More energy, more focus, more joy comes from asking and answering questions of purpose. End the battle between the two stories we tell ourselves — fantastic or fraud? awesome or anxious? — and be liberated to accomplish more, love more and create more than ever. In this TEDx talk, I share a small-steps exercise for identifying questions of authentic purpose, and personal stories to make this big concept a tangible reality in your life.

More energy, more focus, more joy comes from asking and answering questions of purpose. End the battle between the two stories we tell ourselves — fantastic or fraud? awesome or anxious? — and be liberated to accomplish more, love more and create more than ever. In this TEDx talk, I share a small-steps exercise for identifying questions of authentic purpose, and personal stories to make this big concept a tangible reality in your life.

Does self-help focus on the individual at the expense of society?

Some self-help gurus go too far. Others offer meaningless platitudes. Can there be a popular self-help program that really works – for positive change for individuals and social justice?

Does self-help focus on the individual at the expense of society?

Some self-help gurus go too far. Others offer meaningless platitudes. Can there be a popular self-help program that really works – for positive change for individuals and social justice?

Many of us find money harder to talk about than death – so we do our best to ignore it. Resentment can build. And the fights can be huge. There’s a better way: I’ve launched a free workbook to help you talk money with your honey.

Many of us find money harder to talk about than death – so we do our best to ignore it. Resentment can build. And the fights can be huge. There’s a better way: I’ve launched a free workbook to help you talk money with your honey.

Reduce Stress and Maximize Happiness this Holiday Season
News3000
December 15, 2023

Raw Meat-Eating Liver King and Other Health Influencers Face Mounting Lawsuits
Bloomberg News Interview
Fortune, Gwinnett Daily Post, The Messenger, Arcamax
September 21, 2023

‘It has to be an event’: Does ‘Barbenheimer’ signal a return to movie theaters?
Wisconsin Public Radio
July 21, 2023

Exploring Barbie’s Wisconsin Roots
CBS 58
July 16, 2023

What are you afraid of, America?
The Globe and Mail / David Shribman
June 30, 2023

Taking Fun Risks as an Adult
News 3000 – Live at Four
June 26, 2023

Looking for Connection in a Culture of Busyness
Next Avenue
June 13, 2023

Geeking Out on Self-Help
The SEEK Safely Podcast
May 15, 2023

How to Spring Clean Alongside Inflation
Wisconsin Public Radio
May 1, 2023

There’s a Reason to Lose Sleep over Mislabeled Melatonin Gummies
Marketplace
April 27, 2023

What Do Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies Actually Do?
Fast Company
April 24, 2023

How to Have It All
OnWisconsin
Spring 2023

8 O’Clock Buzz
WORT-FM
April 21, 2023

Find Your Why: How to Move Beyond Performative Buzzwords and Personalize the Purpose of Your Business
iHeart Radio
April 19, 2023

Woman Shares Cruel Things People Say to Her as a Childless 42-Year-Old: “You Failed at Life”
BestLife
April 14, 2023

Maximizing Your Well-Being by “Consuming Happiness”
Channel 3000
March 27, 2023

The Secret to Happiness
Channel 3000
March 7, 2023

Americans are Finding It More Difficult to Say “I Do”
WXOW-TV
February 14, 2023

A Healthier Wellness Industry
Marketplace
February 9, 2023

2023 Valentine’s Day Spending Survey
WalletHub
February 7, 2022

Overcoming Clutter: Understanding Accumulation
News 15 Madison WMTV
February 3, 2023

Poll Finds Most American Workers Disengaged with Their Work Central Time
Wisconsin Public Radio
February 2, 2023

Wellness Resolutions
Marketplace Morning Report from APR / NPR
January 31, 2023

A new generation of secondhand shoppers
Madison.com
January 27, 2023

Let’s Talk Purpose and Goals
Well Wisconsin Radio
January 12, 2023

Money Tips for 2023
Yahoo News via The Hill.com
January 11, 2023

How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions
The Morning Show – Wisconsin Public Radio
January 4, 2023

 
Voice of America News
January 1, 2023
 
Live at Four – News 3000 TV
December 28, 2022
 
FOX-47 News
December 21, 2022
 
NBC26
December 13, 2022
 
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
December 11, 2022
 
State of Mind: Can being Religious Improve Your Mental Health?
USA Today/Ganett News Wire Service
December 6, 2022
 
Holiday Gift-Giving in a time of Inflation
Wisconsin Public Radio wpr.org
December 2, 2022
 
Kimberly Palmer – Nerd Wallet
November 28, 2022
 
WalletHub
October 24, 2022
 
News3000 – Live at Four
September 26, 2022
 
HappiLyfe Huddle
September 13, 2022
 
News3000 – Live at Four
August 22, 2022
 
USA TODAY
August 19, 2022
 
News3000 – Live at Four
August 2, 2022
 
WTMJ Radio
July 19, 2022
 
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
July 3, 2022
 
News3000 – Live at Four
June 27, 2022
 
That’s Helpful Podcast – Australia
July 23, 2022
 
Negative impacts of remote work and tips to navigate this transition
VideoHub – FOX News Channel – New York
AP Newsroom – 7Speaking, NewsNet
June 2, 2022
 
Consumer reaction to supply scarcity
VideoHub – VOA – Voice of America (USAGM)
VideoHub – Taiwan TV Enterprise Ltd
AP Newsroom – InMobi Technology Services Private Ltd
May 25, 2022
 
WKOW-TV
May 23, 2022
 
WTMJ-TV Milwaukee
April 1, 2022
 
Live at Four – News 3000
March 28, 2022
 
Live at Four – News 3000
March 7, 2022
 
March 4, 2022
 
WebMD / ETF Podcast
February 16, 2022
 
Live at Four – News 3000
January 31, 2022
 
Consumer Science Professor Discusses How Best To Approach New Year’s Resolutions
VideoHub – FOX News Channel – New York
VideoHub – Performance One Media
VideoHub – VOA – Voice of America (USAGM)
VideoHub – TV Telma
VideoHub – i24 News Sarl
VideoHub – Vinh Long Radio & Television Station
AP Newsroom – Novinska Agencija Tanjug
AP Newsroom – KFOR-TV (Nexstar – GBank Plus)
AP Newsroom – MIAMI HERALD (McClatchy)
AP Newsroom – Al Rasheed Tv
AP Newsroom – KXAN-TV / KNVA-TV (Nexstar GBank Plus Pool)
December 27, 2021
 
Live at Four – News 3000
November 29, 2021
 
News3000
November 26, 2021
 
ABC News
November 23, 2021
 
Wisconsin Expert on Expressing Holiday Gratitude
VideoHub – FOX News Channel – New York
VideoHub – La7 Srl
AP Newsroom – M-RTL ZRT
AP Newsroom – Patch.com
November 15, 2021
 
WTMJ Radio
October 29, 2021
 
WTMJ Radio
October 10, 2021
 
News 3000 — Live at Four
October 1, 2021
 
WTMJ Radio
September 30, 2021
 
WPR
September 28, 2021
 
Experts Video Series Pick-Up
The Associated Press
WFLA-TV / WTTA-TV (Nexstar – Gbank Plus Pool)
Iraqi Media Network
WEHT-TV / WTVW-TV (Nexstar GBank Plus Pool)
GWP/World Magazine Inc. (GOD’S WORLD PUBLICATIONS)
FOX News Channel – New York
Taiwan TV Enterprise Ltd
Arise Global Media Ltd – INSTANT ARCHIVE
Tzu Chi Culture & Communication Foundation
VOA – Voice of America (USAGM)
September 2021 Coverage
 
Bankers Working to Win Gen Z
Wisconsin Banking
September 7, 2021
 
Pandemic and the U.S. Birth Rate
VideoHub – Arise Global Media Ltd – INSTANT ARCHIVE
AP Newsroom – Campus Insights
August 13, 2021
 
The Disunited States of fear and uncertainty
The Boston Globe
August 12, 2021
 
Managing Work Anxiety After COVID Lockdown
News 3000 – Live at Four
July 22, 2021
 
 
 
Real Talk with Emilio Pardo
April 29, 2021
 
Wisconsin Public Radio
April 27, 2021
 
News 3000 — Live at Four
April 27, 2021
 
The Capital Times
April 23, 2021
 
CBSNews.com
April 23, 2021
 
DreamBank Madison Speech
April 8, 2021
 
MarketWatch
March 30, 2021
 
TODAY Show
March 25, 2021
 
Live at Four – News 3000
March 24, 2021
 
DreamBank Madison Live Event
March 10, 2021
 
The Badger Herald
February 26, 2021
 
News 3000 TV – Live at Four
February 17, 2021
 
UW-Madison School of Human Ecology
February 3, 2021
 
Daughter of a Superwoman
The Balance Dilemma Radio Show
January 28, 2021
 
News 3000 – Live at Four
January 27, 2021
 
The Morning Show with Kate Archer Kent
Wisconsin Public Radio
January 25, 2021
 
An Easy Plan for Beating the Winter Blues
Consumer Reports
January 18, 2021
 
The Boston Globe
January 9, 2021
 
Dear Pandemic
January 5, 2021
 
The Hill
December 27, 2020
 
CreditDonkey.com Expert Feature
November 30, 2020
 
Facebook Live
September 6, 2020
 
Live at Four – News 3000
September 5, 2020
 
NBC 15 TV
August 24, 2020
 
Facebook Live
August 24, 2020
 
Facebook Live
August 20, 2020
 
Ideas Network – Wisconsin Public Radio
August 20, 2020
 
Here and Now – NPR
August 10, 2020
 
The Boston Globe
August 8, 2020
 
Wisconsin Radio Network
August 3, 2020
 
Live at Four News 3000
July 31, 2020
 
Star Tribune
July 20, 2020
 
 
Wisconsin Public Radio

July 15, 2020

 

Birth Rates in the US Decline to Lowest Level in 35 Years
TODAY.com
May 20, 2020

Keeping Happy in a Pandemic
Mom Squad Radio on Krista and the Morning Rush – JAMZ
May 6, 2020

As marriage rates plunge, experts blame financial strain
WPR Radio – The Morning Show
April 30, 2020

What to Talk About When You’re Not Doing Much of Anything
Live at Four – CBS News 3000
April 29, 2020

Marriage rates are at an all-time low, new report finds
TODAY.com
April 29, 2020

Will the Pandemic Birth Another Baby Boom?
Miami Times
April 29, 2020

Will the COVID-19 pandemic result in a baby boom?
TODAY.com
April 24, 2020

Young and Risky with STDs
NCC Linked
April 18, 2020

Finding Purpose in a Pandemic
PsychCongress Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Learning Network
April 16, 2020

Pandemic Purpose

Online Lecture picked up by several media outlets
April 7, 2020

 
Live at Four – CBS News 3000

March 27, 2020

 
WTMJ Radio Feature

March 25, 2020

 
Spectrum News

March 24, 2020

 
Live at Four – CBS News 3000

February 27, 2020

 
Live at Four – CBS News 3000
January 20, 2020
 
NBC15 News
January 17, 2020
 
WPR Radio – The Morning Show
December 11, 2019
 
WORT Radio – 8 O’Clock Buzz
December 2, 2019
 
NBC 15
November 29, 2019
 
Wisconsin Examiner
November 28, 2019
 
Live at Four – News 3000
November 25, 2019
 
Live at Four – News 3000
October 28, 2019
 
CCN.com
October 27, 2019
 
Can You Buy Happiness? New Research on Historical Books Offers an Answer
Wisconsin’s Afternoon News – WTMJ
October 22, 2019
 
Spectrum News
October 4, 2019
 
Live at Four – News 3000 TV
September 30, 2019
 
Live at Four – News 3000 TV
August 28, 2019
 
Can Self-Help Heal the Body Politic
August 10, 2019
 
Are You Suffering from Summer FOMO?
Wisconsin’s Afternoon News – WTMJ
August 9, 2019
 
Wisconsin’s Afternoon News – WTMJ
May 29, 2019
 
Live at Four – News 3000 TV
May 22, 2019
 
UW Madison Media Featured Panelist
April 25, 2019
 
How to Celebrate Spring Milestones without Breaking the Bank
Live at Four – News 3000 TV
April 23, 2019
 
TODAY.com
April 12, 2019
 
How to Cope with Winter Weather
Channel 3000, WISC-TV
February 27, 2019
 
February 20, 2019
 
Money and Relationships
Channel 3000, WISC-TV
January 23, 2019
 
December 2018
 
Consuming Happiness this Holiday Season
Channel 3000, WISC-TV
December 14, 2018
 
 
September 25, 2018
 
September 19, 2018
 
Doctor’s tips: How to cope with negative news
Channel 3000, WISC-TV
August 29, 2018
 

Women with these 4 personality traits know exactly how to make men fall in love
Popsugar
August 29, 2018

Get Happy
OnWisconsin
Spring 2018

What’s next? UW professor discusses big picture questions for recent grads
Channel 3000, WISC-TV
May 23, 2018

How the weather affects your mood
Channel 3000, WISC-TV
April 18, 2018

Self-Help gurus like Tony Robbins have often stood in the way of social change
Washington Post
April 13, 2018

Spring cleaning, focusing on yourself
Channel 3000, WISC-TV
March 28, 2018

Valentine’s Day: Talk Money with Your Honey
Public News Service
February 14, 2018

How can I be generous without going broke?
Women’s World Magazine
November 29, 2018

Is motherhood the ultimate accessory? Models in labor, breastfeeding on runway
TODAY
September 19, 2018

Women with these 4 personality traits know exactly how to make men fall in love
Popsugar
August 29, 2018

Get Happy
OnWisconsin
Spring 2018

You pay more than men for comparable products because of the ‘Pink Tax’
People
April 6, 2018

Why online quizzes, personality tests and horoscopes help you feel special
To The Best of Our Knowledge
February 17, 2018

Valentine’s Day: Talk Money with Your Honey
Public News Service
February 14, 2018

Si encuentras una mujer con estas cualidades, no dejes que se vaya
El Confidencial
January 26, 2018

New Year’s Resolutions
Capital City Sunday, WKOW
January 7, 2018

Local experts weigh in on ‘Me Too’ Campaign
NBC15, WMTV
October 16, 2017

Whatever happened to just being type A?
The New York Times
October 7, 2017

Men Divulge the Qualities They Look for in a Partner
CheatSheet.com
September 12, 2017

Finding the Balance Between Heart and Mind: Spotlight on Christine Whelan
Jackson Charitable Foundation profile
August 2017

What to do when life breaks your heart, according to Sheryl Sandberg and Prince Harry
Verily
May 16, 2017

Solitude: When being alone is good for your health
TODAY
April 5, 2017

Making sense of Equal Pay Day [Video]
NBC/WMTV15
April 4, 2017

Romantic type is a thing, just not what we thought, study says
TODAY
March 24, 2017

Talking to your kids about purpose
WPR
March 16, 2017

Americans need to come up with our own form of Hygge
Verily
March 2, 2017

First boy doll, Logan, joins American Girl line
WISC-TV
February 14, 2017

Top 10 books that will change your life in 2017
LiveHappy
January 18, 2017

Why you should ditch your new year’s resolutions
ConsumerReports
January 17, 2017

What every twenty-something needs to know about finding life’s purpose
Verily
January 6, 2017

Victims Angry at Sweat Lodge Guru’s Attempted Comeback
CNN
December 1, 2016

Expert Talks About How to Reduce Holiday Stress
WISC-TV
November 30, 2016

Finding Your Purpose at Any Age with Dr. Christine Whelan
Engaging Presence
November 21, 2016

Dr. Whelan: Enlightenment and Self-Help
School of Human Ecology Blog
November 20, 2016

How to Beat the “Pink Tax” When You Shop
The Balance
November 3, 2016

The War on Stupid People
The Atlantic
July/August 2016

Should you ever push products on your friends?
AsiaOne
July 27, 2016

8 Strategies to help you quit the snooze button habit for good
Fast Company
June 30, 2016

UW-Madison Professor Offers ‘Big Picture’ Advice for New Graduates
UW News
June 7, 2016

Purpose Before Paycheck? New Data Says Yes!
School of Human Ecology Blog
June 6, 2016

On “Curvy, Tall, and Petite” Barbie Dolls
On Wisconsin
Summer 2016

7 Expert-Backed Tips for How to Make a New Habit Permanent
Huffington Post
May 3, 2016

How to Talk to Your Kids About Purpose
Life Reimagined
May 2016

Shake Up Your Routine: How to Break the Autopilot Cycle
Yoga Journal
April 29, 2016

‘The Bachelor’ loves 2 women. Can it really happen to anyone?
TODAY
March 1, 2016

OKCupid Report Shows How Many Dates Couples Usually Go On Before Having Sex
TODAY
February 23, 2016

The Pink Tax: Why Women’s Products Often Cost More
USNews & World Report
February 17, 2016

In A Barbie World: Barbie’s New Look
Wisconsin Public Radio
February 11, 2016

There’s Time To Begin Meaningful Ventures in Your Senior Years
Houston Chronicle
January 13, 2016

No Shortcuts to Lifelong Weight Loss
Carroll County Times
January 12, 2016

Six Insightful Reflections on How to Change for the Better
HuffPost Healthy Living
January 7, 2016

Best New Year’s resolutions for your age
FOX News
January 3, 2016

 

The Pros and Cons of Sharing Your Money Goals
USNews & World Report
June 24, 2015

Empower Yourself Through Exercise
Life Reimagined
June 2015

The Power of True Grit
Life Reimagined
June 2015

The Lunatic Lynching of Sexist Scientist Tim Hunt
The New York Post
June 15, 2015

Real Men Share Why Brains Are Beautiful
Elephant Journal
April 14, 2015

How to Build Good Habits – And Actually Make Them Stick
The Washington Post
March 2, 2015

Revive Your Resolutions
AARP Magazine
Feb/March 2015

Valentine’s Day Credit Card Savings
CardHub
February 11, 2015

Self-Help & Self-Improvement
BBC 4 Thinking Allowed
December 31, 2014

How to Set & Conquer Your Money Goals
US News & World Report
December 30, 2014

Divorce Rates Are Lower… So Are Marriage Rates
TODAY.com
December 3, 2014

The Real Threat to Marriage
Wisconsin State Journal
October 17, 2014

Rogue Retreats
Women’s Health UK
September 2014

Why Do You Love Personality Quizzes? Experts Break it Down
NBCNews.com
August 2, 2014

All the Conventional Cohabitation, but No Nuptials
The New York Times
July 6, 2014

How to Protect Yourself Against Bad Self-Help
Scientific American
June 17, 2014

5 Ways to Seek a Meaningful Paycheck
US News & World Reports
May 21, 2014

 The Dangers of Dumbing Down the Sisterhood
Courier Mail (Australia)
April 27, 2014

“Bad advice from all sides on the rush to the altar.”
The New York Post
March 18, 2014

“Study: Why aren’t more female plastic surgeons getting married?”
Washington Business Journal
February 18, 2014

Married Households Tend to Be Richer
CNBC (Mention Research)
January 30, 2014

“Raising Kids in an age of TMI.”
The New York Post
January 21, 2014

Do You Suffer from FOMO?
Pittsburgh Tribune
July 23, 2013

Traditional Gender Roles Playing Smaller Role in Matrimony
Essential Pittsburgh – NPR
July 15, 2013

Beware of Self-Help Gurus
USA Today
July 11, 2013

James Gandolfini Created an Enduring Legacy
Pittsburgh Tribune
June 23, 2013

“ ‘Dream College’ Lies.”
The New York Post
April 3, 2013

“A Disturbing Treat for 7-Year-Olds.”
The New York Post
February 25, 2013

“Toxic Friendships.”
Huffington Post LIVE discussion
January 28, 2013

“The Paperback Quest for Joy.”
City Journal
Autumn 2012

Stephen Covey’s Legacy
Wall Street Journal Online video discussion
July 17, 2012

“Extreme Exercise.”
Marie Claire
June 26, 2012

“A Closer Look: Christine Whelan”
The University Times
April 5, 2012

“The M.R.S. and the Ph.D.”
The New York Times
February 12, 2012

Why The New Generation Needs the Old Self-Help Classics
Forbes
April 2011

When Self-Help Harms
Self Magazine
August 2010

Interview with Intersections Match on Why Smart Men Marry Smart Women
Radio interview transcribed
February 2010

To go way back in Christine’s media world, click here

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