Teaching Kids Kindness, Empathy, and Mindfulness - Ash Manuel (ep. 998)

After applying the principles from Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage to his own life, he realized that gratitude isn’t just an innate trait – it’s a skill you can cultivate. Determined to fill the gap he’d felt in his own schooling, Ash launched Growing With Gratitude with a mission to embed a culture of gratitude across the whole school ecosystem.

In this conversation we’ll explore:

Why teaching gratitude early matters – building resilience, joy and mental‑health foundations for the next generation.How the program works – from the “Daily Habits of Happiness Wheel” web app to hands‑on activities like gratitude trees, jars, and the “Stop‑Think‑Appreciate” sticker system that turn abstract concepts into tangible classroom experiences.The power of habit – why the classic “three‑things‑I’m‑grateful‑for” list can become a chore and how creative variations keep kids engaged.Real‑world impact – evidence‑based results from pilot schools, adoption in over 40 countries, and the holistic approach that involves parents and teachers as role models.Ash’s personal grit – how gratitude helped him transition from a full‑time PE teacher to running his program full‑time, and the daily practices that keep him grounded.Top reading recommendations – Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage and the Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu’s The Book of Joy.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or anyone looking to embed gratitude into daily life, Ash’s story offers practical tools, inspiring anecdotes, and a clear roadmap for creating happier, more empathetic classrooms—and ultimately, a more compassionate world.

Stay tuned, hit that follow button, and let’s dive into the world of gratitude with Ash Manuel.

Resources:

Ash's website: https://ashmanuel.com/

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Timestamps:

01:00 – Ash’s mission: Helping children, teachers, and families start life with gratitude and a giving mindset.01:59 – Origin story: Ash discovered gratitude’s link to success while researching property investing; inspired by Sean Achor’s The Happiness Advantage.02:41 – From personal habit to school program: Turning daily 2‑10‑minute gratitude habits into a scal