Meet Our Next Presenter: Dr. Mike Rucker
“Happiness is a state of mind, but fun is something you can do.”
Join us as we welcome Dr. Mike Rucker, organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and author of The Fun Habit, for an upcoming BeWell Workshop exploring the science of fun, joy, and wellbeing.
In a culture that often celebrates busyness and productivity above all else, Dr. Rucker’s work challenges us to rethink how we approach happiness and fulfillment. Drawing from positive psychology, behavioral science, and lived experience, he helps people understand that fun is not something to earn after burnout. It is an essential part of a healthy, meaningful life.
Reclaiming Fun as a Pathway to Wellbeing
Dr. Rucker’s interest in happiness research became deeply personal during a difficult season of burnout, loneliness, and dissatisfaction. Despite years of studying positive psychology and human performance, he found that many conventional approaches to happiness fell short in practice. That experience led him to critically examine modern wellbeing culture and ultimately inspired his book, The Fun Habit.
Rather than treating joy as passive or accidental, Dr. Rucker advocates for an action-based approach grounded in evidence-based practices. His work encourages people to intentionally create experiences that foster connection, curiosity, play, and meaning in everyday life.
His ideas around fun, wellbeing, and human performance have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Fast Company, Psychology Today, Forbes, Vox, Mindful, the BBC, and many others. He has also published academically in journals including the International Journal of Workplace Health Management.
Science, Adventure, and Human Connection
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Rucker has spent years intentionally exploring what it means to live fully. In 2007, he launched the “Live Life Love” project, a 25-year commitment to personal growth, new experiences, philanthropy, and conversations with thought leaders across psychology, health, and human performance.
The project reflects the same philosophy that drives his work today: wellbeing is not built through optimization alone. It is strengthened through relationships, curiosity, contribution, adventure, and moments of joy.
Dr. Rucker holds five advanced degrees, including a PhD in organizational psychology and an MBA from the University of Southern California. He is a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association and has spent decades translating behavioral science into practical tools that help individuals and organizations thrive.
Don’t miss our upcoming BeWell Workshop with Dr. Mike Rucker. Whether you’re feeling burned out, disconnected, or simply looking for a more sustainable approach to wellbeing, this conversation will offer practical insights and a refreshing perspective on the role of fun in our lives and workplaces.
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