In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, Jen and Kim dive deep into the multifaceted journey of motherhood. Set against the backdrop of Mother’s Day, the hosts share their personal and often contrasting experiences—from the physical toll of difficult pregnancies to the emotional complexities of family legacies. They discuss the societal expectations placed on women regarding starting families, the current financial barriers like rising housing costs and interest rates that impact young people's decisions today, and the reality that Mother's Day can be a day of both celebration and grief.

• Introduction: The hosts celebrate Kim entering a new stage of life ("a woman of a certain age") and transition into the primary topic: Mother's Day.
• Societal Expectations: A discussion on the pressure young women feel to marry and have children, contrasted with modern trends of delaying or opting out of parenthood.
• Economic Realities: How high real estate prices (specifically in Sydney) and rising interest rates create significant barriers for young couples wanting to start families.
• Pregnancy Journeys:
  • Jen’s Story: Dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum, resulting in extreme illness and multiple hospitalizations during her two pregnancies.
  • Kim’s Story: Navigating a high-risk pregnancy at age 45, including gestational diabetes and a 14-day NICU stay for her son, Haakon.
• The Emotional Spectrum of Mother's Day:
  • Jen reflects on her "traumatizing" childhood with a mother who suffered from untreated schizophrenia.
  • Kim discusses the beauty of her evolving relationship with her mother, Gail.
  • Acknowledging those facing infertility, loss, or difficult maternal relationships.
• The Joy of Motherhood: Highlights including watching children learn, grow, and eventually teach their own parents.
• Poem by: Sara_rian_books on instagram

In this episode, the hosts celebrate a major milestone—surpassing 700 downloads—before diving into deeply personal updates. Kim shares the surprising results of her recent blood work, revealing she has moved into the post-menopausal stage of life at age 52. This sparks a broad, heartfelt discussion on the "Remarkable" nature of the female body, ranging from the struggles of infertility and miscarriages to the complexities of Mother’s Day and the "Cruel" judgments women sometimes face from one another. The episode also touches on the humor of midlife crises—including a sudden interest in colorful underwear—and the importance of knowing when to "Think it" rather than "Say it".

• Celebrating Success: A big thank you to the listeners for reaching 700 downloads.
• Cook’s Country Connection: Recapping the joy of last week’s guest, Lois Pajari, and her 11-year-old petting farm in Cook, Minnesota.
• The Post-Menopause Surprise: Kim discusses her high FSH levels and low estrogen, and how she seemingly skipped perimenopause to become a "Menopause overachiever".
• The "Say It vs. Think It" Filter: A lesson from Kim’s days as a school counselor on how to avoid being a "Woman's worst enemy" by filtering judgmental thoughts.
• Fertility Journeys: Personal reflections on difficult pregnancies, HSG procedures, and the emotional toll of miscarriages.
• Male Cycles and Midlife Crises: A lighthearted look at how men experience their own "Cycles," featuring a story about a husband’s sudden switch from plain white to bright, stripy underwear.
• Mother’s Day Reflections: Acknowledging that Mother’s Day can be difficult for many, including those who struggle to conceive or those who have complicated relationships with their own mothers.

In this episode of Contagious Joy, hosts Kim and Jenny interview Lois Pajari, the owner and operator of Cook’s Country Connection. Lois shares the devastating story of the June 2013 fire that destroyed her business, the Cook Dollar Barn, and left eight families homeless. Out of that tragedy, Lois returned to her great-grandparents' 1900 homestead to build a new sanctuary. Now celebrating its 10th season, the farm has become a vibrant community hub featuring a mobile zoo, farm yoga, summer camps, and a sanctuary for "misfit" animals.

• The Catalyst for Rebirth: Kim introduces Lois Pajari and the history of the catastrophic 2013 fire in Cook, Minnesota.
• Life Before the Fire: Lois discusses her transition from the airline industry to opening the "Dollar Barn," which became a community hub for local tenants.
• The First Field Trip: The emotional moment a school bus arrived at the farm, sparking the idea for a permanent farm-based business.
• The Day of the Fire: Lois recounts receiving the phone call that changed everything and the loss of her business and family heirlooms.
• Building a New Dream: Using graph paper and inspiration from other agritourism farms to sketch the layout of Cook’s Country Connection.
• Building the "Ark": Learning to raise Nigerian dwarf goats, llamas, and sheep through trial, error, and "Stories Guides".
• Lessons Learned: The importance of "test families" and why you should never put concrete pavers at the bottom of a slide.
• Searching for a Matt Damon connection. Cousin Matt come to Cook!

You can find Lois at Cook’s Country Connection at www.cookscountryconnection.com

Instagram: cookscountryconnection

Facebook: Cook's Country Connection

Check out Cook’s Country Connection on HipCamp.com/Cooks Country Connection

In this episode, Kim and Jen dive deep into the concept of "joy" as a response to last week’s conversation with Annie. They explore the physical toll of high-stress environments, with Kim sharing her personal battle with vertigo and a familial health crisis that forced her to re-evaluate her priorities. Meanwhile, Jen shares a heartwarming and humorous story about stepping out of her comfort zone to care for her brother Brendan, who has autism, and the specific rituals (involving KFC and a specific placement of the spoon and straws) that brought them a unique moment of connection. Together, they discuss how to find "flow," the importance of mental health, and the joy of rediscovering old passions like sewing and crafting.

• Recap of Annie’s Story: Reflecting on the "word of the year"—Joy—and how a health crisis can lead to a more purposeful life.
• The Physical Cost of Stress: Kim discusses her experience with vestibular neuritis and vertigo brought on by a high-stress school environment and the pressure of being a new mom.
• Prioritizing Mental Health: A discussion on why women often "muscle through" stress and the importance of pausing before reaching a breaking point.
• Finding "Flow" in Creativity: Jen talks about her return to sewing after 18 months and the peace found in being creative.
• The KFC Ritual: Jen shares the detailed system required to take her brother Brendan out for lunch, including the precise placement of straws and spoons in the center console.
• Communication Beyond Words: How Brendan’s "happy noises" and specific demands for disinfectant wipes showed a deep sense of connection and joy.

In this episode, Annie continues to share her transformative journey from a high-pressure career as a family lawyer to her current role as a health and wellbeing coach. After a life-altering trip to New York that served as a catalyst for change, Annie realized she could no longer sustain the stress and constant deadlines of her legal practice. She discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with motherhood, her transition into "Bodies Before Business" coaching, and the importance of maintaining meaningful professional relationships while prioritizing personal health.

• The Catalyst for Change: Annie discusses how a three-week trip to New York with her husband helped her reconnect with joy and clarity, leading to a courageous decision to reshape her life.
• The Reality of the "Return": Returning to Australia and facing a mountain of emails, Annie quickly realized her body could no longer handle the habitual tension of her full-time legal role.
• Career Evolution: From running corporate health programs in the 1990s to becoming a family lawyer and eventually pivoting back to coaching, Annie explores the cyclical nature of her professional path.
• Defining Success in Law: Annie reflects on her time as a solicitor, defining success as helping clients navigate the "messiness" of separation and moving them toward a stable future.
• "Bodies Before Business": An introduction to Annie’s current coaching program, which helps senior lawyers and law firm owners avoid burnout and prioritize their wellbeing.
• The Power of Connection: Annie emphasizes the value of her "Central West Therapy Group"—a close-knit circle of colleagues who provided essential support during her most challenging health and professional moments.

You can find Annie at https://anniesievers.com/

Instagram @anniessievers

Facebook @Annie Sievers

Books mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Lisa Miller https://www.lisamillerphd.com/ The Awakened Brain

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar https://www.draditi.com/ The 5 Reset- Your Personalized Roadmap to Rewire Your Brain

You can find us at www.TheContagiousJoyPodcast.com where you can submit a What's Your Joy Story.

Facebook: The Contagious Joy Podcast

Facebook Group: What's Your Joy

Instagram @thecontagiousjoypodcast

In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny return from a two-week hiatus to interview Annie, a former family lawyer from Mudgee, New South Wales. Annie shares her powerful journey from living a high-pressure, "unsustainable" life in the legal field to finding a new purpose after a serious health diagnosis. The conversation explores the hidden burdens lawyers carry, the importance of listening to your body, and how to find clarity and joy even in life’s heaviest moments.

• Meeting Annie: Jenny describes her "instant" connection with Annie at a conference a year ago and introduces her background as a dedicated professional in country New South Wales.
• The Life of a Family Lawyer: Annie reflects on 12 years of "jumping from deadline to deadline," juggling a massive workload with personal responsibilities and the emotional toll of managing clients' lives.
• Accidental Self-Care: How losing a car for a month forced Annie into a walking commute, revealing the desperate need for breaks and movement.
• Finding the "Wins": Annie discusses the rewarding side of law—using behavioral psychology to help clients move toward a "future-focused" life after separation.
• The Weight of Vicarious Trauma: A deep dive into the emotional burden lawyers carry, the "mask" of invulnerability they must wear, and the moment Annie realized she had to retire for her own sanity.
• Windshields vs. Rearview Mirrors: A discussion on why looking forward is more vital than dwelling on the past.
• The Turning Point: Annie begins to share the onset of a health crisis in late 2022 that ultimately changed the trajectory of her life.

You can find Annie at https://anniesievers.com/

Instagram @anniessievers

Facebook @Annie Sievers

Are you ready to continue on an international adventure filled with both tomfoolery and fun? Welcome to the Contagious Joy Podcast, where we dive deep into the art of finding light even in the trickiest of times.

Hosted by two friends who have "been through the wringer" when it comes to serious and confronting topics, this show explores how to capture joy in the moments that matter most.

In every episode, you can expect:

• Deep Exploration: We discuss themes of joyful living, personal growth, and the vital importance of finding joy in everyday life.

• Serious Conversations: While we love a good laugh, we don’t shy away from the serious topics that shape who we are.

• Transformative Practices: We share the actual tools and habits that helped us find our way back to the light.

• Special Guests: Join us for insightful chats with inspiring guests.

• Interactive Fun: Get involved with our unique listener joy challenges!

Join us as we share our stories, ask the tough questions, and learn together how to live more joyfully.

Season 2 of the Contagious Joy Podcast returning to the airwaves on April 4th!

In this special season finale, Kim and Jenny reflect on their journey through the first 11 episodes of the Contagious Joy Podcast. They celebrate reaching a milestone of 400 listens and take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the heartfelt, heavy, and hilarious moments that defined their first season. From discussing the "biosecurity" of mixed nuts to navigating sibling loss and "joy vampires," the duo explores how they've found light in both the mundane and the monumental. The hosts conclude by inviting listeners to share their own stories as they prepare for a refreshed Season 2 in April.

• The Milestone: Celebrating 400 listens and the global connection between Minnesota and Sydney.
• The Great Food Debate: Re-evaluating whether the first meal their fathers shared 50 years ago was American tacos or "hot ham".
• A Season of Depth: Recapping key episodes, including:
  • Episode 2: Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart and finding purpose through grief.
  • Episode 3: The science of joy (amygdalas and hippocampi) and "admitting defeat" as a strength.
  • Episode 4: Lessons from Jenny’s brother Paulie and the perils of Australian customs.
  • Episode 5: Funeral photography with Nell Alberto and finding the "real fun" in funerals.
  • Episode 8: Identifying "joy vampires" and setting boundaries to protect your energy.
• Special Guest: A brief audio cameo from Hector, Jenny’s golden retriever puppy.
• The "RxCKSTxR" Recommendation: A hilarious shout-out to animal voiceover videos involving Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

The podcast is taking a short hiatus! Kim is driving her parents from Oregon back to Minnesota, and Jenny is busy with new speaking engagements. Season 2 will return in April with new guests, including discussions on infertility, farm life, and more.

Connect with Us: * Website: www.contagiousjoypodcast.com * Socials: @TheContagiousJoyPodcast (Facebook & Instagram) * Share Your Story: Submit a "Joy Story" or volunteer to be a guest on our site!

In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Jenny and Kim explore the intentional practice of "bringing joy" to others. Inspired by the storytelling of folk singer Christine Lavin, Jenny reflects on how a simple conversation can prevent a "moment from slipping away" and shares a touching story about a chance encounter at a grocery store that changed a stranger's week. The hosts delve into the profound impact of kindness, from supporting those with disabilities and communication challenges to the life-changing work of the Jesse Reese Foundation. Whether it’s through "Joy Jars," Lego flowers, or just a genuine "hello," this episode is a reminder that being a "light bringer" is a choice we can make every day.

• The Origin Story: Kim reveals the podcast was almost named "Joy Bringer" before a fortune cookie inspired the current title.
• Lessons from Christine Lavin: Jenny discusses the song "The Moment Slipped Away" and the importance of speaking up when you admire someone.
• The Aldi Connection: A powerful story about how a simple greeting to a woman in a wheelchair turned into a lasting connection.

• A Legacy of Approachability: Kim reminisces about her "Grandma Vi," who could turn a quick trip for bread and milk into an hour-long social event.
• Navigating Non-Verbal Worlds: Jenny talks about her two non-verbal brothers and the importance of "noticing and feeling" when words aren't available.
• The Magic of Speech Therapy: Kim shares her son Hakan’s journey with a "talker" (AAC device) and the emotional moment he first said "I love you".

• The Jesse Reese Foundation: An introduction to the "Never Ever Give Up" (NEGU) movement and "Joy Jars" for children fighting cancer.
• The Toy Cave: Jenny describes a "toy cave" at Ronald McDonald House that provides hope and distraction for sick children.
• The "Smile" Experiment: Kim shares a simple challenge used in her counseling career to demonstrate how joy is reflected back to us.

• The Bring the Joy Challenge: The hosts invite listeners to share their own stories of bringing joy to others via their website or social media.

You can find the Jesse Reese Foundation at www.negu.org

In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny explore the intersection of joy and boundaries through the lens of unexpected life events. Kim shares her recent experience serving on a day-and-a-half theft trial, describing the selection process, the internal struggle to remain stoic while being a naturally joyful person, and the small ways she found joy—such as admiring the new courthouse views and doodling to stay focused. Jenny complements the discussion with her own legal stories from Australia, including a run-in with a judge whose colorful language left a lasting impression. Together, they reflect on the absurdity of rigid systems, the importance of "joy filters" to block out "joy vampires," and how setting boundaries—even in a courtroom—is essential for maintaining one's peace.

• The Joy Filter: A look at how to protect your happiness from "joy vampires" and "joy suckers".

• Kim’s Jury Duty Experience:
  • Receiving a summons in Oregon and the process of "voir dire".
  • The transition from a joyful mood to the stoic requirements of a trial.
  • Finding joy in the small things: courthouse architecture and the "delightful" court clerk.
  • The challenge of sitting still and the benefits of doodling for those with ADHD.

• Jenny’s Legal Tales from Australia:
  • The similar process of jury summons in Australia.
  • A personal story involving a mistrial, a future husband, and a judge’s shocking promise to "walk naked on his hands".

• The Absurdity of Systems: A discussion on the "pomp and circumstance" of the court system and how absurd humor (like Monty Python) can help navigate complex, rigid environments.

• Manners and Soirees: A look at vintage etiquette for the courtroom and an invitation to a formal soiree.