Blueprint for Joy: Planning Happiness and Fulfillment with Mark Fabian, PhD

Humans are perpetual seekers, as contentment is not part of our evolutionary design. We can move toward happiness by actively planning for fulfillment, leading us toward purposeful and satiated lives. By creating a blueprint that includes embracing all of our emotions and engaging in social interactions, we leverage our emotions to heal ourselves and society, rather than just creating more coping mechanisms.

To uncover the blueprint basics of joy, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Mark Fabian, a leading expert in well-being research and Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick.

Mark reveals the central tenets of his book Beyond Happy: How to Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfillment and shares the personal examples that inspired him to promote well-being and create his blueprint.

Original Air Date Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Dr. Mark Fabian, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick and an Affiliate Fellow at the University of Cambridge’s Bennett Institute for Public Policy. He is a leading expert in well-being research, integrating philosophy, economics, and psychology to understand and promote true well-being through effective public policy.

As a dynamic public speaker and host of the podcast ePODstemology, Dr. Fabian explores the intersection of well-being and public policy. His notable

Publications include the academic book “A Theory of Subjective Wellbeing” (2022, Oxford University Press) and his latest book, “Beyond Happy: How to Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfillment,” which offers groundbreaking insights into cultivating well-being and happiness.

Book: BEYOND HAPPY: How To Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfillment

Mark Fabian, PhD—A Blueprint for Happiness & Fulfillment:

The role of evolution in human happiness. {2:12}
Trauma born from society’s woes. {4:53}
Is happiness a myth? {10:33}
Planning for fulfillment in the new world. {14:58}
Creating a blueprint for happiness using the tools in Beyond Happy. {24:22}

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Shareables:

“There is magic that happens in the dark when life isn’t happy.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Happiness is information rather than a goal.” @MarkFabian_PAIS on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Evolution doesn't want us to be content, settled, and stable.” @MarkFabian_PAIS on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “If you want to discover purpose, it is often necessary to put yourself into the thick of it.” @MarkFabian_PAIS on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.