Episode 65

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Published on:

18th Sep 2025

The Body-Mind Shortcut to Happiness: Janice Kaplan on Gratitude, Stress & Joy

Can your body lead the way to happiness—even before your mind catches up?

In this inspiring conversation, bestselling author, journalist, and former Parade editor-in-chief Janice Kaplan joins us to explore the real science behind happiness, gratitude, and the body-mind connection.

We revisit the powerful lessons from her global bestseller The Gratitude Diaries, where a year of intentional appreciation reshaped her marriage, mindset, and meaning. Then, Janice takes us inside her newest book What Your Body Knows About Happiness—where posture, soft chairs, gentle movement, and even the warmth of your coffee mug prove that your body is already wired for joy.

You’ll learn:

- How gratitude changes the brain and relationships

- Why emotions begin in the body, not just the mind

- Myths about venting, exercise, and “blowing off steam”

- The surprising science of happiness, posture & space

- 4 easy ways to reset your mood through body cues

- How to feel better—without trying so hard

Whether you're navigating stress, craving fulfillment, or simply ready to feel good again, this conversation offers soul-deep insights backed by science.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Choice

00:23 Meet Janice Kaplan: A Journey in Journalism and Gratitude

02:55 The Gratitude Diaries: A Year of Living Gratefully

04:56 The Science of Gratitude and Happiness

09:51 Exploring Body-Mind Connections

11:51 Debunking Myths: Stress, Movement, and Mood

17:39 The Calming Power of Nature

21:50 Surprising Insights: Warm Coffee and Heavy Clipboards

31:08 Optimism and Success: Lessons from the Famous

33:26 Practical Tips for Happiness and Gratitude

36:31 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

CONTACT JANICE KAPLAN

📘 Learn more about Janice: www.janicekaplan.com

📚 Get the books: The Gratitude Diaries & What Your Body Knows About Happiness

ON Social:

Instagram: janice.kaplan

Substack: janicekaplan.substack.com



ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (FREE):

- Core Happiness Website: www.corehappiness.com

- Core Happiness Meditations & Affirmations on Youtube


FOLLOW US:

- Instagram: @CoreHappiness and @TheClarityConsultant

- Youtube: @CoreHappiness ​

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About the Podcast

Core Happiness
Creating a Happy Life Starts from Within
The Core Happiness™ podcast is geared towards inspiring listeners to become more mindful, gain clarity, and learn science based tips that will empower them to live their best lives while achieving personal and professional goals. Hosted by Master Certified Mindset & Positive Psychology Coach, Kacee Banks, each episode is crafted to send the message to listeners that they are not alone by sharing resources, tools, stories and experiences to encourage personal awareness and growth.

Core Happiness™ is a place for learning, experiencing, inspiration, motivation, and awareness reminders. Free of judgment and negativity. The belief behind Core Happiness™ is that we can live a life full of happiness, love, peace and abundance if we nourish ourselves with those things. Once you begin to become self-aware and use the aid of others to nourish your soul with positivity, love, hope and inspiration you will find your inner self growing more empowered, confident, motivated, and gaining inner and strength, all of which is then reflects externally to the world, your world. This podcast is to serve as inspiration and motivation to create a happy life by creating happiness within. Additional resources and support can be found at www.corehappiness.com.

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Disclaimer:
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

About your host

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Kacee Banks

Kacee Banks is a Certified Master Mindset & Transformation Coach specializing in Positive Psychology. Her passion is to help clients during life transitions, empowering them to be their best and most authentic selves. Over the last ten years, Kacee has completed her Positive Psychology Specialization from UPenn, dual master certifications in life coaching, and established Core Happiness™, LLC.