Is it possible to decide to be happier, and then to go out there and make it happen? Hypnotherapist, author and podcaster Richard Nicholls believes that happiness is, at least in part, a skill to be learned. The more you practise, the easier it becomes. 

Of course, each individual’s notion of happiness and their genetic capacity to achieve it easily will be very different. That doesn’t mean, though, that we can’t decide to influence those aspects of happiness that are inside our control.

In this classic reissued episode, Andrew and Richard discuss the nature of happiness, and the things we can do to make it more a part of our everyday lives.

If You’re Looking for More….

You can subscribe to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts) and hear a bonus mini-episode every week. Or you can join our Supporters Club on Patreon to also access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests  and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50

This week supporters will hear:

• Dealing with Comparison Culture
• Three Things Richard Nicholls knows to be true. 
• AND subscribers also access all of our previous bonus content - a rich trove of insight on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and his interviewees.

Follow Up

Attend Andrew’s Men's Retreat near Berlin in April 2026 (details here) or his Couples Retreat in June 2026 (details here) 

Get Andrew’s free guide to difficult conversations with your partner: How to Tell Your Partner Difficult Things 

Read Richard Nicholls’ book 15 Minutes to Happiness 

Visit Richard Nicholls’ website 

Listen to the Therapy Natters podcast Richard Nicholls co-hosts with Fiona Biddle.

Follow Richard Nicholls on Twitter @richardnicholls, on Facebook @RichardNichollsAuthor and on Instagram @RichardNichollsReal.

Take a look at Andrew’s new online relationship course: My Best Relationship Tools

Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall