Who am I & why subscribe?
"The unexamined life is not worth living, but the over-examined life makes for excellent material for this Substack publication." — Me, just now
Hi, I’m Karen Salmansohn, a multi-bestselling author and behavioral change expert with over 2 million books and courses sold worldwide. I’ve also been a columnist for Oprah.com, Psychology Today, Mind Body Green, and CNN.
I’m known for my irreverent humor and science-backed tools, and how I playfully blend psychology, philosophy, and wit to help people to live with more courage, joy, and fewer regrets.
I’m the only personal development author with an official testimonial from the comedian Jon Stewart saying how funny my books are.
“Karen Salmansohn’s books have the spirit of a stand up comedian.” - Jon Stewart
I’ve also been a featured guest on Bill Maher’s show!
My newest book is:
Your To Die For Life is a #1 new release and explores how mortality awareness can act as a powerful motivator for living more boldly and meaningfully.
My Substack newsletter, The Stand Up Philosopher, is regularly listed as a top 20 ranked philosophy publication.
I write for people who are smart enough to be tired of empty positivity... but self-aware enough not to surrender to cynicism just yet.
The people who know there must be something between "good vibes only" and "everything is terrible."
Think of these essays as philosophical nutrition that actually tastes pretty good.
The truth doesn't have to be a bitter pill.
Sometimes it can taste like ice cream.
What you’ll receive
Essays that make you feel seen. You know that moment when someone articulates something you've always felt but never had words for? I live for creating those moments. It's like mental acupuncture – sharp little insights that somehow relieve pressure.
Permission to question everything. Especially those precious beliefs you've been carrying around since childhood that might actually be holding you back. We'll dismantle them together, carefully, like taking apart a bomb.
Basically, my content is loaded up with all the stuff we'd chat about if we met for coffee, then ended up talking about all the important things in life, until the café staff started stacking chairs around us.
When you subscribe to the FREE PLAN… you get…
2 monthly musing posts sent straight to your inbox.
This means you don't have to remember to check yet another website. It's one less thing for your brain to track, and your brain already has enough going on.
When you subscribe to the PREMIUM PLAN… you get…
2 bonus essays each month: deeper, more personal, more intimate
$300 worth of FREE video courses (see the courses tab in the menu area)
Exclusive audio essays — for when your eyes are tired, but your heart isn't.
All of this is sent conveniently to your inbox.
So subscribe now (free or paid) … because let’s be honest:
If you wait, there’s a solid chance you’ll forget the name of this publication or where you read these words. Spare yourself the digital scavenger hunt. Subscribe now & get ready to receive thoughtful, funny, sometimes-too-honest essays delivered right to your inbox.
Some insider info about me…
I've always been fascinated by human behavior.
I’m part research geek, part philosopher, part comedic instigator.
Oh, and, I have a platonic crush on Aristotle.
So much so, I named my (now teenage) son "Ari" as a wink to Aristotle!
I ashare a lot of Aristotle’s philosophies in my writing. Things like eudaimonia (a fancy Greek word for flourishing). But always with a sprinkle of humor and zero togas.
Hence, I’ve named this Substack: The Stand-Up Philosopher.
I’m equally obsessed with Eastern philosophy, neuroscience, positive psychology, NLP, quantum physics, and then some. Basically, if it helps decode why we humans do what we do (and how to do life better) then I’m in.
In 1999, I created a stylishly designed psychological and philosophical book titled "How To Be Happy Dammit" – which I called “self-help for people who wouldn’t be caught dead reading self-help.”
It was one of the first books (ever) to dare to have a naughty curse word in the title and seriously helpful info inside.
"How To Be Happy Dammit" became a huge bestseller, and was featured in an Eminem music video.
Plus it was in a PBS documentary, “This Emotional Life” – in episode three!
Then came many other bestsellers: "The Bounce Back Book," "Think Happy," "Prince Harming Syndrome," and "How To Succeed in Business Without a Penis" This book was a national bestselling business book for women - and loved by some cool gals like Madonna, Arianna Huffington, Donna Karan… and more!
I’ve also been a featured expert on the Today show, The View, CNN, and Real Time with Bill Maher. My work has been covered by the New York Times, Business Week, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Time, Marie Claire, Fast Company, InStyle, Self, ELLE, and the New Yorker.
These day I'm especially excited about…
my newest book, Your To Die For Life. It’s an Amazon #1 new release.
Order now HERE!
Please know:
Your To Die For Life is NOT about making you obsessed with death.
The goal is to make you more obsessed with LIFE. Now. While you’re here to enjoy it!
Because once you accept that your time here is limited, you start getting pickier about how you spend your time.
The brutal truth:
We're here... then we're not.
And I want to help you to make sure that your "here" part is as bold and meaningful as possible!
»Learn more about “Your To Die For Life”...here…now!
xo, Karen
