Bu With Declan Edwards

If you're tired of constantly flirting with burnout and wondering why the same patterns keep showing up, this episode is for you.In part two of our burnout series, we move beyond early warning signs and dive into the heart of why burnout keeps happening even when we think we’re doing everything “right.” We explore the systemic and psychological traps that fuel burnout, including perfectionism, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and the deeper drive for validation.You’ll learn:Why great intentions often still lead to burnoutHow to create environments (at work and in life) that support energy, not just effortThe critical difference between sustainable self-care and reactive self-soothingWhy saying "yes" too often is costing you more than you realiseThis one’s not just about tips and tools, it’s about shifting the whole way you think about work, worth, and wellbeing.

Resilience at work isn’t about pushing through at all costs; it’s about learning to adapt and grow through change.In this episode, we’re diving into what real resilience looks like in a modern workplace. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being the toughest person in the room. It’s about building a culture that bends without breaking, that learns and evolves when the pressure is on.We explore why resilience is the fifth and final pillar of workplace happiness and why it won’t stick unless your wellbeing, engagement, culture, and leadership foundations are strong.We’ll also talk about:How to spot and prevent burnout before it spreadsWhy trying to retain everyone isn’t the goal (and how healthy turnover can actually help)A practical framework for guiding your team through changeWhy false urgency and lack of clarity quietly drain your team’s energyWhat we can learn from companies like Netflix and Atlassian about bouncing forward, not just backWhether you lead a team, shape culture, or just want to make your workplace

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t always look like total exhaustion or quitting your job. It builds slowly. Quietly. And if we’re not careful, we miss the early signs until it’s too late.In this first episode of our 3-part burnout series, we're exploring the burnout spectrum — including the 12 stages of burnout — and revealing how to recognise and address it before it derails your wellbeing, work, and relationships.You’ll learn:Why burnout is a spectrum, not a switchThe early warning signs almost everyone overlooksWhy high performers are especially at riskWhat you can do today to pre-empt burnout in yourself and your teamHow to begin shifting from survival mode back into sustainabilityThis episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stretched, stressed, or simply not themselves.

Dec

As a Mental Health Social Worker, Arna Kerklaan has spent her career supporting others. But like so many caring professionals, she once found herself giving so much to everyone else that she left nothing for herself.In this honest and uplifting conversation, Arna shares:How she went from feeling overwhelmed and burnt out to finding balance and fulfilment.The surprising lessons she learned about boundaries, self-compassion, and rest.How investing in her own happiness has not only changed her life; it's also made her a better support for the people around her.This episode is a gentle reminder for anyone who pours energy into caring for others: your happiness matters too.Hit play, feel inspired, and remember: you deserve to put yourself on your own priority list.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.ha

Leadership has the power to make or break wellbeing, engagement, and culture in the workplace. In this episode, we explore why poor leadership is so common, how outdated systems and promotion models are holding people back, and what it truly takes to become a great leader today.We introduce the four essential skill sets of modern leadership (relational, communication, competence, and humanistic skills) and unpack how each one contributes to a thriving, human-first workplace. If you’re a leader, an aspiring leader, or someone passionate about creating better workplaces, this episode is a must-listen.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy⁠⁠Following BU Happiness College on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠

Gratitude is one of the most widely recommended happiness habits, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. If you’ve ever tried gratitude journaling and thought, “This doesn’t work for me,” you’re not alone.In this episode, we unpack how to practise gratitude in a way that actually feels genuine, effective and impactful.Learn why most people struggle with gratitude and how to do it differentlyTry a three-step journaling method that goes deeper than just listing things you’re thankful forDiscover how to turn gratitude into a felt experience, not just a mental exerciseExplore the ripple effect of sharing your appreciation and how it can boost not only your happiness, but the happiness of those around youIf you’re ready to reconnect with the good in your life and start feeling it more fully, this episode is a beautiful place to begin.Listen now and learn how to build a gratitude practice that truly makes a difference.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linked

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work), we’re joined by Sarah Queenan, Founder and Managing Director of Humanify HR Consulting. With over two decades of experience across the public and private sectors, Sarah brings a powerful message to the modern workplace: when we bring humanity back into leadership and HR, everyone benefits.We unpack what it really means to build people-first cultures, how to prevent burnout amongst leaders, and we debate whether the 4 day work week or work from home are the silver bullet solutions that will solve all of our workplace woes.Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or simply someone who believes work can be done better this conversation will leave you hopeful, challenged, and inspired.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guyFollowing BU Happiness

If your mind feels like it’s stuck on a loop of overthinking, self-doubt or worst-case scenarios, you’re not broken — you’re human. Our brains are wired with a natural negativity bias that helped our ancestors survive, but today it can leave us feeling anxious, drained and emotionally heavy.This episode is all about breaking that cycle. We’re not trying to silence the inner critic — we’re learning how to work with it.Understand why your brain is wired to focus on the negative (and how to gently interrupt the spiral)Learn a powerful tool to balance worst-case thinking with perspective and calmDiscover how to train your brain to notice and hold onto the good more oftenExplore the science of gratitude, and how simple practices can help shift your mindsetIf you’re ready to feel a little lighter, a little clearer, and a lot more in charge of your thoughts, this one’s for you.Tune in now and start reducing negative thinking, one small shift at a time.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedI

Everyone is talking about workplace culture, but very few people can define it, measure it, or meaningfully build it. In this episode, we cut through the buzzwords and explore what workplace culture actually is, why it matters, and how to shape it with intention.You’ll discover the five key elements of culture we assess in BU Happiness College’s Workplace Happiness Diagnostic, including psychosocial safety, trust and transparency, and self-determination. Each element plays a vital role in creating a thriving and human-first workplace.Whether you work in HR, lead a team, or simply care about making work better, this episode will give you clarity and a practical framework to begin improving culture today.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy⁠Following BU Happiness College

A lot of our stress and frustration comes from trying to control things that were never ours to control. From relationships to outcomes to the pace of life itself, the more we resist, the more stuck we tend to feel.In this episode, we explore what it really means to let go, without giving up. You’ll learn how to shift from survival mode into a more empowered and peaceful state by focusing your energy where it counts most.Discover the power of the Locus of Control and how it can reshape your daily mindsetLearn the Raft and the River analogy that has become a favourite among BU Happiness College graduatesGain practical tools to feel more grounded, present and in charge of your own experienceIf you’re ready to feel calmer, clearer and more aligned with life as it unfolds, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Listen now to start flowing, not forcing.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠h

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work), we’re joined by Tahnee McWhirter, founder of HumanX HR—a business that’s been recognised as an Accredited Happy Workplace three years in a row.Tahnee shares what it actually takes to build and maintain a thriving workplace culture, the mindset shifts that made the biggest difference, and why happiness has become a core part of how HumanX does business.Whether you’re a small business owner, team leader, or HR professional, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to build a culture your team will genuinely love being part of.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guyFollowing BU Happiness College on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_co

In this episode of How to Be Happy, we sit down with Mitch Sharpe—BU Happiness College Class of 2024 graduate, father, and someone who has wholeheartedly committed to his personal growth and happiness.Mitch’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when you make the decision to prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing. During his time at BU Happiness College, Mitch fully embraced the skills and science of happiness, becoming an active member of the community, joining live events, and even summiting Mt Kosciuszko at our 2023 Expedition Happiness retreat.In this conversation, Mitch opens up about his experience learning to be happier, the challenges he faced along the way, and how developing these skills has helped him show up as a better version of himself—at home, at work, and in life.If you’re ready to be inspired by what’s possible when you take ownership of your happiness, this episode is for you.Listen now to uncover how Mitch Sharpe became happier—and how you can too.Join the happiness rip

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work), we’re unpacking what true employee engagement looks like—and why so many organisations are getting it wrong.Spoiler: it’s not just about satisfaction scores or surface-level perks.We explore how to take a more strategic, holistic approach to engagement that actually improves wellbeing, performance, and retention.Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or just curious about how to create a workplace people love being part of—this episode is packed with practical insights to help you do just that.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guyFollowing BU Happiness College on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.c

Sometimes the harshest voice in our lives is the one in our own head.In this episode, Declan explores the power of self-compassion—a skill that’s been proven to boost resilience, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional wellbeing. With insights from Dr. Kristin Neff and Brené Brown, you’ll learn:Why self-compassion is not the same as self-esteemHow to stop being your own worst criticTangible practices to become a little kinder to yourself every dayThis one’s for anyone who holds themselves to impossibly high standards—and is ready to breathe a little easier.

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work), we’re joined by Stacie Shaw, Partner at PKF Newcastle, business advisor, and early adopter of the Workplace Happiness Diagnostic.Stacie brings a unique perspective to the conversation—combining the logic and practicality of accounting and advisory work with a deep belief in the power of happiness to drive business performance.This episode is a refreshing, real-world look at why happiness isn’t just a “nice-to-have” for organisations—it’s a smart, strategic move that impacts your people and your bottom line.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guyFollowing BU Happiness College on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_college⁠⁠⁠⁠- Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fac

We’ve officially hit our podcast groove! From this week forward, we’ll be releasing one new episode every Wednesday, alternating between How to Be Happy and How to Be Happy at Work—so you get your weekly dose of personal and professional happiness without feeling overwhelmed.Now… let’s talk about self-care.In this episode, Declan breaks down why real self-care is more than bubble baths and Netflix. You’ll learn:The difference between self-care and self-indulgenceThe three essential types of self-care: physical, up-regulating, and down-regulatingThe Three Fs model (Flat, Flow, Frazzled) and how to use it to meet your needs in the momentHow to balance small sips and big gulps of self-care for consistent, sustainable wellbeingThis is your guide to building a self-care plan that actually works—and lasts.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Workplace wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. But too many organisations take a one-size-fits-all approach that misses the mark.In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work, Declan unpacks the 7 types of workplace wellbeing every business should be measuring and supporting: emotional, physical, intellectual, social, environmental, spiritual, and financial. You'll hear why nuance matters, how to avoid rolling out the wrong initiatives, and what truly makes a difference in helping your team thrive.

What if the key to living a more fulfilling life was simply learning how to step outside your comfort zone—and stay there?In this episode of How to Be Happy, Declan Edwards dives into the four stages of personal growth, unpacking how we move from comfort, through fear, into learning, and finally into true growth. You’ll learn why fear and excitement often go hand in hand, why personal growth is essential for long-term happiness, and how to navigate the messy middle when you’re learning something new.If you’ve ever felt stuck, stagnant, or ready to stretch yourself, this episode is for you.Listen now and discover how to grow as a person—on purpose.Join the happiness ripple effect by:Following Declan on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guyFollowing BU Happiness College on:- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college⁠⁠- Instagram: ⁠⁠ht

In this episode of How to Be Happy (At Work), we’re joined by Lisa Young—an experienced HR consultant, founder of Your HR HQ, and someone who’s passionate about helping HR Professionals become their best selves.If you’ve ever wondered about HR’s role in creating a culture of happiness (without burning themselves out in the process), this conversation is a must-listen. Lisa shares her practical experience working with organisations to move beyond policies and tick-the-box wellbeing initiatives to something far more meaningful—and impactful.We explore the realities HR professionals face, and how they can lead the way in making workplace happiness a priority that benefits everyone.Here are just a few things we cover in this episode:✔️ Why HR often gets stuck between compliance and culture—and how to find balance✔️ Ways HR professionals can use to champion happiness without adding to their workload✔️ How to get leaders on board with building a happier, healthier workplace✔️ Lisa’s personal insights from years of