June 24, 2025

238. Reclaiming Joy: Living Fully After Hardship with Linda Shively

29 minutes

“Happiness is often around an external event or external situation where joy is internal.”

“You can’t pour from an empty soul.”

“You can choose how to show up.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy speaks with Linda Shively, a neuroscience and mindset coach, about the importance of joy, resilience, and generosity. Linda shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity, including escaping an abusive marriage and dealing with her daughter's health challenges. She introduces the concept of 'joy-stealing dragons' that hinder personal happiness and offers strategies to tame them. The conversation also explores the significance of laughter yoga, the difference between joy and happiness, and the importance of self-generosity. Linda emphasizes the power of gratitude and small joys in cultivating a fulfilling life.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Joy-stealing dragons can hinder personal happiness.

Laughter yoga promotes intentional joy and connection.

Joy is an internal state, while happiness is often external.

Generosity can manifest in many forms beyond money.

Self-care is essential for personal well-being.

Traveling provides perspective and joy.

Unexpected connections can lead to profound mentorship.

Being present is crucial for mental well-being.

Gratitude can spark joy even in difficult times.

Chapters |

00:00 Introduction to Joy and Resilience

02:17 Linda's Journey: Overcoming Adversity

05:30 The Joy Stealing Dragons

08:30 Taming Your Inner Dragons

12:13 The Power of Storytelling

14:18 Understanding Joy vs. Happiness

15:32 The Essence of Generosity

16:36 Self-Generosity and Personal Care

17:06 Filling the Soul: Nourishment and Joy

17:40 Travel as a Soul-Filling Experience

18:36 Unexpected Connections: Mentorship and Friendship

20:22 The Power of Presence in Communication

24:04 Rapid Fire Insights on Joy and Mindfulness

Guest Bio |

Linda Shively has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and is a best-selling author, international award-winning speaker, and neuroscience and mindset expert. She has presented at Nasdaq, the Mexican Stock Exchange, the New York Academy of Medicine, the Mexican National Academy of Medicine, the Harvard Club of Boston, the New York City Bar Association, Walmart, and Carnegie Hall.

Linda has been a multiple-time guest on ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC television, featured in a feature film with Winona Ryder and Jeff Daniels, and even performed at the Rose Bowl for over 90,000 people.

After healing from an abusive marriage, and navigating the diagnosis and eventual death of her 3-year-old daughter, Linda found her way to bounce back and reclaim her joy in life. Today she helps successful women defeat the dragons in their life and elevate their joy to new levels.

Linda has studied brain and mind function for over 30 years, earning a psychobiology degree from UCLA, is a certified Master Life and Executive Coach, a Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), a Master Hypnotherapist, and a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader.

Guest Resources:

Quiz to identify one of your biggest Joy-Stealing Dragons and what to do about it: https://JoyStealingDragons.com

Meditation to get you grounded, present, and focused: https://MyPeacefulMeditation.com

My book Getting to Joy to get practical tips to find your way back to joy: https://GettingToJoy.com/gift

https://LindaShively.com

Bridge Between Resources:

5 Degree Change Course

Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index

Free Generosity Quiz

Credits: Linda Shively, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 239, Special Guests, Mike Wernert and Tay Person.

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By Shannon Cassidy

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