Podcasts about Emmons

Rest and recreation are essential tools for resilience and good mental health as they help support the biological rhythms your body is already running. We'll dig into these rhythms more in this episode by breaking down three layers of the body's natural cycles: Ultradian rhythms (the short cycles within each day), circadian rhythms (24 hour cycle), and infradian rhythms (longer cycles like menstruation and seasonal changes). The practical thread through all three is the same: manage energy, not time. Notice your rhythm and do your best to honor what your body is telling you.   Note: This is an encore episode, originally aired during Joy Lab's Roots of Resilience Series (Element: Resilience). It's replaying here to close the month of Re-Creation because it goes straight to the biological foundation of why rest and recreation aren't optional extras — they are literally built into your body. As Aimee puts it in her intro: these rhythms are not something to fight. They're something to come home to.   About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek. The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.   Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).   Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app: Spotify | Apple | YouTube   Full transcript here   Sources and Notes: Joy Lab Experiments: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life. Joy Lab episodes referenced: Joy Lab Podcast #13 (The Roots of Resilience) This episode is a broad overview of what we'll be talking about over the next 9 episodes. It's a really helpful summary!  Roots of Resilience Series starts with episode #53: Roots of Resilience Chemistry of Calm (Dr. Emmons' book referenced in this series) The 20 Minute Break (book) Linnaeus' Flower Clock How does the brain deal with cumulative stress? A review with focus on developmental stress, HPA axis function and hippocampal structure in humans Cumulative Stress and Health   Questions this episode was made for:   Q: Why do I crash mid-afternoon and feel like I can't focus no matter how hard I try? A: That's your ultradian rhythm doing exactly what it's designed to do. This episode explains the 60-to-90-minute focus window, why pushing through leads to a steeper crash, and what a 15-to-20-minute break actually does to restore your brain's capacity.   Q: Could my sleep or stress problems be connected to my hormones being out of rhythm? A: It's certainly possible. This episode walks through how cortisol fluctuates naturally across 24 hours, what happens when that pattern gets disrupted by chronic stress (including the classic 3 AM wake-up), and how protecting your sleep is the single most powerful thing you can do to help let your system rebalance itself.    Key moments: [00:00] Aimee's intro to the encore: this episode closes the month of Re-Creation by grounding rest in biology — rhythms aren't optional, they're built in [01:00] Welcome — the Element of Resilience, Roots of Resilience Series, third root: aligning with nature [01:30] Henry: bio-rhythms might be the most important and most easily ignored root of resilience [02:00] Natural world runs on cycles — plants and animals fall in line naturally; humans have the choice to ignore or fight them  [03:00] Inside the body: hormones, energy, focus, and mood are all directly shaped by these rhythms [03:30] Depression can be a problem with internal timing — getting out of sync with bio-rhythms; Chronobiology and body-clock research: a booming field; SAD as a familiar example of seasonal rhythm [04:30] Three rhythms to cover: ultradian (under 24 hours), circadian (24 hours), infradian (more than 24 hours) [05:00] Ultradian rhythms: most overlooked, most ignored in the typical workday; What we do instead: push through, reach for sugar or caffeine, experiment with nootropics — when the body is asking for a break [07:00] Henry: managing energy rather than time — noticing when you're fading and honoring it early before the crash [08:00] Dr. Anders Ericsson's violinist study: comparing professional soloists with good-but-not-great performers [10:00] The lesson: excellence came from tending to rhythms, not from fighting through them — more practice was possible because of better recovery [10:30] Transition to circadian rhythms — sleep is the big one here [11:30] Henry: sleep might be the best mood stabilizer available — the research is unambiguous; People with depression + sleep problems who improve their sleep double their chances of recovery [12:00] People without depression who develop sleep problems double their risk of becoming depressed [12:30] Cortisol fluctuates naturally over 24 hours — lowest during deep sleep, starts rising around 3–4 AM, peaks in morning, dips post-lunch, rises again mid-afternoon, declines through evening [13:30] The post-lunch cortisol dip: a natural signal for rest, a walk, or a nap [14:00] The HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal): when this gets out of sync, depression can follow [14:30] Aimee: the 3–4 AM cortisol surge — when under stress, that's exactly when people wake up and can't get back to sleep [15:30] Mood problems can arise or worsen from fighting these natural cycles — enormous friction and energy wasted [16:00] Ways to tap into circadian rhythm: notice the animals and nature around you — dogs, chickens, birds, flowers [17:30] Light exposure: get bright light in the first 1–2 hours after waking; dim lights significantly in the evening [18:00] In winter: dawn simulator or bright light device in the morning; 15-minute session around 5 PM to help set sleep timing [20:00] Adrenal fatigue: when stress goes on long enough, adrenal glands become overtaxed — a state of profound depletion, controversial but real [20:30] Possible connection to long COVID — a pattern Henry has seen clinically [21:30] Infradian rhythms: cycles longer than 24 hours — less obvious but powerful when you become aware of them [22:00] Two key infradian rhythms for mental health: menstruation and seasonal affective disorder [22:30] Menstruation: predictable changes in mood, energy, and sleep — part of a sophisticated, elegant cycle [24:30] Seasonal depression: root cause is the change in circadian rhythm — shorter days disrupt bio-rhythms [25:00] Henry's short course on SAD: convince your body it's not the middle of winter — bright light early and late, fresh light foods, keep moving [26:00] Closing wisdom from Lao-Tzu: "Nature does not hurry. Yet everything is accomplished."   If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!    Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. Please see our terms for more information. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Find more mental health resources here.

Today's Guest's: George Stahnke - Pastoral counselor at Focus on the Family Hugh Ross - Astrophysicist, senior scholar, and founder of Reasons to Believe as well as author to numerous booksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Jim Wexell - 32nd season covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and author of many books/articles Terry Timm - Christ Community Church of South Hills Daniel Darling - Award winning writer, author/co-author, and editor as well as a pastor and thought leaderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Jim Wexell - 32nd season covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and author of many books/articles Terry Timm - Christ Community Church of South Hills Daniel Darling - Award winning writer, author/co-author, and editor as well as a pastor and thought leaderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novelist, essayist and co-founder of Storylīz, an app developed to help improve literacy and critical thinkingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wilder Show PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Ann Bauer - Novelist, essayist and co-founder of Storylīz Charlie Camosy - Professor of Moral Theology & Bioethics, author, and editor Lauren Lintner - "Week in Review"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Ann Bauer - Novelist, essayist and co-founder of Storylīz Charlie Camosy - Professor of Moral Theology & Bioethics, author, and editor Lauren Lintner - "Week in Review"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novelist, essayist and co-founder of Storylīz, an app developed to help improve literacy and critical thinkingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wilder Show PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Scott Wilder - "Making Sense of the News" Sarah Zystra - Writer and podcaster for The Gospel Coalition Anna Broadway - AuthorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Scott Wilder - "Making Sense of the News" Sarah Zystra - Writer and podcaster for The Gospel Coalition Anna Broadway - AuthorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Josh Brown - Lead Pastor at Bellefield Presbyterian Church Mandi Semple - Communications Manager at Vitalant Tim Geoglein - Vice President of External & Governmental Relations for Focus on the Family and authorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Josh Brown - Lead Pastor at Bellefield Presbyterian Church Mandi Semple - Communications Manager at Vitalant Tim Geoglein - Vice President of External & Governmental Relations for Focus on the Family and authorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Ralph Crewe - Head writer and producer for Practical Engineering Kathryn Post - New Jersey-based reporter (previously Pittsburgh-based) for Religious News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Ralph Crewe - Head writer and producer for Practical Engineering Kathryn Post - New Jersey-based reporter (previously Pittsburgh-based) for Religious News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Jim Wexell - 32nd season covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and author of many books/articles Karen Vacco - Assistant Mammal Curator at the Pittsburgh Zoo Myles Werntz: Associate Professor of Theology and Director of Baptist StudiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Jim Wexell - 32nd season covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and author of many books/articles Karen Vacco - Assistant Mammal Curator at the Pittsburgh Zoo Myles Werntz: Associate Professor of Theology and Director of Baptist StudiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Jerell Gilliam (Guest co-host) - Executive Director at Light of Life Eric Hogue - President of Colorado Christian University with experience as a pastor, theologian, author, political candidate, and radio/tv professional Jason Charron - Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Jerell Gilliam (Guest co-host) - Executive Director at Light of Life Eric Hogue - President of Colorado Christian University with experience as a pastor, theologian, author, political candidate, and radio/tv professional Jason Charron - Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lead Pastor at Orchard Hill ChurchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenneth T Wessner Chair in Biblical Studies, Professor of New Testament, Associate Rector, and authorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Archbishop Joseph D'Souza - Dignity Freedom Network Leader in India Doug Oster - Award winning garden host, writer, and producer Emily Belz - Senior staff writer at Christianity TodaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Owner of Hearts and Minds Bookstore in Dallastown, PASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Chris Martin - Author (Guest co-host) Byron Borger: Owner of Hearts and Minds Bookstore Jerry Bergman: Award winning professor and authorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author, journalist, and senior editor at The Gospel CoalitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bestselling author and storytelling expert Abbie Emmons spoke with us about topping 600K YouTube followers, helping writers craft emotionally resonant narratives, and her new writing guide MAKE YOUR STORY MATTER. Abbie Emmons is the popular YouTube creator behind the channel Make Your Story Matter. For over seven years, she has been sharing her wisdom on YouTube (@abbieemmons), where she teaches writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling to transform their ideas into masterpieces Her latest book, Make Your Story Matter: An Interactive Guide to Unlocking Your Brain's Storytelling Power and Writing a Book Readers Love (releasing August 11, 2026), “... [offers a] simple but powerful 3-step framework for storytelling that's rooted in psychology called the Who, What, Why Method.” Jessica Brody, bestselling author of Save The Cat! Writes a Novel, wrote of the book, "Understanding why stories move us is one of the most powerful things a writer can learn. Make Your Story Matter brings the psychology and heart of storytelling to life in a way that will transform how you think about your characters and your craft."  Her online learning platform, Abbie's Story University, has thousands of students worldwide. Through monthly live lectures and in-depth courses, Abbie offers comprehensive instruction on creative writing, editing, publishing, and more. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you're a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Abbie Emmons, Milena, and I discussed: Her three-pillar framework for crafting compelling stories How to make your characters relatable  Why writers struggle with motivation and writing slumps despite having great ideas What “writing ugly” can do for your productivity How to create a conversation around your book And a lot more! Show Notes: ElevenReader is a new, award-winning audio app for iOS, Android, Web abbieemmonsauthor.com abbiesstoryuniversity.com Make Your Story Matter: An Interactive Guide to Unlocking Your Brain's Storytelling Power and Writing a Book Readers Love by Abbie Emmons (Amazon) Abbie Emmons on YouTube Author on Facebook Author on Instagram Milena Gonzalez | Writer | Reader | Book Reviewer diary_of_a_book_babe on Instagram Kelton Reid Instagram Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Guests: Richard Mouw - Professor of Faith and Public Life, past President at Fuller Theological Seminary, and author Lauren Lintner - "What to Watch" Paul McNulty - Previously an attorney in public service/private practice, Deputy of Attorney General, and President at Grove City College Dean Weaver - Stated Clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and co-founder/former president of EduNations ("Week in Review" special guest)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior scholar, author, and founder of Reasons to BelieveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President and Senior Financial Planner Paul L. Moffat and Director of Financial Planning Jordan Naffa explore the life-changing power of gratitude through the groundbreaking research of Dr. Robert Emmons, one of the world's leading experts on gratitude. For more than twenty-five years, Dr. Emmons' research has demonstrated that practicing gratitude can improve happiness, strengthen relationships, reduce stress, improve sleep, and even enhance physical health.Paul and Jordan discuss Dr. Emmons' simple three-step gratitude practice: identifying three positive moments each day, reflecting on why they happened, and pausing to genuinely experience thankfulness. They explain how this daily habit can help retrain the brain to focus on blessings, opportunities, and meaningful relationships instead of problems and negativity.The conversation also explores the science behind gratitude, why our brains naturally focus on threats and challenges, and how developing intentional systems can transform both our mindset and overall well-being. The episode concludes with the introduction of Arista Wealth's new Gratitude Journal, designed to help listeners put these powerful principles into practice every day.In this episode:● The research behind gratitude and its impact on happiness and health● Dr. Robert Emmons' three-step daily gratitude practice● Why reflecting on why good things happen strengthens gratitude● The importance of slowing down to truly experience thankfulness● How gratitude helps retrain the brain toward positivity● The connection between gratitude, relationships, stress reduction, and better sleep● How a daily gratitude journal creates consistency and lasting habits● Simple questions to help cultivate gratitude every dayThe opinions expressed in this podcast are for general purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. It is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed in this program is not a guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. As always, please remember that investing involves risk and the possible loss of principal. Please seek advice from a licensed professional.Arista Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where our firm and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Arista Wealth Management unless a client service agreement is in place.

Today's Guests: Scott Wilder - "Making Sense of the News" Sy Garte - Biochemist, professor, and author Joe Klimchak - PNC Park In-Game Host Jeff Bilbro - Professor, editor-in-chief, and authorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The daughter of two Holocaust survivorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Margo is joined by author, creative writing coach, and video creator Abbie Emmons for a conversation about the power of storytelling and why our ability to tell meaningful stories is more instinctive than we might think. Abbie is the author of three novels and YouTube's most-watched creative writing coach, with a community of more than half a million writers worldwide. Margo and Abbie explore storytelling as something fundamentally human, why compelling stories begin with internal conflict, and how we can move beyond rigid rules, perfectionism, and self-doubt to reconnect with our natural creativity. Abbie's nonfiction debut, Make Your Story Matter, releases August 11, 2026. Margo and Abbie discuss: Why storytelling is fundamentally human and helps us make sense of life The three pillars of relatable characters: desire, fear, and false belief Why internal conflict drives compelling stories and meaningful transformation How rules, expectations, and self-doubt can disconnect us from our natural creative instincts What neuroscience and creativity research reveal about losing—and rebuilding—creative confidence Creating from joy and curiosity rather than trends or external validation Moving through perfectionism, overwhelm, fear, and other creative blocks How to trust your instincts, reignite your storytelling spark, and create work that matters Connect with Abbie: www.youtube.com/abbieemmons www.abbieemmonsauthor.com www.makeyourstorymatter.com  

Today's Guests: Chris Martin - Author Dean Weaver - Stated Clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and co-founder/former president of EduNationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contemporary Christian Music ArtistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Dr. Karen Swallow Prior - Author and co-editor Alan Noble - Associate Professor of English, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Christ and Pop Culture, advisor for the (&)Campaign, and author Dr. Derek Schuurman - Professor of Computer Science and author/co-authorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Professor of English, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Christ and Pop Culture, advisor for the (&)Campaign, and authorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and co-editorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Chris Martin - Guest co-host Kathy Keller - Works for Gospel in Life and is the Editor of the Quarterly Life in the Gospel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Kurk Bjorklund - Lead Pastor at Orchard Hill Church Dr. Hugh Ross - Astrophysicist and Author Chris Martin - Author (Week In Review Special Guest)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gene Zannetti talks with Virginia state champion Emmons Tewalt about starting Wrestling Mindset the week before Super 32 his sophomore year after years of collapsing in matches he was dominating in practice, how results came almost immediately after the first call even in a season with 11 losses, how a set pre-match warm-up and a headgear reset button became the tools that cut through finals-day nerves at every level, pinning his semifinal opponent and then beating his own club practice partner and future college roommate in the state title match after going down first, and his goals heading to Lynchburg University.Timestamps:1:44 - Great in practice, collapsed in matches3:38 - Fourth as a sophomore, third as a junior, champ as a senior6:15 - Set warm-up and headgear reset cut through finals nerves8:56 - Routine blocks everything out — only focus is what's in front of him9:51 - State finals opponent was his own practice partner and future roommate11:23 - Got taken down first, got back up, built a 6-3 lead

Today's Guests: Scott Wilder - News of the Day Amy Peeler - Professor of New testament, Associate Rector, and Author Bruce Antkowiak - Professor of Law and AttorneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Debbie Leuchter Stueber - Daughter of two Holocaust survivors Dr. Curt Thompson - Psychiatrist and AuthorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Angel Perez - Addiction Counselor - Focus on the Family Dr. Hugh Ross - Founder of Reasons to Believe Amy Grant - Contemporary Christian Music ArtistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guests: Rich Engler - Local Concert Promoter Rev. Martin Blocki - Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary Pastor Terry Timm - Christ Community Church of the South Hills Anne Kennedy - Author & BloggerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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