Agnes leads Sweden's largest podcast on positive psychology

For a few years now, Agnes Sjöström has been not only the presenter but also the brains behind one of Sweden's stars in the podcast sky. In Lyckopodden she interviews experts, researchers and profiles on the subject of positive psychology. Agnes is also one of the participants in this autumn's Express programme. We had the opportunity to ask a few quick questions.

Tell me about the podcast. How would you describe it?

- The Happiness Podcast is an interview podcast about happiness and well-being. Sweden's largest in fact, on the subject of positive psychology. It was originally started by my colleague Fredrik in 2015. In the beginning he was the host and then it was an interview podcast. He discussed happiness and well-being with some friends.

How did you start working on the podcast?

- It all started by chance, actually. I had a pretty active instagram account that had grown quite a bit by then, where I was just posting things about happiness and well-being. More and more requests for collaborations came in and Fredrik was one of those who got in touch. We kept in touch and at one point I asked if they were looking for new guests. Fredrik replied, "No, but we need a new presenter". That was that. In the process, we developed the format into what it is today.

Of course, everyone wants to feel good and be happy. But why has the subject of happiness and well-being become an interest of yours?

- Well, let's back up the tape a bit more. I have a background in the equine industry, where I competed at a high level and ran a business. Within the company there were elements of both pedagogy and mental coaching, but I didn't get enough grounding. I started studying psychology and behavioural science. However, I soon discovered that much of the focus was on depression, unhappiness and diagnoses. Therefore, when I was introduced to positive psychology, I was immediately hooked. This is what the average person needs to hear! Since then it has just continued.

I hadn't heard of positive psychology before. What is it?

- Quickly and simply, I would describe it as a newer field of research that focuses on mental health rather than mental illness. That is, what makes us feel good.

Today you are part of the incubator eXpression Umeå. What do you want to develop? What do you see as the next step?

- The podcast started as a hobby project, but as the number of listeners has grown, more people are getting in touch and want to collaborate. I want to develop the podcast into a bigger platform for marketing and increase professionalism. I also want to lecture more on the topic, write books and organise events around the podcast. Fredrik and I have also developed a podcast school where we train others to start and run a podcast. I want to take that project to the next level as well.

What's next? Anything you can share?

- There is quite a lot going on. Among other things, we are working on the website and developing communication. What else can I say, well, to get better at presentation techniques I'm actually taking a course in parallel with the eXpress programme.

Fact box

Name: Agnes Sjöström
Live: Haga in Umeå, but preferably in the mountains or Stockholm.
Love: Snowboarding, play, spontaneous events, adventure and cuddling.
Best podcast besides the Happiness podcast: The Success Podcast maybe...
A quick success tip: Rank the most fun things in life, like one, two, three, and try to do more of them.

Agnes recommends three episodes from the Happiness podcast:

Johanna Hector, she is a queen when it comes to lust, pleasure and play. What life is about is enjoyment - not status and money. Listen to the episode here.
Bob Hansson, philosopher, magical in his way of expressing himself. How do you manage other people's expectations, how do you experience more "wow" in life? That sort of thing. Listen to the episode here.
Robin Söderling, the tennis pro, about the amazing terrible drive. Channelling your energy without burning out. Listen to the episode here.