Joy Lab Podcast Podcast Por Henry Emmons MD and Aimee Prasek PhD arte de portada

Joy Lab Podcast

Joy Lab Podcast

De: Henry Emmons MD and Aimee Prasek PhD
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Welcome to the Joy Lab Podcast! We're your hosts, Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek, and we blend soulful insights with practical strategies to help you navigate mental health challenges like chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. In each episode, we dive deep into the art and science of joy, exploring how to build resilience and flourish, even in the face of life's overwhelming moments. You'll probably resonate and benefit most from joining us if any of the below resonate: * You feel caught in cycles of worry or anxiety. * You feel STRESSED and sick of the symptoms that go along with it (feeling tired, achy/tight in your body, tension headaches, and lots of irritation or nervousness). * You feel overwhelmed by the news of the world around you and it's impacting your mood and focus. * The grind of day-to-day life doesn't feel meaningful to you and you want something more. * Your mind feels ridiculously busy, full, and foggy. You may even be waking up in the middle of the night (3am, anyone?), with your mind racing over stuff you can't shake. * You feel depressed too often or even just stuck in a "meh" or "bleh" kind of state. You also really want to get out of that low mood rut, feel happy again, and live your life more fully. Did you sense a heaviness in your chest or belly that was like... "yeah, I'm feeling that." If so, then join us every Wednesday for a new episode. As hosts of this pod and fellow humans, we've had those thoughts and felt those feelings too. We know the struggle. We also know the relief and what it's like to go beyond just a baseline of feeling "not so bad" and into a more joyful and flourishing state. Maybe best of all, we know how to help others do that too. We've been in the mental health field and doing this work for a combined 50+ years. You can also trust that what we talk about and explore are solid mental health tools and practices grounded by modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and the science of mindfulness. We'll also adventure beyond what can be measured to explore wisdom from our deepest selves or "soul." But, there's a warning there... even when we're working with that deeper stuff, this is not some woo-woo, new age kind of psychobabble. It's the practical, whole-person approach to mental health that is necessary for our complex human lives. It will challenge you to address all the bits of your being, even those uncertain/uncomfortable sides, to help you cultivate joy right now—no procrastinating for the "perfect" moment. So, if you’re ready to redefine your relationship with mental health and unlock the joy that’s already within you, simply choose an episode that speaks to you and press play. Each episode is your personal guide to building true resilience, embracing self-care that truly nourishes you, and reigniting a deep sense of connection. You’ll walk away with practical insights to help you navigate life’s challenges with more confidence—because joy isn’t something you have to chase, it’s something within you that's waiting for you to rediscover. The Joy Lab Podcast and Program are powered by Pathways North. ________ This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.2021-2025 Desarrollo Personal Higiene y Vida Saludable Psicología Psicología y Salud Mental Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • Are You Stuck in Joyless Urgency? [222]

    Are You Stuck in Joyless Urgency? [222]
    Aug 13 2025

    Join us (Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek) as we talk about "joyless urgency," a brilliant phrase coined by Marilynne Robinson. The short story is that our modern kind of hustle culture and constant busyness often leads to little personal fulfillment. So what's causing all this urgency? We've highlighted some important reasons in some recent episodes (see links below). Today, we'll introduce another one: too much social media. We'll focus on something called "problematic engagement" and how excessive use on social media can fuel a cycle of anxiety and temporary relief followed by more anxiety and temporary relief and then more anxiety... you get the picture. Awareness is the first step to get out of this cycle and we'll hit on that a bit in this episode. And be sure to tune in for the next several episodes as we'll cover some practical steps you can take to get out of joyless urgency and back into joy.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

    Sources and Notes:

    • Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
    • More about Marilynne Robinson from The Poetry Foundation
    • Joy Lab Episodes referenced:
      • Worrier? You're Not Alone. Here's Why We Worry... [ep. 213]
      • Unmasking Your True Self: Exploring Authenticity and Awe [ep. 216]
      • Embrace Your True Self: Accepted, Connected, & In The Game [ep. 217]
      • The Road Most Travelled: Awakening Through Suffering [ep. 218]
      • Follow Your Bliss: Awakening to Joy [ep. 219]
      • The Still Small Voice: Awakening with Soulfulness [ep. 220]
    • Farivar, S., Wang, F., & Turel, O. (2022). Followers' problematic engagement with influencers on social media: An attachment theory perspective. Computers in Human Behavior, 133. Access here.

    Full transcript here.

    Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

    Please see our terms for more information.

    If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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    18 m
  • "The Opposite of Play is Not Work, The Opposite of Play is Depression."

    "The Opposite of Play is Not Work, The Opposite of Play is Depression."
    Aug 6 2025

    The renowned play researcher, Dr. Brian Sutton-Smith, said that the "The opposite of play is not work, the opposite of play is depression." There's a lot of truth to that. In this episode, we (Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek) explore how play and having fun is woven into our human nature and why it's so essential for our mental health. We'll even touch on some surprising facts about how old rats can grow more brain cells than younger rats (it applies to humans too!) and why even retirees, who might experience every day as a holiday, report increased happiness on federal holidays. We hope you come away from this episode with more motivation to rest and play.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

    Sources and Notes:

    • Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
    • Series on authenticity from our Joy Lab podcast:
      • Unmasking Your True Self: Exploring Authenticity and Awe [ep. 216]
      • Embrace Your True Self: Accepted, Connected, & In The Game [ep. 217]
      • The Road Most Travelled: Awakening Through Suffering [ep. 218]
      • Follow Your Bliss: Awakening to Joy [ep. 219]
      • The Still Small Voice: Awakening with soulfulness [ep. 220]
    • More on Dr. Brian Sutton Smith from the National Institute for Play.
    • Merz, J. & Osberg, L. (2006). Keeping in touch: A benefit of public holidays. Access here.
    • Rosso, L. & Wagner, R. (2021). Causal Effect of Public Holidays on Economic Growth. Access here.

    View full transcript here.

    Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

    Please see our terms for more information.

    If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
    Más Menos
    24 m
  • The Still Small Voice: Awakening with Soulfulness [ep. 220]

    The Still Small Voice: Awakening with Soulfulness [ep. 220]
    Jul 30 2025

    Join us (Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek) as we wrap up our Month of Awe by exploring the concept of the 'Still, Small Voice' and its role in authenticity and soulfulness. We'll talk about the importance of turning inward, listening to our inner voice, and forming a relationship with our wisest self. Not sure what to listen for? Thankfully, even though our inner voice is unique to us, there are some universal characteristics to look out for. We'll get into those specifics so you can listen in with more confidence and take action in ways that nourish you and those around you.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

    Sources and Notes:

    • Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
    • Related Joy Lab Episodes:
      • Unmasking Your True Self: Exploring Authenticity and Awe [ep. 216]
      • Embrace Your True Self: Accepted, Connected, & In The Game [ep. 217]
      • The Road Most Travelled: Awakening Through Suffering [ep. 218]
      • Follow Your Bliss: Awakening to Joy [ep. 219]
    • Mary Oliver (website for her work)
    • Parker Palmer and the Center for Courage and Renewal

    Full transcript here.

    Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

    Please see our terms for more information.

    If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
    Más Menos
    22 m
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