Chasing Joy is a podcast about the pursuit of joy in the midst of real life — with all its unfolding, obstacles, and unexpected turns. Hosted by Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne, each episode blends honest conversation, personal stories, and thoughtful reflections on how we show up to ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us.
Along the way, they’re joined by guests who bring their own inspiring — and sometimes heartbreaking — stories of resilience, loss, hope, and transformation. Their experiences open space for all of us to learn, reflect, and discover new ways of living with authenticity, purpose, and joy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chasing Joy is a podcast about the pursuit of joy in the midst of real life — with all its unfolding, obstacles, and unexpected turns. Hosted by Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne, each episode blends honest conversation, personal stories, and thoughtful reflections on how we show up to ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us.
Along the way, they’re joined by guests who bring their own inspiring — and sometimes heartbreaking — stories of resilience, loss, hope, and transformation. Their experiences open space for all of us to learn, reflect, and discover new ways of living with authenticity, purpose, and joy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Chasing Joy, Wayne explores why uncertainty triggers anxiety, how our nervous systems pull us into autopilot, and why learning to pause is often the first step toward better choices. Through a grounded conversation about breath, awareness, and attention, the episode looks at how presence follows pause… and how that presence gives us access to more thoughtful, intentional responses.
This episode offers a practical reflection on stress, decision-making, and discovering joy not by controlling life, but by meeting it with clarity and awareness.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Episode 27 of Chasing Joy, Spencer and Wayne turn the spotlight on their own co-host, Bryan Flores, kicking off a run of episodes where the hosts stop pretending they’re neutral observers and start telling their own stories.
Bryan talks about growing up between worlds, learning early that nothing stays the same, and why uncertainty isn’t something to conquer—it’s something to learn how to surf. The conversation bounces from flow states and surrender to systems, success, and the quiet realization that “making it” doesn’t always feel the way you thought it would.
Along the way, there are laughs, long friendships, backyard epiphanies, questionable road-trip decisions, and at least one story involving saving a naked guy from freezing to death. Because of course there is.
Less advice. More honesty.
This is Chasing Joy… with the hosts finally chasing their own origin stories.
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Comedian, musician, and creator Eric Schwartz joins Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne for a candid and hilarious conversation about what it actually takes to live a life built on laughter. From early creative impulses to the pressure of performance, Eric shares how joy shows up in his work—and how he protects it in the grind of a nonstop career.
Together, the group explores creativity, ego, vulnerability, the psychology behind humor, and why comedians often understand joy (and suffering) on a deeper level than most. This episode is packed with laughter, real talk, unexpected insights, and a refreshing look at how joy is both crafted and discovered.
A must-listen for creatives, performers, and anyone trying to navigate their own inner critic on the path to fulfillment.
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In this follow-up to their conversation with Kristi and Katrina from the DK805 podcast, the Chasing Joy crew dives even deeper into the themes that surfaced in Episode 24—healing, identity, self-permission, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life after rupture. Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne pick up right where the last discussion left off, unpacking the emotional weight of transition, the stories we inherit, and the ways we unconsciously limit ourselves while trying to protect who we used to be.
With their signature mix of honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom, the guys explore the moments that shake us awake, the resistance we feel when change arrives uninvited, and the unexpected joy that emerges when we stop gripping so tightly to certainty. If Episode 24 opened the door, Episode 25 walks through it—illuminating what it means to evolve, to let others see you, and to move toward a life that feels more aligned, more whole, and more you.
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On this episode of Chasing Joy, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne sit down with Katrina and Kristi, hosts of the DK805 podcast — two mothers whose friendship was forged through unimaginable loss. Both women lost their sons to fentanyl, and together they’ve built a space for healing, truth-telling, and community.
They share how their connection began on a Facebook support thread, how grief reshaped their lives, and why speaking openly about addiction, stigma, and the realities families face has become their purpose. Through stories of courtrooms, care packages, spiritual signs, grandchildren, boundaries, nature, prayer, and showing up for one another, Katrina and Kristi remind us that grief and joy can coexist… and that hurt people can also become healers.
This conversation is raw, compassionate, and full of the kind of honesty that helps people feel less alone.
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On this powerful episode of Chasing Joy, Spencer, Bryan and Wayne sit with someone whose transformation has unfolded right in front of them… Spencer’s daughter, Brittany Phillips. Brittany opens up about her journey through addiction, family chaos and the difficult work of rebuilding a self rooted in honesty, vulnerability and contentment.
She shares how recovery helped her break old patterns, confront hard truths and discover a deeper sense of contentment than she’s ever known. The conversation is heartfelt, sometimes funny, and always real… touching on forgiveness, identity, the 12 Steps, and the courage it takes to begin again.
Whether you’re in your own season of struggle or looking for grounded inspiration, Brittany’s story offers hope, clarity and the reminder that joy can grow in even the most fragile places.
Tune in.
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Welcome back to Chasing Joy. In this episode, we sit down again with the luminous Shelby Figueroa… healer, musician, and one of the few people who can drop a room’s blood pressure with a single song.
She comes back to dig even deeper into the real meaning of self care… not the commercial version we’re handed, but the kind that pulls us back into our bodies, our creativity, and our connection with each other. Together, we explore why the word health carries so much baggage, how creativity can become a lifeline, and why sharing something you’ve made can feel like an act of courage.
Shelby also reveals her new Creative Circle — an open space for music, poetry, drawing, and anything else that brings people back to themselves. It’s adult show and tell, but with soul.
This conversation moves from laughter to honesty to those moments where something slows down and everyone remembers what it means to be human. If you’ve been feeling disconnected… overwhelmed… or stuck in the “I’ll get healthy tomorrow” loop, this episode is a gentle doorway back to joy.
Tune in, sit with us, and let Shelby’s presence remind you that self care isn’t a task list… it’s an invitation.
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In “Fragile Future,” Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne reflect on the season’s biggest themes... from healing and purpose to the messy beauty of uncertainty. They unpack why not knowing often feels harder than bad news, and how anxiety, control, and the endless what-ifs keep us stuck in survival mode.
Through humor, honesty, and real-life reflection, the crew explores how awe, curiosity, and mindful pauses can help us meet change with creativity and peace.
If you’ve ever struggled to stay grounded when life feels unpredictable, this conversation is your reminder that even in chaos, joy — and a little grace — are still within reach.
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Welcome to another episode of Chasing Joy.
Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne sit down with Dr. Tipu Khan... a family physician from Ventura County who recently returned from Gaza after volunteering as an ER doctor in the middle of an active war zone.
What he shares isn’t easy to hear... but it’s real. Tipu talks about the conversations he had with his family before leaving... the letters he wrote to his children in case he didn’t make it home... and what it means to step into a place where even hospitals aren’t safe.
Through his firsthand stories, we hear about the staggering level of trauma unfolding every day... and the small, human moments that somehow keep people going. Children laughing and playing at the water truck. A wedding that fills a tent city with music. A stranger offering a warm meal to tired doctors.
This conversation moves through heavy, deeply human themes... the purpose of advocacy in medicine, the privilege of safety and stability, and the struggle to process suffering once you’ve seen it up close. Dr. Khan also shares his perspective on how narratives are shaped from afar... and how, even in the darkest places, simple acts of love and connection can begin to restore faith in humanity.
On the Ground in Gaza is a raw, unguarded look at what it means to stay human amid chaos... and a reminder that healing—personal and collective—often begins with small steps... taken with great love.
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Welcome back to Chasing Joy! In this episode, Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan revisit a long-lost conversation that became legend in their archives—the infamous “Diamonds and Measuring Sticks.”
What begins as playful banter quickly unfolds into one of the show’s most profound discussions: how our perspective shapes our reality, how our “measuring sticks” define what we value, and how shifting our view—even slightly—can change everything.
Bryan introduces the metaphor of the “joy diamond,” a lens through which every facet of life refracts a different truth. Wayne brings it down to earth with practical tools like breathwork, presence, and curiosity—reminding us that transformation starts with a single pause. Spencer challenges both with his trademark skepticism, grounding the philosophy in real-world struggle: bills, responsibility, and the chaos of everyday life.
Together they explore how we evolve, how to find serenity in the middle of crisis, and why joy is less about perfection and more about perspective.
A conversation on awareness, sustainability of the soul, and the courage to re-measure what truly matters.
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In this heartfelt episode of Chasing Joy, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne welcome singer-songwriter and music therapist Shelby Figueroa, whose journey from nursing to healing through music is as moving as the songs she writes.
Shelby opens up about losing her mother while in nursing school, discovering songwriting as a way to process grief, and the profound moment she realized her soul was “dying” inside a career that no longer aligned with her values. Through stories of courage, self-discovery, and connection, she shares how leaving the safety of a “sensible” path led her toward a life of purpose—and how music became both her own medicine and a bridge to heal others.
With her ukulele in hand, Shelby gives the hosts (and all of us) a firsthand experience of the calm, presence, and emotion she brings to hospital rooms every day—where music can ease anxiety, unlock memory, and even spark miraculous awakenings.
From laughter about “death-metal therapy” to tears over the power of song, this episode is a beautiful reminder that joy often arrives when we quiet the noise, follow what feels alive, and allow ourselves to be instruments of healing.
Links to Shelby's Music:
For more information about music therapy, you can contact Shelby at Shelbymusictherapist@gmail.com.
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Welcome back to Chasing Joy! In this episode, Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan sit down with Doug Marone, whose inspiring journey from chasing career success to embracing philanthropy has completely reshaped his outlook on joy and fulfillment.
After years of 80-hour workweeks and corporate achievement, a single moment at a friend’s funeral, and two chance encounters at a charity event, set Doug on a new path. He went on to co-found the Ride for Autism Foundation, spending nearly two decades raising funds and awareness for families affected by autism. What started as an effort to give back became a transformative lesson in perspective, gratitude, and genuine connection.
Through candid stories and plenty of humor, Doug reflects on how giving to others fed his own soul, why joy requires daily intention, and how even a simple smile can change the course of someone’s day. The conversation explores the power of gratitude, the challenge of slowing down, and the truth that fulfillment isn’t found in more... but in meaning.
It’s a warm, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation that reminds us: sometimes joy isn’t something to chase... it’s something to share.
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In this episode of Chasing Joy, musician (Beware of Darkness) and author (Thank God for Depression) Kyle Nicolaides, joins us alongside SoCal Sound host Hillary Gordon to explore what it really means to chase joy.
Kyle opens up about how depression and anxiety ended his rock career—touring with the Smashing Pumpkins, performing on Conan, topping charts—yet became the doorway to healing, spirituality, and self-compassion. From ayahuasca journeys and silent retreats to confronting early trauma, he reframes depression not as a curse, but as a messenger pointing toward liberation.
Alongside Hillary’s grounded wisdom, we unpack:
Kyle also teases his next book, Thank God for Anxiety, and the spiritual practices behind it.
This is a conversation about healing, compassion, and finding joy in the very places we try to avoid.
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In this week's episode of Chasing Joy we journey into the dark and silence within... sensory deprivation.
It started with a card in a Berkeley bookstore.
“The secret to getting everything you want is…” it read.
That simple line opened the door to a deeper conversation—about joy, about contentment, and about the quiet practice of wanting less.
In this episode, we talk about the difference between chasing more and being present to what already is. Wayne shares what he’s been learning through mindfulness, breathwork, and the strange but revealing experience of floating in a sensory deprivation tank. We talk about the awkwardness of tuning out the noise, the difficulty of sitting with your own thoughts, and the unexpected beauty in it all.
This one’s not about hacks or productivity. It’s about slowing down long enough to actually hear yourself think—and maybe even remember what matters.
If you're feeling stretched thin, or just curious about what contentment could look like in real life… this might be a good one to sit with.
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Welcome back to Chasing Joy! After a 20-month hiatus, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne—the original “band” behind the podcast—reunite for a raw and honest conversation about what it really means to pursue happiness in a world that seems to only get more complicated. In this episode, they reflect on life’s unpredictable twists, changing definitions of joy, and the tools they’ve gathered (and sometimes lost) along the way.
Spencer opens up about feeling like he’s “relapsed” in his journey of chasing joy, despite his best efforts, gratitude practices, and support systems. Together, the group explores the idea that joy isn’t a fixed destination but a continuous, ever-evolving journey—one that often requires redefining your measuring stick for happiness, building new boundaries, and learning how to surf life’s waves rather than control them.
Bryan and Wayne share insights on balance, boundaries, and the importance of community, while also highlighting how external pressures—from personal finances to world events—can dramatically shift our approaches to joy and contentment. The conversation is filled with metaphors (from music to surfing), humor, and vulnerability. Whether you’re navigating your own challenging season or simply looking to reconnect with what truly matters, this episode is a reminder that chasing joy is messy, ongoing, and, above all, a collective experience.
Tune in for practical wisdom, genuine laughs, and heartfelt moments as the Chasing Joy crew dives back in and invites you to join the journey.
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Welcome back to another episode of Chasing Joy! Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne, dive into a truly thoughtful conversation with our guest, award-winning singer-songwriter, faculty member of Influential U, and podcast host, Josh Damigo.
In this episode, we unpack the art and practice of deliberately cultivating joy in our daily lives. Josh shares his journey of moving from simply reacting to life’s challenges to proactively choosing joy, and how naming and exploring our emotions can help us find clarity and satisfaction. We talk about the difference between contentment and satisfaction, why curiosity and self-awareness matter, and the power of sitting with our feelings—rather than skipping past them.
Bryan brings up the concept of “hedonic adaptation,” stirring a deep discussion on why chasing the next best thing can sometimes leave us unfulfilled, and Wayne offers a nuanced look at how our mindset and environment shape our experience of happiness.
Whether you’re someone who finds joy in big achievements or in quiet contentment, this episode is full of practical wisdom—and plenty of laughs—that will inspire you to slow down, reflect, and make space for joy right where you are. Plus, you’ll get to hear about Josh’s take on toxic positivity, philosophy in everyday life, and maybe even pick up a new way to handle those inevitable flat tires on the road to happiness.
So grab your headphones, get cozy, and join us on this week’s episode of Chasing Joy as we explore what it really means to chase—and catch—joy in today’s world.
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On this episode of Chasing Joy, we’re joined by Russell Burke—a man whose outlook on life redefines what it truly means to find light in the darkest places. Spencer welcomes his old friend Russell to share the story of how his life changed literally in a split second: one moment he was a fun-loving, active dad and friend; the next, a shallow dive in Lake Havasu left him a quadriplegic, ventilator-dependent, and facing challenges most of us can hardly imagine.
But Russell’s journey is about far more than loss—it’s about acceptance and the relentless pursuit of joy. In an honest and uplifting conversation, he breaks down what it took to go from the depths of depression to becoming a beacon of hope for others facing spinal cord injuries and life’s curveballs. Joined by co-hosts Wayne and Bryan, this episode dives into how Russell uses social media to spark healing and awareness, the power of community and support, and the critical difference acceptance has made in his life. He shares not only the realities of radical dependence and adapting to a completely new way of living, but also how cultivating a positive mindset—and a strong circle of genuine connections—helps light the path forward.
Whether you’re facing adversity or just need a dose of perspective, Russell’s story is an inspiring reminder that we can find meaning and happiness, even in circumstances that seem impossible.
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Welcome back to Chasing Joy! In this episode, Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan welcome back Ishaan, a college student from USC, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about what it means to pursue a meaningful life while grappling with the realities of our world. With Ishan offering his honest, youthful perspective, the group dives into some of the big questions facing his generation—from the challenges of "adulting" and the daunting landscape of education and employment, to the weight of global injustices and the legacy left by previous generations.
Together, they explore feelings of guilt and privilege, discuss the complexities of ethical consumerism, and wrestle with whether there are any easy fixes to the problems today's youth inherit. But it's not all heavy—there’s plenty of laughter, personal reflection, and practical wisdom, including what makes for a truly "good day." The episode touches on everything from staying present and intentional, to the value of nurturing relationships, to questioning whether it's responsible to bring new life into an uncertain world. If you're curious about how the next generation is experiencing—and hoping to improve—the world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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Welcome to another episode of Chasing Joy! In today’s conversation, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne are joined in the studio by Ishaan—a bright, thoughtful double major at the elite high-pressure University of Southern California. If you’ve ever wondered what the pursuit of joy, connection, and purpose looks like from the perspective of Gen Z, you’re in the right place.
Ishaan opens up about tackling the complex landscape of coming of age during the pandemic, navigating academic pressures as a first-generation American, and the central role of community in finding real, lasting happiness. Together, the group dives into the ways technology shapes our relationships, the value—and double-edged sword—of social media, and how burnout shows up even in the college years.
With humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of generational perspective, today’s episode is about more than just chasing joy—it’s about defining it for yourself, staying connected to your support system, and finding wisdom in the journey, no matter where you are in life. Join us as we unpack lessons, share a few laughs, and seek advice from someone truly “in the thick of it.”
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Welcome to another episode of Chasing Joy! In today’s conversation, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne are joined by the vibrant and brutally honest Christian James Hand—radio personality, music producer (yep, his work is on the Guardians of the Galaxy 3 soundtrack!), and noted “music dissector.” Christian doesn’t just share his professional highlights; he brings us deep into his personal journey, opening up about his late-in-life Asperger’s diagnosis and decades-long quest for mental clarity, regulation, and, ultimately, joy.
From candid confessions about anxiety in something as mundane as grocery shopping, to his unfiltered take on trauma, therapy, and breaking the cycle with everything from psilocybin to ketamine treatments, Christian’s story is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Expect real talk about what joy means when the pursuit feels more like a battle, the relief of finding the right tools, and the ongoing work of integrating your truest self.
This episode dives into the raw realities of neurodivergence, finding purpose, and the science (and messiness) of healing—blending humor, heart, and a little bit of psychedelic insight. Strap in for the most “chasing” we’ve ever done on Chasing Joy!
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