Practical Strategies for Lasting HappinessPractical Strategies for Lasting Happiness
Speaking Candidly with Candace
Candice Schoner speaks with psychologist Dr. Dan Elash about the difference between fleeting pleasure and real happiness, focusing on present-moment awareness, purpose and self-talk. The conversation also touches on stress, depression, agency and when professional help may be needed.
26:58•27 Apr 2026
Practical Steps to Real Happiness with Dr. Dan Elash
Episode Overview
- Happiness is something experienced in the present moment, not something you can permanently acquire through achievements or possessions.
- Lasting happiness grows from dedicating yourself to a goal bigger than yourself and aligned with what genuinely excites you.
- Mindfulness and gratitude help you shift attention from self-criticism and worry to appreciation of what you have right now.
- Self-talk strongly influences mood; learning to redirect your thoughts toward constructive, hopeful ideas is like building a mental muscle.
- In cases of clinical depression or anxiety, professional support and, at times, medication may be needed to address brain chemistry alongside mindset work.
“"Happiness isn't getting what you want. It's wanting what you have."”
What drives someone to seek a life that actually feels good, rather than just looks good from the outside? This conversation between host Candice Schoner and psychologist and life strategies coach Dr. Dan Elash zooms in on that question with warmth, humour, and plenty of practical tools. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience with hospitals, military families and first responders, Dr. Dan breaks down why chasing promotions, possessions or status so often leaves people flat.
He explains why, as he puts it, "happiness isn't getting what you want. It's wanting what you have," and why real contentment comes from living in the present, choosing worthy goals and treating yourself with kindness. You’ll hear Dr. Dan unpack the difference between fleeting pleasure and deeper happiness, why you can "only be anxious in the future" and "only be happy in the present," and how self-talk quietly shapes mood and behaviour.
His blue buffaloes example makes it clear how hard it is to "not" think something – and what to do instead. The episode speaks directly to people juggling stress, depression, or tough life news such as illness. Dr. Dan doesn’t minimise pain; he talks about accepting reality as it is, while still protecting a sense of agency through the way you interpret events.
He also stresses that sometimes brain chemistry needs medical and therapeutic support, and that this doesn’t mean you’ve failed. From choosing kindness over cynicism, to spotting when material success is edging out emotional wellbeing, this is a conversation for anyone who feels stuck on the happiness treadmill. If you’ve ever wondered whether a different inner script could change how you feel day to day, this one might get you asking some new questions about how you define a good life.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.