Hosted by Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut, teen co-founders of Small Bits of Happiness. The duo interviews celebrities, Olympians and more iconic individuals. Together, they share what brings them happiness + life hacks.
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How to Think Like a Disney Imagineer - Hacks To Creativity: Former Disney Head of Innovation, Duncan Wardle
Season 1 · Episode 88
Thursday, July 10, 2025 • Duration 55:38
If you've ever said "I can't do this" or "I'm not smart enough" this conversation is for you! This week, Duncan Wardle sits with Mercedes and Anastasia. Duncan spent decades creating magic as the Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, leading teams at Imagineering, Pixar, Marvel, and more. Today, Duncan is a global speaker and author, helping people of all ages rediscover their creativity and curiosity. In this episode, he’s joining Mercedes and Anastasia for an eye-opening conversation about innovation, resilience, tapping into your inner child, and the future of our world in technology and creativity.
Duncan talks about:
How he landed his dream job at Disney and why he never stopped calling, even after hearing “no”.
What his time at Disney taught him about creativity, curiosity.
Why play is essential for happiness!
Why grades don’t define your potential (and what actually does).
Simple ways to build creativity and embrace more serendipity in everyday life.
The inspiration behind his new book, plus his favorite tangible prompts for sparking imagination!
If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or afraid to try something new, listen in. This conversation will remind you that your imagination isn’t gone. You just have to let it out. And, here's why letting it out will help you feel happier.
(00:00) Intro(01:28) How Duncan Created A Book Unlike Any Other(03:53) How Duncan Got Started(05:36) Duncan's Time At Disney(08:16) Education vs AI(10:03) Tips To Bring Creativity & Imagination BACK(14:37) Duncan Proves Diversity(17:33) How Can I Start Thinking Different?(20:33) Case Study: How Disney Saw The Challenge Differently(22:24) The Hack That Works For EVERYONE(24:34) Duncan's Hacks For Presenting(27:17) Why Do We Need Fresh Stimulus?(28:14) How Can I Get Fresh Stimulus & Ideas?(30:39) The Importance of Play (even as teens & adults)(34:01) Do THIS To Play(37:03 The Future of University and Education(38:55 AR vs VR(43:00) Your Guide To Innovative Thinking(44:40) Here's What You MUST AVOID(45:22) Duncan's Greatest Contributions To Disney(47:08) Product vs Experience(47:52) Where Is The Intersection Between Human Thinking vs Modern Tools?(50:55) Duncan To His Teen Self(51:07) What Brings Duncan A Small Bit of Happiness?(52:26) Duncan's Motivational Quote(53:10) Looking Towards The Future(53:13) Key Takeaways
Gain Confidence From Rejection & Criticism: Wakanda's Oscar-Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter
Season 1 · Episode 87
Thursday, July 3, 2025 • Duration 01:00:38
She made history as the first Black woman to win an Oscar Award for costume design — and she did it twice. Ruth E. Carter is the visionary behind the unforgettable costumes of Black Panther, Malcolm X, and Do the Right Thing. This week, she’s joining Mercedes and Anastasia for an inspiring conversation about changing your path (initially, Ruth wanted to be a teacher!), resilience, and telling powerful stories through design.
Ruth gets deep about:
How she got started in costume design and found the courage to change her career path.
The skills every great costume designer needs + how she blends history, fantasy, and modern trends into her work.
Her top tips for collaboration, handling criticism, and staying inspired on big projects.
Behind-the-scenes stories from Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever!
Advice for getting your creativity back.
Whether you dream of a creative career or simply want to hear from one of Hollywood’s most trailblazing artists, this episode will leave you feeling braver, bolder, and ready to design your own path.
Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with 4x Oscar-winning Costume Designer, Catherine Martin. In this episode, Catherine unveils her hacks for a happy lifestyle, work-life balance, and her guide to feeling more confident:
Stay Authentic When Everyone Wants You To Fit A Mold: Down With Webster
Season 1 · Episode 86
Thursday, June 26, 2025 • Duration 50:54
They were just teens when they started making music. Soon, they were on stage at the JUNOs. Tyler Armes and Cameron Hunter are two of members of the Canadian genre-blending band Down With Webster. Today, they’re joining Mercedes and Anastasia for a real talk about creativity, courage, and carving your own path.
Tyler and Cam dive into:
How Down With Webster got started, and how they balanced music with being teens in school.
What gave them the courage to go all in on music — even when it wasn’t the "safe" or conventional career path.
How they’ve stayed authentic, energized, and joyful after two decades in the music industry.
How to stay calm during creative stress, and their advice for navigating change.
Tyler and Cameron also share the music they love listening to, next steps for DWW, and more! Whether you're dreaming of a creative career or just want to hear from two wildly talented, down-to-earth artists, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to go for it.
Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with Country Music Star, Chris Lane. In this episode, Chris opens up about his journey, from chart-topping hits to life on the road, top tips for public speaking, and hacks for being more creative.
What I Learned About Happiness From Traveling The World, 2 TV Shows & My Dad’s Jokes: Phil Rosenthal
Season 1 · Episode 85
Thursday, June 19, 2025 • Duration 33:43
He created one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, Everybody Loves Raymond. Now, Phil Rosenthal travels the world, tasting food and learning about joy, in his Netflix series, Somebody Feed Phil. Today, Phil is joining Mercedes and Anastasia for a feel-good conversation about his journey into show business, and what he's learned from traveling the world!
Phil dives into:
What his travels have taught him about happiness (and how we can bring more of it into our everyday lives)
His top tips for building a stronger sibling bond
How to stay spontaneous, serendipitous, and open to joy — even when life gets unpredictable
His favorite foods & food experiences
And of course, in true Phil fashion, he ends the episode with a joke!
Whether you dream of working in TV, want to travel the world, or just need a smile today, this episode is your passport to joy, connection, and feeling a little bit happier.
Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with host of National Geographic's Primal Survivor, adventurer Hazen Audel. In this episode, Hazen shares his craziest stories from living in the wild, advice on trying new things, and hacks on how to face your fears!
How To Go After What You Want & Get It (with a Former Google Executive): Jenny Wood
Season 1 · Episode 84
Thursday, June 12, 2025 • Duration 54:26
She left Google to chase something even bigger. Jenny Wood is a former Google executive, now bestselling author and keynote speaker! Jenny joins Mercedes and Anastasia for a conversation all about her nine traits to going after what you want, and getting it. Jenny dives into:
What it means to focus on the BIG picture (and how to do this)
Hacks to overcome shame
Her advice for communicating your needs and wants.
Plus, Jenny takes us behind-the-scenes of Google, describing what it's *really* like to work at one of the most innovative companies, & her greatest lessons from her time at the company.
Whether you dream of working at a company like Google or simply want to create a more uplifting circle at school, this episode will help you find the courage to speak up, show up, and take action.
Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with professor and bestselling author, Alison Fragale. In this episode, Alison shares advice on staying true to your values, setting attainable goals, and hacks on how to be likeable without being a pushover! https://open.spotify.com/episode/5FB6VjZff5jqODLVJm0egq?si=kBeSw1GrQTeTb5tQ_zSrng
How to Stop Self-Sabotaging and Start Winning (From an Olympian!): Gwen Jorgensen
Season 1 · Episode 83
Thursday, June 5, 2025 • Duration 57:04
She’s a gold-medal-winning Olympic athlete, a powerhouse of perseverance, and a role model for anyone chasing big goals. Mercedes and Anastasia are joined by Gwen Jorgensen. She’s an Olympic triathlete turned marathon runner, and today she’s sharing what it really takes to succeed, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Listen in to this episode to hear how Gwen overcame the fear of success, found motivation through injury and uncertainty, and shifted from being introverted to confidently owning her space. Gwen opens up about the moment she won Olympic gold, how she handles setbacks and pressure, and the daily habits that help her stay grounded, healthy, and happy. Whether you’re an athlete or just navigating your own personal finish lines, this conversation is packed with wisdom you’ll want to carry with you.
Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with 2024 Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyball Players, Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss. In this episode, Taryn and Kristen share the insider experience of being Olympic athletes, advice for overcoming physical AND mental challenges, and hacks to teamwork. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YaVemhvTWVEuryMDbkBpx?si=Qk2HkyHMQc-xRjpqu5zz7A
(00:00) Intro
(01:29) How Gwen Got Started
(03:19) Gwen's Greatest Challenge
This Is How You Take Control of Your Emotions (Backed by Science): Dr. Ethan Kross
Season 1 · Episode 82
Thursday, May 29, 2025 • Duration 56:34
He’s one of the world’s top psychologists, a bestselling author, and a leading expert on how we understand and manage emotion. Mercedes and Anastasia are joined by Ethan Kross. He's a professor of psychology and management at the University of Michigan and director of the Emotion & Self Control Laboratory. Listen in to this episode to unravel what’s really going on in our heads, why we're wired to feel things so deeply, and how to take back control. Ethan opens up about his own journey — from childhood curiosity to scientific breakthroughs — and offers advice he gives his own daughters about building emotional resilience.
Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with professor and psychologist, Dr. Meg Jay. In this episode, Meg shares advice for navigating the uncertainty of growing up & the future, how to manage changing friendships, and hacks for becoming confident within yourself.
You Don’t Have To Choose One Dream — Here’s Proof: Lesley Paterson
Season 1 · Episode 81
Thursday, May 22, 2025 • Duration 46:30
She's a champion in both Hollywood and athletics. Mercedes and Anastasia sit with Lesley Paterson, the triathlon world champion who also co-wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for All Quiet on the Western Front. Lesley unpacks the uncommon discipline that lets her juggle athletic training with script writing, reveals how she turns raw emotion into fuel instead of roadblocks, and shares the tiny daily rituals that keep her body bulletproof and her creativity on tap. She takes us back to her rugby-obsessed Scottish teens, through chronic-illness detours and career-defining failures, all the way to the moment she realized you never have to choose between athlete and artist. Listen in for empowerment in pursuing your passions, tangible ways to exit the victim mentality, and tips for being more patient.
Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with Oscar-winning producer and costume designer, Catherine Martin. In this episode, Catherine shares powerful advice for boosting your confidence, mastering the art of collaboration, and hacks for living a balanced lifestyle: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0U5IjZZnu6KzYSVbkWP9Vw?si=6JkrsVCwTLOwYpygzU675Q
(00:00) Intro
(02:40) How Lesley Got Started
(04:51) Keeping Your Interests Broad
(05:40) Lesley's Greatest Challenge
Ditch the Processed Foods — Here’s How to Actually Eat Clean! Nancy Easton
Season 1 · Episode 80
Thursday, May 15, 2025 • Duration 01:01:40
What if changing what we eat could change the future of a nation? Mercedes and Anastasia are joined by Nancy Easton: leader and founder of Wellness in the Schools, a nonprofit on the mission to replace ultra-processed school lunches with fresh, scratch-cooked meals. In this powerful conversation, Nancy describes tangible tips for prioritizing healthy eating within a busy lifestyle, go-to meals and snacks, and advice for handling the transition from living at-home, to cooking for oneself. Nancy also brings us behind-the-scenes at Wellness in the Schools, describing a day-in-the-life, and her most memorable moments.
This Is How You Build Unshakable Confidence: Hazel Findlay
Season 1 · Episode 79
Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 58:47
Your mindset shapes every challenge you face—be it climbing a mountain, or in daily life. This week, Mercedes and Anastasia sit down with Hazel Findlay: legendary climber, mindset coach, and expert in the psychology and neuroscience of mental health. Hazel opens up about how she went from teen climbing prodigy to one of the most respected voices in performance coaching. She shares how to overcome fear, redefine self-worth, and train your mind like a muscle. From climbing cliffs to confronting mental “panic zones,” this conversation is packed with wisdom on self-awareness, process over perfection, and the small daily habits that lead to lasting confidence.
(08:20) What Has Phil Learned About Happiness, From Around The World?
(12:15) Hacks To Gratitude
(15:27) How Can I Build A Stronger Bond With My Sibling/Family?
(19:00) Phil's Travel (FOOD!) Hack
(22:28) What Is The Best & Most Surprising Food That Phil Has Tried?
(24:40) Hacks For Managing Unpredictable Situations
(28:14) A Joke From Phil
(29:47) What Brings Phil A Small Bit of Happiness?
(31:51) Key Takeaways
(00:00) Intro
(02:22) How Jenny Got Started
(03:13) Jenny As A Teenager
(05:26) What Is Wild Courage?
(07:43) The Power of Language (& how it changes overtime)
(11:17) Jenny's Greatest Learnings From Google
(15:15) Hacks For Navigating Imposter Syndrome
(21:52) How Can I Focus On The Big Picture?
(26:24) Embrace It: The Spotlight Effect
(30:18) Hacks For Effective Communication + Self-Advocacy
(36:44) How Can I Do It All?
(41:39) What Is Shame + How To Overcome Shame
(44:45) Jenny's Top Three Tips
(46:25) How Much Does College Impact My Future?
(50:30) A Quote To Remember
(52:34) Key Takeaways
(05:27) Who Do I Need A WHY?
(06:16) What Is A Fear of Success?
(09:32) How Can I Tell If I Have A Fear of Success?
(11:41) Gwen's Top Three Tips
(14:40) Gwen's Guide To Health & Training
(18:14) How Can I Become More Extraverted?
(20:26) Benefits Of Being Extraverted
(23:01) Inside Gwen's Mind After Winning An Olympic Gold Medal
(25:10) Training vs Competing
(29:08) How Can I Stay Motivated?
(31:10) Tips For Working Well With Others
(33:35) Gwen On Switching Sports
(39:23) Tips For Finding Fun In Everyday
(40:17) How Gwen Stayed Positive While Injured
(43:21) Internal vs External Competition
(48:00) What's On Gwen's Horizon?
(48:55) One Belief/Behavior That Has Positively Contributed To Gwen's Life
(50:58) What Brings Gwen A Small Bit of Happiness
(52:27) Gwen To Her Teen Self
(53:27) Gwen's Motivational Quote
(55:13) Key Takeaways
(06:58) What Should Every Teen Know About Emotions?
(10:54) What Is The Purpose of Emotions?
(16:17) How To Influence Your Culture
(19:25) Is Social Media Poisonous?
(21:37) Emotions Are Contagious - Here's How To Bring Positivity Into Your Relationships
(26:59) Sharing Emotions vs Keeping Emotions In
(31:44) The MOST Helpful AND Under-used Hack
(35:11) Your First Step In Emotional Regulation
(38:06) What Are Shifters?
(42:06) How Should I Handle Rejection?
(45:47) The SHOCKING History of Emotions
(50:35) How Do The Teen Years Impact Emotional Development?
(53:33) What Brings Ethan A Small Bit of Happiness?
(54:49) Key Takeaways
(10:32) How Do I Find Purpose and Meaning?
(11:23) Did Lesley Ever Feel Pressured To Choose An Interest?
(13:26) Lesley's Top Three Tips
(16:54) Find Your North Star
(20:31) How Can I Be Patient
(23:29) How Lesley Stays Disciplined
(28:46) The Ultimate Mindset Hack
(30:22) The Intersection of Arts vs Athletics
(34:33) How Can I Navigate My Emotions
(37:38) Lesley's View On Downtime
(40:27) Top Tip For Keeping Yourself Accountable
(41:32) What Lesley's Chronic Illness Taught Her
(43:39) Lesley To Her Teen Self
(43:53) What Brings Lesley A Small Bit of Happiness?
(44:26) Key Takeaways
(20:01) Healthy Meal + Snacks YOU NEED To Try!
(21:48) Behind-The-Scenes of Working At Wellness In The Schools
(24:51) How Can I Adjust My Lifestyle To Prioritize Wellness?
(34:00) Nancy's Top Three Tips
(40:15) Nancy's Most Standout Memory At WITS
(42:56) What Aspect of WITS Brings Nancy The Most Joy?
(45:49) How Can I Build Positive Habits Around Food?
(50:32) Nancy's Current Goals
(53:20) Nancy's Final Meal
(54:10) Nancy To Her Teen Self
(56:14) What Brings Nancy A Small Bit of Happiness?
(57:47) Nancy's Motivational Quote
(59:55) Key Takeaways
(13:47) This Is The KEY To Being Motivated
(16:28) Hazel's Top Three Tips
(18:38) How Can I Be More Self-Aware?
(20:57) Hazel's Experiences At A Meditation Retreat
(23:58) How Can I Overcome The Fear of Failure?
(29:19) What Is The Mental Panic Zone?
(33:19) The CRAZIEST + Most Memorable Climb
(36:57) Do THIS To Redefine Your Self Worth
(41:38) Everyone Has Different Strengths!
(43:46) What Do I Do If I Want To Quit?
(46:10) Top Tip For Setting Boundaries
(48:11) Hazel, As A Performance Coach, Wants Teens To Hear This
(51:32) Advice That Hazel Wishes She Had NOT Followed
(53:17) What Brings Hazel A Small Bit of Happiness?
(54:10) Hazel To Her Teen Self
(57:16) Key Takeaways
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