Happenus with Shawn Hung

About Happenus with Shawn Hung

Happenus with Shawn Hung is a series of in-depth conversations with people from all walks of life, bridging personal narratives with the emerging societal and environmental happenings we collectively share.

Publisher

Happenus

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Jun 2024

Latest episode

2 Apr 2025

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Apr 2025

   Mapping the Invisible: How Systems Thinking Can Transform Mental Healthcare (w/ Dr. Hossein Hosseini)

   Dr. Hossein Hosseini (https://hosseini.website) is a systems modeling research fellow at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, specializing in mental health policy analysis through system dynamics modeling. With a PhD in socio-economic systems engineering, he builds simulation models that reveal hidden connections in complex systems to guide decision-makers beyond immediate concerns and visualize the hidden connections in the complex systems we all inhabit. We begin with what it means to be a system modeler, the gap between growing mental health awareness and actual access to care, and how the Brain and Mind Centre's "Right Care, First Time, Where You Live" Program (https://www.rightcarefirsttimewhereyoulive.com.au)provides effective health and well-being solutions for decision-makers to strengthen Australia's mental health system and help young people thrive. On the back half, we discuss how participatory approaches—especially including young people with lived experience—transform abstract systems into tools for advocacy while breaking down professional silos to create shared cross-sectoral understanding. We explore how simulation models serve as virtual testing grounds for policies amidst Australia's growing embrace of these approaches in policy-making, potentially avoiding unintended consequences and meeting more than one need at a time. We close with reasons for hope in mental health care’s future, the power of systems thinking in a fractured world, and how, in interconnected systems, every action creates ripples for meaningful change, and we need not wait for perfect alignment to be the change we wish to see in the world. 00:00 – About Dr. Hosseini 00:58 – Overview 02:16 – Reflection on youth mental health crisis 03:44 – Value as moral compass 07:05 – Being a systems modeler 09:00 – Gap between mental health awareness and care 10:59 – Brain and Mind Centre’s mission 13:16 – Approach explanation (map analogy) 19:19 – Simulation model for the “best route” 22:15 – Flawed mental models 23:17 – Benefits of participatory approach 27:04 – Empowering youth 28:13 – Examples of unexpected systems behavior 31:57 – Breaking down silos & thinking in systems 34:09 – Stakeholder collaboration & communication 36:48 – Systems modeling for policymaking in Australia 39:49 – Boundary-setting and limitations 43:48 – Future of mental healthcare 45:19 – Digital solutions for mental health 46:35 – Role as citizens 48:46 – Power of individual actions 51:54 – Closing Dr. Hosseini: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-h-hosseini/) | USYD profile (https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/seyedhossein.hosseini.html?apcode=ACADPROFILE300808) STAY IN TOUCH(@happenuspod): Website (https://www.happenuspod.com/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/happenuspod) | Substack ( https://happenus.substack.com/) | Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@happenuspod) Thoughts or future guest ideas? Email me at info@happenuspod.com Portrait illustration by Kay Lam (https://www.instagram.com/kaylamartist/?hl=en). © Copyright 2025 Happenus LTD. All rights reserved.

2. 

   23 Feb 2025

   Vedic Astrologer Abhigya Anand on Cosmic Revelations and Inner Awakenings

   At 13, Anand founded what became a leading center for astrological research in India, Praajina Jyotisha Institute (https://www.praajnajyotisha.org/). His prediction of the 2020 pandemic captured global attention, with his YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCco7hZ6tU33lXbAV6aO7XPA/videos)drawing over 90M views, reigniting global interest in Vedic wisdom. Through ancient scriptures and spiritual philosophy, his work reveals how planetary alignments mirror the rhythms of collective transformation. Our conversation begins by exploring the foundations of Vedic astrology – how celestial patterns speak through timeless scriptures, our individual Karma and capacity for doing good, and our relationship with a world that games our attention and narrows the space for doubt and deeper questioning. On the back half, the conversation deepens as we circumambulate the cyclical nature of progress and prosperity in our shared history, human potential and hubris, reflections on The Bhagavad Gita, and how Ayurveda's ancient understanding of our relationship with nature holds keys for modern healing. We close with a healing prayer for those carrying despair, path towards peace, and finding treasures when we turn inward – when we dare to open both mind and heart. LEARN MORE: happenuspod.com (https://www.happenuspod.com/) STAY IN TOUCH(@happenuspod) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/happenuspod/)| Twitter/X (https://x.com/happenuspod) | Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@happenuspod) Original illustration by Kay Lam (https://www.instagram.com/kaylamartist/?hl=en).

3. 

   31 Dec 2024

   Dr. Jane Goodall – Meaning, Love, and Hope in Life's Final Mystery

   The year-end special: A distillation of lessons and reflections with Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace. At 90, one of the most recognized living scientists in the world reminds us that there's wonder waiting on the other side of our deepest anxieties – and that true hope isn't about having all the answers, but about staying curious and open to life's unfolding story. We die, in turn, so that others may live. When all the talking is talked, and the doing is done, the tragedy of a single individual becomes, in the balance of natural things, the triumph of ongoing life. LEARN MORE: happenuspod.com (http://happenuspod.com/) STAY IN TOUCH(@happenuspod): Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/happenuspod)| Twitter/X (https://x.com/happenuspod) | Youtube (https://youtube.com/@happenuspod) Original portrait by ⁠⁠Kay Lam⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/kaylamartist/?hl=en).

4. 

   6 Dec 2024

   Microsoft Research Lead Glen Weyl on Designing Technology for a Pluralistic World & Fortifying Democratic Co-Creation

   Microsoft Research Lead Glen Weyl and Taiwan's First Digital Minister Audrey Tang explore how technology can serve democracy and foster human cooperation in a pluralistic world.

5. 

   3 Oct 2024

   Neuropolitical Scientist Dr. Liya Yu on Why We Dehumanize, the Battle Over Cognitive Reality, Nietzsche, and a New Social Contract for the 21st Century

   Neuropolitical scientist, writer, and artist Dr. Liya Yu (https://liyayu.com/about/) is as unique as her expertise. Born in Hunan, China, and raised in Germany, her story is one of bridging cultures from an early age. She was trained in political science, specializing in political philosophy at the University of Cambridge, and completed an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in political neuroscience at Columbia University, focusing on racial exclusion and dehumanization. Currently, she's a visiting researcher at the Institute of Medical Psychology at Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich and the Department of Political Science at National Taiwan University. Dr. Yu's expertise extends beyond the halls of academia. She’s the author of "Vulnerable Minds: The Neuropolitics of Divided Societies (https://www.amazon.com/Vulnerable-Minds-Neuropolitics-Divided-Societies/dp/0231200315)" and a respected voice on anti-Asian racism, political neuroscience, and democratization in East Asia. What truly sets Dr. Yu apart is how she interweaves science, art, and activism into a unified vision she calls "Gesamtkunstbefreiung" - a holistic approach to liberation in creating a new embodied language and philosophy through which we humanize ourselves. Besides being a researcher and writer, she’s also an artist and lead singer of a doom metal band, Neuropathik (https://neuropathik.bandcamp.com/track/katzengeister-demo). Our conversation begin with Dr. Yu’s experience attending the protest earlier this May in Taipei, exploring what it meant to chant alongside thousands in front of Taiwan’s parliament. This sets the stage for a border discussion about Asia countries with authoritarian histories and collective trans-generational trauma. From there, we dive into her views on the turning points of social movements, the superpower of mentalizing, and why we're currently locked in a battle over the cognitive reality that feeds on dehumanization and polarization. We also delve into the existential and ideological crisis facing youth today and how Dr. Yu's neuropolitical theory offers a new path to self-humanization. In the later half, through a more philosophical lens, we circled around the recent campus tensions simmering at Columbia, Taiwan’s unique identity challenges, and Dr. Yu’s journey of liberation in making sense of her conflicted identity growing up in between cultures. In the end, we touch on her artistic side of performing in a doom metal band and how she aims to communicate art reflecting her authentic self. Throughout, we grapple with Nietzsche’s philosophy of confronting our human predicaments, humanness, and the desire for the zest of life. 00:00 - Introduction 05:18 - Recent protests in Taiwan 10:05 - Holding contradictions, turning points in social movements 13:43 - Cognitive biases and mentalization 26:45 - The battle of cognitive reality 31:15 - Identity challenges and existential crises among youth 35:08 - The vision and origin of “Gesamtkunstbefreiung" 42:42 - Taiwan’s identity and opportunities forward 46:31 - Campus tensions at Columbia and the state of liberal discourse 55:13 -  Art as resistance and activism 58:55 - Aesthetic creation of desire 1:00:49 - Dr. Yu's metal band Neuropatik 1:02:05 - Nietzsche's philosophy in confronting darkness 1:03:50 - Nietzsche’s idea of Humaness in ‘The Gay Science’ 1:08:37 - Desire as an antidote of grief 1:11:55 - Moments of profound connection and wholeness 1:13:31 - Taiwan's beauty and fragility 1:14:43 - Closing LEARN MORE: ⁠happenuspod.com⁠ (www.happenuspod.com) STAY IN TOUCH(@happenuspod): ⁠Instagram ⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/happenuspod)| ⁠Twitter/X ⁠ (https://x.com/happenuspod)| ⁠Youtube⁠ (https://youtube.com/@happenuspod) Subscribe to the ⁠Happenus Newsletter⁠ (https://happenus.substack.com/) for our monthly recap. Original portrait by ⁠⁠⁠Kay Lam⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/kaylamartist/?hl=en).

6. 

   15 Sept 2024

   Director Pat Boonnitipat Shares the Bittersweet Symphony in ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’

   Thai television and film director Pat Boonnitipat’s directorial debut feature film, "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies," is Thailand's biggest movie of 2024 and has been making waves during its theatrical run in Southeast Asia. A New York Times article titled “Why Southeast Asia is Crying Over This Movie (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/23/world/asia/make-millions-before-grandma-dies-crying.html)” even reported on the trend that united audiences to document their reaction before and after seeing the movie due to its strong emotional impact. The Thai drama is a soul-stirring tale of family dynamics and the unspoken secrets they keep. M, an aspiring game caster, played by well-known Thai actor and singer Billkin, trades his streaming dreams for a shot at a multimillion-dollar inheritance from his grandmother after learning she is terminally ill. As M navigates this balance between self-interest and unexpected revelations, he discovers he's not the only one eyeing the fortune. In a race against time and rival relatives, M finds himself going to extreme lengths to win his grandmother's favor—and perhaps learn the value of family along the way. Now streaming on Netflix across Southeast Asia and opening in North America this week, the film will be available in theaters in many more countries later this year. I hope you get to experience this beautiful film when you can. In our conversation, Pat shared what it meant to him to see the film resonating with audiences and the power of cinema in bringing people together through stories that mirror and transcend life itself. He also shared how his and his co-writers personal experiences are woven into the screenplay, his philosophy as the director in creating the authentic grandma-grandson relationship, and the reaction of his own grandma and family members at the film’s premiere. This meaningful journey, filled with tears, laughter, and a million memories, brings hope and strength to the future landscape of Thai cinema and invites more dialogues on how certain dynamics constellate and bring forward the unconditional love and connection we all yearn for with the limited time we have here. As writer Anthony Brandt once said: "Other things may change us, but we start and end with family." LEARN MORE: happenuspod.com (www.happenuspod.com) STAY IN TOUCH(@happenuspod): Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/happenuspod)| Twitter/X (https://x.com/happenuspod)| Youtube (https://youtube.com/@happenuspod) Subscribe to the Happenus Newsletter (https://happenus.substack.com/) for our monthly recap. Original portrait by ⁠⁠Kay Lam⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/kaylamartist/?hl=en).

7. 

   29 Aug 2024

   National Geographic Explorer Gab Mejia: Indigenous Sacredness and The Burden of Truly Loving Our Fragmentation

   Born and raised in the Philippine archipelago, Filipino photographer ⁠⁠Gab Mejia⁠⁠ (https://gabmejia.com/) is a National Geographic Explorer and a Board of Trustee for the World Wide Fund For Nature Philippines. Mejia's work in visual storytelling and ecology through multidisciplinary art forms bridges ancient mystical wisdom to modern confusions and longings. His art unveils the intricate threads of the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and cultural interconnections, prompting us to confront our socio-political and ecological challenges. The first half of this conversation covers Mejia's latest short film, BARADIYA, which examines the declining ecological rituals of Filipino Indigenous queer shamans. Mejia also shared his approach to photography as an extension to document the ever-shifting inner landscapes, the practice of opening to serendipity, nature's inherent queerness, and the Indigenous knowledge of keeping each other sacred in a time that he calls "an extinction of experiences." Later, Mejia shared what it truly means to be an explorer and his journey in embracing the plurality of narratives and identities. At the very end of this conversation, Gab ⁠⁠read a piece⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/p/Czig1FXvVCm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) that he wrote–it's an ode to the natural world and a reckoning of the burden we hold to truly love the other earthlings. LEARN MORE: ⁠happenuspod.com⁠ (www.happenuspod.com) STAY IN TOUCH(@happenuspod): Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/happenuspod) | Twitter/X (https://x.com/happenuspod) | Youtube (https://youtube.com/@happenuspod) Subscribe to the Happenus Newsletter (https://happenus.substack.com/) for our monthly recap. Original portrait by ⁠⁠Kay Lam⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/kaylamartist/?hl=en).

8. 

   14 Aug 2024

   Kelly Kok: Dr. Jane Goodall’s Wisdom, Reimagining the Future of Environmentalism, and Finding a Sense of Awe in Times of Wonder Deficiency

   This week, I sat down with Kelly Kok, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Taiwan (https://www.goodall.org.tw/zh/) and the Jane Goodall Sustainability Academy (https://academyadmissions.wixsite.com/my-site). Kelly has worked at the Jane Goodall Institute Taiwan since 1998, and her primary focus has been growing Dr. Goodall’s (https://janegoodall.org/) Roots & Shoots Program in Taiwan, empowering individuals with action in environmental education and conservation. At the top, we discussed why learning with children to understand how nature works is more important than ever and how the Sustainability Academy, as Asia’s first experimental school focusing on sustainability and conservation, is helping children at a young age to learn about the importance of reconnecting with nature's awe-inspiring moments in their everyday lives. On the back-half, we began by discussing the influence of Dr. Goodall’s seminal book, ‘In the Shadow of Man (https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Man-Jane-Goodall/dp/0547334168).’ We then delved into her wisdom and tenacity in transforming hope into action through Roots&Shoots, bringing solace and power to many who may be grappling with eco-grief and anxiety toward our planet. As we explore the future of environmentalism in the digital age, Kelly shared how reimagining communities and collaborating with other Roots&Shoots (https://rootsandshoots.global/) chapters around the globe has amplified the collective voices of people, animals, and the environment. This celebration of diversity, while united in love, peace, and abundant joy, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Goodall's vision for a better world. LEARN MORE: ⁠⁠happenuspod.com⁠⁠ (www.happenuspod.com) STAY IN TOUCH(@happenuspod): ⁠Instagram⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/happenuspod) | ⁠Twitter/X⁠ (https://x.com/happenuspod) | ⁠Youtube⁠ (https://youtube.com/@happenuspod) Subscribe to the ⁠Happenus Newsletter⁠ (https://happenus.substack.com/) for our monthly recap. Original portrait by Kay Lam (https://www.instagram.com/kaylamartist/?hl=en)

9. 

   8 Jul 2024

   Melati Wijsen: Cultivating High Agency Traits, Youth-washing at Climate Conferences, and Why Welcoming Change is Always Possible

   World-renowned change-maker from Bali, Indonesia, Melati Wijsen has dedicated half of her life to creating a positive impact in her community. Since founding Bye Bye Plastic Bags at the age of twelve with her sister Isabel, Melati has developed a passion for environmental education and policy change. She has been honored by TIME as part of the annual list of most influential teens in the world, by CNN Heroes, and by Forbes 30 under 30. Discover why inner growth precedes outward impact, how embracing the multifaceted nature of change fuels collective action, and a raw look at the hope and frustration at high-stakes climate conferences in the coming decade of transformation. LEARN MORE: ⁠⁠happenuspod.com⁠⁠ (www.happenuspod.com) STAY IN TOUCH(@happenuspod): ⁠Instagram⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/happenuspod) | ⁠Twitter/X⁠ (https://x.com/happenuspod) | ⁠Youtube⁠ (https://youtube.com/@happenuspod) Subscribe to the ⁠Happenus Newsletter⁠ (https://happenus.substack.com/) for our monthly recap. Original Portrait by Kay Lam (www.instagram.com/kaylamartist).

10. 

    30 Jun 2024

    Welcome to Happenus

    Happenus is a series of intimate and in-depth conversations with people from all walks of life, bridging personal narratives with the emerging societal and environmental happenings we collectively share. Created & Hosted by Shawn Hung. Follow and subscribe: linktr.ee/happenuspod (https://linktr.ee/happenuspod?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaRbBXAkgPnI__1566JayVvz0zvPMb1hNsO4zh2XhV8YE0LKPV1dqoCe28_aem_r1dslM42e-1xv38iPwCnYw) For questions, comments, or to join the mailing list, reach me at shawn@happenuspod.com (mailto:shawn@happenuspod.com).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

18,817

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

19 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

60

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

51

Contact Happenus with Shawn Hung

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.