In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Cristina Castagnini speaks with Maria Baltazzi, a happiness advocate and author of "Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct, and Produce the Life You Want," about finding true happiness and personal fulfillment.

Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFA is an Emmy Award-winning television producer, international traveler, and wellbeing teacher. She has developed and produced shows on all seven continents and was one of the original producers of Survivor for CBS — a role she continued through its first ten seasons. She then did another lap around the world as a distance walker, entering marathons on all seven continents to raise money for charity. To date, Maria has walked more than seven thousand miles and is still going.

Maria is a member of the Producers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of America, and a Fellow of the Explorers Club. Her degrees include an MFA in film from the Art Center College of Design and a PhD in Conscious-Centered Living from the University of Sedona. Maria’s educational focus over the past decade on happiness and mindfulness. Her certifications include Mindfulness Meditation Teaching Training with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, Primordial Sound Meditation Teacher Training from The Chopra Center, Spiritual Psychology with Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick at the University of Santa Monica, Happiness Studies with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, the Science of Happiness from the University of Berkley, and Inner MBA from MindfulNYU.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Happiness Essentials

Maria outlines eight core values of happy people:
  1. Faith (believing in something greater than yourself)
  2. Loving relationships
  3. Holistic health (mind, body, spirit)
  4. Attitude of gratitude
  5. Forgiveness
  6. Inner peace
  7. Detachment
  8. Abundance (beyond financial wealth)

Challenges to Happiness

  • Misconception of happiness as an external destination
  • Lack of education about personal well-being
  • Over-reliance on technology and social media
  • Disconnection from meaningful in-person relationships

Pandemic Insights

  • Increased global conversation about well-being
  • Recognition of toxic work environments
  • Importance of human connection

Practical Happiness Strategies

  • Set boundaries with technology
  • Limit news consumption
  • Practice intentional connection
  • Explore personal definition of happiness
  • Make conscious choices that align with personal values

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 01:00 Meet Dr. Maria Baltazzi
  • 02:12 The Inspiration Behind 'Take a Shot at Happiness'
  • 05:23 Exploring the Eight Essentials of Happiness
  • 19:56 The Impact of the Pandemic on Happiness
  • 23:57 The Role of Technology in Modern Happiness
  • 32:28 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
  • 44:29 Conclusion and Resources

QUOTES:

  • "Happiness is a learnable skill."
  • "Your happiness, how you feel inside, impacts the relationships that you have."
  • "Happiness is when your thoughts, emotions, and actions are in alignment with the things that you value."

HOW TO CONNECT WITH DR. MARIA TO LEARN MORE:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.