Lunar New Year Traditions, Mindfulness, and Grief: Remembering FritzJoy and Rebecca open the Laugh Cry Club episode by wishing listeners a happy Lunar New Year and sharing that they have had a difficult couple of weeks, including the loss of Rebecca’s 12-year-old rescue dog Fritz after a neurological event left him unable to walk.They then discuss Lunar New Year history and meaning, noting it dates back over 3,000 years and marks the end of winter and the start of an agricultural cycle, with traditions such as family reunification (including China’s large annual migration), cleaning the home, settling debts, honoring ancestors, and symbolic foods like dumplings, longevity noodles, and rice cakes. They talk about the zodiac, identify Rebecca as a snake and Joy as a rabbit, and mention 2026 as the (rare) year of the fire horse, associated with independence, vitality, momentum, passion, volatility, impulsivity, and burnout. Rebecca shares a story about frowning fire horse plushies that were produced after a manufacturing mistake.Connecting Lunar New Year customs to mental health, they outline seven traditions with practical reflections: cleaning house as symbolic closure and mental decluttering; reunion meals as belonging and social support; red envelopes as generosity and service (including picking up trash on walks); wearing red as “dopamine dressing” and a mood boost; fireworks as emotional release and collective joy; setting intentions with realistic expectations and self-talk; and honoring ancestors as celebrating identity and gratitude for previous generations. They discuss mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, the challenge of busy minds, and Rebecca’s upcoming full-day virtual mindfulness practice (body scan, mindful eating, and mindful walking), plus a story about a pressure cooker accident as a metaphor for emotional pressure and releasing the “valve.”They close by sharing where to find the podcast, encouraging kindness and reaching out to someone, mentioning daylight savings time approaching, and noting early voting in Texas, including Joy’s enthusiasm for voting and encouragement for listeners to register and vote.00:19 Saying Goodbye to Fritz: What Happened02:36 Grief, Signs, and Oliver’s Mourning05:07 Lunar New Year 101: History, Meaning, and Traditions07:01 Zodiac Talk: Year of the Horse (and Fire Horse Energy)10:52 Rituals for Renewal: Cleaning House → Clearing the Mind11:45 Mindfulness for Busy Minds: Learning to Meditate (Even If You ‘Can’t’)21:15 Reunion, Connection, and Red Envelopes: Belonging + Generosity24:25 Rage, Anger & Responsibility: Don’t Feed the Fire26:41 Think for Yourself: Healing Hurt Without the Hate Machine27:16 Wear Red, Dopamine Dressing & Wearable Affirmations28:39 Fireworks, Catharsis & the Dream of Collective Joy30:45 Online Hate vs. Up Close Humanity (Brené Brown + ‘Man in the Arena’)33:19 Setting Intentions Without ‘Needing’ to Feel Better36:40 Pressure Cooker Emotions: The Chicken-on-the-Ceiling Story38:59 Honoring Ancestors, Identity & Gratitude Across Generations40:24 Wild Detour: Getting Cast on a Canadian Survival Show43:11 Wrap-Up: Resources, Voting, Kindness & See You Next Week

Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show: Music, Culture, and Collective HealingJoy and Rebecca, licensed therapists with over 20 years in the field, discuss Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show and how music can be healing. They talk about the show’s message of love over hate and the episode explores backlash to Spanish-language performances as an example of ingroup/outgroup bias, political division, and fear-based reactions, including discussion of public criticism and how people can mistake discomfort for harm. They encourage listeners to pause before reacting, examine personal biases, and ask why something might be healing for others. They also connect music and dance to emotional intelligence and therapy, noting music’s role in regulating the nervous system, increasing dopamine and decreasing cortisol. They close by encouraging listeners to use music for regulation and invite audience questions via email and social media.00:54 First Impressions: Visuals, Puerto Rico Vibes & the Sugar Cane Field Opening02:09 How Halftime Shows Evolved: Stadium Spectacle vs At-Home Music Video Experience04:50 Big Stunts & Showmanship: Falls, Drops, and Gaga-Level Risk05:28 The Message Behind the Moment: Love > Hate in a Divided Political Climate06:57 Authenticity & Language: Why Singing/Speaking Spanish Matters09:08 Critics, In-Group/Out-Group Bias & Feeling ‘Uncomfortable’ vs ‘Harmed’10:35 Music as Collective Healing + Reading Meaning Beyond Lyrics (Like Therapy)16:19 When Everything Becomes Political: Identity, Fear, and Losing Independent Thought22:19 Mental Health Takeaways: Bias, Snap Judgments, and Regulating Discomfort25:55 Modern Life, the Internet, and Consumer Choices: How Our World Changed26:40 Information Overload & the In-Group/Out-Group Problem27:36 Choosing Inclusion Over Anger (and the Halftime Show Example)29:32 The Therapy Skill: Pause Before You React & Check Your Biases32:03 Why the Loudest Voices Win: Media Outrage, Fear, and Tantrums34:55 Fear as a Political Strategy: Hot-Button Issues & Being ‘Used’39:16 Challenge Your Beliefs: Ego, Identity, and the Labeling Reflex41:31 Sexuality, ‘Family Friendly’ Debates, and Letting Others Enjoy Things44:19 Music as Regulation: Healing, Belonging, and Nervous System Reset49:27 Final Takeaways + How to Reach the Show

Finding Purpose Amidst Passion and Life's ChallengesIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, Joy and Rebecca discuss the nuanced differences between purpose and passion. They reflect on the pressures of societal expectations around following one's passion, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning and stability in everyday life. The conversation touches on the significant impact of meaningful relationships, stability, and autonomy on long-term happiness. As licensed therapists, they provide insights into navigating personal goals while addressing broader societal issues. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and challenge listeners to rethink their definitions of success and happiness, highlighting that a fulfilling life is often found in the simple, daily joys.03:15 Reflecting on Bad Bunny's Grammy Speech07:28 The Pressure of Finding Your Passion15:31 Purpose vs. Passion: A Personal Journey21:15 Daily Life and Finding Fulfillment25:21 Daily Joys and Rescue Dogs26:06 Dreams of an Animal Rescue27:57 Exploring Happiness29:44 The Role of Money in Happiness31:51 Autonomy, Stability, and Contribution36:00 Redefining Success and Passion37:44 Navigating Life's Challenges39:09 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Navigating Mental Health During Turbulent TimesIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy and Rebecca discuss the heavy emotional toll and the challenges of current world events. The duo provides a heartfelt check-in, revealing their own struggles with depression, social media consumption, and the pressure to stay informed. As licensed mental health therapists with over 20 years of experience, they offer strategies for self-care, setting boundaries, and finding small moments of joy. They emphasize the importance of community and remind listeners that it's okay to experience a range of emotions. Joy and Rebecca also share personal anecdotes, including their experiences with mindfulness, music, and ASMR, as methods to bring solace during these trying times.03:15 Navigating Social Media and Mental Health05:52 The Impact of Current Events07:49 Balancing Emotions and Self-Care10:09 Finding Comfort in Music and ASMR16:06 Discovering ASMR Artists17:59 Finding Personal Comforts19:45 Managing Social Media and News Consumption23:09 Understanding Our Brain's Limitations24:44 Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy29:46 Building Community and Connection30:44 Podcast Reflections and Future Plans

A quick update from Laugh Cry Club.
We’re taking a short break, but it’s not a goodbye it’s a reset! Some exciting changes are coming to the show, and we can’t wait to share what’s next with you. Hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode when we’re back.

Healing Generational Trauma: Vulnerability, Awareness, and GrowthIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club podcast, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea discuss the complexities of generational trauma. Chelsea shares a touching personal laugh and cry story involving her late husband, while Joy talks about her emotional experience at a recent protest. They dive deep into the nature of generational trauma, exploring its transmission through family dynamics and how it can manifest in various forms, including mistrust, lack of safety, and emotional dysregulation. The hosts emphasize the importance of awareness, vulnerability, and sharing experiences to begin the healing process, while also highlighting potential challenges and changes within family systems. They wrap up by providing practical advice and resources for those seeking to understand and heal from generational trauma.07:45 Joy's Protest Experience15:39 Rebecca's Internet Troubles and Conducting Fun21:33 Generational Trauma Discussion22:51 Understanding Generational Trauma23:07 Biological Impact of Trauma23:45 Behavioral Responses to Trauma27:10 Healing Through Sharing33:22 Building Awareness and Coping Skills36:52 Disrupted Areas Due to Trauma39:55 The Importance of Family Dynamics47:04 Conclusion and Next Steps

Embracing Emotions: Understanding and Processing FeelingsIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea celebrate the New Year with fresh energy and motivation. They discuss the importance of feeling and processing emotions, reflecting on personal anecdotes and therapeutic insights. The discussion highlights how societal and generational norms, particularly for Gen X, have influenced the way we handle emotions. The hosts encourage listeners to become aware of their feelings, label them, and understand their origins. Practical tips for reconnecting with the body, such as intentional breathing and physical touch, are shared. The episode also sets the stage for future discussions on generational trauma.01:06 Chelsea's Dentist Visit02:29 Rebecca's Laughs and Cries05:56 Joy's Laughs and Cries15:43 Chelsea's Laughs and Cries22:29 Feeling Our Feelings14:11 Feeling Content and Balanced27:38 Recognizing Body Sensations28:14 Dealing with Anxiety and Disconnection28:28 Generational Disconnect from Emotions29:09 Understanding and Trusting Body Signals30:02 Gen X and Emotional Narratives31:45 Road Rage and Bottled Emotions33:00 Therapy and Going to the Root34:32 Autopilot and Emotional Awareness38:38 Labeling Emotions and Validation44:25 Simple Practices for Emotional Check-In46:22 Breathing and Physical Connection49:44 Slowing Down and Meditation52:20 Concluding Thoughts and Next Week's Topic

Living Big in 2026: A New Year's EpisodeIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea welcome the New Year with reflections on their personal experiences and family traditions. They discuss the importance of assessing stress levels and setting intentional goals grounded in emotional well-being. The hosts share their laugh and cry moments, illustrating the highs and lows of life. They emphasize the need for small, intentional steps to reset the nervous system and build a strong foundation before pursuing larger ambitions. The episode concludes with plans to explore emotional mastery and self-connection in the coming week.01:33 Therapists' Reflections and Introductions01:57 Chelsea's Laugh and Cry in Atlanta08:29 Joy's Reflective Week and Poetic Inspiration15:40 Rebecca's Dog Drama and Living Big19:52 Resetting for the New Year: Stress and Self-Care26:56 Decluttering and Starting Small27:16 High Achieving Women and Small Changes29:41 Intentional Living and Empowerment32:09 Living Big and Reframing Perspectives33:37 Achieving Self-Worth Through Small Tasks41:00 Planning for the New Year43:22 Creating Space and Flexibility50:16 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion

Reflecting on 2025: Personal Growth, Challenges, and WinsIn this episode of The Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea reflect on their personal growth and experiences throughout 2025. Rebecca shares her experience at a float spa and discusses the subconscious expectations that led to a week's worth of disappointments. Joy talks about her struggles with grooming her senior dog JT and the emotional toll it took on her. The group transitions into a discussion about 2025 reflections, highlighting their achievements and areas of personal growth. Rebecca focuses on her journey to not abandon herself, Chelsea emphasizes her resilience in staying present through grief, and Joy shares her success in avoiding self-sabotage. The episode concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment to their listeners and a reminder to practice self-reflection and gratitude.01:39 Laugh and Cry of the Week: Rebecca's Float Spa Experience04:55 Expectations and Disappointments10:21 Laugh and Cry of the Week: Joy's Mobile Groomer Fiasco22:30 Laugh and Cry of the Week: Chelsea's Pregnancy Struggles23:30 Pregnancy Cravings and McDonald's Drive-Thru Drama24:29 The Sweet and Sour Sauce Crisis29:40 Reflecting on Personal Growth31:42 Proud Moments and Achievements39:05 Staying Present Through Grief50:22 Listener Shoutouts and Closing Remarks

Navigating Holiday Family Dynamics: Finding Balance and Setting BoundariesIn this holiday special episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea share their festive cheer while diving into the challenging topic of family dynamics during the holiday season. The episode begins with light-hearted personal stories, including amusement park adventures, car-buying mishaps, and poignant grief moments, bringing laughter and tears. Transitioning to the main discussion, the hosts address the emotional pressures of holiday gatherings, reinforced by media portrayals and traditional expectations. They offer practical advice on setting boundaries, managing guilt, and maintaining personal well-being in the face of challenging family interactions. The episode ends with actionable tips for listeners to navigate their own family dynamics with grace and self-compassion during the holidays.00:18 Festive Holiday Spirit00:51 Navigating Family Dynamics02:48 Amusement Park Adventures07:32 Car Buying Misadventures13:42 Grieving During the Holidays17:15 Discovering the Dentist's TV Setup17:47 Laughing and Crying with Goonies18:41 Taylor Swift Docuseries Experience20:00 Holiday Family Dynamics20:57 Navigating Family Roles and Expectations24:36 Setting Boundaries During the Holidays35:25 Coping Strategies for Stressful Family Gatherings