, Tourette’s, and BFRBs. He also runs a popular OCD and anxiety YouTube channel, providing education and hope to millions.
BFRBs often serve as coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, boredom, or perfectionism, but they can also occur without conscious awareness. These repetitive self-grooming behaviors impact daily life and can be physically harmful, leading to hair loss, skin infections, and scarring. The emotional consequences range from shame and self-consciousness to anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder.
In this episode, we explore what makes a BFRB problematic. Is it a symptom of something deeper, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or OCD, or rather an isolated issue? Are BFRBs hereditary—can the repetitive compulsion be passed down? We also examine the connection between skin picking and perfectionism, along with the deeper psychological and emotional factors that drive these behaviors. Plus, we take a closer look at the role of compulsions and frustration in maintaining BFRBs, how can they be treated, or perhaps even accepted, and practical strategies for managing and resisting the urge to pick, pull, bite, or chew.
If you're seeking answers and support, this episode is packed with insights to help you take control of your BFRB or support someone you know who struggles with this condition.
To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself
To follow Nate on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdandanxietyonline
Nate’s self-directed course for hair-pulling/skin-picking:  www.ocd-anxiety.com
Nate’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ocdandanxiety
 
The most common Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) include:
Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) – Compulsively pulling out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas of the body.Dermatillomania (Skin-Picking Disorder/Excoriation Disorder) – Repeatedly picking at the skin, often leading to wounds, scarring, or infections.Onychophagia (Chronic Nail Biting) – Habitual nail biting that can cause damage to the nails and surrounding skin.Lip Biting (Lip Chewing Disorder) – Biting or chewing on the lips, sometimes to the point of causing sores or bleeding.Cheek Biting (Morsicatio Buccarum) – Biting the inside of the cheeks, leading to irritation, sores, or thickened skin.Rhinotillexomania (Compulsive Nose Picking) – Frequent and intense nose picking that can result in nasal damage or infections.

PMDD: Understanding & Managing Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder with Sharryn Muir

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe and often debilitating condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Unlike typical PMS, PMDD can trigger extreme mood swings, intense depression, anxiety, rage, and overwhelming physical symptoms, making daily life feel unbearable. Despite its profound impact, PMDD remains widely misunderstood, frequently misdiagnosed, and often dismissed by medical professionals, leaving many women feeling isolated and without answers.
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson speaks with Sharryn Muir, a clinical psychologist who has dedicated her career to working exclusively with clients experiencing PMDD and menopause. As the founder of the Northern Psychology Centre in Australia, Sharryn has been at the forefront of educating doctors, conducting public seminars, and developing a PMDD treatment app to help women who struggle to access professional support. Her passion for this work comes from personal experience, having faced the challenges of PMDD herself.
Gabby and Sharryn explore the harsh realities of PMDD, from its severe emotional and physical toll to the frustrating lack of awareness in the medical community. They discuss who is most at risk, why so many women go undiagnosed for years, and the latest medical treatment options available, including how effective they really are. Sharryn also opens up about her own journey with PMDD, what finally helped her, and why she’s committed to breaking the stigma and ensuring better treatment for those suffering.
If you or someone you know has been affected by PMDD, or if you experience debilitating symptoms related to your menstrual cycle for half of every month, this episode offers vital insight, expert knowledge, and the reassurance that you are not alone. Tune in for an honest, informative, and much-needed conversation about a condition that deserves more recognition and support.
To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcastTo follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself
Links for support and education on PMDD and how to reach Sharryn Muir:
International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD)www.iapmd.org
PMDD Treatment App (for Apple)https://apps.apple.com/au/app/pmdd-treatment/id1568467292
PMDD Treatment App (for Android)https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.pmddtreatment
Northern Psychology Centrehttps://www.northernpsychology.org/sharryn-muir
HER Centre Australia (Monash Alfred Research Centre)https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre

Slowing Down on Purpose: Gabby on Hustle Culture, Panic Attacks & Workaholism with Risa Williams

In this special episode of The Happier Life Project, the tables are turned as host Gabby Sanderson steps into the guest seat. Interviewed by psychotherapist, time management coach, and author Risa Williams (Get Stuff Done Without the Stress), Gabby shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of working in media and tech—where relentless hustle came at a steep cost.
Together, they dive into the dangers of hustle culture, the pressure to always be “on,” and the moment Gabby realized she was burning out. She opens up about how pushing too hard led to panic attacks, a panic disorder diagnosis, and the difficult but necessary decision to slow down on purpose.
This interview was originally recorded for Risa’s award winning podcast “The Motivation Mindset”. To celebrate the release of Risa’s new book “Get Stuff Done Without the Stress,” as this interview covers a lot of topics from the book, Risa kindly allowed us to share it with you here. 
If you've ever felt trapped in the grind or struggled to find balance, you will relate to Gabby’s story. Tune in for real talk, hard-earned lessons, and practical insights on how to reclaim your time and mental well-being.
To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself
To follow Risa Williams on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risawilliamstherapy/
Risa Williams website: www.risawilliams.com
Risa’s book Get Stuff Done Without The Stress: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Stuff-Done-Without-Stress/dp/1684816874/