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Joy Found Here
stephanie martinez rivera
241 episodes
1 week ago
Welcome to the Joy Found Here podcast, hosted by Stephanie Martinez Rivera. Join us each week while we have real talk with inspiring women about life,balance, grace and permission to step off the ride. Listen in as we hear their stories, victories and fails and how to recognize and embrace the simple joy that life does offer.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Relationships
Society & Culture,
Health & Fitness,
Mental Health
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All content for Joy Found Here is the property of stephanie martinez rivera and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to the Joy Found Here podcast, hosted by Stephanie Martinez Rivera. Join us each week while we have real talk with inspiring women about life,balance, grace and permission to step off the ride. Listen in as we hear their stories, victories and fails and how to recognize and embrace the simple joy that life does offer.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
Relationships
Society & Culture,
Health & Fitness,
Mental Health
Episodes (20/241)
Joy Found Here
The Truth About Marriage & Sensitivity: Breakthrough Lessons from Two Transformational Guests

What do marriage, empathy, and the courage to face hard truths have in common? In this Best Of episode of Joy Found Here, Stephanie revisits two standout conversations that continue to strike a chord. Relationship therapist Dr. Becky Whetstone rethinks how we approach conflict and the moment we consider walking away, while empath and hypnotherapist Karen Blaine shows why sensitivity can be a powerful inner compass. Together, their insights offer a grounded guide for navigating the messy, meaningful work of being human—in our relationships and within ourselves.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

(00:12) Best Of: Two Conversations That Still Echo

(03:05) Becky’s Unlikely Road to Relationship Work

(05:10) The Crisis That Changed Everything for Becky

(06:45) Why Many Couples Call It Quits Too Soon

(08:57) The Truth Behind “We Can’t Communicate”

(11:59) The Damage of Felony Words in Conflict

(14:15) Karen’s Journey From “Too Sensitive” to Empowered

(16:02) What Being an Empath Really Means

(18:42) Boundaries and Reframing for Emotional Balance

(21:22) Staying Grounded in an Overloaded World


Dr. Becky Whetstone is a relationship therapist, author, and former journalist who helps couples move through marriage crises with clarity and compassion. After seeing how unmanaged conflict leads to unnecessary divorce, she set out to teach partners how to communicate safely, regulate their nervous systems, and make grounded, emotionally mature choices. In this Best Of conversation, Becky explains why resentment often grows in silence, how “felony words” create lasting damage, and why you shouldn’t end a marriage before understanding what can still be healed. Her reminder is simple: love is a skill, and with the right tools, even the hardest moments can become turning points instead of endings.


Karen Blaine is an empath and hypnotherapist who guides highly sensitive people to honor their emotional depth rather than hide it. After growing up feeling “too sensitive,” she learned to see her intuition and attunement as strengths that help her connect meaningfully with others and the world around her. In this revisited conversation, Karen shares how empaths can stay grounded through boundaries, reframing, and quick reset rituals—especially in an overwhelming, information-heavy world. Her tools help listeners recognize when they’re absorbing too much and return to center with clarity. Her message: sensitivity isn’t a flaw, but a powerful strength when used with intention.


Connect with Dr Becky Whetstone:

  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Blog
  • Get Becky’s book!


Connect with Karen Blaine:

  • Website
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • X
  • YouTube
  • TikTok


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 week ago
25 minutes 43 seconds

Joy Found Here
How Rhea Lana Riner Turned a $0 Idea Into a Multi-Million-Dollar Franchise Empowering Moms

What happens when a stay-at-home mom with three kids and no business background turns a simple idea into a national movement? In episode 240 of Joy Found Here, Rhea Lana Riner shares how faith, grit, and purpose transformed her living-room clothing swap into a multimillion-dollar franchise empowering women nationwide. Her story isn’t just about business—it’s about courage, conviction, and saying yes when it matters most.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • From living-room swap to big idea (05:18)
  • The failed first sale that sparked success (06:34)
  • Barcodes, dial-up, and early innovation (11:52)
  • Building trust through pop-up events (14:33)
  • Giving back with heart and purpose (15:52)
  • Franchising the mom way (20:19)
  • Fighting back and standing tall (26:01)
  • Lessons from motherhood and grit (32:49)
  • Burnout, therapy, and self-care (37:27)
  • Protecting your peace and energy (43:00)


As the founder and CEO of Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Events, Rhea Lana Riner turned a simple living-room clothing swap in 1997 into a multimillion-dollar franchise with over 120 locations in 26 states. Guided by faith and a mission to help families save, declutter, and give back, she built a community-first model that empowers women to run businesses without sacrificing family or authenticity. Her story blends grit and grace—proof that generosity and perseverance create lasting success.


In this episode, Rhea Lana shares how she grew her pop-up consignment concept into a nationwide movement, learning from failure, balancing motherhood, and standing firm through a government battle that tested her resolve. She reflects on the power of saying no, prioritizing self-care, and redefining success on her own terms. Her message is clear: when women lead with courage and authenticity, they create ripple effects that strengthen families, communities, and industries alike.


Connect with Rhea Lana Riner:

  • Website
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 weeks ago
55 minutes 37 seconds

Joy Found Here
Why Joy, Not Youth, Is the Secret to Staying Alive—with Miss Connecticut Senior Robin Kencel

What if aging wasn’t about years but about staying curious and alive? In episode 239 of Joy Found Here, Robin Kencel proves reinvention has no age limit. At 67, she’s a top real estate broker, Miss Connecticut Senior America 2025, a competitive dancer, and a spiritual director helping others rediscover faith and purpose. With warmth and wit, Robin shows that growth never stops—and that real joy isn’t fleeting, it’s fiercely cultivated.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Growing up around life and loss (05:08)
  • Squeezing the juice out of every day (05:52)
  • Lessons from ballroom and balance (07:04)
  • What spiritual direction really is (09:37)
  • Finding God in everyday moments (15:28)
  • Curiosity as the key to staying young (17:19)
  • The courage to try something new (21:31)
  • Joy vs. happiness—what really lasts (26:51)
  • The beauty of handwritten connection (33:36)
  • Purpose, permission, and the next chapter (39:21)


Robin Kencel is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, spiritual director, and lifelong learner who blends business success with soulful purpose. A top-producing Connecticut real estate broker and Miss Connecticut Senior America 2025, Robin is also a competitive ballroom dancer and trained Ignatian spiritual director, guiding others toward a more intimate relationship with the divine—whatever name they give it. Known for her warmth, wit, and grounded wisdom, she weaves together decades of professional excellence, spiritual formation, and creative exploration to help others live with greater clarity, intention, and joy. 


In this conversation, Robin reflects on what it means to stay fully alive at every stage of life—curious, engaged, and open to growth. She shares how her early exposure to aging and mortality shaped her drive to “squeeze every drop of juice out of life,” and how dance, spirituality, and improv acting continue to teach her the art of balance between strength and softness. From her work in real estate to her spiritual direction practice, Robin sees every encounter as an opportunity to notice grace and choose joy over fleeting happiness. Her message is a reminder that purpose doesn’t fade with age—it deepens when we keep showing up, keep learning, and keep finding the sacred in the everyday.


Connect with Robin Kencel:

  • Website
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Facebook


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 weeks ago
52 minutes 29 seconds

Joy Found Here
From Marshmallow to Muscle: Terry Tateossian on Redefining Strength, Health, and Midlife Power

What happens when midlife burnout becomes a full-body and mindset revolution? In episode 238 of Joy Found Here, certified coach Terry Tateossian shares how she went from 80 pounds overweight and pre-diabetic to rebuilding her life inside and out. Her story isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about unlearning old conditioning, finding strength through science, and proving that transformation at any age is entirely possible.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Immigrant roots and early body beliefs (04:02)
  • Overwork, crash diets, and collapse (06:53)
  • Chest pains and wake-up calls (08:28)
  • Epigenetics and generational healing (10:40)
  • Why diets don’t work (15:34)
  • Building strength and self-trust (18:04)
  • Redefining progress beyond the scale (25:13)
  • Mastering macros and protein (32:14)
  • Hormones, muscle, and midlife power (38:05)
  • From marshmallow to momentum (47:14)

Terry Tateossian is a certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach, Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer who helps women navigate midlife with strength and balance. As the founder of The House of Rose, she blends science, mindset, and holistic wellness to transform how women relate to their bodies and habits. With certifications from Harvard Medical School and a background in business, she leads global retreats and coaching programs that focus on sustainable health and empowerment. Her own transformation—from 80 pounds overweight and pre-diabetic to thriving athlete—drives her mission to redefine midlife wellness.

In this episode, Terry shares how a series of health scares pushed her to break free from generational beliefs around food and body image. Through holistic medicine, epigenetics, and strength training, she learned that true healing starts with awareness, not restriction. She dismantles the myth of “quick-fix” diets, explains why the scale tells only part of the story, and shows how understanding macros and hormones can change everything. With honesty and humor, Terry reminds listeners it’s never too late to rebuild health—and self-worth—from the inside out.

Connect with Terry Tateossian:

  • Thor Wellness
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
54 minutes 34 seconds

Joy Found Here
Give With Joy, Receive With Grace: A Thanksgiving Reflection

What happens when you pause long enough to see how much your life has changed? In Episode 237 of the Joy Found Here podcast, I’m reflecting on a year that transformed me in ways I never expected. This Thanksgiving episode is all about gratitude, healing, and the surprising power of letting yourself receive—especially if you’re a lifelong giver.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

(01:10) How one year shifted everything in my life

(02:05) The small sliver of hope that carried me through

(04:56) Why receiving with grace became my new practice

(06:39) Facing grief and holiday triggers with honesty

(08:30) How to ground yourself when emotions run high

(09:06) A holiday workshop for navigating loss and numbness

(11:40) A peek at what’s next for Joy Found Here

(15:19) My favorite mindset, wellness & shopping tools

(19:34) A closing reminder about joy and staying open


Last year was filled with loss, uncertainty, and heaviness. This year, I’m living a life I once only dreamed about: more freedom, more presence, more intention. I share how a small sliver of hope carried me through darker times, and why receiving with grace has become my new non-negotiable practice. And since the holidays can stir up grief and tenderness, I talk honestly about navigating those feelings and offer a helpful resource for anyone needing support.


I also give a quick look at what’s ahead—our upcoming merch launch, my favorite affiliate finds that truly help, and the gentle reminder that nothing is permanent and change is always possible.


Let's Connect:

Website

Instagram


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
23 minutes 10 seconds

Joy Found Here
Money Without Shame: How Lacy Garcia Is Empowering Women to Build Wealth With Confidence

What happens when your finances fall apart—and instead of breaking down, you rebuild the system that failed you? In episode 236 of Joy Found Here, Lacy Garcia, founder and CEO of Willow, shares how a personal financial crisis and single motherhood inspired her to redefine financial advising. With honesty and insight, she shows that true empowerment with money begins with empathy and education—not spreadsheets—and that taking control of your finances is really about reclaiming confidence, independence, and joy.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • When life “blew up” and money shame surfaced (04:13)
  • Breaking the silence around women and money (04:38)
  • Divorce, single motherhood, and a new mission (05:37)
  • The three E’s: empathy, education, empowerment (07:20)
  • Baby steps to build financial confidence (10:08)
  • Busting money myths and budget guilt (15:57)
  • Turning crisis into a company with purpose (16:52)
  • Independence, relationships, and self-worth (29:24)
  • Teaching kids the truth about money (35:54)
  • Finding joy through financial clarity (43:05)


As the Founder and CEO of Willow, Lacy Garcia is redefining financial advising for women and next-generation investors. With over 15 years in wealth management, she saw how few advisors truly understand the emotional and cultural realities of money—especially for women and underrepresented groups. Through Willow, she built an award-winning platform focused on empathy, education, and empowerment, connecting clients with advisors who listen, guide, and build confidence without judgment. A proud Cuban-American and single mom, Lacy’s mission is to make financial confidence accessible to everyone—because wealth-building isn’t about privilege, it’s about awareness and action.


In this episode, Lacy shares how a mid-thirties financial crisis following divorce inspired her to create Willow and break the silence around women and money. She offers simple, sustainable steps—like automating savings, tracking expenses, and maximizing employer matches—and reminds listeners that it’s never too late to start. Together with Stephanie, she explores financial independence, teaching kids about money, and how neglecting self-care can cost more than dollars. Through her story, Lacy shows that taking control of your finances is one of the most powerful paths to freedom, confidence, and lasting joy.


Connect with Lacy Garcia:

  • Trust Willow Website
  • Willow Talk on YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
44 minutes 14 seconds

Joy Found Here
Rewriting Wellness: A Functional Dietitian’s Guide to Healing the Mind-Body Connection

What if healing your body has less to do with food and more to do with your thoughts? In episode 235 of Joy Found Here, returning guest Natalia Garcia reveals why true wellness begins in the mind. A functional medicine practitioner and dietitian, she shares how awareness, self-compassion, and emotional regulation can transform health from the inside out—proving that when you shift within, your body follows.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • The mind-body connection redefined (02:42)
  • A divine download on joy and presence (04:01)
  • Healing starts with awareness (08:49)
  • Beyond meal plans and quick fixes (12:06)
  • Reversing autoimmunity from within (17:51)
  • Letting your inner compass lead (21:46)
  • Spotting self-sabotage in daily habits (30:11)
  • The mindset of true healers (32:39)
  • Breaking the stress addiction (34:42)
  • Consistency, compassion, and calm (39:44)


As a registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist, and functional medicine practitioner, Natalia Garcia helps people heal from the inside out. Through her practice, FN Wellness, she blends science-based nutrition with mindfulness and emotional awareness to address the root causes of imbalance in the gut, hormones, and mind. Her approach combines functional testing, personalized nutrition, and mindset work to help clients break free from limiting beliefs, regulate their nervous systems, and build a sustainable relationship with food and themselves. She believes true wellness begins within and that reconnecting with the body’s innate intelligence unlocks deep healing.


In this episode, Natalia shares a powerful message on joy, presence, and self-awareness, urging listeners to look beyond diets and quick fixes to the thoughts and emotions shaping their health. She explains how stress, negative self-talk, and unconscious habits keep people stuck—and how awareness, consistency, and compassion create lasting transformation. From autoimmune healing to mindset shifts, Natalia’s grounded wisdom reminds us that when we change within, everything else follows.


Connect with Natalia Garcia:

  • Website
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
50 minutes 31 seconds

Joy Found Here
Heart Surgery, Healing, and Heroines: How Megan Michelle Turned Recovery Into the SEAL Saga That’s Redefining Strength

What if the moment that nearly broke you became the one that set you free? In episode 234 of Joy Found Here, author Megan Michelle shares how life-saving open-heart surgery became the spark for her debut novel Skylark. What began as weeks of darkness turned into a flood of inspiration—a story that would change her life and redefine her purpose. Through heartbreak, healing, and courage, Megan found her voice and a powerful reminder that sometimes the hardest detours lead us exactly where we’re meant to go.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • From heart surgery to storytelling (02:59)
  • The “dark room download” that sparked Skylark (03:56)
  • A spiritual shift from fear to faith (08:12)
  • Losing a marriage, finding herself (12:34)
  • Writing as healing and purpose (16:40)
  • Meet Rachel Riker, the first female Navy SEAL (17:07)
  • When psychology meets storytelling (22:52)
  • Turning fiction into advocacy (24:28)
  • Editing, community, and creative growth (32:47)
  • Trusting divine detours (38:13)

Megan Michelle is the author of Skylark and Born in Blood, the first two novels in The Seal Saga—a blend of romance, action, and emotional depth. With a background in clinical psychology, she draws on her studies of grief and trauma, her family’s military roots, and her recovery from open-heart surgery to craft stories rooted in resilience and empowerment. Her work champions strong female leads and advocates for mental health, women’s strength, and creative freedom within the military community.

In this episode, Megan reveals how Skylark was born during her recovery—typed out on her phone in the dark after surgery when she couldn’t even look at a screen. What started as a spontaneous download became the story of Rachel Riker, the first female Navy SEAL fighting global patriarchy. The experience transformed Megan’s life, leading her to leave her marriage and corporate career to follow her true calling as a writer. Through her series, she channels psychology, spirituality, and storytelling into one purpose: turning pain into power and inspiring others to listen when the universe nudges them toward change.


Connect with Megan Michelle:

  • Website
  • Instagram
  • Get Megan’s books!


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
41 minutes 24 seconds

Joy Found Here
Rebel, Writer, World-Builder: How Lexy Shaw Delorme Turned a Life of Reinvention Into an Unstoppable Creative Empire

What happens when a former lawyer, pop musician, and science writer trades logic for imagination—and builds entire worlds from it? In episode 233 of Joy Found Here, author Lexy Shaw Delorme shares how a life of reinvention—from MTV studios to genetic startups to Parisian cafés—led her to discover writing as both calling and compass. With humor, grit, and rebellion, she reveals what it takes to trust creativity, defy convention, and turn every twist of fate into story.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • From military brat to multi-hyphenate (04:28)
  • MTV dreams and the lawyer detour (05:15)
  • The moment writing took over (06:37)
  • Life between Paris, Hong Kong, and London (08:23)
  • Five years of world-building magic (10:51)
  • Turning travel into story (13:19)
  • Fighting the publishing patriarchy (35:24)
  • Writing as a family affair (38:20)
  • Finding readers in real life (44:59)
  • Pain, purpose, and paying attention (51:51)


Lexy Shaw Delorme is an award-winning American author, world traveler, and former lawyer based in Paris. A creative polymath, she’s been a pop musician with an MTV feature, a science writer at 23andMe, and a sound engineer—all before turning to fiction. Writing under the pen name S. Delorme, she’s known for her cross-genre urban-fantasy series—Caio, Bright Midnight, and Fanning Fireflies—where paranormal romance meets legal drama and metaphysical intrigue. Blending science, spirituality, and storytelling, she explores what lies beneath appearances and how consciousness connects us all, appearing regularly at Comic-Cons and literary festivals across Europe and the U.S.


In this episode, Lexy reflects on a life shaped by curiosity, reinvention, and writing as her constant thread. From military-base childhood to law school, MTV band days, and early 23andMe startup life, she traces how each experience fuels her stories. She shares how years of world-building, travel, and spirituality became the foundation for her novels—and how turning writing into a family project keeps her inspired. Defying industry bias and following her instincts, Lexy reminds us that courage means answering the quiet knock of inspiration and living wide open to whatever story comes next.


Connect with Lexy Shaw Delorme:

  • Website
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • X
  • SoundCloud
  • Get Lexy’s books!


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
56 minutes 58 seconds

Joy Found Here
The Joy Prescription: Lauri Stern on Mirror Gazing, Midlife Magic, and Laughing Your Way to Self-Love

What happens when self-doubt meets self-discovery—and a wellness coach turns every wrinkle and “what-the-fuck” moment into joy? In episode 232 of the Joy Found Here, Lauri Stern shares how yoga, energy work, and humor helped her stop judging her reflection and start honoring it. From mirror gazing to her “Joy on the Fives” ritual, she shows how awareness and laughter can quiet the inner critic. For anyone ready to trade perfectionism for presence, this episode proves that joy isn’t found—it’s practiced.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • From yoga mat to microphone (03:58)
  • Embodied wisdom and the chakra connection (05:27)
  • The mirror and the message (08:19)
  • The “what-the-fuck wrinkle” and rewriting self-talk (10:21)
  • Creating The Real and the Woo (15:27)
  • Owning your worth and celebrating small wins (19:59)
  • Girlfriends, growth, and the bra talk (23:16)
  • When life happens for you (27:01)
  • The sponge metaphor and emotional resilience (29:26)
  • Finding joy on the fives (39:21)


As the founder of Custom Designed Wellness, Lauri Stern helps people reconnect with body, energy, and intuition through movement, mindfulness, and the chakra system. A certified yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner, and intuitive coach, she blends sacred geometry, energy work, and practical self-awareness to guide others toward alignment and healing. As host of The Real and the Woo podcast, she explores where science meets spirituality with humor and depth—reminding us that joy and self-worth aren’t luxuries but daily practices.


In this episode, Lauri brings her grounded spirituality and quick wit, reminding listeners that life happens for us, not to us. She and Stephanie discuss mirror gazing, feminine energy, and how to stop dimming our light. From her “what-the-fuck wrinkle” story to her “Joy on the Fives” exercise, Lauri turns self-criticism into compassion and shows how joy can become a habit. With wisdom and humor, she invites us to see ourselves—wrinkles, shadows, and all—as divine works in progress.


Connect with Lauri Stern:

  • Website
  • Substack
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • Podcast: The Real and The Woo with Lauri Stern


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
56 minutes 18 seconds

Joy Found Here
How to Find the Silver Lining—Even in Your Worst Storms, with Selena Brown

What happens when your entire world collapses—and you have no choice but to rebuild from the ashes? In episode 231 of Joy Found Here, writer and resilience coach Selena Brown shares how she turned heartbreak and betrayal into a blueprint for strength. From teen motherhood to surviving a life-shattering marriage, her story is raw, real, and deeply human—a reminder that even in chaos, you can find clarity, courage, and a new beginning.


Selena Brown is a writer and creator of the Substack publication Mastering Resiliency, where she helps readers navigate life’s challenges with strength and adaptability. A former teen mom who rebuilt her life after profound upheaval, she channels her experiences into stories and tools that inspire growth, healing, and resilience. Through her writing, courses, and community, Selena encourages others to turn hardship into purpose and thrive no matter what life brings.


In this episode, Selena shares how she overcame a turbulent childhood, early motherhood, and the collapse of her first marriage after a shocking betrayal. Starting over with nothing, she rebuilt her life for her daughters and discovered writing as a way to heal. Her journey led to Mastering Resiliency, a platform that proves true strength isn’t about never breaking—but learning to bend, rebuild, and rise. By owning her story, Selena shows how releasing shame can transform pain into purpose.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • A childhood divided (04:40)
  • Teen mom at nineteen (05:45)
  • When the unthinkable happened (09:55)
  • Facing betrayal and truth (11:30)
  • Starting over from nothing (13:00)
  • Finding healing through writing (15:45)
  • Turning pain into purpose (18:20)
  • Quiet, nature, and recovery (21:00)
  • Building Mastering Resiliency (27:00)
  • Redefining strength and moving forward (35:00)
  • Releasing shame, finding freedom (41:30)


Connect with Selena Brown:

  • Substack
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
44 minutes 10 seconds

Joy Found Here
Grief, Growth, and Getting Real with Dr. Camille Preston

What happens when loss collides with leadership—and a business psychologist decides to turn heartbreak into a blueprint for living authentically? In episode 230 of Joy Found Here, Dr. Camille Preston shares how navigating five devastating losses in just five months forced her to slow down, reframe her choices, and ultimately write her book Living Real: Redefining Success, Presence, and Happiness. For Camille, the journey wasn’t about pushing through pain but about embracing the full spectrum of human experience—grief, joy, and everything in between.


As the founder of AIM Leadership, Camille helps individuals and organizations unlock potential not through surface-level fixes, but by integrating work and life in ways that are real, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling. She opens up about how saying “no,” questioning long-held assumptions, and having more genuine conversations became lifelines during her own season of grief. Her beloved Uncle Phil, a central figure in her story, embodies the legacy of living with clarity and purpose—reminding us that impact comes from presence, not perfection.


In this episode, Camille reflects on why micro shifts matter, how to stop “shallowing” your life, and why permission to feel is the gateway to joy. Whether you’re a leader burned out from endless demands or someone carrying unprocessed grief, her message is clear: when we choose to live real, we create more room for connection, meaning, and enduring joy.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Five losses in five months (04:26)
  • Asking what really matters (07:25)
  • Questioning old assumptions (08:50)
  • The power of slowing down and saying no (10:07)
  • From coach to business psychologist (12:10)
  • Loneliness, burnout, and “shallowing” (16:38)
  • Uncle Phil’s legacy (20:34)
  • Metabolizing grief into growth (23:45)
  • Micro shifts and resilience (28:42)
  • Choosing integration over perfection (36:33)


Connect with Dr. Camille Preston:

  • Website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
  • Book: Dr. Camille Preston - Living Real


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
45 minutes 16 seconds

Joy Found Here
From Courtroom Battles to Sparkle and Grit: How Wendy S. Meadows Left Burnout Behind and Found Purpose in Coaching

What happens when a high-powered attorney trading in courtroom battles decides she’s done with conflict? In episode 229 of Joy Found Here, Wendy S. Meadows shares how she rewrote her story, swapping litigation for coaching, mediation, and a framework for lasting joy. Once a successful family law attorney and partner at her firm, Wendy realized the adversarial nature of litigation no longer aligned with her values. Her pivot into mediation and coaching allowed her to create a career that uplifts others instead of tearing them down.


Her book Sparkle and Grit offers a roadmap for high-achieving women to move beyond burnout and live with clarity. For Wendy, grit isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about perseverance through small, consistent steps, while sparkle is the inspiration that keeps you moving toward a life you truly want. She also opens up about her upcoming projects, including Letters to Little Wendy, a heartfelt guide rooted in her own journey of overcoming self-doubt and people-pleasing.


In this episode, Wendy reflects on why self-trust, curiosity, and empathy are the keys to transformation. From showing divorcing couples there is a kinder way forward to reminding women that they can redefine success on their own terms, her message is clear: fulfillment comes not from perfection, but from choosing courage, baby steps, and joy every single day.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Finding her old journals and lifelong patterns (4:20)
  • Why she’s writing Letters to Little Wendy (5:51)
  • Entering family law and rising as a litigator (7:30)
  • Discovering the contrast through wellness coaching (7:58)
  • Leaving her firm and choosing mediation (10:29)
  • How COVID led her to life coaching (10:54)
  • The meaning of Sparkle and Grit (21:39)
  • Helping women reconnect with their younger selves (24:47)
  • The power of slowing down and asking questions (29:36)
  • Advice for moms balancing career and family (35:25)


Connect with Wendy S. Meadows:

  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Book: Wendy S. Meadows - Sparkle and Grit


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
46 minutes 10 seconds

Joy Found Here
From Orphanage to Overflow: How Shabana Knight Turned Gratitude Into a Wellness Superpower

Tune in to episode 228 of Joy Found Here, where wellness coach Shabana Knight shares her extraordinary journey from an Indian orphanage to a life built on gratitude, health, and self-discovery. Adopted and raised in the U.S., Shabana returned decades later to the orphanage where her story began, an experience that deepened her sense of identity and sparked a greater appreciation for the life she has built with her family.


That same openness has guided her career. What began with encouraging a coworker to lose baby weight revealed her natural gift for motivation, which grew into personal training, wellness coaching, and a holistic practice blending fitness, hormone balance, homeopathic remedies, and decluttering. Her approach emphasizes that true wellness goes beyond the body—it’s about aligning mind, body, and environment so you can thrive from a place of overflow rather than depletion.

In this episode, Shabana reflects on how gratitude, community, and intentional self-care can transform not just health but entire lives. From her human design discoveries to embracing both a given and chosen birthday, she shows why putting yourself first isn’t selfish but essential. Her message is clear: wellness isn’t perfection—it’s alignment, abundance, and the daily choice to live with intention.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • How Shabana’s life began in an Indian orphanage before adoption in the U.S. (2:54)
  • Her return to India and the powerful experience of visiting her orphanage (4:18)
  • The gratitude shifts she brought home after reconnecting with her roots (7:19)
  • How helping a coworker lose baby weight launched her into fitness coaching (8:29)
  • Why personal training and decluttering “found her” as part of her wellness path (10:30)
  • The role of intuition and how she makes things happen—from drops to coaching (13:30)
  • Living from overflow instead of depletion and why it changes everything (16:39)
  • The surprising story of choosing a second birthday through human design (17:55)
  • How homeopathic drops transformed her hormones, sleep, and mood (24:37)
  • Simple daily rituals that keep her grounded, grateful, and able to give (27:29)


Connect with Shabana Knight:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Podcast: Organized Chaos; Stories with Shabana


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
33 minutes 29 seconds

Joy Found Here
The Science of Joy: How Jacques “The Party Scientist” Turns Connection Into the Best Antidepressant

Tune in to episode 227 of Joy Found Here, where Jacques Martiquet—better known as The Party Scientist—shares how joy and human connection can transform our lives. From flash mobs to sober raves, he explores joy as a biological state, the role of community as an amplifier, and why joy may be the most underrated natural antidepressant we have.


Jacques wasn’t always the life of the sober party—he began as a festival medic, watching firsthand how alcohol and drugs derailed so many experiences. That pushed him to try something different: he started throwing sober raves where people could dance, connect, and feel alive without substances. Those events went viral and “The Party Scientist” was born. Since then, Jacques has built JoyCamp into a six-figure event brand, hosted corporate openings and adult summer camps, and led communities around the world in rediscovering authentic joy. His mission is simple but radical: design gatherings where phones are down, guards are lowered, and people leave feeling more connected to themselves and others.


In this episode, Jacques unpacks the myths of escapism, reflects on the impact of FOMO and perfectionism, and highlights why authentic connection is essential to well-being. From daily habits to co-living experiments, he reminds us: joy isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we train, practice, and share.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • How Jacques went from pharmacologist to The Party Scientist (3:03)
  • Why joy is a biological state—and the habits that create it (6:43)
  • The irony of drugs at festivals and how sober raves flip the script (10:44)
  • Escapism, FOMO, and why joy is an inside job (14:11)
  • The three pathways to joy: mindset, biology, environment (16:30)
  • How Joy Bootcamp builds routines for lasting joy (20:06)
  • Why community accelerates joy more than going it alone (23:30)
  • The power of co-living and digital detox at Joy Mansion (28:58)
  • How structure and play help overcome perfectionism and fear (36:55)
  • What’s next for Jacques and the future of Joy Bootcamp (40:57)


Connect with Jacques Martiquet:

  • Website
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
44 minutes 47 seconds

Joy Found Here
Permission Granted: How Embracing “Enough” Opens the Door to Possibility with Barbara Burgess

Tune in to episode 226 of Joy Found Here, where Barbara Burgess returns to share how granting ourselves permission changes everything. Building on part one, she explores the freedom that comes from living with intention, releasing rules, and embracing “enough” as the starting point for joy and possibility.


Barbara is the author of Enough: Finding Peace in a World of Distractions, Hustle, and Expectations and the founder of Corluma, a consultancy guiding leaders and individuals toward heart-centered transformation. A late-in-life mother of two, speaker, and performer of a one-woman show, she brings a rare mix of candor, wisdom, and courage to conversations about authenticity and possibility.


In this episode, Barbara shares how granting ourselves permission—to rest, to wander, to play, to choose differently—becomes the foundation of freedom. She and Stephanie unpack cultural myths of productivity and perfection, reflect on the power of intentional living, and highlight why redefining frameworks of success opens new paths for creativity and joy. From small daily choices to life-changing decisions, Barbara reminds us: you are already enough, and from that truth, everything is possible.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Why permission is the missing link to authenticity (4:37)
  • How “get to” replaces “have to” and shifts everything (10:31)
  • The “I don’t care” club and what it really means (14:12)
  • Flow over frameworks: releasing rules to reclaim joy (17:13)
  • Wanders instead of walks: reframing routines (19:24)
  • The beauty of “and” over “either/or” (20:28)
  • Building a business from heart and light (23:03)
  • Authenticity in leadership, consulting, and beyond (29:46)
  • Why showing up real creates deeper connection (34:23)
  • A mic-drop reminder: permission granted (35:39)


Connect with Barbara Burgess:

  • Website
  • LinkedIn
  • Book: Barbara Burgess - enough.: finding peace in a world of distractions, hustle, and expectations


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
41 minutes 18 seconds

Joy Found Here
Stop Chasing Perfect: Why Lowering the Bar Might Be the Key to Freedom, According to This Coach and Author

Tune in to episode 225 of Joy Found Here as executive coach and author Barbara Burgess shares how lowering the bar creates freedom and joy. Learn how her concept of “Enough” and the power of boundaries can transform how you define success.


In this episode, I’m joined by Barbara Burgess, an executive coach, author, and speaker helping leaders and individuals embrace authenticity and redefine success. After over 20 years in corporate leadership, she founded Corluma, a consultancy for heart-centered transformation. She is the author of Enough: Finding Peace in a World of Distractions, Hustle, and Expectations, which invites readers to let go of comparison and embrace their worth. Barbara has also brought her message to the stage with a one-woman show exploring identity, boundaries, and grace. A late-in-life mother of two, she blends personal insight with professional expertise to empower others with confidence, purpose, and joy.


Throughout this episode, Barbara speaks candidly about leaving corporate life for a more authentic and creative path. She highlights the value of honesty over small talk, the courage to admit struggles, and the deeper connections that follow. She explores the toxic pull of comparison, explains how “Enough” emerged as both a felt sense of peace and the foundation of her book, and shows how dropping expectations creates freedom and possibility. Barbara also stresses unapologetic boundaries, shares lessons from her one-woman show, and champions permission and choice as the true starting points for fulfillment. Her message is clear: you are already enough—and from that truth, everything becomes possible.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Beyond titles: Choosing to show up as human (3:41)
  • Honesty over perfection in motherhood (5:23)
  • The power of permission and grace (8:53)
  • Comparison kills: Escaping the ladder (13:41)
  • Lowering expectations to the floor (27:31)
  • Boundaries without apology (32:37)
  • The one-woman show: Exploring alternate realities (39:48)
  • Redefining success and freedom (47:26)
  • Final reminder: you are already enough (53:33)


Connect with Barbara Burgess:

  • Website
  • LinkedIn
  • Book: Barbara Burgess - enough.: finding peace in a world of distractions, hustle, and expectations


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
57 minutes 57 seconds

Joy Found Here
She Lost Her Son—Then Suzanne Andora Barron, Healer and Teacher, Turned to Jin Shin Jyutsu to Reclaim Joy

Tune in to episode 224 of Joy Found Here as Suzanne Andora Barron shares how losing her son led her to the ancient healing art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. Learn how grief, anxiety, and the power of breath and touch opened a path to resilience—and to finding joy even in life’s hardest places.


In this episode, I’m joined by Suzanne Andora Barron, a healer and teacher who helps people reconnect with their inner strength through yoga, breathwork, meditation, and the Japanese healing art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. After losing her nine-year-old son Christopher to leukemia, she turned to ancient practices to move through grief and transform anxiety into resilience. Suzanne created Feel, Heal, and Align, a membership rooted in her course Process What You Feel to Heal, which empowers people to release stuck emotions and restore balance. She also teaches yoga for stress management at a community college, leads a free weekly meditation with global reach, and founded the Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation, which inspires underserved children through comic strip storytelling.


Throughout this episode, Suzanne speaks openly about living with anxiety and how her son’s illness and passing reshaped her path. She shares simple tools—like keeping a gratitude journal or doing “one fun thing a day” with her kids—that kept her grounded during crisis. Suzanne introduces listeners to Jin Shin Jyutsu, showing how holding a thumb can calm worry or how each finger connects to an emotion, practices she now teaches to both students and adults. She also highlights her offerings—from her healing course and membership to her free Monday meditations—reminding us that the power to heal is already within each of us.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • A friendship born online (6:40)
  • Turning 60 and finding strength (7:50)
  • Living with anxiety (11:40)
  • Gratitude and one fun thing a day (13:40)
  • The 9/11 near miss (16:40)
  • Discovering Jin Shin Jyutsu (19:40)
  • Teaching students simple healing tools (22:00)
  • Processing emotions to heal (36:00)
  • The feel, heal, and align membership (41:00)
  • Joy on the other side of grief (44:50)


Connect with Suzanne Andora Barron:

  • Website
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • YouTube


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
54 minutes 50 seconds

Joy Found Here
From Corporate Collapse to Startup Rocket Ship: A Single Mom CEO’s Path to a Multi-Million Dollar Comeback

When Stacey Roney lost her seven-figure business overnight, she had two choices: start over from nothing or give up entirely—what happened next will change how you think about resilience, risk, and rebuilding.


In this episode, I’m joined by Stacey Roney, a serial entrepreneur with over two decades of experience building multimillion-dollar ventures in beauty, PR, and digital media. She began at Nordstrom, creating innovative marketing roles before founding the nation’s first beauty staffing agency, a PR firm, and an online magazine. Stacey later became a top earner in direct sales with Rodan + Fields, mentoring thousands nationwide. Known for her creativity and resilience, she has thrived through major market shifts while raising three children. Today, she leads and advocates for Make Wellness, a fast-growing health and wellness startup specializing in bioactive precision peptides, driven by her passion for helping others build flexible, scalable businesses.


Throughout this episode, Stacey shares a candid look at her journey—from early success at Nordstrom to launching multiple multimillion-dollar companies. She recalls pivoting to direct sales during the 2008 crash, growing a large Rodan + Fields team, and creating the viral Facebook group “50 AF.” Personal challenges, including her daughter’s severe mental health crisis, prompted her to step back, and she details her daughter’s remarkable recovery through nutrition, exercise, and functional medicine. When corporate changes ended her Rodan + Fields business, Stacey sought a future-proof venture and found it in Make Wellness. She explains its unique affiliate/direct sales model, breakthrough product line, and rapid growth, reflecting her belief in resilience, adaptability, and leading by example.


Tune in to episode 223 of Joy Found Here as Stacey Roney shares how losing her seven-figure business overnight led her to rebuild from scratch. Discover how resilience, single motherhood, and a leap into wellness fueled her multi-million dollar comeback.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Nordstrom years: Intrapreneurship in action (3:06)
  • From staffing gaps to a National Beauty Agency (7:30)
  • Nonprofit, digital magazine, and PR with a twist (11:30)
  • The 2008 crash and a high-stakes pivot (14:14)
  • Scaling to seven figures through mentorship (16:27)
  • “50 AF” – A viral community for women over 50 (21:49)
  • A mother’s hardest battle (28:32)
  • From crisis to transformation (31:24)
  • From R+F collapse to startup rocket ship (33:40)
  • Products with an edge (39:18)
  • Momentum from day one (42:10)
  • Lessons in reinvention (51:05)


Connect with Stacey Roney:

  • Website
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
55 minutes 51 seconds

Joy Found Here
From the Mailroom to Dubai: How Karen Holliday’s TEDx Talk Unleashed Her True Voice

What happens when a former military mechanic lands on the TEDx Dubai stage and chokes up mid-speech—only to be met with a standing ovation? Karen Holliday shares how grit, vulnerability, and unexpected twists led her to speak her truth—and why it changed everything.


In this episode, I’m joined by Karen Holliday, a seasoned operations executive, TEDx speaker, and leadership mentor with over 30 years in the mail and logistics industry. A U.S. Army veteran who started her career as a truck mechanic, Karen’s path is defined by resilience and service. She’s held senior roles in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, most recently as COO, before launching her own leadership consulting firm. Karen is committed to helping women leaders rise with confidence, compassion, and authenticity. She’s also a certified life and health coach, an active volunteer with SCORE and women’s mentorship programs, and a strong advocate for well-being. Her TEDx talk in Dubai reflects her core belief: vulnerability is a superpower, and every woman’s story matters.


Throughout this episode, Karen shared powerful insights from her personal and professional journey. She reflected on the early influence of mentors, the challenges of rising through male-dominated industries, and the importance of intentional career growth. She also spoke about the emotional process of preparing her TED Talk and how it resonated with a diverse, international audience. Karen offered a fresh perspective on generational shifts in the workplace, the evolving role of technology, and the need to lead with integrity. Her stories and outlook are a testament to authentic leadership and the impact of staying true to your values.


Tune in to episode 222 of Joy Found Here as Karen Holliday shares how her journey from military mechanic to TEDx Dubai speaker helped her reclaim her voice and purpose. Discover how mentorship, vulnerability, and a bold leap into entrepreneurship shaped the most powerful chapter of her life.


In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • From mechanic to mailroom: A career built on connection (3:50)
  • The power of a mentor who sees your potential (6:20)
  • Confidence born from survival, not circumstance (12:10)
  • Leadership rooted in paying it forward (14:40)
  • Leaping into entrepreneurship after 30+ years (16:00)
  • Landing a TEDx talk in Dubai (19:00)
  • Breaking down during her talk—and the audience’s response (23:30)
  • On the future of work and generational shifts (27:40)
  • Why personal brand is built on integrity and action (31:40)

Connect with Karen Holliday:

  • LinkedIn
  • Karen’s TEDx talk


Let's Connect:

  • Website
  • Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
39 minutes 33 seconds

Joy Found Here
Welcome to the Joy Found Here podcast, hosted by Stephanie Martinez Rivera. Join us each week while we have real talk with inspiring women about life,balance, grace and permission to step off the ride. Listen in as we hear their stories, victories and fails and how to recognize and embrace the simple joy that life does offer.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.