At House of Shine, we believe everyone has a dream worth planting—and in this episode, we hear one of the most inspiring yet. Santi, a high school senior at Jesuit Dallas, returns to the podcast to share how a dream he planted at our museum—a dream to build a permanent soccer league for underserved kids in Grapevine—is steadily coming to life.

What began with a Change Bowl grant and a simple idea for a one-day soccer camp has grown into a full-blown youth league known as Soccer with Santi. Through creativity, grit, and collaboration, Santi has brought together community volunteers, corporate partners like FC Dallas, and even a local graphic designer to help create something far greater than just a game. His dream? To now build a permanent soccer field right in front of the kids’ apartment complex—giving them a safe, consistent space to play, belong, and shine.

This episode is the perfect kickoff to our Dream Initiative series, which showcases everyday dreamers who are rolling up their sleeves and turning their passions into real-world impact. Santi’s story reminds us that dreams aren’t just wishful thinking—they’re blueprints for building a better tomorrow.

Key Topics:

• The origin story of Soccer with Santi

• Why access to team sports creates confidence, identity, and inclusion

• What it takes to turn a dream into a sustainable community program

• How House of Shine helped Santi discover his “do” and empowered his “share”

• The power of competition, accountability, and gratitude in leadership

• What it means to plant a dream—and invite others to help it grow

Tune in and be inspired to dust off your own dream, plant it in our International Dream Garden, and begin the journey to share it with the world

Join Dr. Shine on What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a deeply personal solo episode kicking off our newest series on Dreams—a celebration of vision, perseverance, and purpose. As House of Shine prepares to break ground on the International Dream Garden, this episode invites you to reflect on how your dreams are planted, watered, and brought to life—even in seasons that feel uncertain or unfinished.

With heartfelt vulnerability and wisdom, Dr. Shine shares the story behind her own dream—the one that started in a quiet notebook, took root in conversations, and now blooms through a community of dreamers across the globe. From the early scribbles of a children’s book to the blueprint of the Dream Garden itself, she reminds us that every big idea begins small. But it takes courage, commitment, and community to keep it growing.

This episode is more than a story—it’s a call to action for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Is my dream too big? Too late? Too much?” Dr. Shine will challenge you to write it down, say it out loud, and surround yourself with people who water your dreams.

💭 Whether your dream is a whisper or a wildfire, this episode will inspire you to take your next step with purpose.

Key Topics:

• The origin of the Dream Garden and why it matters now more than ever

• What makes a dream come to life—and what holds us back

• Why documenting your dreams creates momentum

• How small steps today plant seeds for tomorrow

• A powerful reminder: Don’t bury your dreams. Plant them.

Tune in now and rediscover how to dream with clarity, confidence, and community.

From Educator to Inspiration: Arlene Manthey’s Legacy Back to school isn’t just for students—it’s a time to honor those who’ve shaped generations. In this encore episode, we sit down with retired educator and former Peace Love Shine honoree Arlene Manthey, who reflects on a lifetime of impact. Key Takeaway: When you teach from the heart, your Shine lives on in every student you’ve touched. A powerful reminder to celebrate the educators who helped you Shine.

Join Dr. Shine for a re-release of one of our most resonant episodes featuring Emily Donahue—a communications leader, storyteller, and deep thinker whose personal journey offers wisdom for anyone navigating change.

In this heartfelt conversation, Emily reflects on the quiet nudges that guided her away from a high-profile job in Washington, D.C., toward a life of greater alignment and authenticity. Her story is not about abandoning ambition but about redefining success in a way that honors who you are becoming.

Emily opens up about the courage it takes to listen to your inner voice, the importance of slowing down, and the value of tuning in rather than pushing through. Her reflections remind us that life isn’t always about big leaps—it’s about small steps toward peace, purpose, and clarity.

Key Topics:

• Recognizing and responding to life’s “nudges”

• Leaving a dream job to pursue personal alignment

• Listening to your inner voice amid noise and pressure

• Redefining success and identity on your own terms

• How storytelling shapes how we live and lead

• Permission to slow down and embrace transition seasons

Whether you’re at a crossroads or simply seeking inspiration to be more intentional with your life and work, this episode is a gentle reminder that sometimes the boldest thing we can do is pause—and listen.

Join Dr. Shine on this illuminating episode of What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast as she welcomes Ashley Hadley—longtime educator, leader, and relationship-builder whose passion for guiding youth is matched only by her deep commitment to listening with intention.

With a career rooted in public education and mentorship, Ashley brings a grounded, heartfelt perspective on what it means to truly see students—especially those on the margins. In this rich conversation, she shares how small gestures of kindness and curiosity can open the door to life-changing relationships, and how her own SHINE journey has helped her center both purpose and joy.

Through her honest reflections and memorable stories (including one about a student who taught her the importance of slowing down), Ashley reveals the transformative power of saying yes—to connection, to growth, and to the people who need us most.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or someone seeking more meaningful impact in your everyday life, this episode will leave you inspired to lean into relationships with greater empathy, clarity, and care.

Key Topics:

• How asking the right questions opens the door to trust

• The impact of mentorship and consistent presence in students’ lives

• Navigating the emotional load of teaching with authenticity

• Ashley’s SHINE insights and her favorite "aha" moments

• Why saying yes often leads to surprising transformation

This is an episode about presence, purpose, and the power of one adult who chooses to show up. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join Dr. Shine on What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an energizing conversation with Cherie Morgan, the powerhouse behind transformative partnerships at House of Shine. In this inspiring episode, Cherie shares how a lifetime of servant leadership, corporate excellence, and relentless curiosity led her to discover the joy of connecting mission-driven organizations to the resources they need most.

Cherie sheds light on how ordinary relationships can spark extraordinary impact—and why saying “yes” to one simple invitation can change the trajectory of your life. Through her work in the community and at House of Shine, Cherie has become a connector of people, ideas, and opportunities. Her insights reveal why the smallest step of engagement—be it volunteering, mentoring, or hosting a Shine event—can create ripple effects that bless entire neighborhoods.

Key Topics:

• How to ask better questions
• What it means to live out your “shine” through service
• How community engagement can fuel both personal and professional growth

Whether you’re a seasoned leader, a new volunteer, or simply curious about the power of one person to make a difference—this conversation will leave you inspired to say yes, show up, and shine right where you are.

Join Dr. Shine on What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Courtney Johnson, founder of Culinary Care—a nonprofit redefining how we support cancer patients through the power of food and community. In this heartfelt episode, Courtney shares how the loss of her father to cancer sparked her mission to deliver made-to-order meals to patients during treatment, ensuring no one faces chemotherapy on an empty stomach.

Discover how Culinary Care is about far more than meal delivery. As Courtney puts it, “We are a community organization—and the way that we bring community to people is through food.” Hear how this vision transforms the experience of cancer care, helping patients look forward to something as simple, and meaningful, as a warm meal during their hardest moments.

Through candid discussion, Courtney reflects on the role of joy, empathy, and intentionality in leadership. From creative camp counselor roots to becoming an entrepreneurial force for good, she unpacks the emotional side of caregiving and how small acts of kindness ripple into profound impact.

Key Topics:

• How Culinary Care delivers hope alongside meals for cancer patients

• The healing power of food, dignity, and connection

• Building community through service and hospitality

• Lessons from blending entrepreneurship with nonprofit leadership

• Finding purpose through grief and giving back

Whether you're passionate about food, community service, or purpose-driven work, this episode will leave you inspired to find creative ways to make a difference.

Join us for an insightful episode of What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast as Dr. Shine sits down with Chief Graves of the Grapevine Police Department to explore what it means to lead with heart, humility, and hope in modern law enforcement. With decades of experience, Chief Graves brings wisdom, warmth, and clarity to a profession often misunderstood. “When someone calls 911, they’re not calling to complain—they’re calling because they need help,” she shares. “Our job is to show up ready to serve, with empathy and excellence.”

This episode goes beyond policies and procedures to focus on people—how officers are trained, supported, and encouraged to connect with their community. Chief Graves offers a transparent look at building trust, prioritizing officer wellness, and leading with purpose.

“Trust is earned in drops and lost in buckets.”

Whether you’re a community member, a leadership enthusiast, or someone who believes in service-centered leadership, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key Topics Include: • The evolution of community policing • Leadership through transparency and trust • Supporting officer mental health and resilience • Building relationships beyond emergencies • Why service is at the heart of Chief Graves’ leadership philosophy

Join Dr. Shine on What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a captivating conversation with Brad Holley—visionary outdoor designer, creative mind behind Undesign, and winner of the prestigious Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge.

In this episode, Brad shares the heart behind his award-winning outdoor environments, which are far more than luxury backyards—they’re places where people gather, celebrate, and grow. He also opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, learning the power of mentorship, and how design can shape behavior and build community.

But that’s not all—Brad dives into one of the most joyful, imaginative projects we’ve ever featured on the podcast: a community-wide treasure hunt he created during the pandemic that brought neighbors together through surprise, creativity, and kindness.

This episode is a masterclass in self-awareness, vision, and the power of creating spaces—both physical and emotional—where people can truly connect.

Key Topics:

• Brad’s journey from commercial construction to award-winning outdoor design
• How design can transform behavior and foster human connection
• The magic of mentorship and learning through apprenticeship
• Behind the scenes of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge
• The story of Dallas Side Quest: a pandemic-era community treasure hunt that sparked joy and connection

Join Dr. Shine on What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a powerful and practical conversation with content creator and former educator Ashlynn McKay, as she explores the crisis facing our kids: a silent decline in creativity, connection, and mental health.

In this episode, Ashlynn draws from her experience as both a teacher and digital storyteller to unpack what we’re losing in an increasingly screen-centered world—and what we can reclaim. From the pressure cooker of modern childhood in North Texas to the classroom policies that unintentionally squash imagination, Ashlynn shares compelling insights about why boredom is essential, how reflection can build emotional resilience, and why journaling and reading matter more than ever.

With a blend of storytelling, research, and raw honesty, Ashlynn challenges listeners to reconsider the role of technology, busyness, and perfectionism in the lives of children—and in their own. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone passionate about the next generation, this conversation will inspire you to protect creativity and prioritize human connection.

Key Topics:

• Why the loss of boredom is stifling creativity in kids

• How digital culture is changing the way youth relate, reflect, and express themselves

• The emotional and educational power of journaling and imagination

• Family rituals that foster reflection and resilience

• How educators can build empathy and curiosity through classroom practices

• Technology, boundaries, and what it really means to live with intention in a digital world

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that encourages all of us to slow down, unplug, and rediscover the joy of creating, imagining, and simply being.