Episode:Â 4
Sue Langley Shares The Science-Backed Tools For A Happy Life
With Layne Beachley & Tess Brouwer
Listen on:
One decision can change the course of your life...
...even if it starts behind the wheel of a truck. In this episode of A Wake Up Call, Tess and Layne sit down with global positive psychology expert Sue Langley, whose journey from truck driver to neuroscience leader proves that resilience, curiosity, and courage are muscles built through discomfort.
Together, they unpack the real science behind happiness – from how stress can actually make us stronger, to why manifesting works (and when it doesn’t), to the surprising truth about worthiness, resilience, and post-traumatic growth.
Sue shares the brain’s secret to rewiring belief, reframing fear, and training your attention to look for the good – because what you notice, you nurture.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded in chaos or build resilience that lasts, this episode will change how you think about stress, hope, and human flourishing.
You’ll learn:
- Why stress isn’t the enemy – it’s the training ground for growth
- How to build real resilience by embracing discomfort
- The neuroscience behind manifesting and meaning-making
- How to rewire your brain for worthiness and confidence
- The single daily habit that boosts hope and rewrites your mental algorithm
5 Key takeaways
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- Stress Can Be Your Superpower
When you see stress as useful, your brain produces DHEA – a neurochemical that boosts learning and memory. Reframing pressure builds resilience. - Resilience Requires Real-World Reps Like a muscle, resilience grows through exposure, not avoidance. Let yourself face discomfort, fail, learn, and adapt. That’s how confidence is earned.
- Meaning-Making Shapes Your Reality
From lucky bikinis to dragonflies, your brain filters what it believes matters. Attach empowering meaning to moments – and they’ll fuel you forward. - Worthiness Starts With a “What If”
Flip your story: What if I am worthy? Visualise that version of yourself and act from it. The brain learns through experience – real or imagined. - Guard Your Inputs, Grow Your Outputs
Curate your environment. Limit negative news. Surround yourself with optimism, hope, and possibility – because your brain becomes what it consumes.
This episode is your science-backed reminder that happiness isn’t luck — it’s learned.
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Disclaimer
The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.
If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.
Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.
