Chasing Joy

Welcome back to Chasing Joy! In this episode, Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan welcome back Ishaan, a college student from USC, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about what it means to pursue a meaningful life while grappling with the realities of our world. With Ishan offering his honest, youthful perspective, the group dives into some of the big questions facing his generation—from the challenges of "adulting" and the daunting landscape of education and employment, to the weight of global injustices and the legacy left by previous generations.

Together, they explore feelings of guilt and privilege, discuss the complexities of ethical consumerism, and wrestle with whether there are any easy fixes to the problems today's youth inherit. But it's not all heavy—there’s plenty of laughter, personal reflection, and practical wisdom, including what makes for a truly "good day." The episode touches on everything from staying present and intentional, to the value of nurturing relationships, to questioning whether it's responsible to bring new life into an uncertain world. If you're curious about how the next generation is experiencing—and hoping to improve—the world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Chasing Joy! In today’s conversation, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne are joined in the studio by Ishaan—a bright, thoughtful double major at the elite high-pressure University of Southern California. If you’ve ever wondered what the pursuit of joy, connection, and purpose looks like from the perspective of Gen Z, you’re in the right place.

Ishaan opens up about tackling the complex landscape of coming of age during the pandemic, navigating academic pressures as a first-generation American, and the central role of community in finding real, lasting happiness. Together, the group dives into the ways technology shapes our relationships, the value—and double-edged sword—of social media, and how burnout shows up even in the college years.

With humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of generational perspective, today’s episode is about more than just chasing joy—it’s about defining it for yourself, staying connected to your support system, and finding wisdom in the journey, no matter where you are in life. Join us as we unpack lessons, share a few laughs, and seek advice from someone truly “in the thick of it.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Chasing Joy! In today’s conversation, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne are joined by the vibrant and brutally honest Christian James Hand—radio personality, music producer (yep, his work is on the Guardians of the Galaxy 3 soundtrack!), and noted “music dissector.” Christian doesn’t just share his professional highlights; he brings us deep into his personal journey, opening up about his late-in-life Asperger’s diagnosis and decades-long quest for mental clarity, regulation, and, ultimately, joy.

From candid confessions about anxiety in something as mundane as grocery shopping, to his unfiltered take on trauma, therapy, and breaking the cycle with everything from psilocybin to ketamine treatments, Christian’s story is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Expect real talk about what joy means when the pursuit feels more like a battle, the relief of finding the right tools, and the ongoing work of integrating your truest self.

This episode dives into the raw realities of neurodivergence, finding purpose, and the science (and messiness) of healing—blending humor, heart, and a little bit of psychedelic insight. Strap in for the most “chasing” we’ve ever done on Chasing Joy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Chasing Joy, our hosts Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan welcome back special guest Samantha for a candid, thought-provoking conversation about self-perception, mindfulness, and the practice of finding joy in everyday moments. The group opens up about their own personal histories and challenges, sharing stories that range from goth adolescence and comfort food confessions, to the real-life insights that have shaped how they show up in the world.

Samantha brings a therapist’s perspective, challenging us to examine core beliefs—like “I’m not good enough”—and introducing the powerful concept that “every judgment is a projection.” The discussion dives deep into the transformative potential of meditation, the inner observer, and practical ways to re-story our lives. With plenty of warmth (and a little humor), the group explores how practices like gratitude and sacred attention can truly reshape our daily experience. Whether you’re a mindfulness veteran or just meditation-curious, this episode serves up relatable stories, helpful frameworks, and plenty of inspiration for anyone chasing a bit more joy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Chasing Joy! In this lively and insightful conversation, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne, are joined by their first guest, Samantha, a therapist and life coach with a deep passion for helping others find real contentment. The group dives into what it truly means to “chase joy” (and why it’s so different from chasing happiness), tackling the nuances between fleeting pleasure and lasting fulfillment.

Samantha offers a fresh perspective on how joy is cultivated from within, rather than pursued externally—sharing stories from her own practice and challenging the group to rethink unhealthy narratives and habits that block our paths to joy. The episode becomes interactive as Bryan volunteers for a breakthrough coaching session on his struggle with motivation, shining a light on the real-life barriers so many of us face when trying to make positive changes.

Rooted in humor, honesty, and practical wisdom, this episode explores the obstacles that keep us from our happiest, most authentic selves—and the tools we can use to get there. So whether you’re feeling stuck, searching for inspiration, or just looking for a few good laughs, get ready to join the pursuit of something deeper on Chasing Joy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Chasing Joy! In this episode, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne dive headfirst into the modern maze of social media, media, and consumerism—and explore how our endless scrolling, news consumption, and buying habits impact our happiness. You’ll hear candid personal stories (including Spencer’s adventures in hair dye and bunny parenting), honest admissions about marketing tactics, and insights from both education and media insiders about why negativity “sticks” while positivity seems to slip away.

The trio unpacks how algorithms reinforce our instant-gratification culture and keep us stuck in cycles of comparison, self-doubt, and echo chambers—and why breaking free from autopilot thinking is harder than ever. But it’s not all doom and gloom: the hosts share real, practical ways to reclaim presence and mindfulness, challenging you to reflect on your own motives when reaching for your phone and encouraging you to find your fit in an online world that often thrives on division.

If you’ve ever wondered how all that screen time is shaping your personal quest for joy, or if it’s even possible to want less in a world that’s always advertising more, this episode is for you. Join Chasing Joy as we unpack the noisy digital world and refocus on what it means to live—and connect—intentionally.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another episode of Chasing Joy! This week, Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan dive deep into the messy, imperfect process of seeking happiness and meaning. Join the crew as they candidly explore the slip-ups and life lessons that come with the pursuit of joy—debating what really counts as a “mistake,” sharing personal stories of loss, boundaries, and second chances, and examining how we define joy for ourselves versus how society tries to sell it to us.

The trio gets honest (and sometimes hilariously sidetracked) about learning from pain, setting boundaries, compulsive behaviors, and the importance of mindfulness and gratitude. They reflect on the power of service, the neuroscience behind giving, and the traps of chasing quick dopamine hits in a world full of distractions. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re missing the point on your own journey to happiness—or if all those “mistakes” are really just steps on the path—this episode will leave you thinking, laughing, and maybe even breathing a little deeper.

Settle in, get comfortable, and join us on Chasing Joy as we unpack the setbacks, breakthroughs, and little moments that make the search for happiness so worthwhile.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Chasing Joy! In this episode, Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan dive deep into the art—and challenge—of pursuing happiness in everyday life. With Spencer’s radio-ready warmth, Bryan’s strategic insights, and Wayne’s rich experience as a former educator and behavior specialist, the crew unpacks what it means to “chase” joy, questioning whether the pursuit itself often places happiness just out of reach.

You’ll hear candid stories, including a moving account from Wayne about navigating trauma and change within his own family, and moments of down-to-earth humor that keep things real. The guys explore how life’s curveballs, from health crises to burnout, can force us to rethink what joy really is—and where we find it.

Packed with practical tools, the episode highlights simple, powerful reminders: hydrate, get some sleep, and remember to check in with yourself—sometimes the road to happiness starts with meeting our basic needs. Bryan shares how even a short break in nature can reset your mind, while Wayne breaks down how self-awareness and “low power mode” can guide us to healthier patterns. It’s a perspective-shifting reminder that the little things can have a major impact on our wellbeing.

Tune in and join the conversation as the trio shares hard-won lessons, laughs, and small steps we can all take to move a little closer to joy—no perfection required.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the very first episode of Chasing Joy! In this premiere, hosts Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne invite listeners on a fresh, honest conversation about what it really means to pursue a joyful life. They introduce themselves—not as experts with perfect lives or secret formulas—but as real people exploring joy in all its messy, complicated, and deeply personal forms.

Drawing from their own diverse backgrounds in radio, education, and lived experience, the trio dives into powerful ideas: Is joy something we find outside ourselves, or is it within us all along? How do our perspectives and reactions shape our happiness, even when life isn’t perfect? And what happens when you reach “halftime” in life and realize you might want to play the second half differently than the first?

Blending humor, humility, and wisdom, they touch on the value of gratitude, the challenges of societal expectations, and the importance of telling stories—both our own and those of others. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your journey, this episode sets the stage for a podcast that’s all about learning, growing, and maybe, just maybe, uncovering a little more joy together.

Tune in for a candid, relatable, and inspiring kick-off to Chasing Joy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.