April 1, 2025
The Jōrni Podcast
Episode 269 - The Happiness Trap with Shawn Léon Nowotnik

This episode contains adult subject matter and some listeners may be triggered by this content. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, we challenge the idea that chasing happiness is the key to a fulfilling life. Our guest explores how the relentless pursuit of happiness often leaves us feeling empty, disconnected, and searching for something more meaningful.

We also talk about how redefining what truly matters can shift our perspective and lead to a deeper sense of purpose. This thought-provoking conversation invites us to step away from societal expectations and consider what genuinely brings us fulfillment and connection.

SHAWN LÉON NOWOTNIK

Shawn Léon Nowotnik, MSW, LCSW, is an artist, author, filmmaker, and therapist living outside Chicago. After losing his son to suicide, he was compelled to reevaluate his own narrative—and look at how loss, mental health, and addiction can affect every aspect of a person’s life.

He's developed holistic treatment programs and advocates for improved mental health and addiction disorder treatments, as well as researching, writing, and public speaking about addiction, community, mental health, narrative, and social issues. His new book is F*ck Happiness: The Search for Meaning in a World Gone Mad Chasing Happiness.

RESOURCES
https://www.shawnleonnowotnik.com
https://www.facebook.com/shawn.nowotnik
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-l%C3%A9on-nowotnik/

F*ck Happiness Book
https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Search-Meaning-World-Chasing-ebook/dp/B0CW1BP5XC/

THE JORNI RESOURCES
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
https://thejorni.com

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