Jake Pearson  00:00

Are you trying to figure out the secret to happiness, we're here What Makes You Happy with Jake Pearson, we want to make that happiness more accessible for you in your life. So stick around as we interview everyday people, inspirational leaders and your favorite celebrities on what makes them happy.

Welcome back to the podcast where we ask the simple question, what makes you happy? 

My name is Jake Pearson. And today we have with us a Siren Soapbox Podcaster who inspires people to step outside their comfort zones by challenging them to do something new every week. We have Jessica Pinson from Kauai, Hawaii. How are you?

Jessica Pinson  00:45

So good. How are you?

Jake Pearson  00:47

I'm doing fantastic. Thank you for making time to share all things that make you happy. Would you mind starting with that Jessica, what does make you happy? 

Jessica Pinson  00:58

Well, Iwould say my favorite thing is spending time with my family, my husband and friends, friends who have become family. I also love scuba diving, and I'm coming up on a year living in Hawaii. So I am really loving exploring my new home.

Jake Pearson  01:16

I love that. And the scuba diving actually ties into your podcasting a little bit, doesn't it? Could you just touch on that for a moment? 

Jessica Pinson  01:24

Well, that's actually how we all met, the kind of core group of sirens that we have. We all met through scuba diving. So it's our heart and soul where we started. But then we kind of wanted to branch into something that would help everybody grow. And that's expanding your comfort zone, and just learning something new all the time.

Jake Pearson  01:46

Lovely. And I'm guessing you potentially find that a little bit of something that makes you happy as well helping other people expand outside their comfort zones, right?

Jessica Pinson  01:56

Absolutely. Yes. Sometimes it's outside my comfort zone way far. We have an episode coming up in a couple of weeks about Open Mic comedy and talk about outside my comfort zone.

Jake Pearson  02:09

That's so funny you say that because I remember the first time I went on another person's podcast, and I was so outside my comfort zone, nervous fumbling every word, but we all start that way. And you know, once you get through that a couple of times, it does get a little easier. When did you realize that helping other people get outside their comfort zones made you happy? 

Jessica Pinson  02:37

Well, basically, when we started doing it for ourselves, trying different things and trying different challenges and realizing that how much-- even if it was uncomfortable, it helped me grow. I mean, maybe even helped me figure out something that I might not want to do in the future. But it's just always been- there's been some positive aspect of everything that we've done.

Jake Pearson  03:02

I love that. And just before we move on to the next part of the episode, I just want to touch on that scuba diving thing that terrifies the hell out of me. So I am quite impressed that you've managed to do it. And now you regularly do that. I just- something about the water freaks me out a lot. What do you love about being in the water?

Jessica Pinson  03:23

For me, it's just so peaceful. I mean, I get to experience so much more of the world than a lot of people get to experience. I mean, you get to see things that maybe other people don't get to see. And no judgment that it scares you. I've been married to my husband for 17 years, and he still won't try. He says if he has to put on that much gear, he's not supposed to be there.

Jake Pearson  03:50

I like that. So this is the part where you the listener [phonetic 03:53] may be wondering, what will Jessica share with us in regards to my own happiness? Just for our listeners who are struggling to find what makes them happy in their lives. What would you say to them? 

Jessica Pinson  04:04

I would say do something outside your comfort zone. That's where your real growth happens. And you might discover something that you didn't know that you enjoyed. And just learning something just helps you appreciate the world more. And it also can give you something to look forward to just something as simple as exploring a new part of your island.

Jake Pearson  04:31

Does it have to be a big step? Or is it something that can be a little smaller and more manageable outside the comfort zone?

Jessica Pinson  04:38

Oh, small steps definitely. Because small steps help you have that feeling of success just as you achieve them. If you said something way out there, you might get depressed and feel like you're not making progress. But if you do small steps and you achieve them, they can just really help keep you motivated.

Jake Pearson  04:55

Well said and I completely agree. Jess, thank you so much for coming on the podcast. to share all things that make you happy, it's been an absolute pleasure to listen to you. 

Thanks for listening to the podcast. We hope it gives you something to think about on your quest to discover what makes you happy. Make sure to check out whatmakesyouhappypodcast.com to connect with today's guest and follow us on all our social media platforms, and to stay up to date on what's happening next and what makes you happy. Don't forget to share this episode with a friend and we'll see you next time!