Jared Akers

How to Be Happy

HTBH 018: Dealing with Aging Parents

by Jared Akers

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

dealing with aging parentsDealing with aging parents is a part of life we should feel lucky to experience.

However, in some cases, depending on the relationship we have with our parents or the circumstances involved, there can also be a lot of stress, guilt, and resentments related to such an experience.

In response to a reader sharing a touching story about taking care of her mother and then mother-in-law, Emily and I discuss the topic of dealing with aging parents and steps we can take to lessen the burden for our children as we age.

Topics in this episode:

  • Nursing Home vs. Retirement Community vs. Assisted Living
  • Are we obligated to take care of our parents?
  • It’s OK to feel some guilt or resentment
  • Legacy File / Legacy Drawer (next week we’ll share more about this and what it entails)

 Please subscribe below to get automatic updates of our podcast!

Click Here to Subscribe via iTunes
Click Here to Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes)

HTBH 017: Effective Communication with Your Spouse or Partner

by Jared Akers

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

bad communicationIn this episode of the How to Be Happy Podcast, Emily and I sat down to discuss our experience on effective communication in relationships.

One of the best ways to become a great communicator is to know who you are and what you need.

What’s the difference between nagging and someone just not paying attention or listening? At some point, if you’re nagging, you have to realize that you’re putting expectations on the other person to make you happy.

Topics in this episode:

Please subscribe below to get automatic updates of our podcast!

Click Here to Subscribe via iTunes
Click Here to Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes)

Learning to Love Yourself, Are You a Liar? (plus one awesome tip on loving yourself today)

by Jared Akers

Love And Liar PinocchioAre you trying to alter the lens of others in order to be liked?

When someone asks you to do something you don’t feel like doing, do you fabricate some story or excuse? In other words, do you lie?

Chances are you do, or have in the past. Or, like me, maybe you’ve been doing it so long you don’t even realize you’re doing it.

It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, we just want people to like us. It’s natural to think that by telling someone you have to mow your lawn will hurt their feelings less then “I don’t feel like hanging out with you.”

Just Say No, You Don’t Have to Lie Anymore

In the summer of 2006, shortly after starting my journey into self-discovery, I was working for a friend installing radon mitigation systems in residential homes. I was scheduled to do an install one week and decided to blow it off because I just didn’t feel like doing it. So I rescheduled for the following week. [Read more…]

HTBH 016: Travel Tips (Budgeting, Packing, Deals, and Expectations)

by Jared Akers

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

travel tips, beach cabanaTraveling is important to us so we make it a priority. In this episode Emily and I share some things we’ve learned over the years to make traveling more enjoyable and affordable. Some topics we touch on are: budgeting, packing, airline tickets, finding deals, saving money, and managing expectations.

Some places we’ve visited: Kauai, Cancun, Cozumel, St. Croix, Belize, Playa Del Carmen, Curacao.

Topics in this episode:

Please subscribe below to get automatic updates of our podcast!

Click Here to Subscribe via iTunes
Click Here to Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes)

HTBH 015: 5 Keys to a Healthy Relationship

by Jared Akers

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

healthy relationshipIn this episode Emily and I discuss 5 keys to have a healthy relationship. This is certainly not “the” five keys. Over the years we’ve certainly had some unhealthy relationships in our lives. We go over 5 keys which we feel have helped us maintain a healthy life and relationship.

Key #1 – The 90 Second Rule

When you first see someone that you haven’t seen in more than two hours, the first 90 seconds is the most important. That first 90 seconds is more important than spending hours with them later. Check out the 90 Second Rule post.

Key #2 – Respect

Self-respect is essential first; if we don’t respect self then it’s difficult for others to respect us.

Emily makes a point that it’s important to think about what you’re saying and the consequences it may have on your partner or spouse. For example, if you feel you’re doing all the work around the house, ask for help instead of being sarcastic about it. [Read more…]



Copyright © 2008-2025 · All Rights Reserved · Jared Akers · Disclosure