In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Mike Viking, the Danish happiness research and best-selling author who introduced the world to Hugue, the Danish art of creating cozy, contented spaces.

We dive into Mike's insights on the true keys to happiness, from fostering

deep social connections to redefining success beyond wealth and status. Mike shares thought-provoking

ideas like Denmark's culture of collective well-being, and don't forget, Denmark is regularly

found to be the happiest country in the world.

And he talks about job crafting, the practice of making even ordinary tasks more enjoyable.

We discuss the value of autonomy and flexibility at work, the rise of the fire, that is, financial independence, retire early, movement, and the potential impact of universal basic income on our sense of happiness.

This enlightening conversation is packed with inspiration on living a more meaningful, fulfilling

life. I hope you enjoy it.

Mike Viking, terrific name. Thank you. Terrific books. Terrific career. Congratulations all name. Thank you.

Terrific books.

Terrific career.

Congratulations all round.

Thank you.

I'm going to dive into your latest book, which I thoroughly loved.

But I want to tie it in with all your other work as well. Because you are the guy who's popularized at Hooga, spell H-Y-G-G-E outside of Denmark. And as I was saying before,

we recorded, you're responsible for a number of things, not least the amount of blooming

candles we've got in our house. Well, I think Danes used twice as many candles as number two

in Europe. Yeah, well, my wife certainly digested that bit of information and ran with it.

Basically, to summarize, Huger, it's consciously being cozy slash with some sinful pleasures.

Is that a pretty good one-line summary? That's a good one-line summary.

I sometimes refer to it as the art of creating a nice atmosphere. And certainly the conscious

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