Today's guest is my wonderful friend, Dr. Sandro Formica. Sandro and I met at the World Happiness Summit, and naturally we bonded over our shared mission of spreading and legitimizing the pursuit and study of happiness and fulfillment. Sandro has taken an unconventional path in academia and life, living every day in full commitment to his Life Purpose. He lives to get others to this point, increasing individual and organizational performance based on applied, scientific evidence. He teaches "The Science of Happiness and Personal Empowerment" at Florida International University.As you'll hear in the conversation, Sandro radiates that easygoing, wise Italian vibe. His anecdotes about his mother are both heartwarming and hilarious. He is a joy to speak with and listen to, and his insights and wisdom will lead you to take a close look at whether or not you're living the life and doing the work that your needs, values, and purpose want you to do.Listen as we discuss:How his first thought during quarantine was: "I wish I could hug mama."How the COVID-19 pandemic affected his native Italy (which at the time of recording was a disastrous situation) vs. Miami, his home.The realization that out of the roughly 20,000 hours we receive of fundamental education from preschool through high school, we can barely remember 10% of it.How we can measure the intangible by gauging how much our needs are being fulfilled, and the firm truth that having our needs met will lead to a basic happiness.The needs not being met by the pandemic: Safety, socializing, touch.The question: Why is the feeling of having your needs met based on subjective perception? Some people have it all and feel unsafe, and yet others are as vulnerable as it gets and feel safe and secure.A small mention of squirrels, again, because apparently everyone thinks they're awesome.How Sandro would calm someone going through a lockdown induced panicHow it's crucial to align your work and life plan with your values, needs, and purpose, in that order.How Sandro was living life and getting a PhD in a field he didn't really care about in order to gain his mother's approval, only to realize he didn't really know himself.The timeless value and curative power of vulnerability.Instagram: @mo_gawdatFacebook: @mo.gawdat.officialTwitter: @mgawdatLinkedIn: /in/mogawdatConnect with Sandro Formica on Facebook  @Dr.SandroFormica, LinkedIn @in/sandro-formica, YouTube and sandroformica.comDon't forget to subscribe to Slo Mo for new episodes every Monday and Thursday. Only with your help can we reach One Billion Happy #onebillionhappy.