Are you flourishing? And why a playful approach can help us cope

Are you flourishing? And why a playful approach can help us cope

Author: BBC Radio 4 June 10, 2025 Duration: 28:21

Do you feel like you’re flourishing?

If you’ve not heard that term before, it’s not just about wellbeing, it’s about your whole life being good.

Guest psychologist Dr Peter Olusoga joins Claudia in the studio to discuss the results of the Global Flourishing Study, a huge new study of more than 200,000 people in 22 countries.

What are the key takeaways on how we might help ourselves to flourish?

Pete also brings the science on a new psychological term – ‘lemonading’. It’s all about bringing a playful approach to life to help us cope in difficult times.

And we reveal more of our All in the Mind Awards finalists ahead of this month’s ceremony, including the story of a lifesaving breastfeeding group, and a nurse who was a rock for someone going through difficult psychiatric treatment.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Gerry Holt & Hannah Fisher Studio Manager: Phil Lander Editor: Glyn Tansley


Ever wondered why we do the things we do, or how our thoughts truly shape our reality? All in the Mind, from BBC Radio 4, moves beyond simple self-help to explore the intricate workings of the human psyche. Guided by Claudia Hammond, each episode is a thoughtful journey into the latest research and evidence from the worlds of psychology, neuroscience, and mental health. You'll hear from leading scientists, clinicians, and sometimes people with direct personal experience, all contributing to a deeper understanding of topics like memory, emotion, resilience, and perception. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's about connecting scientific discovery to the everyday experiences that define us. The conversations in this podcast are designed to be accessible yet deeply informative, stripping away jargon to reveal what the evidence really tells us about our minds. Whether it's unpacking the mechanics of anxiety, the science of happiness, or the mysteries of consciousness, Claudia's nuanced approach provides clarity and insight. Tune in for a compelling blend of personal stories and rigorous science that challenges assumptions and illuminates the hidden forces behind our behaviour. This is a space for curious listeners who want to look beneath the surface of thought and feeling, discovering the fascinating evidence that explains how we all operate.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

All in the Mind
Podcast Episodes
Smartphones and children, mental health labels and climate anxiety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:52
Smartphones are bad for the mental health of children and adolescents. At least, that’s the popular perception that has led to calls for smartphones to be banned for children under a certain age, with numerous media repo…
Toxic positivity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:55
In the last two years, online searches for ‘toxic positivity’ have spiked. In this discussion from the Cheltenham Science Festival, we find out what toxic positivity is, and how it can hurt you and people around you. In…
Languishing and the search for meaning in the modern world [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:40
If you’re feeling demotivated and aimless, but you’re not depressed, you might be languishing. But what exactly is languishing, and what can you do about it? Claudia Hammond talks to the sociologist Dr Corey Keyes, who c…