The Lisa Show

What if a little more happiness in your life was as simple as paying attention to what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch? Bestselling author and podcast host Gretchen Rubin joins Lisa to explore how our five senses can become unexpected pathways to greater joy. Gretchen shares practical ways to step outside your routine, reconnect with your body, and make ordinary moments more meaningful. A little mindfulness can go a long way toward a happier, more connected life. For more of Gretchen's work be sure to check out her website: https://gretchenrubin.com/ For Gretchen's 5 senses quiz, check here...

Is life feeling a little cattywampus? If so, humor, maybe just the fix you need. Lisa joins comedian and author Ellen Skrmetti to talk about all the things that can go cattywampus—parenting, marriage, menopause, and more. Get ready to laugh. For more of Ellen's work be sure to check out her website: https://ellenskrmetti.com/

How can we talk about difficult topics and still feel like we're on the same team? Lisa sits down with the executive director of "Disagree Better", Marianne Viray, who trains elected officials and decision-makers to navigate difficult conversations without creating division. They explore how to ask honest questions, listen with a willingness to learn, and see people as more than their political beliefs. From family dinner tables to local government, Marianne shares practical ways to build a culture where different viewpoints are welcome, disagreement doesn't have to mean division, and meaningful conversations can bring us closer together.

What does it mean to surround yourself with greatness, and how can the people around us help us become better? Lisa sits down with former NFL Pro Bowl tight end Chad Lewis to talk about the power of learning from others, building meaningful relationships, and choosing to surround ourselves with people who inspire us to grow. They explore how the right people can shape our perspective, push us beyond our comfort zones, and help us become the best versions of ourselves. For Chad'd book "Surround Yourself With Greatness", check out this link: https://a.co/d/07AFKurr

What do philosophy, faith, and stand-up comedy have in common? More than you might think! Lisa sits down with comedian Pete Holmes for a conversation about God, truth, human nature, and why asking life’s biggest questions can be both meaningful and funny. They dive into philosophy, creativity, and what it means to say "yes, thank you" to everything life throws your way. Lisa and Pete share family memories, plenty of laughs, and even a few thoughts on hot drinks.

When your kids leave home, everyone talks about how proud you’ll be, but no one really prepares you for how much you might miss them. Lisa is officially an empty nester, and she’s finding this new phase of life much more emotional than she expected. Dr. Rachel Glick joins Lisa to talk about empty nest syndrome, what to expect when your kids become adults, how to navigate the grief and relief that can come with this transition, and how to build a new relationship with your adult children, your spouse, and yourself. Because an empty nest may feel like...

Why can it be so hard to accept a compliment? Dr. Marisa G. Franco, a psychologist, researcher, and author, joins Lisa to explore how our sense of self-worth shapes the way we experience friendship, love, kindness, and relationships. She'll explain where worth comes from and how to reclaim it when we don't feel good about ourselves. For more of Dr. Franco's work, including her books, be sure to check out her website: https://drmarisagfranco.com/

What values do you want your kids to carry with them for the rest of their lives? Gary Dixon, president of the Foundation for a Better Life, joins Lisa to talk about the power of simple values like courage, kindness, gratitude, and compassion. They discuss the stories behind the Foundation’s famous “Pass It On” ads, how values shape our families and communities, and why Gary remains optimistic about the world around us. Be sure to check out the Pass It On website: https://www.passiton.com/

Are your kids ready to leave home? And more importantly, are you ready to let them go? Lisa Heffernan of “Grown and Flown” talks with Lisa about preparing kids for adulthood—from knowing how to change an air filter to building the confidence and independence they need to figure things out on their own. They discuss the life skills that matter most, the importance of community, and why parenting doesn’t end when your kids move out—even when your role in their lives changes. For more of Grown and Flown be sure to check out their website: https://grownandflown.com/ You c...

Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? A musician? A doctor? A teacher? An astronaut? Are you living that dream? And if you aren't living that dream, have you missed out on your life's true purpose? Researcher and author Tom Rath talks with Lisa about how to find true purpose in any scenario--even those that don't go to plan--and why following your passion isn't always the best path to purpose. To find out more about Tom's book "What's the Point? Turning Purpose into Your Daily Superpower," click here: https://tomrath.org/whats-the-point Tom is an...

What if the choices you make every day could help keep your brain healthier as you age? Dr. Marc Milstein, author of The Age-Proof Brain, joins Lisa to explore what neuroscience can teach us about protecting our memory and cognitive health.  You don't have to overhaul your life overnight. Sometimes adding a few healthy habits is enough to make a difference. For more of Dr. Marc Milstein's work, including his podcast, be sure to check out his website: https://www.drmarcmilstein.com/podcast

It’s easy to unintentionally raise entitled kids, especially when we’re trying to give them more than we had growing up. Amy McCready joins Lisa to talk about what entitlement looks like at every age, how parents may be contributing to it without realizing it, and how we can foster gratitude, responsibility, and independence (even with our adult children). For more of Amy's work as well as her books be sure to check out her website: https://amymccready.com/ You can find Amy's podcast here: https://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/parenting-expert-amy-mccready/ For Amy's list of age appropriate family contributions, check out...

Even the practices that once brought us joy and connection can start to feel stale or overwhelming over time. Cali Black joins Lisa to talk about how we can rediscover meaning in scripture study, prayer, Sabbath observance, and other nourishing practices by letting go of perfectionism and returning to our “why.” For more of Cali's work be sure to check out her website and Instagram: https://comefollowmestudy.com/podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/comefollowmestudy

Rejection stings--whether it’s a missed opportunity, an unanswered email, or a dream that doesn’t work out the way we hoped. Lisa talks with bestselling author and entrepreneur Jia Jiang about learning to embrace rejection and transforming fear into confidence. For more of Jia's work be sure to check out his website: https://www.jiajiang.com/ Check out Jia's books here: https://www.jiajiang.com/easydiscipline https://www.amazon.com/Rejection-Proof-Became-Invincible-Through/dp/080414138X

We’re bringing this inspiring conversation back from the Lisa Show vault because many of us find ourselves searching for renewed purpose or wondering what’s next in life. Lisa sits down with award-winning artist and American Ninja Warrior competitor Jenedy Paige to talk about the winding path that led her to her current pursuits. Jenedy shares three practical ideas to help you discover greater passion and purpose in your own life. 00:00 Intro 02:16 Lisa's Journey to Finding Passion 04:19 Jenedy Paige, The "Art Ninja" 06:29 Jenedy's Journey to American Ninja Warrior 16:29 Losing Her Son and Finding Healing Through Art 24:19 Three Tips for Find...

We’re bringing this conversation back from the Lisa Show vault because having strong relationships with the teenagers in our lives is something parents, grandparents, and mentors all want. Lisa sits down with Kirby Heyborne to discuss three simple principles that can help foster trust, improve communication, and strengthen your connection with the teens in your life. 00:00 Intro 02:14 Lisa's Teaching Story 08:13 Introducing Kirby Heyborne 11:03 Getting Out of the Way 12:35 The Yes-And Technique 27:56 Outro & Credits Originally aired Jul 23, 2024

We’re bringing this important conversation back from The Lisa Show vault because not only do so many people continue to navigate ADHD and the challenges that come with it, but we've experienced firsthand the power of this conversation, both for people with ADHD and for their loved ones. Lisa sits down with producer Becca Hurley Luong to talk about her experience receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, working through the shame that often surrounds it, and finding practical strategies for more hope, understanding, and progress. Originally aired Sep 24, 2024

This record-breaking episode of The Lisa Show is back from the vault with its critical advice for intentionally boosting your happiness, mindset, and emotional well-being. Author, professor, and speaker Hank Smith joins Lisa to explore what truly creates lasting happiness and joy. Together, they discuss habits that shape our perception of joy and fulfillment, the three "levels of happiness," and how to move beyond the pressure to “just be positive,” toward real and lasting mindset shifts. Dr. Henry “Hank” Smith grew up the son of a golf professional in St. George, Utah. After earning a Master’s Degree from Utah State, Han...

From The Lisa Show vault, this fan-favorite episode has something for everyone--whether or not your kids live at home. Steven Sharp Nelson's stories and perspective on parenthood resonate as a heartfelt tribute to the often unrecognized but extraordinary impact of parental love. While he’s best known as the world-renowned cellist from The Piano Guys, Steven is also a dad who is passionate about building meaningful relationships with his children. He and Lisa talk about everything from encouraging kids through challenges, helping them understand what matters most, creating stronger connections, and the all-too-universal experience of praying in the garage before go...

Some episodes are worth revisiting, and this The Lisa Show favorite is more timely than ever in 2026. Rachel Hunt, founder of tinykindness.org, shares how documenting and sharing small acts of kindness helped her navigate seasons of grief, isolation, and depression. Whether unexpected texts, thoughtful gestures, or moments of connection between strangers, Rachel and Lisa explore the transformative impact tiny kindness can have on our lives. From collective memory to the Baader–Meinhof phenomenon, there's good reason why even the smallest meaningful moments can remind us that we’re not alone. For more of Rachel's work be sure to check out...

A popular T-shirt claims "If I had known having grandchildren was this fun, I would have had them first!" But as anyone on the other side knows, becoming a grandparent can come with a variety of stresses and unexpected transitions too. DeeDee Moore from More Than Grand joins Lisa for a conversation all about how to prepare (and when needed, repair) critical relationships so that grandparents and their loved ones can make the most out of that special bond. DeeDee's insights include important conversations to have, what new grandparents wish they had known sooner, important pitfalls to avoid, and how...

Life rarely goes according to the story we imagined, and sometimes the hardest moments come from the expectations we didn’t even realize we were carrying. Lisa sits down with Michele Reyes to talk about resilience, navigating life’s unexpected plot twists, and five strategies that can help us move through disappointment and frustration.  Be sure to check out Michele's Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/themichelereyes For more of Michele's work be sure to check out her website: https://michelereyescoaching.com/

Money has a way of stirring up emotions we don’t always expect like stress, shame, pride, even confusion about what we “should” be doing. Lisa sits down with Dr. Ashley LeBaron Black, professor of Family Finance, to talk about why money feels so personal and why it can be intimidating to talk about, especially in relationships.

Movies, television, and even a simple billboard can remind us of the goodness still happening in the world. Lisa sits down with Curt Dahl of the “Pass It On” campaign for a conversation about meaningful storytelling, purposeful seeking, and how finding the good around us can help us feel closer to God and each other.

Food has a way of bringing us back to childhood memories, family traditions, and the people we love most. But what happens when the house gets quieter and the meals get smaller? Lisa sits down with Liz Edmunds and Lizi Heaps of "The Food Nanny" for a heartfelt conversation about nourishment, connection, and learning to care for yourself with the same love you so easily give to others. Be sure to check out The Food Nanny on their various socials: https://www.instagram.com/thefoodnanny/ https://youtube.com/@thefoodnanny You can find more of The Food Nanny on their website...

Family history can sound intimidating, overwhelming, or even a little old-fashioned. But Lisa’s conversation with professional genealogist Aimee Cross might just change your mind. Aimee, creator of the popular YouTube channel Ancestry Aimee, shares simple, meaningful ways to start discovering your family’s stories without needing hours of free time or expert-level research skills. For more of Aimee's work be sure to check out her Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AimeeCrossGenealogyHints

So many of us imagined a more creative version of ourselves, only to grow up and find ourselves struggling to find the time to even begin. Lisa talks with bestselling author and teacher Ally Condie about what creativity really looks like in the middle of busy, imperfect lives. Together, they explore perfectionism, gratitude, and why creativity doesn’t require ideal conditions to matter. It’s an honest, hopeful conversation for anyone trying to make something beautiful while juggling real life. Check out more of Ally's work at her website: https://www.allycondie.com/

If you’ve ever felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, you’re not alone. According to efficiency expert Megan Sumrell of "The Pink Bee," the problem might not be your schedule, but how you’re managing it. Lisa sits down with Megan to explore why traditional time management systems often fall short and how a simple shift like planning your week with rest as a requirement, not a reward, can make all the difference. It’s a practical, encouraging conversation about finding more time, reducing stress, and building a routine that actually works for your real life...

Feeling optimistic can be hard--especially in a world that gets increasingly complicated. David Butler joins Lisa to explore where real optimism comes from, how we can hold onto it, and the small things we can say or do that will make all the difference to our worldviews. This episode is a hopeful, practical look at choosing to see the good and finding more of it than you expected.

Think travel has to cost thousands? Think again. Budget travel expert Jilene Brady joins Lisa to break down how she flies her family around the world for a fraction of the listed price. From scoring cheap fares to making credit card points actually make sense, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you see more of the world without draining your bank account. For more travel deals be sure to check out Jilene's Instagram: @thetravelingdeals

Have you ever felt stuck while waiting for something to happen? Nonprofit leader Stacey Hofman of Ghana Make a Difference joins Lisa to share how an unexpected season of being stranded far from home became the start of something bigger than she ever planned. This episode is a reminder that even in limbo, small acts of good can ripple outward in ways we never imagined. For more of Stacey's work check out her Ghana Make a Difference: https://www.instagram.com/ghana_make_a_difference?igsh=enRndGo1bGVtcTJt&utm_source=qr

Clutter has a way of quietly taking over our time, energy, and attention. Author and entrepreneur Katy Wells joins Lisa to reframe what it really means to declutter and how to do it in simple, realistic steps. This episode invites you to see decluttering as an investment in a more peaceful, intentional life. You might be surprised how much you get back by giving a few things away. For more of Katy's work be sure to check out her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells/

Art can change the way we see the Savior if we slow down long enough to really look. Religion professor and artist Anthony Sweat joins Lisa to explore how sacred art can deepen our connection to Jesus Christ, especially during Easter. From considering classic works like those by Rembrandt to creating something of your own, this episode invites you to be more intentional in how you “behold the Lamb of God.” You might be surprised what just a few quiet minutes with a painting can teach you. To see more of Anthonys work, check out his website: https://www.anthonysweat.com/

He made us laugh as Dwight Schrute, but what does Rainn Wilson care about when the cameras are off? In this conversation with Lisa, Rainn opens up about building a life that feels whole. Rainn shares how creativity, faith, family, and work aren’t separate roles but deeply connected parts of the same journey. Along the way, he reflects on fatherhood, purpose, and the ongoing pursuit of a more integrated, meaningful life.  For more on Rainn's work, be sure to check out his book and podcast: https://www.soulboom.com/

Food advice is everywhere, and all that noise can make something as simple as eating feel complicated. Katie Miller, author of the "How-to Guide to Happy Eating," helps people step back from the pressure and rethink their relationship with food by focusing on balance, nourishment, and listening to their own bodies. In this conversation with Lisa, Katie shares why healthy eating doesn’t require perfection, trendy ingredients, or influencer-level meal prep. For more of Katie's work, be sure to check out her website: https://plantedhabits.com/

What if one of the most important roles you’ll ever play… is one you never officially get? John Bytheway has spent decades teaching and encouraging youth and families, often without ever using the word “mentor.” In this conversation with Lisa, he shares why mentoring is about listening, noticing people’s strengths, and showing up when it matters. You don't have to have all the answers. Be sure to check out John's podcast "FollowHIM": https://followhim.co/

What if the most powerful thing you could give someone isn’t advice or money, but a story? Lisa sits down with Sam Payne, host of The Apple Seed—a story telling podcast on BYU Radio—to explore why storytelling shapes our family culture, strengthens relationships, and helps us understand who we are. Together, they reflect on the healing power of telling stories about those we’ve loved and lost, and why storytelling belongs to all of us. Be sure to check out The Apple Seed: https://www.byuradio.org/the-apple-seed

When violence strikes close to home, the grief feels different. It can feel heavier, more personal, and harder to shake. Lisa sits down with Emma McAdam, licensed therapist and founder of "Therapy in a Nutshell," to talk about how to cope with collective trauma in a 24/7 news cycle. Together they explore emotional resilience, intentional media consumption, and why healing ourselves first is the most powerful way to help our communities heal. Be sure to check out Therapy in a Nutshell: https://therapyinanutshell.com/

When someone you love questions or walks away from their faith, it can feel deeply personal and deeply unsettling. Lisa sits down with Dr. Jared Halverson, a scholar of American religious history and faith loss, to talk about how to respond when faith crises show up in our families and friendships. Together, they explore why belief journeys look different for everyone, how to keep spiritual differences from becoming relationship fractures, and why the most Christlike response may start with tending to our own faith and not trying to fix someone else’s.

Even the strongest marriages hit slumps, and, no, it doesn’t always mean you’re doing it wrong. Lisa talks with clinical psychologist and marriage researcher Dr. Scott Braithwaite about why dips in marital satisfaction are normal and what actually helps couples move through them. With six practical, research-backed strategies, they explore how to break unhealthy patterns, communicate more effectively, and reconnect by focusing on the most important foundation of all: friendship.