About Maria
Maria Baltazzi is a Happiness Explorer. Her calling is to help you become happier and live more consciously. Maria’s experience as an Emmy-winning TV producer, wellbeing teacher, world traveler, and luxury travel designer specializing in transformative adventures has given her a unique lens into conscious living that she shares in her new book Take a Shot at Happiness: Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want.
Maria’s journey to happiness began in one of the world’s most exotic locales — on a steamy jungle island in the middle of the South China Sea, surrounded by people facing the unknown, under enormous pressure, all contestants on TV’s megahit Survivor. She is one of Survivor’s original producers and witnessed stressed-out competitors behaving in ways that surprised even themselves. It made her wonder: What does it take to succeed while staying true to yourself and being happy with who you are?
Like all of us, Maria has faced challenges personally and professionally. Instead of letting life setbacks defeat her, Maria was inspired to embark on a transformative journey where she realized eight Happiness Essentials that create a happier, more fulfilling life. Now, Maria helps you discover your path to happiness in a fun, creative way that combines journaling and photography using the phone in your hand.
Maria holds an MFA in film and a PhD in Conscious-Centered Living. She has studied Happiness, Mindfulness, Primordial Sound Meditation, Spiritual Psychology, and Positive Neuroplasticity from world-renowned teachers such as Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Deepak Chopra, Rick Hanson, Tal Ben-Shahar, and Marianne Williamson.
In her own happiness journey, Maria finds joy in giving back. She has walked over 7500 miles to raise funds for charity, primarily Stand Up to Cancer, including marathons on all seven continents. Maria’s adventurous life has also involved climbing the 15,000-foot trail to Machu Picchu, leading African safaris, making pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro twice, and trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Maria has developed and produced shows throughout the world for numerous major broadcast and cable channels. She is a member of both the Producers and Directors Guilds of America, a Fellow National Member of The Explorers Club, and an Advisor for the Transformational Travel Council. Given her diverse experiences, expertise, and infectious enthusiasm, Maria is a genuine inspiration for all who seek to live their best lives.
