Joy Found Here

Not too long after Elise Russell's "Jerry McGuire moment," she realized she should've prepared herself better before leaving the safety of her corporate job to start her own thing. Ironically, those kinds of rookie mistakes make her such an authentic, relatable, and reliable character: everything she shares comes from valuable lessons learned the hard way.

In today's episode, you'll have some answers for that inner whisper that keeps asking you: when are we starting our own business? Because Elise Russell, Founder of Pony Friday shares the wins and oops of her journey into entrepreneurship. Elise is a quick-witted speaker, creative director, award-winning copywriter, and author known for her bright ideas, work ethic, attention to detail, and sass.

She is also the creator of the creative community, Kiss My Pony, the anti-social social media, or to put it in her words, a social media for creative introverts. Her book, Behave Boldly, is a frank, funny, and honest warts-in-all text that inspires its readers to chase their dreams, regardless of how big they are.

Throughout our conversation, you'll hear about Elise's adventure into entrepreneurship, her "Jerry McGuire moment," and the things she would do differently if she had to do everything again. Elise also talks about her experiences overcoming self-doubt and perfectionism, and the role resilience and emotional intelligence played in her entrepreneurial journey.

Elise also gave tips for building a strong personal brand, explained why learning to sell a solution isn't enough, shared her thoughts on retirement, and much more.

Tune in to Episode 164 of the Joy Found Here and prepare yourself to chase your dreams, regardless of how big they are.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Elise shares Pony Friday's origin story (4:40)
• What mindset is the right mindset to let corporate life go (10:00)
• What is Kiss My Pony and how did Elise come up with the idea of creating it (17:10)
• Our brand is there to speak for us when we are not around (24:50)
• Kiss My Pony, the anti-social social media for introvert creatives (32:00)
• Two things happen after you write a book (35:00)

Connect with Elise Russell:

• LinkedIn
• Pony Friday
• Kiss My Pony
• Book: Elise Russell - Behave Boldly: Your Dreams Won't Chase Themselves

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

When was the last time you took your inner child to the park?

In today's episode, I'm joined by Jonna Watson, School Psychologist, Momma bear of four, Podcaster, and children's book Author. Despite her innate love for crafting stories and participating in countless writing competitions as a child, Jonna sank into the endless to-do lists of adulthood and simply stopped writing. After much self-development and healing, Jonna brought back her old self, unearthed her writing habits, and reconnected with her inner child.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Jonna's healing journey, her work to reconnect with her inner child, and her passion for teaching social concepts to kids through her books. You'll also hear Jonna's thoughts on the power of creative expression as a teaching tool, the intentional use of our time, and the importance of being mindful of our limits and boundaries.

Additionally, Jonna talks about her books, the stories in her personal life that inspired them, connecting with our five senses to disconnect from stressors, the importance of giving ourselves permission to fail and be messy, and much more.

Tune in to Episode 163 of the Joy Found Here and learn why allowing your inner child to come out and dictate the pace sometimes is all you need.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Jonna's healing journey (4:50)
• Why Jonna stopped writing and what made her get back to it (8:20)
• Connecting with your 5 senses to disconnect from stressors (13:30)
• The fascinating story that inspired Ruby the Rubberband (21:00)
• Jonna talks about the birth of "5 Minute Inner Child," her podcast (32:20)
• Jonna shares her thoughts on being intentional with our time (34:40)

Connect with Jonna Watson:

• Instagram
• Listen to the 5 Minute Inner Child podcast
• Book: Jonna Watson - Ruby the Rubberband Learns Her Limits: A Case of Being Too Stretchy
• Book: Jonna Watson - A Great Lake's Tale: Superior Learns She's Part of the Flow

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

One of the things that makes imposter syndrome so tricky is to make you believe you are the only one feeling that way. Even the most accomplished person you know, most likely second-guessed themselves and asked if not hundreds, thousands of times: am I good enough?

If you have anything important to say to your imposter syndrome, you better do it today because, after today's episode, you might not see it again. I'm joined by the inspiring Sheila Buswell, CEO and co-founder of Buswell Biomedical, US Army Veteran, and author of "Is this Seat for Me?: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business."

Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Sheila's journey from a medical discharge from the US Army to inventing a solution for those needing daily care. You'll also hear about the human tendency to make everything about us and how to deal with it, practical tips and advice to make imposter syndrome part of your past, and how to stop shoulding all over yourself.

Additionally, Sheila talks about the spark that ignited her entrepreneurial side, the story behind her book, and much more.

Tune in to Episode 162 of the Joy Found Here and learn more about Sheila's inspiring story and get the tools you need to recognize and nurture your strengths and overcome imposter syndrome.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• A bit about Sheila, anywhere she'd like to start (1:40)
• Don't compare yourself to others (7:00)
• Why you must stop shoulding all over yourself (11:10)
• A bouquet needs all kinds of flowers (16:00)
• How to talk yourself out of negative self-talk (22:30)
• Asking the real questions: Would this matter in a year? (27:20)

Connect with Sheila Buswell:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Book: Sheila Buswell - Is This Seat for Me?: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business
• Buswell Biomedical

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

The perfect moment for a pivotal change in your career exists: it is whenever you are ready for it.

In today's episode, Dr. Breese Annable joins us to shed some light on the many changes mid-life women go through that aren't talked about a lot, either considered taboo or simply ignored to "avoid making others uncomfortable:" Dr. Annable is a Licenced Clinical Psychologist, Women's Coach, and Empowerment Advocate on a mission to help professional, ambitious women in their 40s to gain the courage and clarity to pivot in their careers. She created "Brave New Beginnings," a 12-week coaching program designed to empower mid-life women to reignite their passion for their jobs.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Annable shares her mid-life crisis experience, the changes it produced in her life, career-wise, and how she managed to reframe the challenges she faced as opportunities for growth. You'll also hear Dr. Annable's thoughts on embracing change and betting on mid-life changes, the importance of adopting a beginner's mindset, why it is so hard to juggle our true identity and societal expectations, and much more.

Tune in to Episode 161 of the Joy Found Here and learn how to turn your wildest dreams about new beginnings into a palpable reality.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• A bit about Dr. Annable, anywhere she'd like to start (3:10)
• Dr. Annable talks about her passion for helping other women find their purpose (7:20)
• Why do so many women experience mid-life crises in their careers (14:00)
• The price women pay for taking care of everyone but themselves (23:20)
• Why coaching is the shortest path to connecting with one's purpose (29:00)
• What is a beginner's mindset and why everyone should embrace it (32:10)

Connect with Dr. Breese Annable:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

Have you ever woken up one day wanting just to pack a bag and go to see the world? What is stopping you from doing it?

After listening to today's episode, chances are you'll blow the dust from your bags, check if your passport is still valid, and whisper to yourself in a sigh, why not? Meet Heather Wick, Mom of three, the wife of a super cool husband, a Life Coach, and a world traveler. After COVID was over, and while Heather and her family planned a move from Arizona to Ohio, extraordinary circumstances conspired to create a one-year hiatus while waiting to relocate to their new house. What did they decide to do with that time? Travel.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear everything about the Wicks' 13-month journey around the world and their experiences visiting 4 continents and 22 countries. Heather shares details of how they dealt with their kids' education, their budgeting strategies, how they picked where to stay and for how long, and many other juicy details about their trip.

Tune in to Episode 160 of the Joy Found Here and get inspired by Heather's story to turn your wildest dreams into unforgettable moments for you and your family.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Heather, anywhere she'd like to start (3:10)
• If you had a year and didn't have to be anywhere. What would you do? (7:10)
• Where to stay and for how long when traveling? (14:00)
• Heather shares tips for traveling with small kids (24:20)
• How many bags is too many bags for a long trip? (30:50)
• What did the coming back home look like? (40:30)

Connect with Heather Wick:

• Website
• Wicks in the Wild's website
• Wicks in the Wild's Instagram

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

There is a before and after in our lives once we understand we don't "have to" do things, but rather, we "get to."

Today, the pod shines with a brighter light thanks to the mesmerizing energy of our guest, Gina Zapanta. Gina is a mom of four, a Life Coach, an Author, a Motivator, the Co-founder and CEO of ZA Lawyers, and the Founder of Empowered with Gina. She is passionate about empowering others through education, motivation, and community-building and is relentless in her pursuit of helping community members access quality education and opportunities.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear Gina's thoughts on the importance of letting go of labels as a self-empowering movement, the transformational attributes of community, and how challenging sticking to our authentic selves can sometimes be. Gina also talks about her rebirth after her divorce, her strategies to balance work and life, the daunting start of her coaching career, and much more.

Tune in to episode 159 of Joy Found Here and discover the transformative power of waking up every morning knowing you are living the life you want.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• A bit about Gina, anywhere she'd like to start (2:50)
• About making difficult but necessary choices (8:30)
• "You are living the life you want to have" (16:20)
• Gina talks about the massive importance of community (24:20)
• "You cannot do it all but you can have it all" (28:50)
• Gina shares some of her self-care practices (30:00)

Connect with Gina Zapanta:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Join The Empowerment Collective!
• Join the LLBA - Financial Workshop: "Building Wealth from Any Starting Point on June 10th

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

Does the thought of having only one chance to raise your daughter properly keep you awake at night? What if I told you you don't have one but 6,570 chances to do it?

In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome the extraordinary Nellie Harden. Nellie is a Wife, a Mom of four beautiful daughters, including a set of twins, a Speaker, and an Author on a mission to change the world, one living room at a time. She is the creator of The 6570 project, the Author of 40 Scriptures & Conversations to Have When Raising Daughters, and a passionate advocate for helping parents raise empowered women rooted in their worth, esteem, and confidence.

Throughout this episode, Nellie shares dozens of mic-dropping insights about parenting, emotional intelligence education, and kids' and adolescents' social media consumption. Nellie also talks about the 6,570 days of childhood in which every parent has the opportunity to do their best in raising their children, the importance of acknowledging every child is different and requires a unique parenting approach, the dangers of comparisons, the five pillars of worth, and much more.

Tune in to Episode 158 of the Joy Found Here and get the tools you need to be as intentional as possible and make the most of the 6,570 days you have to raise your children.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• A bit about Nellie and how she developed her passion for helping parents raise their children (3:10)
• Being intentional on every day of the 6,570 is imperative (12:00)
• The purpose of childhood is getting ready for adulthood (15:30)
• Each child is different. Focusing on your child's uniqueness to raise them properly (20:40)
• You are not raising a child, you are raising a person (29:00)
• The five pillars of worth (31:10)
• Children and social media. Nellie shares insights and advice (37:20)
• What is the Daughter Decoder and how it can help you raise your daughter (48:00)

Connect with Nellie Harden:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Get a spot in Nellie's Mastermind, The Daughter Decoder
• Get Nellie's book, 40 Scriptures & Conversations to Have When Raising Daughters

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

Have you ever thought that maybe the sign you were asking for is already there?

In today's episode, we take self-discovery to the next level with the incredible Susan Lazar Hart. Susan is an Author, International Speaker, and Transformational Relationship Coach who has been in a state of wonderment for longer than she can remember and learned to use that fascinating attribute to change the lives of thousands of people worldwide. She is the Author of "Breaking Free: Your Unique Path to Fearless Living" and the Creator of The Congruent Life Method and The Congruent Living Academy.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Susan's inspiring self-discovery journey, her passion for helping others unleash their potential and create their dream lives, being an example of joy, and her belief that embracing change is essential for experiencing growth. Susan also talks about The Congruent Life Method, her book, the multiple advantages of living a life in a state of wonderment, and much more.

Tune in to Episode 157 of Joy Found Here and learn how to get ready to see the signs you were asking for to evolve, grow, and manifest your dream life.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• A life in a state of wonderment (4:20)
• Susan talks about being an example of joy (7:40)
• We don't "have to have" all the answers (14:00)
• Susan and The Congruent Life Method (21:10)
• How to retrain our brains to live more intentionally (29:40)
• It is not hard or easy, it is: are you willing to be conscious? (34:40)

Connect with Susan Lazar Hart:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Book: Susan Lazar Hart - Breaking Free: Your Unique Path to Fearless Living

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

We know the only way to get to the other side of grief is through it. How we get there is up to us; it can be talking things out or through speaking's old relative: writing. 

In this episode, Lisa Braxton, a communications manager, memoirist, and award-winning author, joins us to discuss the healing power of writing as a coping mechanism for grief and loss. She authored the multi-award-winning book, "The Talking Drum," and a memoir; her latest creation, "Dancing Between The Raindrops,” a powerful meditation on grief that helped her cope with the death of her parents, who passed within two years of each other.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear Lisa's thoughts on the healing power of writing, the space for grieving she found between paragraphs and white spaces, and the choice we all have when loss gets in our lives: to grow or stay the same. Lisa also talks about the writing process of "Dancing Between The Raindrops," the challenges she had to overcome to get her book published, the importance of sharing the stories we all have inside of us, and more.

Tune in to episode 156 of Joy Found Here and learn more about the healing power of writing things off your chest.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How reading about grief helped Lisa deal with the loss of her parents (3:00)
• How blessed Lisa felt being near her parents when they transitioned (7:20)
• Why "Dancing Between The Raindrops" is not a heavy book (15:50)
• Sometimes, people get lost in grief (20:00)
• Lisa talks about the challenges she had to overcome to publish (27:10)

Connect with Lisa Braxton:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Book: Lisa Braxton - Dancing Between The Raindrops: A Daughter's Reflections On Love And Loss
• Book: Lisa Braxton - The Talking Drum

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

What if you could use rest as a weapon to increase your mental and physical well-being? Once you start recognizing your role as the co-creator of your reality, working on improving yourself makes so much sense.

In this episode, the mesmerizing Pauline Nguyen takes us on a vertiginous journey to the depths of ourselves. But don't be afraid—she'll be by your side, and by the end of this episode, you'll meet a new version of yourself on the other side. Pauline, aka the Spiritual Entrepreneur, is an International Speaker, Self Leadership Coach, Best-selling Author, and the Founder of the Red Lantern Group and Tiger Purr.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Pauline's childhood, which was full of traumatic moments that she and her siblings managed to turn into growth opportunities. You'll also hear about Pauline's journey into self-development, the origin of her entrepreneurial spirit, and how she got in touch with her purpose.

Pauline also shares her thoughts on personal development, learning to use rest as a weapon, people's addiction to victim consciousness, why we must see ourselves as co-creators of consciousness, and more.

Tune in to episode 155 of Joy Found Here and let Pauline teach you a trick or two on magnetizing positive change in your life.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Pauline talks about the three things we are all here for (2:50)
• About Pauline's childhood (5:00)
• Two questions we MUST ask ourselves (14:10)
• Pauline and her semantic, somatic, and soulmatic work (29:20)
• Why so many people are addicted to a victim consciousness (38:50)
• How is your power? (43:00)

Connect with Pauline Nguyen:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Facebook

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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