One Million Years Of Joy
Welcome to The One Million Years of Joy show. I am Dr. Andreea Vanacker, author, entrepreneur, speaker, brain tumor survivor and brain science lover, and my purpose is to spread more joy in this world. Join us weekly to listen to interviews with global guests who share their stories about finding and spreading joy, along with insights from my research on joy, purpose and holistic wellbeing. Help us spread the joy and tell us what brings you joy by taking part in our global study: https://www.andreeavanacker.com/joy
Welcome to The One Million Years of Joy show. I am Dr. Andreea Vanacker, author, entrepreneur, speaker, brain tumor survivor and brain science lover, and my purpose is to spread more joy in this world. Join us weekly to listen to interviews with global guests who share their stories about finding and spreading joy, along with insights from my research on joy, purpose and holistic wellbeing. Help us spread the joy and tell us what brings you joy by taking part in our global study: https://www.andreeavanacker.com/joy
Episodes

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
26 min
Dave Sanderson reveals the moment that changed him after Flight 1549 crashed into the Hudson River, and he was the last passenger to exit the plane.
From survival to reinvention, discover Dave's journey in building a life that is not just successful, but truly free from the “gold handcuffs” and why his definition of joy starts with gratitude.
You'll discover:
-The private shift that happened after the crash, long before the world knew his story
-The lesson from working forTony Robbins that separates inspiration from real transformation
-Why proximity is power and who you spend time with can change your future -Why he swam the Hudson River years later with Navy SEALs,
Essential listening if you want a practical path to more peace, a stronger mindset, and a deeper sense of purpose and joy.
2 hours ago
26 min

Aug 25, 2026
Purposeful living with Lara Bezerra (USA)
Aug 25, 2026
Aug 25, 2026
50 min
Lara Bezerra, former CEO and now author, shares key insights from her new book, her evolving sense of purpose, and the life experiences that shaped her leadership.
The conversation explores self-awareness, integrality, intentionality, coherence, and lifelong learning as practical tools for living with more clarity, joy, and impact.
We discuss how purpose can evolve over time, why self-awareness affects every relationship and decision, and how language, beliefs, and emotional awareness shape the lives we build. Lara also shares powerful personal stories about her mother, her adoption journey, and the daily disciplines that keep her grounded.
Aug 25, 2026
50 min

Aug 11, 2026
The Sleep Sweet Spot with Junhao Wen (USA)
Aug 11, 2026
Aug 11, 2026
43 min
Can insufficient and excessive sleep be markers of poorer overall health across the body?
Discover the findings from Junhao (Hao) WEN, assistant professor at Columbia University, published in May 2026 in Nature.
If you want to protect your brain, extend health-span, and understand what your sleep is really doing inside your body, this conversation will bring clarity about biological aging clocks, and brain-body connections in aging and disease.
Discover more details about his findings published in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10524-5
Aug 11, 2026
43 min

Aug 4, 2026
Aug 4, 2026
33 min
Dominique Steinebach shares how her own experiences with stigma and isolation inspired her to create We Moving Stories, a community that helps people turn personal challenges into connection and insight.
She reflects on the how small acts of vulnerability, supported by safe and caring relationships, can create real growth and joy.
Aug 4, 2026
33 min

Jul 28, 2026
Jul 28, 2026
26 min
Unlock the secret to living a joy-filled life by connecting deeply with your heart.
Arnaud Saint-Paul, author and founder of Tapuat, reveals how in just a few simple steps, you can transform stress, doubt, and resistance into effortless alignment and fulfillment.
Whether you're seeking to define your purpose or simply want to cultivate joy in everyday moments, his insights will help you reclaim your agency and experience life’s unfolding with openness and gratitude.
Jul 28, 2026
26 min

Jul 21, 2026
Jul 21, 2026
34 min
Jenna Nicholas, author, investor and entrepreneur shares how business, investing, and leadership can become forces for healing, purpose, and long-term impact.
Discover why purpose often gets overshadowed by profit, how Bhutan’s gross national happiness model challenges traditional success metrics, and why seven-generation thinking can help leaders make wiser decisions.
Jul 21, 2026
34 min

Jul 14, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
34 min
Discover insights from Siobhan Calderbank, an award-winning published author, founder of Butterfly Ladies, and a leader dedicated to fostering growth, diversity, and kindness.
Dive into her inspiring journey from early dreams to transforming communities through mentorship and fearless leadership. Uncover practical strategies for identifying personal strengths, leading change, and finding joy in life.
Jul 14, 2026
34 min

Jul 7, 2026
Jul 7, 2026
25 min
Discover the breakthrough science of human flourishing.
Ali Khan visiting professor at the University of Huddersfield, and advisor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, reveals how understanding the true depth of human experience, can exponentially improve performance, engagement, and wellbeing.
Discover the six key domains of human flourishing, how leaders can cultivate a thriving culture, the importance of psychological safety and purpose, and how education and experimentation can prepare us for the future.
Jul 7, 2026
25 min

Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
37 min
Most families avoid money conversations until it’s too late.
In this episode, Jacqui Clarke, a financial strategist and author, shares how honest money talk can transform your finances, your relationships, and your future.
She also reveals the three biggest money mistakes people make and why simple systems, savings habits, and a trusted financial “village” can make all the difference.
If you want more confidence, clarity, and peace around money, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can use right away.
Jun 30, 2026
37 min

Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
32 min
Stepping outside our comfort zones, can unlock life’s most extraordinary moments.
Mike Abrams, a marketing strategist, educator, and podcast host, reveals how a relentless curiosity and willingness to say "yes" transformed his life.
In this episode, discover how embracing risks, cultivating genuine connections, and rethinking failure can unlock unparalleled joy and opportunity.
As an Adjunct Professor in Marketing, Mike also shares great insights on the key skills needed in the AI era.
Discover Mike's podcast: bpn.fm/twcd
Jun 23, 2026
32 min



