JOYrific

Boredom gets a bad rap. In a world where every free moment is filled with a screen, we’ve forgotten that boredom is the birthplace of fun, creativity, and even deep relationships.

In this episode of JOYrific, Dr. Matt Larsen—child psychiatrist, father of five, and expert in raising awesome kids—joins me to explore what happens when we allow ourselves (and our children) to be bored. We discuss the powerful link between boredom and imagination, the hidden dangers of constant distraction, and how reclaiming unstructured time can transform the way we engage with the world.

🎭 What happens when kids don’t get bored enough to create their own fun?
📵 How can you actually cut back on phone time (without hating your life)?
🛑 Why are we so afraid of risk—and what’s that costing our children?

And of course, we talk about Taco Tuesday, road trips, and the power of unplugging. So, put your phone away (yes, really) and take a listen.

Be Curious. Be Creative. Be Fun.
And most importantly—Be Bored.

In this special bonus track, Jamie and Jameson take a fun, fresh look at what it really means to Be Curious! From asking big questions to exploring new ideas, they dive into the power of curiosity and why it’s the key to learning, growing, and understanding the world around us.

Curiosity is the key to stronger relationships and better conversations. In this episode, Garth and I explore how staying curious instead of jumping to conclusions can transform parenting, partnerships, and everyday interactions. Inspired by Ted Lasso’s “Be Curious, Not Judgmental,” we discuss the power of pausing, listening, and asking better questions—especially when navigating challenges with kids, spouses, and coworkers.

💡 Curiosity isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being open to learning and growing together.

🎧 Tune in & stay curious! 🚀

Curiosity is the foundation of learning, growth, and strong relationships. In this episode of JOYrific, Garth and I dive deep into what it means to Be Curious—as parents, as partners, and as lifelong learners.

We explore how curiosity can transform the way we approach challenges, improve our relationships, and help us ask better questions instead of making assumptions. Inspired by Ted Lasso’s famous “Be Curious, Not Judgmental” moment, we discuss how staying open-minded allows us to navigate parenting, friendships, and even difficult conversations with more understanding and empathy.

🌱 Topics We Cover:
✅ How curiosity strengthens parent-child relationships
✅ Why jumping into fix-it mode can backfire
✅ The power of pausing to listen before reacting
✅ How to raise kids who feel safe expressing themselves
✅ The zero-sum fallacy—why competition doesn’t build connection

🎙 Plus, Garth shares insights from raising teenage daughters, and I reflect on how curiosity has shaped our marriage and family dynamic.

💡 Final Thought: Curiosity isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being open to learning, growing, and understanding the people around us.

Deep Dive Podcast Notes:

Introduction to Will Perez: His background in American Religious History, Institute Director role, and family life.

Defining Happiness: Moving beyond the idea of happiness as a fleeting feeling and into the concept of eudaimonia (human flourishing).

Cultural Baggage of Happiness: The pressure to perform happiness vs. truly pursuing it.

Happiness & Church History: Thomas Jefferson’s "pursuit of happiness" and its philosophical roots.

Parenting & Happiness: The challenge of allowing children to experience all emotions without forcing them into a happiness script.

The Story of Oliver Granger: Why sacrifice is more sacred than success.

Happiness & Holiness: Viewing happiness as a state of becoming rather than a state of feeling.

Jesus Christ & Happiness: How Christ exemplified happiness in ways that were deeply connected to sacrifice and holiness.

Final Takeaways: Encouraging listeners to pursue happiness through service, faith, and personal growth.

What if happiness isn’t what we think it is? In this highlight reel, Jamie Braithwaite and Will Perez tackle the complexities of happiness, moving beyond cultural expectations and into the deeper, richer pursuit of holiness and personal growth. Through historical insights, parenting wisdom, and faith-based reflections, they uncover why true happiness isn’t about fleeting emotions—it’s about becoming.

🔹 The real meaning behind “the pursuit of happiness”
🔹 Why happiness is more than just smiling
🔹 How sacrifice and struggle lead to lasting joy
🔹 Parenting through emotional ups and downs
🔹 The key to finding happiness in holiness

A must-listen for anyone seeking a more profound and fulfilling perspective on joy, faith, and personal growth. Listen now and rethink what it means to "be happy."

Medication—when, why, and how do we use it? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Matt Larsen, a double board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, joins Jamie to break down the complexities of medication as a tool, not a cure-all. From the life-saving necessity of insulin for Type 1 Diabetes to the shoes analogy for mental health meds, Dr. Larsen explains why the right medication isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about getting your strengths on the field.

💡 What you'll learn in this episode:

The biggest myths and stigmas around medication and mental health.

Why ADHD meds don’t make you smarter—they help get your intelligence on the page.

The trial and error process of finding the right prescription.

How to navigate difficult conversations when loved ones don’t support medication.

The life-saving importance of reaching out if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Medication is a powerful tool, but it’s not the only one. Tune in for real talk, practical insights, and expert advice to help you make informed decisions about mental health and well-being.

👉 Resources & Support: 📞 Need help? Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
💊 Explore options with a trusted psychiatrist or mental health professional
💬 Keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts on @JOYrificPodcast

🎧 Listen now and learn why being medicated is about feeling and function—not failure.

In this extended conversation, Grace and I continue our deep discussion, leaning into the real and unfiltered truths of living with Type 1 Diabetes. From navigating misinformed advice to handling life’s unexpected challenges, we talk candidly about what it means to grow up managing a condition that never takes a break. Grace shares her thoughts on advocating for herself, finding humor in the chaos, and the hard-earned wisdom of realizing that life—no matter how difficult—is meant to be lived fully. If you’ve ever felt like your struggles define you, this episode is a reminder that being human means more than just surviving—it’s about thriving.

What does it mean to be human when you're managing a lifelong diagnosis? In this deep dive episode, Grace and I explore the raw realities of living with Type 1 Diabetes—from the overwhelming number of daily decisions to the unexpected hospital visits. Grace shares how she's learned not to let her diagnosis define her, the struggles of balancing independence with necessary support, and how community plays a vital role in navigating chronic illness. We also discuss the emotional side of caregiving—how parents, friends, and loved ones can provide meaningful support without taking away a child’s sense of agency. This episode is a must-listen for anyone managing a chronic illness or supporting someone who is.

In this episode of JOYrific, I sit down with my daughter, Grace Braithwaite, to discuss the journey of living with a chronic illness—beyond just the daily medical management. While we originally planned to focus on medication, our conversation grew into something much deeper: what it truly means to be human. Grace shares her experiences growing up with Type 1 Diabetes, the mental and emotional weight of a lifelong diagnosis, and why a diagnosis should never define who we are. Together, we explore the importance of support, the role of caregivers, and the strength found in building community. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt discussion that goes far beyond the medical side of chronic illness.