The pursuit of happiness is baked into our American culture, and the self-help industry is a multi-billion dollar--well--industry. Studies have shown that the pursuit of happiness actually makes us less happy, but we're still doing it! In this talk, bestselling author and host of the "Terrible, Thanks for Asking" and "It's Going to Be OK" podcasts debunks popular self-help tropes and leave audiences with a healthier take on mental health and a daily practice for moving from self-improvement to self-awareness, and embracing what it means to be happyish.

Before it became a popular buzzword, resilience was an adjective used to describe goldfish or tires, something that didn't need much-taking care of. Even the dictionary says that resilience is about the "ability to return to the original shape." Isn't that a little ridiculous? How can we possibly be expected to return to our original shape when our lives fall apart? Don't we want to allow ourselves to be altered by disruption, setbacks or change? Isn't adaptation—a true change—something to celebrate in a rapidly changing world and workplace? In this talk, Nora McInerny uses stories from her own life and her podcasts to introduce a new definition of resilience, one that acknowledges the changes we didn't choose.

Why do we ask, "How are you?" when we don't want to know the real answer? And why do we always say, "Fine," even when the truth is that things are not always fine? What are the three words to avoid if you want to connect with someone or, more importantly, with yourself? There's an ongoing mental health crisis, and the invisibility of grief makes it that much harder to acknowledge. Utilizing stories from her award-winning podcasts, Nora invites audiences to consider a less isolating, more honest answer to the question, "How are you?" This talk is also available as a 90-minute workshop.

In business, whether you're a leader, employee, or someone just entering the workforce, how you interact with others is essential to your success and mental well-being—especially in times of crisis or high stress. Communication is key. If it's done well, it can lead to a more positive environment, better connections with your employees or coworkers, and a great and caring company where people want to work. In this talk or workshop, Bestselling Author Nora McInerny gives you the tools to successfully engage with others and effectively lead or navigate the workplace. As an extra bonus, these tips work at home with your spouse, family and friends, too!

What happens if one of your employees experiences a tragedy? How are you going to meet such an incredibly sad and stressful human moment and provide them with the support and resources they need? In this talk or workshop, Best Selling Author Nora McInerny gives you tips on how HR professionals and leaders can be prepared to handle these situations and shows you how to create a more empathetic work environment that truly meets people where they are in times of crisis. You and your company can make a REAL difference in the worst time in someone's life. Nora will show you how to get started.

Expanding on her viral TED Talk, "We Don't Move On From Grief, We Move Forward With It," Nora McInerny guides audiences through the impact of grief on their brain, body and interpersonal relationships and how the language we use around death and loss can help grievers move forward with their loss into a life truly lived.

There's nothing funny about brain cancer. But Nora McInerny and her late husband laughed all the time during his treatment. No one wants to be just another sad story. And even the heaviest experiences have moments of levity. Nora walks caretakers and healthcare providers through a more complex version of the patient experience—inviting audiences to laugh and cry alongside her and reminding us of the humanity that coexists alongside terminal illness.

It's no secret the last few years have been mentally tough on everyone. But none have been hit harder by the pandemic than students. According to recent surveys, anxiety, depression, sadness, and feelings of isolation and loneliness are all on the rise. In this talk, Nora McInerny lathers on her trademark humor and shares her journey as she tells audiences how to support students through their grief, how to build a community that treats each other with kindness and how to use our shared experiences to connect on a deeper level with each other.