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.

Join Dr. Shine for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Klint Guerry—seasoned executive, author, leadership coach, and the creative mind behind A Guide to Self-Disruption and The Guerry Notebook. As one of the featured contributors to House of Shine's journaling exhibit, Klint shares how a simple blank notebook—and a desire to rewrite his story—changed the trajectory of his life forever.

In this episode, Klint opens up about his journey from a chaotic, unstable childhood to becoming a purpose-driven leader overseeing thousands. He credits journaling as the single most transformative tool in his life—a daily practice that gave him structure, self-awareness, and the ability to reflect, grow, and lead with intention.

Discover how Klint's method of daily journaling, combined with a quarterly and annual review process, has helped him become a lifelong learner and a more empathetic leader. He shares how his journaling system helps capture meaningful moments, refine decision-making, and preserve wisdom in a way that builds both personal and professional legacy.

Key Topics:

• Klint's origin story and the two women who changed his life

• How journaling became his anchor in a world of instability

• The origin of The Guerry Notebook and its life-altering impact

• Building a habit of intentional reflection and growth

• Why reviewing your past entries can unlock future potential

• How consistency and clarity can catalyze transformation

Whether you're a seasoned journaler or just curious about how a daily practice can spark life change, this conversation will leave you inspired to pick up a pen and start where you are.

See Klint's journals on display at the GROW exhibit at House of Shine!

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation with Mimi Loftus, House of Shine's go-to youth expert and self-proclaimed "teen whisperer." In this deeply relatable episode, Mimi shares powerful insights from real teens about what they wish their parents knew—and how adults can better connect with the young people in their lives.

Based on anonymous feedback Mimi gathered directly from adolescents, this episode breaks down three core themes that keep showing up: teens want to be understood, not "fixed"; they need their interests respected; and they long to feel safe opening up without judgment or comparison.

With humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom, Mimi and Dr. Shine unpack the nuance of parenting through adolescence—including how good intentions can unintentionally feel invasive, and why listening might be the most powerful parenting tool of all.

Key Topics: Why your teen's interests matter—even when they change How to show support without hijacking their passions The emotional toll of comparison (including to siblings or yourself)

What it means to create "safe space" for teens to open up Why letting go of the need to always teach or solve can actually deepen your connection

Whether you're parenting a teen, mentoring one, or simply trying to understand the next generation, this episode offers practical, compassionate advice for showing up with more empathy, curiosity, and trust.

Join Dr. Shine on this week's episode of What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a heartfelt, wanderlust-filled conversation with Tien Tran—global citizen, intentional traveler, and one of the featured journalers in our GROW: Journaling Through the Seasons exhibit at House of Shine.

Inspired by The Diary of Anne Frank at age 11, Tien picked up his first journal—a Harry Potter notebook—just weeks before returning to Vietnam for the first time since childhood. That moment sparked a journaling journey that now spans 43 journals, 10 countries, and six continents.

In this episode, Tien shares how journaling became his way of anchoring memories, making sense of new environments, and honoring the different versions of himself that have existed in different places. From scribbling reflections in quiet cafés to embracing the mindset of a lifelong learner, Tien's travel journals are less about tracking miles and more about capturing meaning.

Key Topics Include: How a childhood movie led to a lifelong journaling habit Why Tien chooses not to reread his journals—and what that says about presence and perspective What travel journaling actually looks like (hint: no rules, no pressure—just presence) Reflections on privilege, identity, and the myths of the digital nomad life "You'll never be the you in this place again"—the mantra that shaped Tien's travel philosophy

Whether you're planning your next big trip or simply looking to live more intentionally right where you are, this conversation will encourage you to reflect, document, and grow.

See Tien's journals on display at the GROW exhibit at House of Shine!

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Peggy Sue Robinson—longtime friend of the House of Shine, resident creative, and passionate junk journaler. In this joyful episode, Peggy Sue shares her journey from "lurker" on the original House of Shine blog to creative contributor whose influence can be felt throughout our museum space.

Together, they explore the evolution of journaling as a practice—not just as a place to write thoughts, but as a powerful form of self-expression. Peggy Sue introduces us to the art of junk journaling—a handmade, visual journaling method using repurposed materials. For her, it's more than a craft; it's a meditative process that helps her slow down, reflect, and connect deeply with her values and experiences.

In a year she's calling her "Year of Fearless," Peggy Sue opens up about how this journaling practice has become a quiet rebellion against fear and perfectionism. From painting murals to tackling new challenges, her story is a testament to the courage that comes from creative exploration.

Key Topics:

• What is junk journaling and how to get started
• The emotional and reflective benefits of crafting by hand
• How one word—fearless—is guiding Peggy Sue's year
• Creativity as a form of clarity, connection, and courage
• Letting go of perfection to find meaning in the mess

Whether you're a seasoned journaler or just curious about starting, this episode will leave you inspired to fear less and create more.

🎧 Listen now and explore Peggy Sue's beautiful exhibit at the House of Shine or follow her journey on Instagram @PRDesigns.

Join us for a very special solo episode of What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast as Dr. Claudia Beeny—aka Dr. Shine—invites listeners into her personal journaling practice and the origin story behind House of Shine's newest exhibit, Grow: Journaling Through the Seasons.

In this candid, insightful, and often hilarious episode, Dr. Shine opens her journals and her heart, revealing how 18 years of spontaneous journaling turned into a powerful manifestation practice that helped bring the House of Shine to life. From blog posts written during preschool pickup to early sketches of programs that now define House of Shine's identity, Dr. Shine shows how creativity, consistency, and curiosity can shape a life of purpose.

What started as a daily blogging challenge evolved into a deeply meaningful journaling ritual—filled with color, sticky notes, confetti, quotes, goals, and dreams-in-progress. In her words, "What you focus on will expand." And this episode is living proof.

Key Topics: The story behind Grow: Journaling Through the Seasons, House of Shine's latest exhibit Dr. Shine's journaling evolution: from idea-catcher to manifestation magic Why writing down your dreams gives them power Examples from her actual journals—including the birth of Ray the Lightbulb and "Fun in a Box Friday" The routines, rituals, and creative prompts that keep her journals alive How journaling fuels intentionality, productivity, and personal growth

Whether you've never journaled a day in your life or you've got shelves of spiral-bound notebooks, this episode will inspire you to grab a pen and start capturing the brilliance that's already inside you.

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Kim Lozada, retired educator, cancer survivor, and author of The COVID Chronicles: A Journey of Faith and Hope. In this powerful episode, Dr. Lozada shares how a spontaneous journaling habit during the early days of the pandemic evolved into a published book—one that serves as both a personal memoir and a collective time capsule for a moment in history we'll never forget.

As the world slowed down, Kim picked up her pen. What began as a tool for reflection quickly became a record of everyday life—from grocery store runs and Zoom calls to deeply personal battles, including her unexpected breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Through it all, Kim leaned into her creativity, faith, and community to find joy in the small things—painted rock trails, fairy house scavenger hunts, and "God winks" that reminded her she was never alone.

Key Topics:

• Why journaling is a powerful tool for healing, clarity, and growth
• How The COVID Chronicles became an accidental but enduring book
• Surviving breast cancer in the midst of a global pandemic
• Finding beauty and meaning in unexpected places
• How creativity and community carried Kim through her hardest days

Whether you lived through the pandemic feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or reflective, this episode is a powerful reminder of what it means to slow down, pay attention, and document our stories—because in doing so, we discover just how much light we carry.

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