“Happiness is not complicated. It is simple. It is a choice.” – Shane Dean

On 27th February, Shane Dean delivered an uplifting and insightful talk as part of Weston College’s and University Centre Weston’s new Lecture Series—an initiative introduced by the College’s new Principal and CEO, Pat Jones. 

This series was designed to give staff and students access to inspirational speakers who can offer fresh perspectives, and to create a shared space where they can come together as a community and engage in thought-provoking discussions, and grow collectively.

Shane, an award-winning news journalist and founder of The Good News Post and Good News Tonic, has dedicated his career to spreading positivity and helping people find happiness in a world often dominated by bad news. 

Drawing from over 30 years in journalism and his own personal journey—from facing mental health challenges in his youth to discovering the power of positive thinking—Shane’s mission is clear: to empower people to reframe their mindset and embrace a happier, more fulfilling life.

At the heart of Shane’s lecture was a simple yet powerful idea—happiness is a choice. Through his Good News Tonic framework, he shared three key ingredients for rewiring the brain toward joy and resilience across mind, body and spirit.

In a world flooded with negative headlines and 24/7 news cycles, Shane challenged the audience to “black out the bad” and actively seek out the good. 

Throughout the session, the room buzzed with energy. 

At times, laughter filled the space as Shane shared engaging videos—including a baby’s contagious giggle and TV presenters breaking into fits of laughter. 

He even introduced laughter yoga via UK expert Alison Orr, encouraging attendees to interact with each other and experience the immediate mental boost that comes from shared joy.

More than just entertainment, Shane’s message was deeply practical. 

He demonstrated how small, intentional actions—like limiting bad news, practicing gratitude, and prioritising moments of joy—can reshape how we see the world. 

By consistently choosing positive thoughts, he explained, we can literally rewire our brain’s structure to be happier and more resilient.

The lecture concluded with a moving message from Dawn Carey, CEO of In Charley’s Memory—a local charity providing affordable mental health support for young people. She reinforced Shane’s call to action: to prioritise happiness, focus on the positives, and never underestimate the power of checking in on others.

Shane’s inspiring and interactive talk left a lasting impression, encouraging everyone to take control of their mindset and embrace the simple but profound truth: happiness is a choice—and it’s one we can all make.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.