jennifer de paola

Bloomsbury Tonic acquires HEAT by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE by Dr. Jennifer De Paola!

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We couldn’t be happier to announce two brilliant non-fiction deals pre-London! Bloomsbury Tonic has acquired in pre-empt World rights to a brand new health title called HEAT – The New Science of Thermal Therapy and What It Can Do For Your Health by Dr. Jari Laukkanen for publication in September 2027. The deal was negotiated by Elina Ahlbäck at Ahlback Agency. Editorial Director Mireille Harper says:

“We see HEAT as the definitive book on heat therapy: science-led book on heat exposure as a corepillar of human health, longevity and stress resilience. Authoritative, timely and distinctive in its approach, Dr. Jari Laukkanen is the perfect author for this subject: a globally respected expert whose clinical authority and depth of research give this book real credibility. This book offers a genuinely fresh angle in the wellness space reframed for a general audience.”

Furthermore, Bloomsbury Tonic and Editorial Director Ariel Pakier have acquired, also in pre-empt,  World rights (excluding Spain and Italy) to THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE by Dr. Jennifer De Paola. The deal was closed by Martti Berner at Ahlback Agency. This is what Ariel Pakier at Bloomsbury says about The Happiness Puzzle:

“This is the perfect combination of meticulous research and entertaining storytelling on a subject that is perennially of interest. I have long been looking for the perfect book on happiness and am so grateful to have found it! [–] I know Dr De Paola will inspire so many with this book”

 

HEAT – The New Science of Thermal Therapy and What It Can Do For Your Health

by Dr. Jari Laukkanen, Bloomsbury Tonic, September 2027, 272 pages.

What if the path to better health, resilience and longevity begins with one of humanity’s oldest biological tools – heat?

In this groundbreaking book, renowned Finnish cardiologist and heat therapy researcher Professor Jari Laukkanen brings together decades of scientific research with practical guidance to explain how controlled heat exposure supports heart health, circulation, nervous system regulation and the body’s natural repair processes.  Grounded in science and free from facts and extremes, HEAT shows how heat therapy can fit into real life – whatever your age, fitness level, or routine.  With accessible, evidence-based approaches, you’ll learn how simple warmth can reduce stress, improve sleep, relieve pain and build lasting resilience, offering a powerful yet gentle path to better health.

Reading material: Proposal

Rights: Bloomsbury Tonic/Rights Team

HEAT – The New Science of Thermal Therapy and What It Can Do For Your Health
Jari Laukkanen

Rights sold:
WORLD RIGHTS: Bloomsbury Tonic

 

THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE
Jennifer De Paola

Rights sold:
ITALY: Newton Compton Editori s.r.l.
WORLD RIGHTS: Bloomsbury Tonic
WORLD SPANISH: Newton Compton Editores

About author


Jari Laukkanen

Jari Laukkanen is a cardiologist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Eastern Finland, and one of the world’s leading experts in the areas of sauna bathing research and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. He has published over 700 scientific articles, many relating to the benefits of sauna bathing on health. His research team conducts large‑scale population‑based studies to investigate the effects of sauna, rest, and cold exposure on overall health, and longevity. His work has been widely covered in international media including the BBC, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, and other major outlets.

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About author


Jennifer De Paola

Jennifer De Paola, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and researcher with a fascination for how ordinary people understand life’s biggest questions. Her research on happiness—particularly its cultural aspect in Finland—has been published in top social sciences journals like Public Understanding of Science, Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, and Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science. Along the way, her research has sparked conversations on international platforms, including interviews on BBC TV and Business Insider.

Jennifer divides her time between research at the University of Eastern Finland and clinical practice in the private sector. But what truly drives her is listening to people’s stories—whether in the therapy room, in an interview, or over a cup of coffee. Currently, her work focuses on immigrants in Finland and how they imagine their futures, a topic that resonates deeply with her as an immigrant herself. In Helsinki, she also provides psychological support to the English-speaking community drawing from evidence-based and scientifically supported therapeutic approaches such as Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Despite having lived in Finland for 15 years, a part of her is still the child from rural southern Italy. Her happiest moments? Passing on little pieces of that heritage to her two-year-old Finnish-Italian son—through museums, library visits, and long hikes where she teaches him Italian words and he sneaks in Finnish and English ones.

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THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE’s World Spanish rights sold!

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We are very happy to announce that Newton Compton Editores has acquired the World Spanish rights for Dr Jennifer De Paola’s The Happiness Puzzle! The deal was closed by Noora Al-Ani at Ahlbäck Agency in collaboration with our co-agent Anna Ascolies at IMC Agencias.

This is what Marina Sánchez from Newton Compton Editores had to say about this exciting nonfiction title:

Combining cutting-edge research, interviews with Finns and clinical practice, this book shows that happiness is not a fixed state but a flexible skill we can all cultivate. We are sure it will resonate strongly with readers in Spain and consider it an excellent fit for our non‑fiction list. “

Building on Finland’s paradoxical position in the World Happiness Report, this book reveals the limitations of defining happiness purely as life satisfaction (contentment). Adopting a fresh perspective, it suggests a fuller, more nuanced understanding of happiness — one that begins with how ordinary people define and experience it. By exploring how ordinary people in Finland describe their own happiness, the book paints a picture that goes beyond the simple contentment, highlighting the skills needed to navigate three essential dimensions of happiness: emotions, contentment and meaning.

DOWNLOAD MATERIALS FOR THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE HERE

8th year in the row – Finland is the happiest country in the world! Think of happiness as a kaleidoscope. When you shake it, the small colorful pieces get all mixed up, and the three mirrors inside it create beautiful patterns through multiple reflections. Now think of Emotions, Contentment and Meaning as those three mirrors.

✓  English book proposal with new chapter samples available! Original edition will be in English.

✓  An innovative and unique take on the happiness paradox by researcher Jennifer De Paola, PhD!

Finns are known for their quiet, reserved nature and their tendency to keep emotions in check, don’t exactly fit the traditional image of a “happy” nation. They don’t smile on command or express emotions as openly as people in other countries might. And yet, Finland continues to top the happiness rankings year after year.

Through a blend of cutting-edge happiness studies, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice drawn from reliable, science-backed therapeutic practices, The Happiness Puzzle is both a framework and a practical guide. This book introduces a simple yet profound framework for understanding happiness based on three aspects:

  • Emotions: signal what brings joy into our lives and alert us to what may harm our well-being
  • Contentment: provides a sense of calm and satisfaction with what we have, helping us appreciate the present moment
  • Meaning: gives our lives purpose and direction

Happiness isn’t a goal or destination — it’s a skill.

Rights sold:
ITALY: Newton Compton Editori s.r.l.
WORLD SPANISH: Newton Compton Spain

Reading materials:
English book proposal, Sample chapters.

About author


Jennifer De Paola

Jennifer De Paola, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and researcher with a fascination for how ordinary people understand life’s biggest questions. Her research on happiness—particularly its cultural aspect in Finland—has been published in top social sciences journals like Public Understanding of Science, Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, and Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science. Along the way, her research has sparked conversations on international platforms, including interviews on BBC TV and Business Insider.

Jennifer divides her time between research at the University of Eastern Finland and clinical practice in the private sector. But what truly drives her is listening to people’s stories—whether in the therapy room, in an interview, or over a cup of coffee. Currently, her work focuses on immigrants in Finland and how they imagine their futures, a topic that resonates deeply with her as an immigrant herself. In Helsinki, she also provides psychological support to the English-speaking community drawing from evidence-based and scientifically supported therapeutic approaches such as Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Despite having lived in Finland for 15 years, a part of her is still the child from rural southern Italy. Her happiest moments? Passing on little pieces of that heritage to her two-year-old Finnish-Italian son—through museums, library visits, and long hikes where she teaches him Italian words and he sneaks in Finnish and English ones.

Read more

Bibliography


2026, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

The Happiness Puzzle

Jennifer De Paola

Related news

Italian rights sold to Newton Compton Editori for THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE!

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We are very excited to announce, that the Italian rights for THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE by Dr. Jennifer De Paola have been acquired by Newton Compton Editori in an auction! The deal was closed by Noora Al-Ani at Ahlback Agency.

This is what Gabriele Anniballi from Newton Compton had to say about De Paola:

“For a long time, Scandinavian countries have been the benchmark we look to for learning how to be happier. This book, written by an Italian expert who relocated to Finland, offers a fresh perspective on the topic for Italian readers. We are delighted to add it to the Newton Compton catalog.“

Newton Compton celebrates over 50 years of publishing success with an unswerving commitment to making knowledge accessible to everyone. In 2019, Newton Compton was acquired by the GeMS group and continues with renowned vigor on a mission to encourage Italians to read more. It is also highly regarded for its unalloyed passion for history, for works on regional traditions, for how-to manuals and a variety of other non-fiction areas, to all of which its rich catalogue bears witness. It publishes a selection of prestigious authors exploring the most diverse topics.

Building on Finland’s paradoxical position in the World Happiness Report, this book reveals the limitations of defining happiness purely as life satisfaction (contentment). Adopting a fresh perspective, it suggests a fuller, more nuanced understanding of happiness — one that begins with how ordinary people define and experience it. By exploring how ordinary people in Finland describe their own happiness, the book paints a picture that goes beyond the simple contentment, highlighting the skills needed to navigate three essential dimensions of happiness: emotions, contentment and meaning.

DOWNLOAD MATERIALS FOR THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE HERE

8th year in the row – Finland is the happiest country in the world! Think of happiness as a kaleidoscope. When you shake it, the small colorful pieces get all mixed up, and the three mirrors inside it create beautiful patterns through multiple reflections. Now think of Emotions, Contentment and Meaning as those three mirrors.

✓  English book proposal with new chapter samples available! Original edition will be in English.

✓  An innovative and unique take on the happiness paradox by researcher Jennifer De Paola, PhD!

Finns are known for their quiet, reserved nature and their tendency to keep emotions in check, don’t exactly fit the traditional image of a “happy” nation. They don’t smile on command or express emotions as openly as people in other countries might. And yet, Finland continues to top the happiness rankings year after year.

Through a blend of cutting-edge happiness studies, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice drawn from reliable, science-backed therapeutic practices, The Happiness Puzzle is both a framework and a practical guide. This book introduces a simple yet profound framework for understanding happiness based on three aspects:

  • Emotions: signal what brings joy into our lives and alert us to what may harm our well-being
  • Contentment: provides a sense of calm and satisfaction with what we have, helping us appreciate the present moment
  • Meaning: gives our lives purpose and direction

Happiness isn’t a goal or destination — it’s a skill.

Rights sold:
ITALY: Newton Compton Editori s.r.l.

Reading materials:
English book proposal, Sample chapters.

About author


Jennifer De Paola

Jennifer De Paola, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and researcher with a fascination for how ordinary people understand life’s biggest questions. Her research on happiness—particularly its cultural aspect in Finland—has been published in top social sciences journals like Public Understanding of Science, Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, and Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science. Along the way, her research has sparked conversations on international platforms, including interviews on BBC TV and Business Insider.

Jennifer divides her time between research at the University of Eastern Finland and clinical practice in the private sector. But what truly drives her is listening to people’s stories—whether in the therapy room, in an interview, or over a cup of coffee. Currently, her work focuses on immigrants in Finland and how they imagine their futures, a topic that resonates deeply with her as an immigrant herself. In Helsinki, she also provides psychological support to the English-speaking community drawing from evidence-based and scientifically supported therapeutic approaches such as Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Despite having lived in Finland for 15 years, a part of her is still the child from rural southern Italy. Her happiest moments? Passing on little pieces of that heritage to her two-year-old Finnish-Italian son—through museums, library visits, and long hikes where she teaches him Italian words and he sneaks in Finnish and English ones.

Read more

Bibliography


2026, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

The Happiness Puzzle

Jennifer De Paola

Related news

Jennifer De Paola interview on BBC

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We were thrilled to see that our author Jennifer De Paola was interviewed about the World Happiness Report on BBC World News. Watch the interview here.

In her forthcoming book, The Happiness Puzzle, she explores the paradox of Finland – how can a nation of quiet, introverted people who keep their emotions in check be the happiest in the world?

We are currently selling the world rights. An English book proposal and English sample chapters are available.

Download the English materials for THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE here!

The Happiness Puzzle

Jennifer De Paola

The starting point in The Happiness Puzzle is the paradox of Finland: how can a nation of quiet and somewhat introverted people who tend to keep their emotions in check be the happiest nation on Earth? Perhaps it’s not just a question of being contented, satisfied with your life? This is what clinical psychologist and researcher Jennifer De Paola, PhD, sets out to do.

The Happiness Puzzle bridges the gap between academic research and everyday life, making complex psychological insights accessible to a broad audience and relying on years of empirical research. Dr De Paola’s research includes 70 in-depth conversations with ordinary Finns, offering an unparalleled glimpse into how happiness is actually lived and experienced in the so-called happiest country in the world. This is not just a book about theories – it is a book about real people, real struggles, and real happiness.

THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE publication info:

Reading materials: English book proposal and sample chapters for the book.

Rights sold: World rights available

About author


Jennifer De Paola

Jennifer De Paola, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and researcher with a fascination for how ordinary people understand life’s biggest questions. Her research on happiness—particularly its cultural aspect in Finland—has been published in top social sciences journals like Public Understanding of Science, Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, and Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science. Along the way, her research has sparked conversations on international platforms, including interviews on BBC TV and Business Insider.

Jennifer divides her time between research at the University of Eastern Finland and clinical practice in the private sector. But what truly drives her is listening to people’s stories—whether in the therapy room, in an interview, or over a cup of coffee. Currently, her work focuses on immigrants in Finland and how they imagine their futures, a topic that resonates deeply with her as an immigrant herself. In Helsinki, she also provides psychological support to the English-speaking community drawing from evidence-based and scientifically supported therapeutic approaches such as Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Despite having lived in Finland for 15 years, a part of her is still the child from rural southern Italy. Her happiest moments? Passing on little pieces of that heritage to her two-year-old Finnish-Italian son—through museums, library visits, and long hikes where she teaches him Italian words and he sneaks in Finnish and English ones.

Read more

Bibliography


2026, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

The Happiness Puzzle

Jennifer De Paola

Related news

8th year in the row – Finland is the happiest country in the world!

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We are thrilled to hear that Finland is the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, according to the World Happiness Report of 2025!

You can read CNN’s coverage of the latest results here: These are the world’s happiest countries in 2025 | CNN

The report itself can be accessed here: World Happiness Report 2025

We are not shy to share the secrets of our happiness and well-being with others! What a perfect time to acquire rights for books that teach and give insights about our happiness!

The starting point in  The Happiness Puzzle is the paradox of Finland: how can a nation of quiet and somewhat introverted people who tend to keep their emotions in check be the happiest nation on Earth? Perhaps it’s not just a question of being contented, satisfied with your life? This is what clinical psychologist and researcher Jennifer De Paola, PhD, sets out to do.

The Happiness Puzzle bridges the gap between academic research and everyday life, making complex psychological insights accessible to a broad audience and relying on years of empirical research. Dr De Paola’s research includes 70 in-depth conversations with ordinary Finns, offering an unparalleled glimpse into how happiness is actually lived and experienced in the so-called happiest country in the world. This is not just a book about theories – it is a book about real people, real struggles, and real happiness.

All rights are currently available. We are looking for an English language original publisher and selling world rights.  As reading materials, we have an English book proposal and sample chapters for the book.

Despite having lived in Finland for 15 years, a part of her is still the child from rural southern Italy. Her happiest moments? Passing on little pieces of that heritage to her two-year-old Finnish-Italian son—through museums, library visits, and long hikes where she teaches him Italian words and he sneaks in Finnish and English ones.

– Jennifer De Paola

Request the materials for The Happiness Puzzle here.

Professor Frank Martela, one of the leading researchers of happiness and meaning in life, has been sharing his insights about the secret to Finnish happiness for media ranging from  CNBC, Fox News and New York Times to Scientific American and New Scientist.  His latest book Stop Chasing Happiness: A Pessimist’s Guide to a Good Life, is published in the UK today by Allen & Unwin. 

In Stop Chasing Happiness, Frank Martela sets out to show that the true secret to happiness is to stop trying to find it. Instead of trying to learn new tricks, it’s better to unlearn the ways of thinking that are holding you back. Instead of chasing happiness, one should stop obsessing about what others think about them, stop caring too much about how they feel, and stop making sacrifices for personal success.

Relying on latest scientific research, ancient traditions, and the author’s personal encounters with people across the world, Frank Martela shows that living with purpose and contentment is much more beneficial than striving to be happy.

Rights have been sold in Finland and UK & US, and also in Germany, where Knesebeck will publish the book later this year. We have the full English Edition for you to read. Rights are still available for France, Sweden, Italy, Korea, Hungary, etc! 

As a Finn living in the UK, one of the questions I’m most often asked is “why are Finnish people so happy?” – and now I have an answer to give in the form of Frank’s wonderful book! I’m beyond excited to be bringing Frank’s wit and insight on happiness and life satisfaction to an English-speaking audience, and for Frank to have found the perfect home at Allen & Unwin.

– Erika Koljonen, Editor, Allen & Unwin

Request the materials for Stop Chasing Happiness here!

One of the most important ways for the Finns to boost their physical and mental well-being is the hot and cold contrast therapy – pairing a good steam in a sauna with an icy dip in a lake or the sea.

You can learn more about the Finnish hot and cold method from Katja Pantzar and Carita Harju‘s non-fiction title The Power of Hot and Cold: From Sauna to Sea: The Finnish Way to a Happy, Healthy Life. The book was published in the United Kingdom in November 2024  by Hodder & Stoughton and is  slated to be published in Germany in the Fall of 2025 by Heyne. We have full English edition for your reading.  Rights are still available for Iceland, Norway, Estonia, Japan, Poland, etc! 

What a wonderful, powerful book! The Power of Hot and Cold by Katja Pantzar and Carita Harju summarises in a very fresh, informative and cheerful way the positive holistic effects that sauna and a bath in cold water have on body, mind and soul. A promising trend that is also becoming increasingly popular in Germany.

– Berit Hoffman, Editor, Penguin Random House Verlagsgruppe GmbH

Request the materials for The Power of Hot and Cold here!

 

The Happiness Puzzle

Jennifer De Paola

The starting point in The Happiness Puzzle is the paradox of Finland: how can a nation of quiet and somewhat introverted people who tend to keep their emotions in check be the happiest nation on Earth? Perhaps it’s not just a question of being contented, satisfied with your life? This is what clinical psychologist and researcher Jennifer De Paola, PhD, sets out to do.

The Happiness Puzzle bridges the gap between academic research and everyday life, making complex psychological insights accessible to a broad audience and relying on years of empirical research. Dr De Paola’s research includes 70 in-depth conversations with ordinary Finns, offering an unparalleled glimpse into how happiness is actually lived and experienced in the so-called happiest country in the world. This is not just a book about theories – it is a book about real people, real struggles, and real happiness.

Stop Chasing Happiness

Frank Martela

What if the secret to happiness isn’t finding it—but letting it go?

In a world obsessed with success and self-improvement, the chase for happiness often leaves us feeling lost. The real path to contentment lies in unlearning the habits holding you back: stop obsessing over what others think, stop being so sensitive about your feelings, stop measuring your value by what you have.

In Stop Chasing Happiness, academic and philosopher Frank Martela – hailing from Finland, the world’s happiest country – reveals why our fixation on happiness and achievement is making us miserable. With wisdom rooted in science, philosophy, and personal experience, Martela shows you the path to a life of energized contentment.

Through this transformative book, you’ll discover:

* the courage to free yourself from the pressures of what you should do

* the serenity to accept whatever life throws at you

* the sparkle to energetically pursue whatever you identify as your real values.

Stop the anxious chase. You have already arrived. Start living your own life through accepting the past, enjoying the present, and working towards a better future – it all starts here.

The Power of Hot and Cold

Katja Pantzar and Carita Harju

Step into the world of hot and cold, where contrast therapy – pairing a good steam in a sauna with an icy dip in a lake or the sea – is an essential part of life in Finland. More than a trending pastime, the traditional Finnish practice of alternating hot and cold has a range of health benefits that boost mental and physical wellbeing, which greatly contribute to happiness. It’s also a large part of the reason Finland has been named the World’s Happiest Country for the seventh year in a row.

This definitive guide by two experts takes readers on a journey into the transformative powers of hot and cold by pairing the sauna, that quintessential hot Finnish steam bath, with a cold-water dip. Along the way, it serves up the inspiration and practical tools for creating a wellness retreat using the Nordic contrast bathing philosophy, wherever you are in the world.

The Finnish hot and cold method boosts happiness by increasing wellbeing and encouraging connection with nature. It’s the secret to how the world’s happiest nation keeps calm and carries on – no matter what life throws at them. Now you too can learn their secrets.

THE HAPPINESS PUZZLE

Reading materials: English book proposal and sample chapters for the book.

Rights sold: World rights available


STOP CHASING HAPPINESS: A PESSIMIST’S GUIDE TO A GOOD LIFE
Allen & Unwin, 2025, 215 pp.
Reading materials: English edition

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Gummerus, GERMANY: Knesebeck, UK & US: Allen & Unwin


POWER FROM HOT AND COLD: FROM SAUNA TO SEA: HE FINNISH WAY TO A HAPPY HEALTHY LIFE 
Yellow Kite / Hodder & Stoughton, 2024, 192 pp.

Reading materials: English edition

Rights sold:WORLD ENGLISH: Yellow Kite / Hodder & Stoughton (orig.), GERMANY: Heyne Verlag/Pengun Random House Verlagsgruppe

About author


Carita Harju

Carita Harju is a Finnish sauna experience expert and marketing professional whose mission is to share the Finnish sauna’s positive health and wellness benefits with the world. She is the founder and executive director of Sauna from Finland, which represents an international network of more than 200 sauna industry companies. The organization’s mission is to create the world’s best sauna experiences, and Harju loves her work, because it allows her to advance an idea that she is personally so passionate about. Carita Harju has always enjoyed saunas, goes to sauna with her family nearly every day and gives talks all over the world.

Her first illustrated guide, Sauna - The Way of Finnish Life (2016), has been published in four languages, including German and Chinese. Her second book, Soul of the Sauna, was released in Japanese and Hungarian, while her newest title Saunafulness (Hyvää oloa saunomalla, 2021) has been sold to 4 territories.

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About author


Frank Martela

Professor Frank Martela, PhD, is a philosopher and researcher of psychology specializing in the question of meaning in life. His articles have appeared in Scientific American Mind, Harvard Business Review, Salon, CNBC and his work has been featured on Quartz and on the BBC. His research has been published extensively in numerous academic journals such as Nature Human Behaviour, Perspectives on Psychological Science, Journal of Personality, Metaphilosophy, Southern Journal of Philosophy, and Academy of Management Review. He has spoken to more than one hundred audiences worldwide, including invited lectures in universities on five continents, including Stanford University and Harvard University. He’s been interviewed by the New York Times, Discover Magazine, New Scientist, Vice News, Fox News,and Monocle Observer among others. He is Assistant Professor at Aalto University in Finland. Outside of work, Frank is a father to three lovely children, an amateur-level soccer player, with an occasional skiing trip in the winters. He is made in Green Bay, so Packers holds a special place in his heart.

Read more Author's page

About author


Jennifer De Paola

Jennifer De Paola, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and researcher with a fascination for how ordinary people understand life’s biggest questions. Her research on happiness—particularly its cultural aspect in Finland—has been published in top social sciences journals like Public Understanding of Science, Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, and Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science. Along the way, her research has sparked conversations on international platforms, including interviews on BBC TV and Business Insider.

Jennifer divides her time between research at the University of Eastern Finland and clinical practice in the private sector. But what truly drives her is listening to people’s stories—whether in the therapy room, in an interview, or over a cup of coffee. Currently, her work focuses on immigrants in Finland and how they imagine their futures, a topic that resonates deeply with her as an immigrant herself. In Helsinki, she also provides psychological support to the English-speaking community drawing from evidence-based and scientifically supported therapeutic approaches such as Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Despite having lived in Finland for 15 years, a part of her is still the child from rural southern Italy. Her happiest moments? Passing on little pieces of that heritage to her two-year-old Finnish-Italian son—through museums, library visits, and long hikes where she teaches him Italian words and he sneaks in Finnish and English ones.

Read more

About author


Katja Pantzar

Katja Pantzar –  Katja Pantzar is a Helsinki-based writer and journalist who swims in the Baltic Sea year round. Raised in Canada, with stints in New Zealand and England, she is the author of The Finnish Way (Penguin Random House/2018), a bestselling non-fiction book about Nordic well-being, winter swimming and sisu (resilience) that has been translated into 24 languages. Her second book on sisu, Everyday Sisu: Tapping into Finnish Fortitude for a Happier, More Resilient Life (Penguin Random House/2022) explores through expert interviews and research-based information how we can better support our mental and physical health while taking care of each other and our planet. Everyday Sisu has also been published in Japanese, Thai, and Indonesian. Pantzar’s work has been widely covered around the world in media ranging from Le Figaro, Le Monde, and El Paísto Vogue the Washington Post and the New York Review of Books. . She is also the author of three mini-guides to the Finnish capital, including 100 things to do in Helsinki (Siltala/2024).

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