Discover how a moment of quiet desperation sparked a simple practice that’s now helping people around the world find clarity, connection, and hope—one question at a time.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Anne Barry Jolles, the founder and creator of Grace Trail®—a transformative life practice designed to help people navigate challenges through five simple but powerful questions. A professional coach, TEDx speaker, and award-winning author, Anne first developed the concept in 2000 during a personal crisis. Since then, she has expanded Grace Trail into a nationwide movement with public installations, interactive kits, and programs for individuals, schools, hospitals, and corporations. Her work has guided thousands toward resilience, hope, and clarity. Rooted in compassion, nature, and authentic connection, Anne’s mission is to make grace accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Throughout this episode, Anne brings warmth, vulnerability, and profound insight as she shares how Grace Trail evolved into a deeply healing practice for individuals from all walks of life. She breaks down the meaning behind each letter in the GRACE acronym—Gratitude, Release, Acceptance, Challenge, and Embrace—and explains how asking these questions can help shift perspective and restore hope. Anne also explores the role of nature in amplifying the trail’s impact and highlights the power of simply being present and listening without judgment. Her stories—from walking the trail with cancer patients to designing large-scale community activations—reveal the universal need for reflection and self-compassion. Whether taken on a walk, practiced at a desk, or explored in a group, Anne invites everyone to take that first step toward inviting grace into their lives.

Tune in to episode 207 of Joy Found Here as Anne Barry Jolles shares how the Grace Trail® can help you find your footing in life’s toughest moments—through five simple questions that lead to clarity, connection, and hope. Discover how grace, nature, and curiosity can guide you back to yourself, one powerful step at a time.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The moment Grace Trail was born (4:01)

The five Grace Trail questions explained (5:20)

Grace in marriage: Walking through pain together (6:30)

Building the first Grace Trail in Plymouth, MA (7:43)

Grace Trails across the country (8:45)

What is grace, really? (11:25)

Nature as a conduit for clarity (13:47)

The prayer bench that speaks back (14:40)

Bringing grace to 11,000 women (24:14)

Adapting grace trail for events and teams (25:57)

Grace Trail kits and creative applications (29:16)

Redefining self-care: Stay home, slow down (35:49)

Daily rituals that invite grace (39:03)

Final invitation: Grace is waiting (41:00)

Connect with Anne Barry Jolles:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

X

YouTube

Get Anne’s book!

Let's Connect:

Website

Instagram

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

For years, Nicole Van Valen was told soft skills didn’t matter—now she’s helping top leaders rewrite the rules on resilience, burnout, and what it really takes to thrive in today’s workplace.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Nicole Van Valen, a licensed marriage and family therapist, behavioral health expert, and founder of Keane Insights—a consultancy dedicated to resilience, leadership, and joyful living. With over 25 years of experience spanning healthcare and human resources, including leadership roles at Fortune 6 companies, Nicole combines deep clinical insight with real-world corporate strategy. She’s also a dynamic speaker, coach, and the author of The Joyful Leader, a forthcoming book that explores how joy can be a transformative force for managing stress, preventing burnout, and leading with authenticity. Known for her uplifting energy and grounded wisdom, Nicole is on a mission to help people reconnect with their purpose and lead from a place of heart and intention.

Throughout this episode, Nicole brings both personal depth and professional clarity to the topic of joy as a resilience practice. She opens up about her own journey—overcoming workaholism, learning to slow down, and rediscovering joy in everyday rituals like dancing, gardening, and quiet tea breaks. Nicole also walks us through her signature “three-step model” (Discover Yourself, Design Your Landscape, Deliver on Your Goals), offering listeners a practical framework for meaningful change. Along the way, she shares behind-the-scenes moments from writing The Joyful Leader, including how she confronted her own discomfort with vulnerability to embrace joy as her leadership superpower. Through heartfelt anecdotes and actionable insights, Nicole invites us to not only reflect on what truly brings us joy—but to prioritize it, unapologetically.

Tune in as Nicole Van Valen shares how joy became her secret weapon for building resilience, setting boundaries, and leading with authenticity—plus how you can rediscover what energizes you and turn it into lasting transformation.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Resilience reimagined: Dancing, HR, and climbing the corporate ladder (3:44)
• Redefining resilience through joy (5:32)
• Burnout, boundaries, and the joy of saying ‘no’ (10:00)
• The three-step model for sustainable joy (13:27)
• Leading with joy at work - Yes, even in corporate! (18:21)
• The book she was scared to write (19:46)
• “We’re all just people”: The human side of leadership (24:35)
• AI can’t replace this: Why human connection is the true high-value currency (27:26)
• The resilience menu: Why one size doesn’t fit all (33:11)
• Your personalized joy plan starts now (42:41)

Connect with Nicole Van Valen:

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

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

What if the very body you once trusted suddenly felt like the enemy—and the only way to heal was to rewrite the story of your loss, one page at a time?

In today's episode, I’m joined by the resilient Madeleine Garner—a writer, children’s literature enthusiast, and former preschool teacher whose work explores the intersection of storytelling, healing, and parenthood. With a background in early childhood education and a deep appreciation for the emotional power of picture books, Madeleine has long used storytelling to help others navigate life’s big feelings. Her debut picture book for adults, Your Baby Will Find You, was inspired by her own experience with pregnancy loss and aims to gently open space for honest conversations around grief, love, and healing. A mother herself, she brings authenticity, compassion, and insight to every story she tells, working alongside acclaimed data designer Giorgia Lupi to pair poignant visuals with heartfelt prose.

Throughout this episode, Madeleine opens up about the miscarriage she experienced in 2022 and how writing became her pathway through grief. Drawing on her lifelong connection to children's literature, she processed the loss by crafting a picture book-style story that could hold the weight of her emotions while offering comfort to others. She speaks candidly about the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy loss, the feelings of isolation it often brings, and the journey toward trusting her body again. Through her collaboration with Giorgia Lupi, the book became a layered visual and emotional experience—one that captures the duality of joy and sorrow. Madeleine’s hope is to provide a resource that is both factual and tender, creating space for healing and helping others feel less alone in their grief.

Tune in to episode 205 of Joy Found Here as Madeleine Garner shares her powerful journey through miscarriage, the healing power of storytelling, and how her debut picture book offers comfort, connection, and hope to anyone navigating grief.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Meet Madeleine: From preschool teacher to author (3:50)
• Learning to trust her body again (6:30)
• The journey of writing and healing (8:30)
• Creating a book that speaks to all grief (10:15)
• Navigating relationships through grief (12:40)
• The complexity of pregnancy and loss (16:15)
• Finding joy amidst grief (20:32)
• Conception, pressure, and letting go (24:37)
• The importance of community and support (31:25)
• Creating a resource for healing (34:17)
• Final thoughts and encouragement (39:28)

Connect with Madeleine Garner:

• Website
• Instagram
• Get Madeleine’s books!

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

Before you torch the whole thing, make sure you've actually had the conversations that matter—because walking away might feel good in the moment, but cleaning up the fallout? Not so fun.

In today's episode, I’m joined by the knowledgeable Dr. Becky Whetstone, a marriage and family therapist, columnist, and author with a deep-rooted passion for helping people navigate relationship challenges. Known as the "Marriage Crisis Manager," Becky combines decades of clinical experience with a tell-it-like-it-is style that resonates with real people in real pain. Her recent book, I Think I Want Out, offers a roadmap for couples facing the possibility of separation, helping them make wise, emotionally responsible decisions. A former journalist and self-described relationship obsessive, Becky uses humor, honesty, and education to guide clients through the messiness of love and commitment.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Becky explains how her painful personal divorce experience and lack of helpful therapeutic support ignited a lifelong mission to understand and fix broken relationship dynamics. Becky outlines key topics from her book, including the stages of marriage deterioration, the impact of unspoken resentments, and the importance of managing the nervous system in communication. She passionately advocates for couples to seek help early and challenges the cultural myths around "happily ever after." She also pushes for therapists to stay involved from crisis to resolution, whether that ends in reconciliation or respectful separation. Her approach is deeply empathetic, educational, and infused with tough love and humor.

Tune in to episode 204 of Joy Found Here as Dr. Becky Whetstone explores what happens when one partner wants out, how to navigate relationship crises, and the keys to better communication and healthier decisions in marriage.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• A childhood obsession with relationships (3:26)
• From columnist to therapist (5:00)
• Why most couples get it wrong in crisis (8:42)
• Nervous systems, toxic shame, and felony words (9:20)
• How to diagnose a dying marriage (18:00)
• The most common marriage mistakes (and how to avoid them) (23:00)
• The journey to authorship (25:36)
• No, divorce isn’t the easy button (30:00)
• The therapist who stays through the storm (33:30)
• Navigating Male and Female Energies (36:17)
• The Importance of Communication in Relationships (43:00)
• Resources for Relationship Guidance (46:12)

Connect with Dr Becky Whetstone:

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

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

What if the secret to scaling your course wasn’t hustling harder—but never launching at all? This episode unpacks the unconventional strategy that turned a simple online course into a seven-figure business in less than a year.

In today's episode, I’m joined by the accomplished Caitlin Bacher, CEO of Scale with Success, a company dedicated to helping coaches and course creators build seven-figure businesses without the stress of launching. After experiencing burnout from the exhausting cycle of live launches, Caitlin discovered the power of evergreen funnels—a shift that allowed her to turn her course into a million-dollar product in just nine months. Her blend of smart strategy and mindset work has helped thousands of entrepreneurs create sustainable, profitable businesses. Today, she leads a thriving multi-million dollar company and continues to champion a simpler, more consistent path to success.

Throughout this episode, Caitlin dives deep into the strategies behind her evergreen model, breaking down the funnel-building process into actionable steps. She shares practical tips on everything from pricing and content creation to optimizing email sequences based on real-time feedback. Caitlin also opens up about the mindset challenges that come with entrepreneurship, including visibility fears and online criticism—and how she overcame them. Her thoughtful, no-fluff insights offer clarity and confidence to anyone looking to grow an online business on their own terms.

Tune in to episode 203 of Joy Found Here as Caitlin Bacher shares how she built a multi-million dollar business without launching, the power of evergreen funnels, and practical strategies for scaling your online course sustainably and confidently.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Caitlin Batcher: From social media manager to course creator (2:44)
• Why launching fails most course creators (9:03)
• Evergreen funnels explained (11:05)
• The funnel is the bedtime routine: Marketing that actually converts (17:17)
• Facing the camera and claiming visibility (22:35)
• Starting your email list and evergreen strategy (27:42)
• Empowerment through entrepreneurship (30:11)
• The journey of building a business (34:14)
• Pricing with confidence and positioning with clarity (39:46)
• Marketing and value proposition (43:47)
• Choosing the right niche—and letting go of the wrong audience (50:52)

Connect with Caitlin Bacher:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

From fatigue to weight gain, its impact is bigger than you realize. Learn what it is and how to cut it out for good!

In today's episode, I’m joined by the remarkable Adriana Shuman, a functional medicine-certified nutritionist, health strategist, and author dedicated to helping individuals achieve vibrant health and unstoppable energy. Born in Czechoslovakia, Adriana’s passion for wellness stems from her own personal journey of overcoming trauma, chronic illness, and toxic habits. With over 15 years of experience, Adriana has guided countless people in transforming their well-being through root-cause healing, nutrition, and lifestyle optimization. She is the founder of Your Wellness Made Simple, where she empowers clients with science-backed strategies to detoxify their environment, improve sleep, and nourish their bodies holistically.

Throughout this episode, Adriana Shuman shares her journey from a difficult childhood in Czechoslovakia to becoming a leader in functional medicine. Facing trauma and chronic illness, she realized that true healing comes from addressing root causes rather than just treating symptoms. After immigrating to the U.S. with no English skills, she dedicated herself to understanding the body through functional medicine. She explains how environment, food, sleep, and movement are deeply connected to overall health, emphasizing the hidden dangers of toxins, processed foods, and stress. Her Live Well Method offers simple yet powerful changes, such as removing artificial fragrances, improving diet, and creating better sleep routines. Passionate about mindset shifts, she encourages people to take charge of their health.

Tune in to episode 202 of Joy Found Here as Adriana Shuman shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, the power of root-cause healing, and practical strategies for achieving vibrant health through functional medicine.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Adriana’s journey from trauma to healing (3:10)
• The turning point of leaving pharmacy for functional medicine (6:56)
• The power of environment: Inner vs. outer health (9:50)
• The Link Wall Method: Connecting mind, body, and environment (17:26)
• The silent health saboteurs you’re overlooking (21:13)
• The hormone disruptor you didn’t know about (27:00)
• Why your “healthy” food might not be so healthy (33:00)
• Why Poor Sleep is Holding You Back (36:06)
• A step-by-step guide to break free from toxic habits (47:00)
• The Live Well Method: A roadmap for sustainable health (51:12)
• Where to start and how to get more help (56:00)

Connect with Adriana Shuman:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Get Adriana’s book!

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

How a leap of faith and a creative challenge turned self-doubt into an award-winning children’s book.

In today's episode, I’m joined by married co-authors J.L. (Jessie) McCreedy and Dr. Sam McCreedy, a duo whose shared love for storytelling is deeply intertwined with their global experiences. Jessie, the author of the Liberty Frye adventure series and co-author of Theodore, the Sloth Who Wanted to Race, infuses her stories with adventure, perseverance, and whimsy, drawing inspiration from her time living in Germany, Tonga, Indonesia, and Italy. Beyond writing, she actively engages with young readers through school visits, fostering creativity and resilience. Sam, a veterinarian-turned-physician, brings a unique perspective to their collaborative work, highlighting the importance of imagination in childhood development.

Throughout this episode, they share how Theodore, the Sloth Who Wanted to Race was born during a period of self-doubt, becoming a transformative lesson in perseverance. Jessie recalls her initial hesitation to illustrate the book, fearing criticism—until Sam encouraged her to take the leap. Their travels through Germany, the South Pacific, and Italy have shaped their storytelling, adding rich cultural depth to their work. Sam, a strong advocate for creativity in childhood development, reflects on how their book inspires imagination and determination in young minds, particularly in a world where technology can stifle curiosity. More than just co-authors, they are passionate about fostering confidence and exploration in children, using their work as a tool to instill the courage to chase dreams.

Tune in to episode 201 of Joy Found Here as J.L. (Jessie) and Dr. Sam McCreedy share their inspiring journey of creativity, perseverance, and the transformative power of storytelling, from global adventures to bringing Theodore, the Sloth Who Wanted to Race to life.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Meet the McCreedys (3:54)
• Writing through crisis: How a sloth became a symbol of hope (6:33)
• The power of creativity and imagination (12:39)
• Educational value in children’s literature (16:16)
• Global adventures: How travel shapes storytelling (19:19)
• Creative pursuits and the writing process (26:27)
• Overcoming self-doubt and embracing creativity (30:35)
• Inspiring the next generation (32:36)
• Lessons from Theodore: Why taking the first step matters (37:27)
• Where to find their work and final thoughts (41:36)

Connect with J. L. McCreedy:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Get J. L.’s books!

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

What if losing everything was the push you needed to build something greater? An incredible story of resilience, reinvention, and the mindset shifts that turn rock bottom into a launching pad for success.

In today's episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Susan Sly—an entrepreneur, AI expert, and keynote speaker known for her innovation and resilience. As the founder of multiple award-winning AI companies, she has been at the forefront of advancements in agentic AI and computer vision. But Susan’s journey isn’t just about technology; it’s a testament to perseverance. From overcoming homelessness and an MS diagnosis to rebuilding after financial setbacks, she has transformed challenges into opportunities, becoming a leader in AI and digital marketing. She also hosts The Real Entrepreneurship Podcast and The Menopause Health Podcast, where she shares insights on business, technology, and well-being.

Throughout this episode, Susan opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path—from receiving a life-altering MS diagnosis at 27 to navigating financial hardship and rebuilding her career. She shares how resilience and adaptability have been key to her success and why recognizing the right moments to pivot is crucial. We also explore the evolving role of AI, including its impact on business and healthcare, and discuss her latest venture, The Paws, an AI-driven app designed to support women through menopause.

Tune in to episode 200 of Joy Found Here as Susan Sly shares her remarkable journey of resilience, the power of embracing change, and insights into the rapidly evolving world of AI and entrepreneurship.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The story behind the success (4:25)
• Hitting rock bottom: MS diagnosis, bankruptcy and homelessness (6:31)
• Expanding your vessel: Making room for growth (12:33)
• The rise of AI and why it’s evolving faster than expected (28:53)
• The risks and opportunities of AI in everyday life (32:38)
• Degrees are becoming obsolete: The future of learning and work (39:17)
• Introducing The Paws: AI for menopause and women’s health (41:55)
• Final thoughts and where to connect (44:12)

Connect with Susan Sly:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• X
• TikTok
• YouTube: Susan Sly - Raw and Real Entrepreneurship
• The Menopause Health Podcast

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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