Kamen works as a lifestyle management consultant who explores the art and science of happiness as a speaker, author, and positive psychology expert. Through her globally syndicated podcast, books, media appearances, and documentary film, Lisa has impacted millions of people around the world.

LISA CYPERS KAMEN

meet your host

leave a review

Philosophically Dealing with Depression, Anxiety, and Disappointment with Samir Chopra, PhD

A philosophical approach to overcoming disappointment involves accepting that setbacks are a normal part of life. This strategy allows us to navigate challenges with greater resilience. Philosophical inquiry invites us to examine depression, anxiety, and disappointment through a broad perspective. We can learn to explore life’s challenges as opportunities for meaning-making rather than battles to be won or lost. By cultivating perspective, self-inquiry, and acceptance, we can transform emotional turbulence into a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.

For a philosophical perspective on relieving disappointment, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author, philosophical counselor, and professor emeritus of philosophy at Brooklyn College, Samir Chopra.

Samir offers insights into how acting in service to others can mitigate the sting of disappointment, how life is an exercise in staving off depression, and how self-care can ease anxiety and restore sanity.

Original Air Date Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Samir Chopra, PhD, is a philosophical counselor and professor emeritus of philosophy at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He has authored and co-authored several books, including works on film, artificial intelligence, and sports. Samir is a proponent of critical thinking who helps others manage anxiety and improve their mental health through a philosophical approach.

Book: Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide

Samir Chopra PhD—Overcoming Philosophical Disappointment:

Getting to the root of disappointment. {2:34}
Restoring sanity through a sanity template and self-care. {9:19}
A philosophical way to handle disappointments. {15:45}
Violence as an implicit or explicit threat will never result in constructive or peaceful behavior. {19:14}
How to unburden our anxiety by listening to others. {23:56}

Like what you’re hearing?

WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING?

Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Follow Samir Chopra, PhD:

Shareables:

“What has caused the great divide is an unwillingness to listen. An unwillingness to appreciate that we have different opinions.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “When you are showing up for others, you are not being selfish.” — Samir Chopra on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Most of the time, when we are having ‘mental health issues’ it is because we are inwardly focused.” — Samir Chopra on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “When we have expectations, our imagination works with those expectations to construct a certain kind of vision.” — Samir Chopra 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?

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.