There’s a whole new world of business – good business. Discover the insights, strategies, and tools that will help you do good business today, because it’s possible, profitable, and packed with opportunity.
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Lara Heacock Podcasts
We find experts in future-building and kindness to mine their expertise on how we can all participate in building the future we want to live in, one kind act at a time. Along with great conversations, we also include kindness challenges each week, and current positive depictions of the future of humanity in art, literature, film, and media.
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Jump Start Your Joy is a podcast by Paula Jenkins, a business coach and podcast producer living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Inspired by the quote “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day (Henri Nouwen),” this lively show looks at the inspiration, intention, and action that lead to joy in your life, the world, and other people's lives.
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Dedicated to creating awareness of the resources that are available to those who struggle with worry, stress or their mental health. Each podcast will take one of two formats: An Interview: A conversation with someone who has overcome a huge obstacle in their life or has made a difference in the mental health community. A Story: A short narrated inspirational or motivational story of someone who demonstrated mental resilience. Topics include stress management, mental health, mental illness, ...
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Nicole J. Phillips: Why Kindness is Contagious
48:46
48:46
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48:46Meet Nicole J. Phillips. She is a speaker, author, chaplain, and host of The Kindness Podcast. She joins host Michael G. Neece to talk about the power of reframing your thoughts, practicing kindness during crisis, and her move from North Dakota to North Carolina after a major life shake-up. Nicole opens up about her early battles with depression, h…
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Jill Lublin on The Profit of Kindness and Building Meaningful Visibility
28:42
28:42
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28:42In this episode of Our Future Is Kind, Michael welcomes Jill Lublin, international speaker, media coach, and bestselling author of The Profit of Kindness. Together, they unpack what it means to consciously choose kindness every day—at home, in business, and in the broader world. Jill shares the story behind her globally attended Kindness Circles, w…
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The Business Case for Kindness - Linda Cohen on Leadership, Legacy, and a Joyful Future
41:32
41:32
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41:32Linda Cohen, the Kindness Catalyst, shares how compassion and connection are not only human essentials but strategic business advantages. From workplace leadership to personal rituals of joy, this episode will recharge your heart and reframe your sense of impact. Kindness challenge: • Choose one small, intentional act of kindness today—like helping…
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Rachel Rowan on Kind Leadership, Trans Allyship & Workplace Humanity
34:25
34:25
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34:25In this deeply personal and thoughtful episode of Our Future Is Kind, Michael welcomes Rachel Rowan, Chief of Content at the leadership consultancy founded by Kristen Hadeed. Together, they explore what it means to build workplaces where people truly feel they belong—and how those environments transform not just productivity, but lives as well. Rac…
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Lesa Edwards on Job Search, Leadership, and Building Kinder Workplaces
40:02
40:02
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40:02In this episode of Our Future Is Kind, Michael welcomes Lesa Edwards, certified executive coach, master resume writer, and host of The Exclusive Career Coach and The Exclusive Career Podcast. With warmth, clarity, and humor, Lesa shares her approach to transforming careers through intentionality, emotional intelligence, and setting healthy boundari…
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The ROI of Kindness Brian Biro on Leadership and Breakthroughs
52:21
52:21
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52:21Michael sits down with America’s Breakthrough Speaker, Brian Biro for a high-energy conversation on transformational leadership, the science and strategy behind kindness, and how humility and gratitude can elevate individuals and organizations alike. Brian shares the four W’s that turned a struggling hospital unit into a model of excellence, his vi…
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How Joy Can Heal the World Shari Alyse on Truth, Presence and Kindness
36:47
36:47
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36:47What if joy isn't something you find, but something you practice? In this uplifting episode, Michael welcomes Shari Alyse—TV host, bestselling author, and America's Joy Magnet—to explore the deeper truth behind lasting joy. Shari shares her five pillars of joy (connection to self, others, nature, creativity, and purpose), her daily joy rituals, and…
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Everyone is Needed | Dr. Alison Thompson on Volunteering Without Fear
34:10
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34:10In this episode, we feature Dr. Alison Thompson, a full-time global humanitarian and founder of Third Wave Volunteers. She shares her remarkable journey from Wall Street and filmmaking to disaster zones around the world. What began as a response to 9/11 became a lifelong mission: to bring light—literally and figuratively—to areas affected by crisis…
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How Kindness Heals Burnout--Lara Heacock on Leading with Care and Accountability
32:57
32:57
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32:57What if being kind could save you from burnout—and help you lead better? In this episode, Michael sits down with Lara Heacock, a leadership coach who fuses kindness and accountability to help people show up more fully at work and at home. Lara shares her personal journey through burnout, the healing power of micro-kindnesses, and how therapy, self-…
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Nikki Groom: Leading with Authenticity and Building a Kinder Future
33:58
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33:58In this episode, Michael Neece sits down with Nikki Groom, CEO of Raised Voices, to explore the power of authentic leadership and personal branding for speakers. Nikki shares how showing up as your true self creates deeper connection and impact, and how slowing down to practice curious compassion can transform conflict into understanding. They disc…
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Dina Meyers Explores Justice, Equity, and Kindness in Live Entertainment
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45:03Dina Meyers Explores Justice, Equity, and Kindness in Live Entertainment | #LiveEntertainment In this episode, Michael Neece welcomes Dina Meyers, a live entertainment expert who shares insights on kindness and respect in a challenging industry. She highlights honoring all roles and building trust through kindness. Dina discusses advocating for her…
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Reclaim Your Courage: Kindness & Self-Forgiveness with Brendan Bernat
41:06
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41:06In this episode of Our Future is Kind Podcast, Michael Neece welcomes Brendan Bernat, a program manager, writer, speaker, and financial association professional with over two decades of experience. Brendan shares his heartfelt insights on kindness, leadership, and the courage it takes to build better workplaces and communities. He reflects on his j…
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Trans Parent: A Dad Talks About his Daughter and How Curiosity and Compassion Win Every Time
32:46
32:46
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32:46Trans Parent: A Dad Talks about his Daughter and how Curiosity & Compassion Win Every Time Michael G. Neece speaks with Kevin Huntting about being father to a transgender daughter, what he's learned, how **not** scary trans people are, and advice to other fathers. Kevin is founder of The Human Summit and Michael is co-founder. Learn more about the …
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How Julie Goldberg Uses Energy Healing to Ignite Kindness and Personal Transformation
47:09
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47:09In this episode of Our Future is Kind, host Michael G. Neece welcomes energy healer and trauma-informed coach Julie Goldberg. Julie shares her journey in inner child healing, embodiment, and soul-level transformation through ancient healing modalities rooted in the modern mystery school. Discover how kindness is more than niceness—it’s truth in act…
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Space Kindness: Exploring the American Space Program w/Emily Carney & Bruce McCandless III
38:08
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38:08Join host Michael G. Neece for a fascinating conversation with space historians and authors Emily Carney and Bruce McCandless III about their new book Starbound: A Beginner's Guide to the American Space Program. Dive into stories from early rocketry to bold future predictions, including insights on the “overview effect” astronauts experience and ho…
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Belonging Starts with Listening: Bernadette Smith on Inclusive Leadership & Courage
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40:46Belonging Starts with Listening: Bernadette Smith on Inclusive Leadership & Courage | #leadership What if creating a more inclusive workplace started with just listening? In this powerful episode of Our Future is Kind, Michael interviews Bernadette Smith—CEO of the Inclusive 360° consulting firm, TEDx speaker, and champion for inclusive leadership.…
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Lead with Kindness Live with Purpose: John Neral on Owning Your Career Journey
28:25
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28:25Lead with Kindness Live with Purpose: John Neral on Owning Your Career Journey | #Career What if the kindest thing we can do in today’s fast-paced world is to simply pause? In this episode of Our Future is Kind, Michael welcomes John Neral—career coach, podcast host, and advocate for mid-career professionals navigating change. John shares powerful …
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Kindness at Work Isn't Fluff | Charlie Saffro on Leadership, Empathy, and Brave Culture
36:05
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36:05Kindness at Work Isn't Fluff | Charlie Saffro on Leadership, Empathy, and Brave Culture | #inspiration Join Michael as he sits down with Charlie Saffro—CEO of CS Recruiting, TEDx speaker, and leadership visionary—for a powerful conversation about building workplace cultures rooted in kindness, empathy, and authenticity. In this episode of Our Futur…
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Jeff Harmon: My Impossible Journey, Values-Based Leadership, and Building a Kinder Future
43:09
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43:09On this Our Future is Kind Podcast episode, guest Jeff Harmon speaks about his inspiring journey. Diagnosed with a neurological condition that has reshaped his life, Jeff has embraced his own "impossible" by using a wheelchair and setting out to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro—a testament to his message that what seems impossible is often the starting li…
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Kindness Is a Leadership Strength: Hardeep Kaur on Emotional Intelligence & Leading Change
43:23
43:23
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43:23In this episode of Our Future is Kind, Michael sits down with Hardeep Kaur, a global change manager, leadership expert, and communications strategist with over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Hardeep shares transformative insights on how kindness, emotional intelligence, and cultural empathy are essential tools for leading or…
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From Fortune 500 to Kindness Summit: Kevin Huntting’s Vision for a Kinder Future
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50:44In this episode of Our Future is Kind® Podcast, host Michael G. Neece interviews Kevin Hunting, a transition expert with over 20 years of corporate marketing experience. Links below for the full podcast. Please visit our website to get more information: http://ourfutureiskind.com/ 💬 We dive deep into: ✔️ The importance of kindness as an intentional…
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Empathy is a Reliable Path to Profit and Success at Your Workplace, with Erin Herman
35:13
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35:13Empathy is a Reliable Path to Profit and Success at Your Workplace! #emotional | Speaker and Corporate Strategist Erin Herman Talks about Secrets of Building Strong Organizations through Mindful Leadership Practices Does your organization have command and control leadership that breaks trust, keeps colleagues siloed, and causes delays and poor outc…
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The Antidote to Bullying? Kindness! with Mark Melton
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52:35Combat Bullying with Kindness | Mark Melton's Expertise in the Corporate Space and as a Family Man #Bullying #kindness #Leadership Do your children face bullying at school? Have a friend who feels bullied at work? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Melton, pharmaceutical vice president and father of three boys, one with neurodiversity that has …
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How Martial Arts & Movies Break Barriers: Erik Neill on Kindness
48:28
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48:28Our Future is Kind Podcast guest Erik W. Neill is an actor, stuntman, producer, and playwrite, plus he's a 6th degree master of Taekwondo. On top of all of that, he incorporates meaningful stories in his movies, ones that touch on what it means to be kind, to be inclusive of those with differences, such as the autistic central characters in his upc…
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James Staton Saves Us From Hurricane Helene
38:34
38:34
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38:34Our Future is Kind Podcast guest James Staton rescued 19 of us (including himself and me!) from the Hurricane Helene disaster zone after two days. This is our story. He is originally from Charlotte, NC and currently lives in Orange County, NC. He graduated from West Charlotte High School and North Carolina A & T University. He enjoys spending time …
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Musician, actor, author, and lecturer Dr. Daryl Davis is often called The Rock'n'Roll Race Reconciliator. He's not white. He's not even light-skinned. Make no mistake about it, he's black. As a Black man he has come in closer contact with more members of the Ku Klux Klan than most White people and certainly most Blacks, short of being on the wrong …
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Mari Ribeiro: Protecting Brands, Building Bridges
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35:05In this episode we have guest Mari C. Ribeiro, Esq., Entrepreneur and Attorney Step into the vibrant world of Mari Ribeiro, the trailblazing intellectual property lawyer, speaker, author, and mindset coach. Catering specifically to entrepreneurs with a lifestyle business, Mari brings her innovative legal expertise in intellectual property while red…
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Rebirth and Resilience: Andrea Owen on Navigating Life's Most Difficult Times
40:52
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40:52I’m excited to welcome back Andrea Owen! A lot has happened since her last visit in 2021, and she’s here to share her powerful journey over the past few years. We dive into Andrea’s experience during the pandemic and how ‘pandemic time’ reshaped her perspective on life and relationships. She opens up about navigating divorce, facing health challeng…
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What *Should* Our Future Look like, Anyway?
28:13
28:13
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28:13Our Future is Kind Podcast is a podcast in search of a kinder future. Here, we interview futurists, artists, politicians, ethicists, corporate leaders, politicians, and others that our audience suggests so that we can Generate ideas about what the future should look like, and Learn how to exercise our kindness to help build that better, kinder futu…
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DreamQuest with Judith Tripp - A Journey of Joy and Reflection in Liminal Space
45:50
45:50
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45:50This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Judith Tripp, a multifaceted leader who brings together spirituality, psychology, and art in her work. Judith is the force behind DreamQuest retreats at Grace Cathedral, a labyrinth facilitator, a transpersonal psychotherapist, and a musician. In this episode, we explore: Judith’s impressi…
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Building the Future with Natalie Siston's Help
28:20
28:20
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28:20Our Future is Kind Podcast is a podcast in search of a kinder future. Here, we interview futurists, artists, politicians, ethicists, corporate leaders, politicians, and others that our audience suggests so that we can Generate ideas about what the future should look like, and Learn how to exercise our kindness to help build that better, kinder futu…
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Finding Glimmers: Embracing Moments of Joy and Hope Amid Life's Chaos with host Paula Jenkins
29:07
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29:07In this week's episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I'm talking about the concept of 'glimmers,' which are the small instances of joy, hope, or inspiration that counterbalance life's triggers. The episode aims to provide listeners with ways to identify and cherish these glimmers, especially during times of chaos and uncertainty. It's my intention that J…
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Journey into Sacred Spaces: Building Labyrinths with Master Builder Lars Howlett
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57:25In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I’m thrilled to welcome Lars Howlett, a Master Labyrinth Builder and Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator, to explore the captivating world of labyrinths! Lars brings extensive knowledge about labyrinth building, labyrinth symbolism, and the power these sacred spaces have to transform lives. We dive into Lars’ uniq…
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Rediscovering Purpose and Connection: The 25th Yale Divinity School Reunion and The Transformative Power of the Labyrinth
27:27
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27:27In this heartwarming episode of Jump Start Your Joy, I’m taking you along with me on a journey back to Yale Divinity School for my 25th reunion—a place where old friendships, profound growth, and life’s deeper questions all come together. Reuniting with friends, revisiting cherished memories, and even leading a Labyrinth walk, I found myself reflec…
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The Yale Divinity School Labyrinth, Ecological Renewal and Spiritual Journeys with Christopher Freimuth
49:17
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49:17In this episode of 'Jump Start Your Joy,' join Paula in a rich conversation with Christopher Freimuth, a Yale Divinity School student and owner of CF Gardens in New York City. The episode unpacks Chris's journey from his rural upbringing in Connecticut to becoming a professional gardener in New York City, with a focus on the spiritual and ecologica…
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How Illana Burk Revolutionizes Ethical Business with Joy and Integrity
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47:44In this episode, Paula is joined by the remarkable Illana Burk, a coach and consultant with a passion for helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs thrive. Illana shares her journey from being a dancer to becoming a successful business mentor, diving into her philosophy on building values-based businesses. The conversation is filled…
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Liminal Space: Finding Comfort and Joy in the Space In Between
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25:41Liminal space is defined as the transitional space that can be physical, metaphorical, spiritual, or emotional. Pulling from examples in Disneyland, Proper People, & Station Eleven I'm looking at how we navigate through liminal space when we encounter it. Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2022/02/liminal-space/ In this episode,…
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Navigating Politics And Self-Care With Expert Tami Hackbarth
54:53
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54:53Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/07/navigating-politics-and-self-care-with-expert-tami-hackbarth/ In this episode, I'm joined by Tami Hackbarth, a seasoned author, activist, and advocate for 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care. Together, they explore the crucial intersection of self-care and activism, especially vital in today’s po…
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Transforming Life and Leadership Through Kindness with Lara Heacock
43:28
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43:28Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/07/transforming-life-and-leadership-through-kindness-with-lara-heacock In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, host Paula Jenkins welcomes Lara Heacock, executive coach, and Editor-in-Chief of Kind Over Matter. We discuss the practices of kindness and joy, and how these have become essenti…
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Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2022/08/return-to-nature-emma-loewe/ Emma Loewe is the co-author of The Spirit Almanac, and she is the senior sustainability editor for mindbodygreen, and she has released the amazing book, Return to Nature: The New Science of How Nature Landscapes Restore Us. In it, she shares the different ki…
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Celebrating 37 Years of Joy: An Interview with Retiring Educator Molly Barnes
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57:50Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/07/celebrating-37-years-of-joy-an-interview-with-retiring-educator-molly-barnes/ In this heartfelt episode, Paula interviews Molly Barnes, the beloved principal and superintendent of Sunol Glenn Elementary. Molly shares her passionate journey in education, reflecting on the joy and challen…
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Activism and Resilience with Christy Tending: Writing Through Grief and Joy
53:21
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53:21Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/07/activism-and-resilience-with-christy-tending-writing-through-grief-and-joy/ I'm welcoming back my friend and author Christy Tending. Christy is joining me to discuss her new book, "The High Priestess of the Apocalypse," which is a lyrical exploration of disobedience, grief, healing, and…
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Finding Joy through Structure and Elegance with Jennifer L. Scott, Author of The Madame Chic books
42:04
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42:04Read the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/06/finding-joy-through-structure-and-elegance-with-jennifer-l-scott/ In this episode of Jump Start Your Joy, Paula interviews Jennifer L. Scott, the New York Times bestselling author of the Madame Chic Series and content creator behind The Daily Connoisseur, who shares how adding structure…
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Embracing the Gifts of Nellie Oleson: Alison Arngrim on her time on Little House on the Prairie
1:01:27
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1:01:27Get the full show notes: Follow/subscribe to JSYJ (free) on your favorite app: https://plnk.to/JumpStartYourJoy Alison Arngrim, the actress best known for her role as Nellie Oleson on 'Little House on the Prairie' joins Paula in this look back episode. This episode, originally recorded a few years ago, is revisited as Paula and her son prepare to v…
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Exploring Trauma and Joy with author Jen Soriano
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47:49Get the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/06/exploring-trauma-and-joy-with-author-jen-soriano Follow/subscribe to JSYJ (free) on your favorite app: https://plnk.to/JumpStartYourJoy In this episode of Jumpstart Your Joy, Paula interviews Jen Soriano, a Filipinx writer and movement builder, about her experiences with trauma and heali…
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Embracing What You Stand FOR in This New Era of JSYJ
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32:14Get the full show notes: https://jumpstartyourjoy.com/2024/06/what-do-you-stand-for/ In the first episode of Season 8 of 'Jumpstart Your Joy,' I'm returning after an 18-month break to discuss the profound changes and reflections experienced during the hiatus. The episode dives into themes of intentional living, navigating grief, the importance of s…
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5 Ways to Find More Comfort and Joy (Season 7 Wrap Up)
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15:09This week's episode is the finale of season seven where I've been talking all about intentional comfort and how to bring more comfort and ease into your everyday life. If you have not yet listened to the episode where I did the countdown of the top 10 most downloaded episodes, you can tune in here. 1. Choose comfort, and build it into our lives. I …
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Become A Wonder Seeker by Adding More Wonder, Magic, and Joy to Your Life with Andrea Scher
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46:31Andrea Scher has thrilled and inspired others for nearly twenty years through her award-winning blog Superhero Journal, her international workshops, her Creative Superheroes podcast, and her joyful e-courses. In this episode, we discuss Andrea’s new book, Wonder Seeker: 52 Ways to Wake up Your Creativity and Find Your Joy Today, and how and she des…
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Three Ways to Reconnect with Intentional Comfort as Inspired by the Art of Gathering
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28:09Intentional Comfort is the theme of this season, and in this episode I'm taking inspiration from Priya Parker's Art of Gathering, and using her 3 rules of gathering to consider new ways to reconnect with what nourishes, fortifies, and supports you. While her Ted Talk is about how to interact in groups and gatherings in new ways, I find that her rul…
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Empaths and Highly Sensitive People with guest Signe Myers Hovem
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44:18Signe Myers Hovem is a spiritual counselor, an energy worker, and the author of The Space in Between: An Empaths Field Guide. In this interview on Jump Start Your Joy podcast, we are talking about empaths and highly sensitive people (HSPs). If you are a highly sensitive person, or if you have a sense that you may be an empath, then I think you're g…
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