What if happiness wasn’t a personality trait—or a fleeting emotional high—but a skill your brain can actually learn?

In this episode of Rooted & Wild, we explore the neuroscience, psychology, and cultural conditioning behind lasting and permanent happiness with globally recognized speaker, author, and thought leader Valerie Alexander. Drawing from decades of experience across law, tech, storytelling, and leadership development, Valerie breaks down how the brain forms habits of thought—and how those patterns can be consciously rewired.

Together, we unpack why so many people feel “stuck” chasing happiness, how unconscious bias and cultural narratives shape our emotional lives, and what science reveals about sustainable joy, fulfillment, and resilience. This is a grounded, intelligent conversation that bridges brain science with real-world application—without bypassing complexity or humanity.

Valerie Alexander is a globally sought-after keynote speaker on workplace happiness, inclusive leadership, and the advancement of women. She has delivered transformative talks for Fortune 500 companies, global conferences, and government agencies including NASA, the CDC, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the Air National Guard. Her TED Talk, How to Outsmart Your Own Unconscious Bias, has been viewed over a million times and is used worldwide as a training tool in leadership and education.

Before stepping fully into her work on culture and happiness, Valerie built a diverse career as a corporate securities lawyer, investment banker, tech executive, startup founder, and later as a screenwriter and director in Los Angeles. Her creative work includes the Hallmark film Memories of Christmas and multiple award-winning advocacy campaigns supporting marriage equality.

She is the bestselling author of Happiness as a Second Language, Success as a Second Language, and How Women Can Succeed in the Workplace, and holds the registered trademark on “…as a Second Language” for self-help publishing. Valerie currently serves as Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Culture, Leadership and Narrative at Launch Fayette in Georgia and sits on the board of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

If you’re curious about how happiness actually works in the brain—and how to make it sustainable—this conversation offers both clarity and hope.

🔗 Learn more about Valerie’s work:
https://www.speakhappiness.com/

https://www.speakhappiness.com/about-valerie/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakhappiness-keynotespeaker/

Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of David Allen Tracy. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.