What if the secret to lasting wellbeing isn’t discipline, guilt, or fear—but pleasure? In this episode of Musings on Wellbeing, host Charlie Bresler explores how joy, purpose, and connection can be more powerful motivators for healthy behavior than the traditional messages of restriction and willpower.
Joining the conversation is Dr. Sarah Matyko, Vice President of Well Being Strategy at Premise Health and Sonic Boom Wellness. With deep expertise in workplace wellness and behavior change, Dr. Matyko sheds light on how societal structures shape our health habits—poorly— and how we can shift our focus toward what truly matters.
In this episode, you’ll discover key insights into the science of wellbeing, including the power of strength training as we age, the role of social connection in Longevity, and how we can learn to find joy in behaviors we now regard as burdens.
Take the first step toward redefining your approach to well-being. Don’t forget to subscribe to Musings on Wellbeing for more insightful discussions, share this episode with friends who could use a fresh perspective on health, and leave a review to let us know what resonated with you!
Musing on Wellbeing is sponsored by EH Walkers. Discover more and join EH Walkers at www.ehwalkers.org.
Charlie Bresler is a former business executive, co-founder of the nonprofit The Life You Can Save, and a self-described effective hedonist. Charlie became volunteer Executive Director of The Life You Can Save in 2013, and through his financial support and leadership, he helped Peter Singer develop the organization from the ground up.
Charlie holds a BA in History from New York University, a Masters in Social Studies and Education from Harvard University, and a PhD in Social and Clinical Psychology from Clark University. He is the former Director of Behavioral Medicine for The California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno. From academia, he was recruited to The Men's Wearhouse, where he became head of human resources, stores, and marketing, ultimately rising to the position of President. He stepped down to fulfill his long-standing desire to work directly on social and economic issues.
As a psychologist, Charlie emphasizes the importance of aligning personal pleasure with doing good, rejecting the notion of self-sacrifice in favor of a fulfilling, values-driven life. His insights on effective hedonism and Philanthropy have been featured in publications such as TIME, Fast Company, WSJ, and Forbes. He encourages others to find joy in contributing to the greater good, advocating for a balanced approach to life that enhances personal well-being while making a significant positive impact on the world.
Charlie lives in Sequim, Washington, with his wife Diana, a family physician, who partners in supporting The Life You Can Save.
