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Do you trust yourself? In this episode of Happiness in Progress, we dive into the core of self trust and how it impacts our lives. Many of us wait for self confidence. Discover insights into personal development and personal growth that challenge the idea of waiting for the 'right time' or 'being ready'. In this episode of Happiness in Progress, you're going to hear from Shadé Zahrai about her new book Big Trust. This conversation reframes how we think about confidence, self-belief and personal power. Shadé breaks down why self-trust is built through focus on these four pillars: acceptance, agency, autonomy and adaptability. Find out how you can figure out your weak spot and build confidence in that area. Buy Big Trust * Connect with Danielle Connect with Dr. Zahrai  Dr Shadé Zahrai is a globally recognized behavioral strategist, scholar-practitioner, and award-winning peak performance educator to Fortune 500s. She is also the author of the new book Big Trust. She as more than 7 million students on LinkedIn Learning, viral educational content that has been viewed over 500 million times, and TEDx talks that have resonated worldwide. You may have seen her in The New York Times, Yahoo Finance, and Fast Company. *This is an affiliate link. Using this link doesn't cost you more money, but it does allow me to earn a small portion from the sale. Thank you for your support.

Isn't it cute how we have to respond to an email, but our nervous sytem thinks it's a bear?  In this episode, I sit down with Marina Wright, author of The Cortisol Reset Plan, to talk about what's actually happening inside our stressed-out, overworked bodies. In this conversation, you're going to learn what exactly cortisol is and why modern life is asking ancient systems to do impossible things. Marina explains that we often try to go right to psychological fixes when we are stressed out. But in her reset plan, she offers several physical focuses that can cut our stress.  In this conversation, you'll learn: What the two causes of stress are (psychological and physical) Why there's a mismatch between what our nervous system is meant to do and what it's being asked to do Five steps to reset your cortisol  Easy tools to implement into your life today Get the book* Connect with Marina Connect with Danielle Marina Wright is a functional nutrition practitioner, health coach, and author of The Cortisol Reset Plan. She helps people build resilience to both physical and psychological stress, supporting lasting physical, mental, and emotional well‑being. Marina earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Navarra in Spain and holds certifications from Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has also trained in Nutritional Psychiatry through Deakin University's Food and Mood Academy and in Somatic Stress Release with The Embody Lab. Bridging the gap between science and holistic healing, Marina translates complex concepts in nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle medicine into simple, practical habits. Her mission is to empower people to take charge of their health, cultivate resilience, and thrive in body, mind, and spirit. *This is an affiliate link. I make a small commission when you buy. Thank you for using my link.

It has been a long five years since the pandemic, and I completely understand if your growth feels invisible.  Before you rush into new goals, routines, or resolutions for 2026, this is your permission to pause, reflect, and move forward with clarity instead of pressure. In this episode of Happiness in Progress, I walk you through how to intentionally close the Year of the Snake (2025) and step into the Year of the Horse (2026). I love the idea that the Year of the Snake set up the Year of the Horse. We're not starting over. We are continuing the work. New year, same you. What You'll Learn: Why slow growth isn't a waste How the Year of the Snake prepared you for visible growth What the Year of the Horse invites you to embody in 2026 Reflection questions to release what no longer fits How to set intentions without burnout or overwhelm Here are the questions you can revisit when you're next to your journal: Releasing 2025 What did I outgrow in 2025? What truth became clear? Where did I learn to trust myself more? What felt slow but but was actually necessary? What am I ready to leave behind? Entering 2026 Where am I ready to stop hiding or waiting for permission? What decision have I already made internally that needs action? Where do I want more space or ease this year? Let's connect! Say 'hi' on Instagram Check out my new lifestyle show      

Most people think financial freedom means having more money, but that belief is exactly what keeps them stuck and unhappy. In this episode of Happiness in Progress, I sit down with financial expert Phil Weiss to redefine what financial freedom actually is, how to prepare for retirement without fear, how to use tools like an HSA correctly, and the mindset shifts that separate stressed earners from people who feel truly secure. In this episode, we cover: What financial freedom really means How to save for retirement without overwhelm How to use an HSA as a long-term wealth tool and other tangible tools The mindset shifts that create lasting financial freedom Phil Weiss is the founder of Apprise Wealth Management. Phil has accumulated more than 25 years of experience in personal finance and investment management. He holds esteemed credentials as a CFA, CPA, and RLP®. Phil has established himself as a recognized authority in his field, frequently serving as a media spokesperson, market commentator, and podcast guest.  Podcast resources: The Art of Spending Money - https://amzn.to/3L2Y0aX The Psychology of Money - https://amzn.to/3YcmOQL Connect with Danielle Connect with Phil  Get Phil's ebook  If you liked this, check this episode out: The Money Mindset You Need ft. Latasha Kinnard Getting Out of Debt Together ft. Jason and Ashleigh Mayfield

A gratitude practice is often just listing things you're thankful for, but this guided practice goes deeper. I read about creating a gratitude grid in Carol Look's recent book. And I wanted to share it with you. Learn how this practice helps you pause, get present, and be intentional about your gratitude. In this episode, you'll learn: - What intentional gratitude really is - How it can create real emotional change - How to use the grid practice in your own life This episode is perfect for: - Anyone wanting a quick emotional reset - Moms who feel overwhelmed or overstimulated - People working on mindset, healing, self-awareness, or emotional wellness - Anyone trying to start a daily gratitude practice - Listeners who want to feel better today Let's connect on Instagram Read Carol Looks' book If you like this episode, check out these on gratitude: Should I always be grateful Gratitude through infertility

On this episode of Happiness in Progress, I'm joined by author and bold decision coach Jessica Frew. This is a powerful conversation about trusting yourself, breaking out of the boxes you were given, and finally stopping the cycle of "should-ing" on yourself. Jessica shares why so many women feel like they need a permission slip to be themselves and how to start trusting your self. In this episode we talk about: - Why so many women feel like they need a permission slip to be themselves  - How to eliminate judgment so you can actually hear your own voice and trust your intuition again. - How to shift from proving yourself to being yourself Let's connect on Instagram  Get Jessica's book for free Connect with Jessica on Instagram More about Jessica: Jessica is the author of Shove Your Shoulds, a speaker and bold decision coach. She helps ambitious women unlearn the conditioning they were raised with so they can make bold, imperfect decisions without guilt, fear, or second-guessing. As a speaker, author, and coach, she blends personal experience (including navigating divorce, a mixed-orientation marriage, and blending families) with a proven decision-making framework to guide women back to trusting their intuition. Whether on stage, in coaching, or through her book, her mission is to help women stop living by everyone else's rules and start living boldly, unapologetically, and in full alignment with who they were created to be.

Are you waiting for January 1 to finally start your goals? Research shows that most New Year's resolutions fail by January 19, but there's a better way! In this episode, I'm breaking down the power of the "winter arc." Why starting your goals RIGHT NOW will give you the momentum you need to succeed in 2026. You'll learn: - Why January 1st goals work against you  - Why most resolutions fail and how to structure goals that won't fail  - How to use the winter arc to get ahead on your goals - Simple, actionable steps you can take today Stop waiting and and make this mindset shift to finally accomplish your goals. Timestamps: 0:00 Why New Year's resolutions fail 8:46 What is the "winter arc" 10:41 The secret sauce to making goals that stick Let's chat on Instagram Don't forget to subscribe!  More episodes about goal setting: Growth during uncertainty Try tapping to unlock your goals Goals, grace and growth

Power struggles with our kids are absolutely exhausting. In this episode, Danielle Craig talks with Dr. Erika Bocknek to explore how to stop trying to control your child's behavior and start building a reciprocal relationship that lasts a lifetime. Dr. Bocknek, shares how shifting from behavior control to connection-based parenting helps your child build trust, confidence, and independence. You'll learn how to guide your child's growth without power struggles, raise them to internalize your family's values, and enjoy more peace and joy at home. In this episode, we cover: Why it's so important to focus on relationship building How to reshape power struggles into moments of connection Why making your family values are clear matters How connection builds confidence, emotional intelligence, and independence Connect with Dr. Bocknek  Connect with Danielle  Meet Dr. Bocknek - Dr. Erika Bocknek is a professor, family therapist, and mom of three with advanced training in child development, couples and family therapy, and infant mental health. She hosts the Raising Souls podcast.

What if you love your body, but still want to change it? That's the question I'm taking to today's guest. You're going to hear from outdoor creator, filmmaker and mental health advocate Andy Neal. In this conversation, Andy opens up about his weight loss journey while being a voice in the body positivity space. In this powerful conversation with Danielle Craig, Andy shares what it's really like to talk about weight loss online, why people think it's their business to comment on your body, and how to stay true to yourself when everyone has an opinion. You'll hear: - Why talking about weight feels so complicated - How choosing to let go of people pleasing can make a huge difference - How movement and nature can support mental health (it wouldn't be an episode with Andy without this!) - Why changing your body doesn't mean you don't love it Want more? Check out the last episode about the three stories we need to lose around weight loss. About Andy Neal: Andy Neal is a filmmaker, outdoor creator, and mental health advocate based in Ashland, Oregon. He's best known for creating the viral trend "Going for a stupid hike for my stupid mental health" and has collaborated with REI, Columbia Sportswear, and National Geographic. Through humor, honesty, and stunning visuals, Andy helps people connect to themselves and the outdoors in deeper, more compassionate ways. Connect with Andy Connect with Danielle 

The problem isn't your weight. It's the stories you're writing about it. In this episode of Happiness in Progress, Danielle Craig dives into the emotional and mental "weight" that keeps us stuck in shame, comparison, and judgement. You'll learn how to rewrite three of the biggest body stories holding you back: "I should look like XYZ." "Weight loss is the most important thing that can happen to me." "My weight means something about me." If you've ever felt like you're at war with your reflection or chasing worth through the scale - this episode will help you lose the weight around weight and finally start living freely in your body. AND coming Thursday: Don't miss my next conversation with influencer Andy Neal, who's sharing his experience starting GLP-1s while being in the body positivity space — and how he's balancing health, identity, and authenticity. Hang out with me on Instagram

Do you ever wonder why you procrastinate, self-sabotage, or feel stuck no matter what you try? The truth is, it's not you - it's fear. In this powerful interview, regular guest of The Oprah Winfrey Show and best-selling author, Rhonda Britten, reveals the Wheel of Fear that secretly controls your life. You'll learn how to identify your core fear in real time, break free from shame and self-judgement, and finally step into fearless living. If you've been searching for how to overcome fear, stop self sabotage, and live with freedom - THIS is the episode you need.  Mentioned in the show: Wheel of Freedom freebie Fearless Living Let's hang out on Instagram

Feeling like life is spinning out of control? You're not alone. Things have been heavy, and these four simple, but powerful tips can help you find calm in teh chaosi.  What you'll learn in this episode: - How to control what you can  - Why sticking to your immediate surroundings is the key to calm - The surprising way social media fuels chaos (and how to shut it down) - Let go of what you can't control These tools aren't complicated—they're real, practical, and they work. If you've been feeling anxious, stressed, or stuck in constant chaos, this episode is for you. Hit play now and discover how to finally find calm in the storm. — Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes on happiness, healing, and mental wellness. I'm over on Instagram, so come over and chat. HIPHabits freebie Learn to distance yourself from your phone to protect your peace. This four week, free challenge will help you do just that. 

If you want to go from surviving to thriving, this episode is for you! We're going to talk about how to gain clarity on who you want to be, what you want to do and where you belong. Today's guest is Steve Magness. Steve is the author of the new book, Win the Inside Game. In this book and conversation, Steve draws from his experience as an Olympic coach, a consultant and leading expert on performance.  We talk about his experience as a whistleblower and how he was able to come out of that chaos. His blueprint for success doesn't only rely on your career and success. Instead, it relies on fulfillment.  We're also going to talk about: - What survival mode feels like - Easy steps to get out of survial mode - How to stop predicting doom Let's get to it! Links: Get Steve's book Chat with me on Instagram Watch on Youtube

In this enlightening episode, Danielle Craig sits down with Pema Sherpa and Brendan Barca—partners in life and practice—who are bringing ancient Buddhist teachings into modern workplaces. As the co-founders of Brema Solutions and authors of the the new book The Daily Buddhist, Pema and Brendan are passionate about sharing Buddhist wisdom, mindfulness, and meditation with people across the globe. Pema was born and raised in Nepal and has practiced Tibetan Buddhism since childhood. She holds a master's degree in Buddhist philosophy from Harvard Divinity School. Brendan came to Buddhism in his twenties after struggling with burnout, and has since devoted his life to studying and living these teachings.  In this episode, we explore: How you don't have to be Buddhist to benefit from the philosophy The transformative power of understanding impermanence How generosity and compassion can reshape your life The importance of seeing our shared humanity What it really means to seek enlightenment in a modern context How Buddhist teachings can help us navigate stress, loss, and change with clarity and grace CONNECT WITH PEMA AND BRENDAN  Buy the Book* Or get it on Kindle* Website CONNECT WITH DANIELLE  Buy the HIP Habits Workbook Facebook Instagram Website *Amazon affiliate links support my work. Thank you.

What happens when your identity is built on your voice—and then you lose it? In this powerful episode, we're joined by Greta Morgan, a celebrated songwriter, storyteller, and multi-instrumentalist known for performing with Springtime Carnivore, Gold Motel, and The Hush Sound, and performing with artists like Vampire Weekend and Jenny Lewis. She is the author of the new book, The Lost Voice. Greta opens up about the disorienting experience of losing her identity as a singer due to long Covid, and how that loss became an unexpected invitation to redefine who she is. We talk about: What it felt like to lose her voice. How she navigated suicidal thoughts. How she was able to move forward after the devastating diagnosis. The healing work that helped her become whole again and redefine her identity. This conversation is a moving exploration of redefining identity, creativity as a path to healing, and finding meaning in life after everything changes. Greta shares what she's gained—spiritually, emotionally, and creatively—through surrendering the career that once defined her. CONNECT WITH GRETA: Buy The Lost Voice or buy it for your Kindle Instagram CONNECT WITH DANIELLE Buy the HIP Habits Workbook Facebook Instagram Website