Bursting With Happiness: The Podcast

If the idea of being your own boss brings you joy, or you currently have your own business, you'll definitely want to check this episode out. You'll meet Laura Sinclair; a serial entrepreneur, marketing expert, and mom who loves talking about raising babies and building businesses. She's also the host of the This Mother Means Business podcast. Be warned: This episode may inspire you to dip your toe into entrepreneurship, because we believe that everyone has a skill or talent that is marketable. (Wait until you hear what the highest selling digital course was back in 2019!) Even if you're not interested in starting your own businesses, the tips she shares are also great strategies to succeed at life, too.  Connect with Laura at www.laura-sinclair.com  

If you love traveling....and even if you don't...this episode is one you definitely want to listen to! Amber Haggerty (aka "Amber Everywhere") dives into why she gets joy from traveling...and her reasons may not be what you'd expect. We talk about the joy she gets from connecting with strangers, how she she navigates situations when they don't go as planned, traveling on a budget, and managing risk. She also offers simple strategies for anyone wanting to dip a toe into travel, whether locally or internationally. Get ready to pack your bags...our conversation may inspire you to push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit....and find bursts of joy that you never even knew existed! Learn more at www.ambereverywhere.com

Kathy Izard is an award-winning author and speaker who has helped bring transformation to Charlotte, NC in homelessness, housing, and mental health. How did she do it? By "trusting the whisper," and she encourages all of us to do it too. Whatever idea we have that is quietly, persistently, relentlessly calling to us. That's the one we're meant to listen to. Her memoir, The Hundred Story Home, has been featured on NPR as well as The Today Show, inspiring people to be change-makers in their own communities. In 2019, she released A Good Night for Mr. Coleman, a children's book written to encourage kids to dream big and Do Good.  Learn more at www.kathyizard.com

It's easy to find joy in life when things are going well and everyone is happy and healthy, but how do we do it when someone we love gets a life-threatening diagnosis? Charissa Bates, a mom to three beautiful children, knows how. After being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer a few years ago she decided to be intentional about seeking out joy. She leaned into the small things that made her happy, and learned some valuable lessons about perspective during her journey. In fact, to pass on that insight and help other families going through similar situations, she and her husband, along with their young children, wrote a book to help other families gain control and find  joy during tough times. Get her book here: https://www.amazon.com/We-Find-Joy-Cancer-Messed/dp/B0BBJH43JT

So many of us are "people pleasers" without even thinking about it. In this episode Mindset and Success Coach Rebekah Slider shares a unique perspective on people pleasing. She talks about how we end up feeling when we constantly say yes to people even when we really don't want to. We discuss why we do it (personally and professionally) and strategies for finally standing in our own power and learning to establish and maintain boundaries. You'll also learn a phrase that will change your life.  Get the "Ditch the People Pleasing" ebook that Rebekah talks about at www.rebekahslider.com/page/ditch-the-people-pleasing  

In this episode you'll meet Mike Rathbun, a super cool guy and fellow podcast host and motivational speaker. We share an insightful conversation around joy, happiness, why it's important to seek out joy even when we're surrounded by negativity, and how sometimes it's seen as being rebellious to actual seek out the positivity in life, rather than wallowing in negativity. Thus, we believe in being "joy rebels!" We also talk about the importance of kindness, and how implementing small doses of it every single day is a lot easier than we may think! (When recording this episode Mike was writing his book, "Big Skies and Big Dreams: A Practical Guide to Living Your Happiest Life." Since then it's been released and can be found here.)

What happens when two life coaches who are committed to helping people find more joy in their lives share a conversation? You get this amazing episode of the Bursting with Happiness podcast! Listen in as I chat with Certified Life and Health Coach, Reiki Master, and Intuitive Meg Davis as she reveals five super simple and super effective strategies for joy. These tools will help us shift our mindset, give us some space to reflect in a way that perhaps we're not currently doing, and recognize our impact on the world. Give them a try and let us know how they work for you! Connect with Meg at www.mdavishealing.com.

I finally take a few minutes to share the latest happenings with me and my family. It's been a hectic couple of months for sure...listen in for an update that includes an ear surgery, a McDonald's McFlurry, and something to think about when you have a challenging decision to make and just aren't sure what to do.  

In this episode I chat with Nadine “Gam Gam” Larder on how she went from surviving her days to now living her days. Ironically, once she decided to love herself as an obese woman did she finally stop hating herself and started to make better choices that ultimately led her to losing the weight for good. Check out her story on how she did it and how she now dedicates her life to teaching others how to do the same. https://www.tiktok.com/@gamgams.kitchen https://www.instagram.com/gamgams.kitchen Grab A Pen Instead free Wellness and Weight loss Master Class: https://www.facebook.com/groups/909959833040651 It's Not You, It's The DIEt” free Masterclass: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1256947201397387 Gam Gam's Kitchen: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ketobootcampforbeginners    

In this episode I'm joined by Cyndi Lynne Lamarucciola, a former cardiac nurse who worked with patients in various stages of health. She now supports patients in a different way when they receive a serious diagnosis; by helping them navigate their emotions, supporting them as they develop a plan moving forward, and empowering them to control what they can during a time when nothing seems within their control. Cyndi Lynne believes that the most important thing we can do when we get difficult news is to pause. It sounds easy, but there's more to it than you may think….give this episode a listen to find out exactly how to do it. Learn more at www.cyndilynne.com

In this episode you'll meet Sara Mathis, who feels that living with Bipolar is her "superpower." She shares what her extreme highs and lows are like, why she felt relief when she was finally diagnosed, and how she has found joy and compassion by fully accepting who she is.  As Sara says about acceptance: "Finding joy is not about changing who you are, it's about working with what you got." Check out Sara's blog at embracingmybrain.wordpress.com  (Trigger warnings: cutting and suicide.) 

In this episode you'll meet an amazing individual - Jeff Marconette, Jr. Ever since he was in a horrible life-threatening car accident 17 years ago he has made it his mission to inspire people to "Make Every Second Count." He compels others to start living now, stop complaining, and take nothing for granted!  Hear his story of resilience, strength, and grit, as well as the five lessons he learned from going through his near death-experience. Learn more about Jeff at www.jeffmarconettejr.com 

Being truly authentic is tough, especially when we seem to be surrounded by people who are perfect in ways that we're not. If you're feeling "stuck" in life, this episode may be just what you need. Katrina Lelli, certified coach and host of the "Happy, Purposeful and Free" podcast, talks about how we can break out of our self-imposed prisons, get rid of unrealistic expectations, and find more joy than we ever thought possible.  Connect with Katrina at www.katrinalelli.co 

Hopefully you constantly monitor your vehicle's gas tank to make sure you don't end up stranded on the side of the road somewhere, but what about YOUR gas tank? In this episode executive leadership coach Sarah Francescutti tells us how to monitor our tank to make sure we don't find ourselves on empty either. Learn more about her free upcoming event called the "Sweet Spot Summit" at https://www.exhaleandthrive.com/a/2147504770/jAQmfamL Get Sarah's free Inside Out Scheduling approach at https://www.exhaleandthrive.com/InsideOutScheduling

Sallie Crawley had a rough first half of 2016  - within months she ruptured her Achilles, had a heart attack and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sounds like she had some pretty bad luck, huh?  Believe it or not, Sallie considers herself very lucky, and in this episode she talks about why. She also shares how her emotional recovery was just as important as the physical.  Connect with Sallie at https://www.myheartandmind.co.uk  

In this episode I'll share how our luck finally ran out and we got the dreaded COVID, a trick that will help you be successful with your new year's resolutions, and what I'm going to work on in 2022.  

When you hear the term "self care" what comes to mind? Not sure what the heck that means? Does the idea of doing it create more stress for you? Do you roll your eyes and think it's a waste of time? In this episode clinical mental health counselor Juliet Kuehnle and I take a deep dive on what it means, how to realistically do it, and why it may make more sense to call it "soul care" instead. We also talk about how the pandemic has impacted organizational cultures, mental health access and stigmas, and the importance of maintaining mind/body connections.  Follow Juliet on IG: @yepigototherapy  

In honor of Thanksgiving I'm joined in this episode by my little one, Catherine White! We talk all about joy, Thanksgiving, and her life strategies. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

We can't get to joy until we get out of victim mode. My guest on today's, Debra Valentina, wants to help us do just that. She's an international speaker, facilitator, and author who empowers others to create fully expressed and joyful lives. In her memoir Beyond Chaos: Journey to Freedom and Joy she shares how she was able to shift from a victim mindset after growing up in a highly dysfunctional family to one where she owns her joy. She is passionate about helping others do the same. Join us as we share a powerful conversation around 3 out of her 7 “Joy Attributes”. They're simple and can be implemented right away. www.creativing.info/joyfulqualities www.beyondchaosbook.com

In this episode I'm joined by Sarah K. Ramsey, a Toxic Relationship Specialist, host of the globally-acclaimed Toxic Person Proof podcast, and best-selling author. In this dynamic conversation we talk about toxic people and how to keep them from sucking the joy right out of us. You'll learn how to  identify these people, how to interact with them, and how to keep ourselves healthy, happy, and joyful despite their actions. We can't control those people, but we can control how they impact us. Learning how may very well change your life. www.sarahkramsey.com

In this episode I'm joined by author and coach Rena Koesler, who talks about how our natural selves can be unleashed simply by being in nature. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Rene believes that climbing mountains, literally and figuratively, is the key to success in business, education, and life. By reaching all of life's "summits" we become the happiest, most confident, and joyful versions of ourselves.  www.renakoesler.com

In honor of International Podcast Day, I spend a few minutes sharing what's bringing me joy lately and my hope for you as we enter the final few months of the year. 

In this episode I share a conversation with Tessa Stowe, who believes that happiness is a superpower that anyone can learn. Listen to find out exactly how to do it. One of her strategies includes to intentionally look at and process the bad stuff that happens in life. Why? Because we have to first know the darkness in order to get out of it. She teaches us a special way to look at the negative and turn it into positive actions that will change your life, and perhaps even the lives of others. 

You probably never think about your nervous system. After all, why would you?! Well, today's guest thinks you should start giving it the attention and respect that it deserves. Helena Lucia was raised in Minnesota in an extreme fundamentalist religion and spent much of her life experiencing many different forms of abuse. In this episode she shares how maintaining a balanced nervous system has been a key component in her recovery. Listen in for great information about the science of how it all works, strategies for leveraging it and how the practice of the Finnish word “SISU” can be a helpful component of working through trauma. She also shares great insight on the subconscious mind, heart rate variability, and the body/brain connection.  Learn more at www.sisujourney.com

Jessica Smith was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome when she was 24 years old. Her vocal tics can regularly lead to some pretty awkward moments, but in those moments she finds freedom, empowerment, and even joy. In this episode learn what it's like living with TS, hear more stories that prove how great people are,  and learn strategies for overcoming awkward and hard situations. Jessica believes that we have more power and control than we realize….we just can't let our fear of creating awkward moments with others keep us from prioritizing our needs, wants, and desires. Speaking of awkward moments, I share a really embarrassing one. Spoiler alert – it involves me eating a stranger's food at a restaurant. (Oooops!) Under the pen name of Paula Jean Ferri, she has written three books – Awkwardly Strong, Tragically Strong, and Fearfully Strong. Learn more about her at www.paulajeanferri.com

In this short but powerful episode you'll meet Erik Allen. Erik had a really tough childhood and was heavily into drugs and alcohol for much of his young adult life. Despite the shame that he felt, he finally realized that his past didn't define his future, and decided one day to turn his life around.  His mission: to remind you that it's never too late to live the life you want and deserve.

Ever wonder why you think what the way that you do? Knowing your Enneagram type may provide some insight. Jenn Whitmer, Conflict and Enneagram Coach, talks about this personality framework which gives us some insight into who we are; allowing us to be more authentic and joyful versions of ourselves. Knowing others‘ types can even help mitigate conflict, enhance productivity, and build relationships with those in our lives. Give this episode a listen to learn more about each type and decide which one you are!

Listen to this really cool conversation I have with transformation coach Petia Kolibova. We talk about how to stop playing small in life and why we tend to make things harder than they have to be. Success and happiness come from deciding to stop trying to fit the mold that others put on us. True joy comes from being who we truly are and living life on our own terms. 

I get real in this episode. Truth be told, "The Joy Seeker" hasn't been feeling very joyful over the past few days, and that's ok. Life is a combination of both good and bad days; the trick to living a joyful life is to find strategies that prevent us from dwelling on the bad ones for too long so we can get back to experiencing the good.   

In this episode America's Leadership Advisor Jeannie Moravits Smith shares specific tips to plan for joy. We talk about how to convert catabolic energy into anabolic energy, how to handle painful life experiences, why you should make yourself a “breakfast face” every once in a while, and why it's important to lean on others, because life shouldn't be a solo mission.

Psychic medium, certified tarot master, author, and visionary Corbie Mitleid and I share an enlightening conversation about finding joy and being our most authentic selves. We talk about everything from her personal bout with cancer, the importance of self-acceptance at all costs, and even why we should all strive to be a "Happy Martian Detective." Learn more about Corbie at www.corbiemitleid.com.

In this episode I share how Jonathan broke both arms in a mountain biking accident last week, what it was like dropping Catherine off at her first sleep-away camp, and a few moments of growth that I've had through it all. 

We all know the five senses....sight, sound, taste, touch, and scent. Perfumer Whitney Swales believes that we don't give our noses the respect they deserve. In this episode she talks about the impact of scent on our happiness and offers specific suggestions to leverage this powerful - and often under utilized- sense to bring us more energy, joy, and peace. www.witandwest.com 

The key to getting through difficult things or accomplishing big goals is simple: get comfortable with being uncomfortable. In this episode, I share how I'm planning to get through some expected challenges that are heading my way this month, and how you can use this strategy to accomplish whatever's on your plate too.

If you are raising a daughter, or have a special young lady in your life, make sure to listen to this episode. Confidence Coach Erin Tarr empowers tween and teen girls to find more confidence, joy, and perspective, and shares some of her great tips with us. These strategies will help your young gal enhance relationships with her siblings, resist comparing herself to others, deal with various types of friends' personalities, overcome heartbreak, and build her self-confidence. Info on Fierce Girls Summer Success Box: www.erintarr.com/enroll

Meet Fitz Koehler. She's a fitness innovator, author, tv personality, race announcer, celebrity trainer and journalist. Really, though, she's just a regular person who went through a really tough experience and wants to inspire others going through their own tough times.  Give this episode a listen to learn how she maintained perspective and optimism as she "endured the cure." Plus, as a fitness expert, she also offers a few simple tips for adding 10 quality years to your life!

In this episode I'm joined by Lindsay Bennett, who is a communications coach and teacher helping her clients and students create relationship connections so they feel seen, heard, and understood.  She offers tangible strategies for infusing compassion for ourselves and others and how to handle those hard emotions when they come our way.   

How do we find the light during our darkest times? Stacie Moody Barber shares the story of how she got through the most difficult experience of her life and what it taught her. She's now on a mission to inspire others to live their truth and not let those difficult experiences consume us. To do it she believes that we need to get in touch with our inner voice and focus on our  mind/body connection – our “inner compass”- to be our most authentic (and happiest) selves.

I visit with author Bradley Charbonneau, who spent 9 years working on his "best book ever." Because of his intense desire for it to be perfect he never finished it. He was struggling with something that so many of us can relate to: the fear of not living up to unrealistic expectations of perfectionism. So instead he "flipped the script" and wrote the "Worst Book Ever", and thinks you should too. 

In this episode my guest Danni Wade shares how we can make the most out of the 24 hours we all have each day. Her “Goal Mapping Technique” offers a clear and simple strategy for achieving whatever goals you have. Give it a try!

Listen in to a great conversation I share with "Chief Fire Starter" Marisa Wheeling Ciesluk as she shares 4 simple yet effective tips for avoiding burnout or getting out of it if you're already in it. She reminds us that if we're not happy, we owe it to ourselves to find a way to light that fire inside of us! 

Too often we moms live from day-to-day with the mindset of having to do it all, and do it all ourselves. We're trying to be superwomen, and we don't recognize the opportunities that exist around us that could ease our burdens a bit, allow us to breathe a little easier, and stop the spiral of stress we often find ourselves in. In this episode I share the 5 simple steps to intentionally explore ways to slow things down a bit and reduce those feelings of overwhelm.  You deserve a break....here's a strategy to getting one.

Today I'm joined by "Self-Care Goddess" Jess Bonasso, who helps women on their journeys to wellness. She believes that an important way to get there is to discover how to "plug our energy drains" either by simplifying, eliminating, or automating them. Give this episode a listen to find out how to do it, and to learn how understanding the twelve key areas in your life can lead to creating your very own self-rescue road map.

After suffering a major injury to her finger, Juilliard-trained pianist Lisa Spector faced the terrifying possibility that she may never play the piano again. Hear about her journey as she navigated her way back to the one thing she loves more than anything in the world. Her story will inspire you - even if you're not even a little bit musical!

In this episode I'm joined by Meghan Jones, a health coach who believes that tapping into our intuition is key to adding massive amounts of joy to our lives. Listen in for easy and tangible ways to start doing it right away!

Can you believe it's March already?! In this episode I reflect on this past year (which I'm calling the Year of Misery) and how I've grown in ways I never thought possible. 

In this episode I'm joined by Amanda O'Rourke, an inner-calm coach who helps people ditch stress and overwhelm so that they can mentally thrive in business and in life. We share a great conversation filled with easy strategies to find more joy, as well as fun facts that include why my daughter Catherine wants to be a "Canadian", one of my most unexpected memories from when my son David was born, and what made Amanda once laugh at a funeral.  Get Amanda's "How to Be Fearlessly Calm" pdf free at https://bit.ly/FearlesslyCalm

In this episode I'm joined by Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, PhD. She is an adolescent psychologist, "teen translator" and author who helps parents build strong and positive relationships with their pre-teens and teens through improved communication, connection, and understanding. If you have a pre-teen or teen at home, be sure to listen to this very enlightening conversation. You'll learn tangible strategies that you can start implementing right away.  

In this episode I chat with life coach Kevin O'Connor about how we're keeping ourselves from experiencing joy without even realizing it. We discuss the importance of reducing the distractions that constantly surround us, taking responsibility for our actions, and recognizing the importance of physical intelligence. 

My guests Meriam Boldewijn and Ashley Jackson-Thompson know first-hand how difficult it is to be a caregiver. As such, they also know how important it is to care for yourself when you're in that challenging role. In this episode they share six tips for self-care that they wish they had known when they began their caregiver journeys. 

In this episode I chat with Amy Charland, Founder of Lights on Again Coaching. She helps people escape soul crushing work and instead find work that truly fires them up. If you're not happy in your professional life, my conversation with Amy will provide insights and strategies that may very well change your life. We talk about tangible ways to find more joy in your current position and how to decide if it's time to move on.