On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker welcomes Founding Title Sponsor and Co-host Wray Carvelas, along with behavioral scientist Dr. Timothy Ludwig, for a fascinating conversation about the science of joy, leadership and human-centered workplaces.

What if the greatest competitive advantage in business isn't better strategy... but creating an environment where people genuinely thrive?

For more than three decades, Dr. Ludwig has helped organizations around the world apply behavioral science to strengthen leadership, improve safety and build healthier workplace cultures. Blending cutting-edge research with practical experience, he reveals how curiosity, psychological safety and genuine human connection unlock both performance and joy.

If you've ever felt trapped chasing constant achievement, stress or the next dopamine hit, this conversation offers a refreshing alternative. Together, Greg, Wray and Tim explore how leaders create extraordinary cultures by replacing control with curiosity, removing unnecessary barriers and helping people do their best work.

In this episode, we explore:

• Where behavioral science and joyful leadership intersect

• The difference between dopamine-driven success and lasting joy

• How quieting self-judgment unlocks presence and creativity

• How music, nature and human connection restore well-being

• Does happiness drive productivity... or does productivity create happiness?

This isn't simply a conversation about workplace performance.

It's an invitation to rethink leadership through a more human lens.

Because when we stop trying to control people and start helping them thrive, joy stops being a by-product of great leadership... and becomes one of its greatest drivers.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to JOY²

00:02:04 Meet Dr. Timothy Ludwig

00:06:48 Finding Joy Through Wonder

00:09:42 Stepping Away From Screens

00:12:45 The Default Mode Network

00:15:32 The Power of Frontline Connection

00:21:04 Science of Emotion & Action

00:26:18 Dopamine vs. Joy

00:34:38 Maslow’s Hierarchy Flipped

00:41:00 Music & Oxytocin

00:47:23 Disconnecting & Rejoining Nature

00:49:25 Rethinking Supervision & Closing

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Wray Carvelas

Website: www.ascenciagroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ascencia-group-unleashing-tomorrow-s-leaders-today/

Connect with Dr. Timothy Ludwig

Website: https://www.appalachiansafetysummit.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tim-ludwig-ba247b1

LinkedIn Newsletter Insights into your Safety Culture:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/insights-into-safety-culture-7003911139004747776/

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

• Am I chasing quick dopamine hits or creating moments of lasting joy?

• What everyday barriers are preventing my team from doing their best work?

• Am I leading with curiosity... or simply giving directions?

Action Tip

This week, choose one opportunity to lead differently:

• Step away from your desk and spend time where the work actually happens.

• Ask thoughtful questions and listen without judgment or assumptions.

• Express genuine appreciation for a contribution that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Then ask yourself:

"What becomes possible when I stop managing people... and start helping them thrive?"

Because true leadership doesn't simply produce better results.

It creates the conditions where people, performance and joy flourish together.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with speaker, coach and magician Dan Trommater for a captivating conversation about joy, curiosity, wonder, human connection and the extraordinary power of changing the way we see the world.

What if the greatest illusion isn't the one happening on stage...

What if it's the story we've convinced ourselves is true?

For more than two decades, Dan has helped leaders, teams and organizations challenge assumptions, expand perspectives and discover possibilities that were hiding in plain sight. Blending the art of magic with the science of human behaviour, he reveals how curiosity, presence and empathy can transform not only the way we think, but the way we live, lead and connect with others.

If you've ever found yourself stuck in judgment, trapped by certainty, rushing through life or believing there's only one way to see a situation, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, become curious and rediscover the wonder that's been there all along.

Together, Greg and Dan explore how joy often begins the moment we loosen our grip on certainty and become open to new perspectives, deeper relationships and greater possibility.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why our assumptions often shape our reality more than the facts

• How curiosity opens doors that certainty keeps closed

• The surprising connection between wonder, joy and possibility

• Why presence is the foundation of meaningful relationships

• How judgment quietly steals our joy

• Why magic isn't just entertainment. It's a reminder that there's always more than meets the eye.

This isn't simply a conversation about magic.

It's a conversation about becoming more awake to your own thinking.

Because the moment we're willing to question what we believe we already know... we create space for wonder, possibility and joy to enter the picture.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to JOY² – Live With Joy

00:02:01 Meet Dan Trommater

00:03:43 The Joy of Meaningful Connection

00:05:09 Presence, Curiosity & Seeing Differently

00:22:04 Breaking Free From Assumptions

00:29:18 Perspective, Possibility & Leadership

00:37:42 From Judgment to Curiosity

00:44:12 The Joy Train vs. The Judgment Train

00:51:27 Replacing Certainty With Curiosity

00:57:38 Choosing One Insight & Taking Action

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Dan Trommater:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrommater/

Website: https://www.dantrommater.com

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

• What assumptions am I treating as facts?

• Where has certainty replaced curiosity?

• What might I be missing because I've already decided I know the answer?

• Where have I boarded the "judgment train" instead of choosing the "joy train"?

• What might become possible if I simply looked at this situation differently?

Action Tip

This week, choose one situation where you're convinced you already know what's true.

Then:

• Pause before reacting.

• Notice the story you're telling yourself.

• Question your assumptions with genuine curiosity.

• Look for another perspective you hadn't considered.

• Choose one small action based on what you've discovered.

Then ask yourself:

"What became possible the moment I stopped trying to be right... and started trying to understand?"

Because curiosity doesn't weaken us.

It expands us.

And sometimes the greatest magic isn't changing the world around us...

It's changing the way we see it.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur, strategist, storyteller, educator and author of The Culture of Purpose, Pascal Wiscour-Conter, for a thought-provoking conversation about purpose, fulfillment, authentic communication, and why joy is often the natural outcome of living in alignment with who we truly are.

Like many people, I've spent years wrestling with questions around purpose. What am I meant to do? How do I know I'm on the right path? And why do some people achieve remarkable success yet still feel like something is missing?

If you've ever questioned your direction, felt disconnected from your work or longed for a life that feels more meaningful, this episode is for you.

Drawing on decades of experience spanning entrepreneurship, Silicon Valley, Hollywood, academia and strategic communication, Pascal explains why purpose isn't something we discover once and for all. It's something we intentionally create by aligning our values, experiences and choices. Together, we explore how storytelling, trust, neuroscience and authentic leadership help us build stronger relationships, healthier organizations,and more fulfilling lives.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why meaning and purpose play different roles in our lives

• How alignment creates fulfillment, peace and lasting joy

• Why failure often becomes our greatest teacher

• The power of storytelling in leadership, trust and influence

• How authentic communication strengthens relationships and culture

• Why choosing fulfillment often requires courage over comfort

This isn't simply a conversation about purpose.

It's an invitation to become more intentional about the life you're creating.

Because when our values, actions and aspirations begin to align, joy stops feeling like something we have to chase... and starts becoming something we naturally experience.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to JOY² – Live With Joy

00:01:31 Meet Pascal Wiscour-Conter

00:05:28 Discovering the Purpose Behind Every Chapter

00:08:17 Meaning vs. Purpose: Understanding the Difference

00:11:34 Authenticity, Trust & Human Connection

00:14:04 Why Joy Is the Outcome of Fulfillment

00:18:58 Failure, Growth & Letting Go

00:24:17 Self-Forgiveness, Growth & Imposter Syndrome

00:35:51 Storytelling as a Leadership Superpower

00:46:13 Finding the Courage to Realign Your Life

00:50:14 Living a Life of Purpose & Joy

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Pascal Wiscour-Conter:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascalwiscour/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pascalwiscour/

X: https://x.com/PascalWiscour

Substack: https://pascalogy.substack.com/

Pascalogy website: https://pascalogy.me/

Get Pascal’s “The Culture of Purpose” Book Now!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8Q3HV77

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

• Am I living in alignment with what matters most?

• Where am I choosing comfort over fulfillment?

• What experience from my past is preparing me for what's next?

Action Tip

This week, make one decision through the lens of your purpose.

• Pause before automatically saying yes.

• Reflect on what truly matters.

• Reconnect with someone who inspires your growth.

• Choose one action that reflects your values.

Then ask yourself:

"What's the most meaningful choice I can make right now?"

Because purpose isn't something we discover overnight.

It's something we reveal, one intentional choice at a time.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, I sit down with author, coach, speaker and creator of Attuned Exercise, Martha Munroe, for one of the most honest and relatable conversations I've had about exercise, body image and our relationship with ourselves.

I'll admit it... for much of my life, exercise has felt more like something I should do than something I want to do. Like many people, I've wrestled with guilt, unrealistic expectations and comparing myself to who I used to be.

If you've ever struggled to stay motivated, felt frustrated with your body or wondered why exercise feels more like pressure than joy, this conversation is for you.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in fitness, applied psychology and positive psychology, Martha helps people replace shame, hustle and perfectionism with curiosity, self-compassion and sustainable well-being. Together, we explore how our relationship with movement often reflects the way we approach work, leadership and life.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why joy is a better motivator than guilt

• How shame and perfectionism sabotage lasting change

• Why comparing yourself to your past steals today's joy

• The connection between movement, self-worth and leadership

• Why "I get to" is far more powerful than "I have to"

• How small, sustainable habits create lasting transformation

This isn't really an episode about exercise.

It's about making peace with your body.

Because when we stop trying to earn our worth and start treating ourselves with compassion, movement becomes something we enjoy instead of endure.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to JOY² – Live With Joy

00:01:51 Meet Martha Monroe & Reclaiming Movement

00:06:00 Authenticity, Attunement & Joy

00:09:15 Why Exercise Should Feel Like a Gift

00:12:30 Letting Go of "Should" Thinking

00:19:10 Building Sustainable Habits

00:26:40 Fear, Perfectionism & Body Image

00:34:10 Exercise as a Mirror for Life

00:40:00 Self-Compassion Through Every Season

00:45:00 Rediscovering Joyful Movement

00:53:55 Final Reflections & Key Takeaways

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Martha Munroe:

Website: AttunedExercise.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-munroe-882bb21b9/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marvelous.martha.9

Instagram: @AttunedExercise https://www.instagram.com/attunedexercise/

Get Martha’s Attuned Exercise Book Now!

https://www.amazon.ca/Attuned-Exercise-Martha-Munroe-ebook/dp/B0FXBMLVMJ

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

Am I moving from joy... or from guilt?

What expectations about my body am I ready to let go of?

What would it look like to treat my body as a lifelong partner instead of a lifelong project?

Action Tip

This week, choose one form of movement that simply feels good.

- Go for a walk.

- Dance in your kitchen.

- Stretch.

- Play with your kids or grandkids.

- Ride your bike.

- Spend time in nature.

Then, instead of asking:

"Did I burn enough calories?"

Ask:

"Did I reconnect with myself?"

Because sometimes the healthiest thing we can do isn't to push our bodies harder...

It's to thank them for carrying us through another day.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Christopher Bylone, Founder of Innovation Unbiased and former Global Head of Belonging at Krispy Kreme, for a powerful conversation about belonging, resilience, authenticity and the transformative power of joy.

After navigating bullying, cancer, depression, perfectionism and other life-changing challenges, Christopher discovered a profound truth: lasting joy isn't found in achievement or approval — it begins when we know we truly belong.

Together, Greg and Christopher explore the powerful connection between joy and belonging, challenging the belief that high performance requires pressure or perfection. Instead, they reveal why trust, psychological safety, authenticity and meaningful human connection are the real foundations of extraordinary leadership and thriving cultures.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why joy and belonging are inseparable partners in a fulfilling life

• The life-changing difference between feeling you belong and knowing you belong

• How adversity can become a catalyst for resilience, purpose and growth

• Why perfectionism quietly steals our joy

• How leaders create cultures built on trust, psychological safety and genuine connection

• The hidden cost of microaggressions and workplace exclusion

• Why seeing the human behind the job title transforms leadership

• How authenticity strengthens relationships, builds healthier teams and drives better performance

More than a conversation about workplace culture, this episode is an invitation to rethink how we show up for ourselves and for the people around us.

Christopher reminds us that belonging isn't about fitting in. It's about being fully seen, accepted and valued for who you are. And when people know they belong, joy doesn't simply become possible. It becomes inevitable.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast
00:01:44 Meet Christopher Bylone & The Power of Belonging
00:07:03 Why Joy and Belonging Need Each Other
00:10:50 Finding Belonging Through Nature and Personal Purpose
00:16:13 Bullying, Adversity & Building Resilience
00:20:30 Cancer, Depression & Rediscovering Joy
00:27:52 Feeling vs. Knowing You Belong
00:38:30 What Great Leaders Do to Build Belonging
00:43:01 Trust, Psychological Safety & Workplace Culture
00:46:49 Creating Organizations Where People Thrive
00:51:25 Authentic Leadership Starts at Home
00:54:55 Final Reflections on Belonging and Joy

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Christopher Bylone:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbylone/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovation-unbiased/

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbylone/

Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovation_unbiased/

Personal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christopher_bylone

Business Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovation_unbiased

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

• Do the people around me know they matter?

• Am I creating spaces where others feel safe enough to be themselves?

• Who in my life needs to know they truly belong?

Action Tip

This week, intentionally help someone feel seen.

• Learn more of their story.

• Recognize a contribution that often goes unnoticed.

• Or simply remind them that they matter.

Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer another person isn't advice, recognition or praise. It's helping them know they belong.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker and co-host Wray Carvelas welcome Patrick Godin, an accomplished mining executive whose people-first leadership philosophy has helped transform workplace cultures, strengthen teams and deliver exceptional business results.

What if the greatest driver of performance, safety and long-term success isn't found in systems or strategy... but in how deeply leaders care about their people?

Drawing on more than 35 years of leadership experience, Patrick shares the powerful lessons behind his Courage to Care philosophy. Through stories of triumph, adversity and personal growth, he reveals why trust, empathy, accountability and genuine human connection aren't soft skills. They're leadership superpowers.

Patrick explains how leaders create environments where people feel valued, supported and inspired to perform at their best. He challenges the notion that results and humanity compete, showing instead how joy, recognition and authentic relationships become powerful drivers of individual and organizational success.

In this episode, we explore:

• The meaning behind Patrick's Courage to Care philosophy

• Why caring for people improves performance and safety

• The power of recognizing positive behaviors

• How leaders build trust through actions, not words

• Why investing in people creates long-term business success

• How small acts of care create extraordinary impact

More than a leadership conversation, this episode is a powerful reminder that people are at the heart of every successful organization. Patrick's stories of resilience, loyalty and connection demonstrate what happens when leaders intentionally invest in others and create environments where people feel seen, valued and empowered.

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, manager or simply someone who wants to make a greater impact, this conversation will inspire you to lead with more intention, courage and humanity.

Chapters

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared

00:02:01 Introducing Patrick Godin & The Courage to Care Philosophy

00:08:13 Recognizing Positive Behaviors to Build Better Cultures

00:11:24 Why Great Leaders Stay Connected to the Front Line

00:14:11 Building Trust Through Action, Not Words

00:17:25 Transforming Fear into Confidence and Momentum

00:25:05 What Blocks Joy and How Leaders Can Overcome It

00:29:03 Developing People Instead of Judging Them Too Quickly

00:32:05 Small Acts That Create Extraordinary Impact

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Patrick Godin:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-godin-b7914633/

Connect with Wray Carvelas

Website: www.ascenciagroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ascencia-group-unleashing-tomorrow-s-leaders-today/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wray-carvelas-80520032/

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

• Do the people around me know that I genuinely care about them?

• Am I recognizing strengths as often as I correct mistakes?

• How can I create a more supportive environment for others?

• What small act of appreciation can I offer today?

Action Tip

This week, intentionally demonstrate your Courage to Care.

• Thank someone for an overlooked contribution.

• Recognize a positive behavior.

• Or simply take time to truly listen to someone who needs encouragement.

When people know they matter, they engage differently, perform differently and lead differently.

And that's where real leadership and real joy begin.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Joey Klein, Founder & CEO of Inner Matrix Systems and author of The Inner Matrix, for a fascinating conversation about emotional mastery, personal transformation and unlocking your true potential.

What if the greatest obstacle to living with more joy isn't what's happening around you... but the unconscious emotional patterns shaping your life from within?

After helping more than 90,000 entrepreneurs, executives and elite performers, Joey reveals why lasting transformation doesn't come from changing your circumstances. It comes from changing the way you think, feel and respond.

Drawing on decades of experience in neuroscience, psychology, meditation and human performance, Joey shares practical tools for breaking free from fear-based patterns, regulating your emotions and creating a more intentional, peaceful and joyful life.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why emotions are information, not instructions

• How fear-based patterns quietly shape our thoughts, decisions and behaviours

• The difference between reacting automatically and responding intentionally

• The three emotional competencies that build resilience and inner freedom

• How to regulate your nervous system instead of letting stress run your life

• Why mastering your mind is more powerful than simply "thinking positive"

• The essential role of awareness, daily practice and mentorship in lasting transformation

More than a conversation about emotional intelligence, this episode is an invitation to stop being driven by unconscious patterns and start living with greater clarity, peace and purpose.

If you've ever felt stuck in recurring habits, overwhelmed by stress or held back by fear, this conversation offers a practical roadmap toward greater resilience, fulfillment and joy.

🎁 Exclusive Offer for JOY² Podcast Listeners:

Joey Klein has created a special page exclusively for listeners of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast.

Visit joeyklein.com/joysquared to claim:

• Free copies of The Inner Matrix and Relationship Alchemy (shipping included)

• Complimentary Pattern Fix Training Session with an Inner Matrix trainer to help you uncover and transform the unconscious patterns that may be holding you back, along with a personalized action plan to create the results you truly want.

Chapters

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy² – Live With Joy

00:01:34 Meet Joey Klein & His Journey to Transformation

00:04:01 Why Emotions Are Information, Not Instructions

00:08:00 The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Discomfort

00:12:22 Fear-Based Thinking & How the Brain Creates Survival Patterns

00:17:46 Why Traditional Personal Growth Often Falls Short

00:20:15 Understanding Emotions Through Awareness & Consciousness

00:25:33 The Three Emotional Competencies Everyone Needs

00:34:25 The Truth About the 90-Second Emotion Rule

00:40:08 Finding Your Natural State of Peace & Joy

00:46:14 Mastering the Mind Instead of Being Controlled by It

00:50:04 How Real Transformation Happens

00:55:11 The Four Requirements for Lasting Change

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Joey Klein:

Personal Website: https://joeyklein.com/

Business Website: https://innermatrixsystems.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeyKleinIMS/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoeyklein/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyklein/

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Victoria Hirst for an inspiring conversation about self-awareness, self-compassion and the journey back to yourself. A certified DreamBuilder Coach, Life Mastery Consultant, speaker and retreat leader, Victoria shares how one defining moment in the Costa Rican rainforest completely transformed her perspective on life, purpose and joy.

After years of chasing achievement and external validation, Victoria realized that true fulfillment isn't found in doing more. It's found in becoming more present. Together, Greg and Victoria explore how greater awareness, keeping promises to yourself, and challenging limiting beliefs can create lasting transformation from the inside out.

Through heartfelt stories, practical insights and moments of laughter, they discuss the power of gratitude, intentional breathing, forest bathing, and reconnecting with nature to quiet the mind, restore inner peace, and rediscover what matters most. Along the way, they remind us that joy isn't something we stumble upon. It's something we intentionally create through the choices we make every day.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why awareness is the first step toward lasting change

• How keeping promises to yourself builds self-trust

• The connection between gratitude, self-compassion and joy

• How nature and stillness help us reconnect with ourselves

• Simple daily practices for living with greater presence and purpose

More than a conversation about personal growth, this episode is an invitation to slow down, become more present, and remember that you're already worthy of a joyful and meaningful life.

As Victoria beautifully reminds us, we don't have to believe every thought we think. With greater awareness comes the freedom to choose a better way forward.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy² – Live With Joy

00:01:50 Meet Victoria Hirst & Her Journey to Purpose

00:08:27 The Moment That Changed Everything

00:12:12 Awareness, Self-Compassion & Keeping Promises to Yourself

00:17:03 Breaking Old Thought Patterns

00:30:03 The Gift of Presence in Relationships

00:37:04 Reframing Limiting Beliefs

00:41:29 Gratitude, Self-Worth & Emotional Awareness

00:48:34 Forest Bathing & Reconnecting with Nature

00:57:18 Final Reflections & Living with Joy

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Victoria Hirst:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriahirstcoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vhirst/

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Take a quiet moment to check in with yourself.

Ask yourself:

• Am I living intentionally or simply reacting to life?

• What promise have I been avoiding that deserves to be honored?

• Which belief is quietly holding me back from experiencing more joy?

• Where could I slow down enough to become fully present today?

• What would change if I truly believed I was already enough?

Sometimes the greatest transformation begins with a single moment of awareness.

Action Tip:

This week, choose one simple way to reconnect with yourself.

• Pause and take three slow, intentional breaths before responding.

• Write down five things you're genuinely grateful for.

• Spend 20 minutes in nature without your phone or other distractions.

• Replace one self-critical thought with one rooted in self-compassion.

Joy isn't something we find someday. It's something we create, one intentional choice at a time.

In this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker, comedian and creative strategist Ron Tite for a conversation that's equal parts thought-provoking, entertaining and refreshingly human.

Together, they wander down some wonderfully unexpected rabbit holes, exploring why curiosity may be one of the greatest catalysts for joy, why creativity thrives when perfection takes a day off, and why the best leaders don't have all the answers... they're simply willing to ask better questions.

Drawing on his unique journey through comedy, business and leadership, Ron shares why joy isn't something we stumble across. It's something we intentionally create through curiosity, experimentation and a willingness to embrace new experiences... even when they don't go according to plan.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why curiosity is one of the fastest paths to joy

• How experimentation fuels growth, creativity and fulfillment

• Why failure isn't the opposite of success... it's often the entrance fee

• The role of humor, spontaneity and play in life and leadership

• How psychologically safe cultures unlock innovation

• Why balancing ambition with presence creates a more meaningful life

More than a conversation about leadership and creativity, this episode is an invitation to stay curious, laugh a little more, loosen your grip on perfection and discover what becomes possible when you give yourself permission to explore.

Because success doesn't create joy.

More often than not... joy gives us the courage to chase success.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared

00:02:09 Meet Ron Tite: Creativity, Business & Humanity

00:05:04 What Joy Means and Why It Requires Intention

00:08:05 Zoning In Instead of Zoning Out

00:12:32 Rituals, Curiosity & Creating More Joy

00:14:09 The Joy of Mischief and Following Your Interests

00:22:21 Failure, Experimentation & Learning Through Experience

00:27:26 Creating Psychological Safety in Teams

00:30:49 Why Great Workplace Joy Happens Without the Leader in the Room

00:33:06 Laughing at Yourself and Finding Joy in Imperfection

00:36:00 Defining Moments of Joy in Life and Career

00:37:05 The Leap Into Stand-Up Comedy

00:43:05 Curiosity as the Path to Joy

00:45:16 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Ron Tite:

Website: https://rontite.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rontite/

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

• Am I fully present with the people and moments that matter most?

• What expectations may be limiting my joy?

• Where am I chasing happiness instead of creating meaning?

• What habits are preventing me from experiencing more fulfillment?

Joy isn't found by doing more – it's found by becoming intentional about what truly matters.

Action Tip:

This week, create one meaningful moment of presence.

• Have a distraction-free conversation.

• Replace an assumption with curiosity.

• Reflect on what brings genuine fulfillment.

• Let go of one commitment that drains your energy.

Because joy isn't reserved for someday – it's available today when we choose intention, awareness and connection.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker and co-host Wray Carvelas sit down with veteran mining executive and former CEO Jacques Perron for a powerful conversation about leadership, mentorship, and why people remain the foundation of every successful organization.Over a career spanning more than four decades, Jacques has led complex operations around the world, but his greatest lessons have little to do with mining and everything to do with human connection. From developing future leaders to creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported and inspired, Jacques shares why leadership is ultimately about helping others become more than they ever believed possible.Together, they explore what truly creates joy at work, why so many people struggle to find meaning in their jobs, and how great leaders cultivate environments where individuals understand the value of their contribution. Through personal stories and practical insights, Jacques reveals why believing in people, celebrating progress, and staying connected to frontline teams can transform both performance and culture.In this episode, we explore: • Prioritizing people and human-centric leadership • Parallels between mentorship at work and at home • Staying connected to frontline teams and individual contributions • Cultivating optimism and safe environments for growthMore than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that lasting success is ultimately built through relationships. Jacques' approach demonstrates that high performance and humanity are not competing priorities. They go hand in hand.Because joy doesn't come from reaching the finish line. It comes from helping others grow, celebrating progress along the way, and creating environments where people genuinely want to contribute and belong.Chapters:00:00:00 Welcome to Joy² – Live With Joy00:02:10 Meet Jacques Perron 00:05:08 Finding Joy Through Community and Connection00:08:49 Why Leadership at Work Mirrors Family Life00:13:17 Building Confidence by Believing in People00:18:06 Why So Many People Don't Enjoy Work00:21:57 Helping People Find Meaning in Their Contribution00:25:18 Why Great Leaders Stay Close to Their Teams00:29:01 What Blocks Joy in Organizations00:32:44 A Defining Moment of Leadership and Innovation00:38:01 Closing ReflectionsConnect with Greg De KokerWebsite: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠ Connect with Jacques PerronWebsite: https://torexgold.com/about-us/board-of-directors/jacques-perron/LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacques-perron-19162534/Connect with Wray CarvelasWebsite: www.ascenciagroup.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ascencia-group-unleashing-tomorrow-s-leaders-today/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wray-carvelas-80520032/ Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠ YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠ Stay Connected to JOY²:Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Take ActionAsk yourself:- Do others understand why their work matters?- Is this an environment where people feel safe to grow?- How can I be more present and connected with my team this week?The way we lead shapes how people experience work, relationships and even themselves. Every conversation, every act of encouragement, and every opportunity we give someone to grow leaves a lasting impact.Action TipInvest in others this week:- Boost team confidence.- Value effort and potential.- Connect individuals to the big picture.- Listen to frontline team members.Leadership is about believing in people and fostering a culture where everyone thrives.