Steve shares his Joy Manifesto

Welcome to Joy Story, The Next Chapter — a fresh season of meaningful conversations about what it truly means to live with joy. Host Steve kicks things off with Dr. Gillian Mandich — scientist, speaker, and founder of The International Happiness Institute — for a grounded, eye-opening discussion on how joy really works.

Together, they explore the science behind happiness and uncover the  deeper side of joy — including the emotional complexity we often overlook. Dr. Mandich shares personal practices, surprising truths, and powerful reflections on even joy in the micro moments coexist with struggle, and why acknowledging that truth make these moments even more real.

Whether you’re floating in joy or just learning how to hold it gently, this episode invites you to begin — right where you are, one honest moment at a time.

instagram.com/yysteeve/

The Science of Happiness with Dr. Gillian Mandich

Welcome to Joy Story, The Next Chapter — a fresh season of meaningful conversations about what it truly means to live with joy. Host Steve kicks things off with Dr. Gillian Mandich — scientist, speaker, and founder of The International Happiness Institute — for a grounded, eye-opening discussion on how joy really works.

Together, they explore the science behind happiness and uncover the  deeper side of joy — including the emotional complexity we often overlook. Dr. Mandich shares personal practices, surprising truths, and powerful reflections on even joy in the micro moments coexist with struggle, and why acknowledging that truth make these moments even more real.

Whether you’re floating in joy or just learning how to hold it gently, this episode invites you to begin — right where you are, one honest moment at a time.

Meet Dr. Gillian Mandich

Dr. Gillian Mandich is a happiness researcher, speaker, author, and educator with a PhD in Health Science. She is the founder of The International Happiness Institute and co-lead investigator of The Canadian Happiness at Work Study. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, she shares science-backed strategies to improve well-being through national media and speaking engagements.

gillianmandich.com

JOYSTORY: THE NEXT CHAPTER

"Joy isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we uncover, moment by moment."

Steve Hodges

Welcome to the next chapter of Joy Story a podcast dedicated to celebrating life’s bright spots—big and small.

Hosted by Investigative JOYnalist YYSteeve (Steve Hodges), this is where stories of joy, resilience, and human connection come to life. Whether it’s laughter in unexpected places, the kindness of strangers, or a simple moment of mindfulness, *Joy Story* uncovers those missing joy puzzle pieces that remind us why life still surprises us in the best ways.

So come along—embrace joy, share the moments, and remind yourself that even in a topsy-turvy world, the good is still out there waiting to be found.

JOYSTORY: THE NEXT CHAPTER

"Joy isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we uncover, moment by moment."

Steve Hodges

Welcome to the next chapter of Joy Story a podcast dedicated to celebrating life’s bright spots—big and small.

Hosted by Investigative JOYnalist YYSteeve (Steve Hodges), this is where stories of joy, resilience, and human connection come to life. Whether it’s laughter in unexpected places, the kindness of strangers, or a simple moment of mindfulness, *Joy Story* uncovers those missing joy puzzle pieces that remind us why life still surprises us in the best ways.

So come along—embrace joy, share the moments, and remind yourself that even in a topsy-turvy world, the good is still out there waiting to be found.

Steve is joined by Inbound Marketing expert and entrepreneur Derek Hovinga! Together they discuss Derek's journey to starting his own business, his love of boxing and professional wrestling and  how they build his won joy story. For more info on Derek, visit the theinboundlab.ca and listen to his podcast The Client's Side

Podcast Into Song:

Pump It - Christian Hansen and The Autistics

Written By - M. Flood and C. Hansen

Steve welcomes Producer Stew onto the podcast as his guest this week, as they do a deep dive on how their friendship came about, and what pieces make up Stew's Joy Puzzle.

Podcast Into Song:

Pump It - Christian Hansen and The Autistics

Written By - M. Flood and C. Hansen

In today's episode Steve is joined by Producer Stew for a reflection on the first 3 episodes of the podcast, a deep dive into why Steve wanted to start the podcast and what his Joy puzzle pieces are! 

Podcast Into Song:

Pump It - Christian Hansen and The Autistics

Written By - M. Flood and C. Hansen

Christian Hansen toured North America, had his songs on the ‘ol jukebox (radio), and played sold-out shows to throngs of adoring fans Like Steve! He reveals what sparks joy in the past, might not spark joy in the future, and how a global pandemic reminded him what pieces in his joy puzzle matter most. tiktok.com/@ghostrivergang

Podcast Into Song:

Pump It - Christian Hansen and The Autistics

Written By - M. Flood and C. Hansen

Steve conjures up a conversation with internationally-renowned stage magician Carisa Hendrix. The two talk about what sparks her joy blossoming from sideshow into performing for Steve Martin at The Magic Castle! SHOW BIZ!!! www.carisahendrix.com

Podcast Intro Song:

Pump It - By: Christian Hansen & the Autistics

Written By:

Steve stitches together a conversation with Canadian Cultural Icon Ed the Sock. The two reminisce over the heydays of MuchMusic and chat about the rise of a NewMusicNation, a way that Mr. The Sock is bringing back the joy of Spotlighting independent Canadian Musicians. newmusicnation.ca

Podcast Intro Song:

Pump It - By: Christian Hansen & the Autistics

Written By: