

Productive Joy
Dr. Christie McMullen
Welcome to Productive Joy with Dr. Christie. I'm your host, Christie McMullen, and together we are going to make sure we turn fun into action. How will we do that? By thoughtfully taking AIM. AIM stands for Analyze Improve Move. We're going to analyze the things that you're currently doing that you're like, I probably could find more joy in this. We're going to improve on those things by listening to experts and learning all kinds of new ways to do business. And then we're going to move. It is time to learn and grow together...let's do this.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 11, 2025 • 35min
Dare to Be You...Being Impactful Rather Than Impressive with Kwesi Johnson
Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Kwesi Johnson, who discusses his trajectory from healthcare to becoming a champion of workplace transformation.They explore the concept of 'productive joy,' the challenge of being genuine, the importance of combating imposter syndrome, and why we should focus on being impactful over being impressive.Kwesi shares his 'dare to be' mantra, emphasizing authenticity and promoting true collaboration through psychologically safe work environments, and he and Dr. Christie share insights on creating inclusive cultures, boosting employee engagement, and the significance of being over doing.In this episode:02:23 Kwesi's Journey to Transforming Workplaces05:03 The Concept of 'Dare to Be'08:37 Challenging Mediocrity and Imposter Syndrome12:55 Defining Productive Joy15:11 Supporting Others in Finding Productive Joy17:18 Learning from Each Other18:10 Extrovert vs. Introvert20:45 Dare to Be: The Book25:35 Rapid Fire Questions31:21 Final Thoughts on AuthenticityConnect withKwesiDr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between. keywords:authortwin dadtwin momcycling enthusiastbest versionstrustemployee engagementrelationshipspositive environmentinclusive cultureauthentic selfleaderfriendTravis Beverlytransform workplacesjourneyNorth Carolinacollegehealthcareconsultingpatient experienceprocessesworkshopstrainingsvaluecompassionimproving processespatient throughputrevenue cycle managementtransform workplaceslearningchampion of experiencechurchreplicatetalentbecoming a published authordare to begenuineauthenticcall to actioninspirechallengemove forwardencourageindividualmentorshigh schoolbe betterimpactimposter syndromechameleonmaskBrene Brown

Feb 5, 2025 • 9min
When Income and Impact Come Together & More From Georgi Enthoven
Today Dr. Christie breaks down her conversation with Georgi Enthoven, an author, advisor, and Founder of Work That's Worth It. She discusses Georgi's unique path to help herself, and now others, to achieve the enviable combination of income and impact.
Dr. Christie reflects on the podcast's one-year milestone, sharing lessons learned and the significance of making work fun and rewarding for employees. She gives real-world insights on fostering a work culture that promotes happiness, productivity, and prosperity.
Find more about Georgi
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Keywords:
author
podcaster
work worth it
90,000 hours
impact
income
questions
productive joy definition
freedom
no constraints
Portugal
covid
book
Work That's Worth It
leadership
podcast
one year
listen
fun
work fun
mutually exclusive
feel valued
appreciated
voice
leveraging talents
happy hour
value appreciated
contribute
greater good
learning
industries
personal
effort
special
sparkly
puzzle piece
Dr. Tamara Gilliam
doctorate
committee
conversation
memorable

Feb 4, 2025 • 32min
Work That's Worth It... How Will You Spend Your 90,000 Hours? with Georgi Enthoven
Welcome to Productive Joy! Today Dr. Christie, brings you an extraordinary guest, with an extraordinary past, and extraordinary story, vision and mission. But with that came a lot of doubt and struggle and finding the right path. Georgi Enthoven, an author and coach with a background from Harvard and USC Berkeley, shares insights on aligning your career with personal joy and impact.
Georgi discusses her eclectic life experiences, the importance of experimenting in early career stages, and how to discover your calling. She introduces her upcoming book and podcast, 'Work That's Worth It,' emphasizing the balance of income and impact in a fulfilling career.
Find more about Georgi
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
Harvard grad
author
coach
mother
advocate
income and impact
dog mom
South Africa
emerging markets
childhood
technology
recharging
work that's worth it
jobs
career
calling
buckets of time
calling oneself
workplace happiness
figuring out calling
crafting a career
meaningful work
energy management
integrity
adventure
vision
career management
becoming a disruptor
problem-solving
experimenting
parent influence
young professionals
ethical AI
renewable energy
clean beauty
professional fulfillment
systemic impact
young people career
education system
contributing to society
soul to soul connection
fun
change pace
socioeconomic barriers
professional coaching
volunteering
podcast
authentic self
integration
bad days
staying energized
sustainability
alignment with work
motivation
learning to listen

Jan 29, 2025 • 7min
Your Sphere of Influence is Larger Than You Know & More From Janice Kaplan
Today Dr. Christie dives into insightful tips on maintaining joy and productivity. Sharing fascinating insights from her conversation with author Janice Kaplan about how small environmental changes can significantly influence your mindset and well-being. She also shares personal stories that highlight the profound impact of simple, everyday choices on our happiness and gives practical advice on leveraging your sphere of influence and making the most of the new year.
00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy
00:17 Recap of Conversation with Janice Kaplan
01:03 Influence and Control
01:36 Practical Tips for a Happier Life
02:29 Personal Reflections and Choices
04:20 The Fork Story
05:16 Taking Care of Your Body
06:30 Final Encouragement
Keywords:
New year
What Your Body Knows About Happiness
environment affects your thinking
flowers
brightening the room
standing up straighter
sphere of control
sphere of influence
warm cup of coffee
cold cup of coffee
Color matters
evoke emotion
high school
the light and the life
choices impact
stand up straight
positive
negative idea
It's perfectly okay not to like something
wedding
influence our minds
take care of your body
feel uncomfortable or unhappy
deep breath
sunshine
move
suggestions for productive joy

Jan 28, 2025 • 32min
What your Body Knows about Happiness with Janice Kaplan
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Janice Kaplan, an acclaimed author and former editor-in-chief of Parade Magazine. Janice discusses her latest book, 'What Your Body Knows About Happiness,' emphasizing the significant impact physical experiences and environments have on our mental state.
She shares insights on how simple changes, like posture and surroundings, can boost joy and productivity. She and Dr. Christie cover topics such as the importance of movement for creativity, the influence of sensory inputs, and practical tips for leaders to foster a positive workplace environment.
Keywords:
author
interview
gratitude
gratitude diaries
happiness
body and mind
joy
lessons
subscribe
follow
positive
subscribe
New Yorker
editor in chief
Parade Magazine
mom
two sons
swimmer
world traveler
novels
journalist
TV producer
exercise
mental state
meditation
hard chairs
soft chairs
research
mindfulness
environment
creativity
positivity
writing process
new book
elevator experiment
interviews
movement
soft pillows
temperature
cross-body impact
clipboard
sensitivity
auditory impact
physical environment
interaction
flowers
noise
color association

Jan 22, 2025 • 6min
How To Control Your Controllables & More from Torkil Faero
Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie discusses key insights from an interview with Dr. Torkil Faero, author of 'The Pulse Cure,' on how tracking and controlling stress can extend your by up to two decades. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing stressors and highlights actions you can take on factors like diet, exercise, and sleep.
As this is the 101st episode (Yay!!), Dr. Christie underscores the value of consistency, mindset, and deliberate effort in achieving productive joy and encourages everyone listening to choose their challenges, control the controllables and see what growth will come in the new year.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Keywords:
Norway
The Pulse Cure
lower your stress
track your nervous system
control your nervous system
research
live up to 24 years longer
stress levels
nervous systems
understand
productive
sugar
alcohol
lack of sleep
lack of exercise
too much exercise
choose your hard
physically fit
stressed
physically fit
nervous system
choose your heart
married
divorced
thoughtful
healthy
happy
whole
control our controllables
sphere of control
sphere of influence
reflection
consistency
mindset

Jan 21, 2025 • 32min
Controlling your Nervous System with Intentionality with Torkil Faero
Today is very special because it's the 100th episode of Productive Joy!! AND we have an amazing guest.
Dr. Christie welcomes Dr. Torkil Farrow, all the way from Norway. Dr. Farrow is a general practitioner, author, and stress management expert. He talks about his path into preventative medicine sparked by his father's early death, which pivoted his focus from traditional medicine to lifestyle changes.
He explains how using wearables like Garmin watches helps in tracking and managing stress levels for better health and longevity, and emphasizes practical steps such as improving diet, reducing alcohol, and adjusting exercise routines. His book, 'The Pulse Cure,' offers in-depth strategies for leveraging technology to enhance well-being.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.

Jan 15, 2025 • 7min
Be Tenacious! Go BIG! Be Rewarded & More With Larry Kasanoff
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie is delivering a message from her latest guest - Go Big!
She shares her experience interviewing film producer Larry Kasanoff, known for movies like Platoon, Dirty Dancing, Mortal Kombat, and the Lego Star Wars movie. They discuss the importance of overcoming fear, taking risks, and stepping out of comfort zones. Larry's advice centers on asking for what you want, having fun, and being tenacious. Christie emphasizes living boldly, embracing joy, and pursuing passions with fervor. So go big, don't fear 'no' and see where it can take you.
Connect with here and here
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Keywords:
fun
tenacious
work
Larry Kasanoff
Platoon
Mortal Kombat
Lego Star Wars
movie production
transparency
Malibu blonde
touch of the madness
stories
leaders
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successful
risks
job
emotion
fail
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Productive Joy
walks of life
box
importance
volunteer
running something
positivity
advice
three things
college
CEO
Warner Brothers
ask
fun
pick one thing
tenacious

Jan 14, 2025 • 33min
A TOUCH OF THE MADNESS: HOW TO BE MORE CREATIVE BY BEING MORE CRAZY? With Larry Kasanoff
So today is a very special show. A must hear. A must share episode, as Dr. Christie welcomes Larry Kasanoff, famed film producer (Platoon, Blue Steel, Dirty Dancing,True Lies, Lego Movie, Terminator 2, Mortal Combat Franchise) and author (A Touch of Madness) .
Is Larry crazy? Not exactly, but he encourages you to embrace the things you might feel are crazy and be amazed by the doors that open and opportunities that arise.
Larry and Dr. Christie explore the importance of taking risks, protecting one's creative vision, not hearing no, and the power of asking for what you want. Larry offers exceptional, and often uncommon advice for leaders and creatives on embracing their madness, incorporating fun into work, and the power of persistence.
Learn more about Larry
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Keywords:
film producer
CEO
author
animals
treasure hunter
film studio
mid eighties
home video
Touch of the Madness
pandemic
creative
cautious
filmmakers
audience
intellectual property
brands
titles
emotions
creativity
risks
marketing
storytelling
Hollywood
political correctness
streaming
sequel
remake
fear
corporate mergers
Disney
Simon Cowell
X-Factor
Karaoke
documentary
authoritative
conference
persistent
mindfulness
reset
meditation

Jan 8, 2025 • 7min
Stop Hiding Your Hidden Talents & More with Kerim Kfuri
On today's episode of Productive Joy, we explore the concept of turning your unique talents into impactful actions. Dr. Christie discusses insights from Kerim Kfuri, a global supply chain expert and author, who explains the interconnectedness of the world and applying skills in various domains.
Dr. Christie emphasizes recognizing and utilizing your hidden talents, giving examples from her own life and experiences of others. No matter what the talent is this episode encourages listeners to harness their capabilities to provide value to others and open up possibilities both personally and professionally.
Keywords:
brilliant people
leaders
learned
Global supply chain
supply chain ups and downs
toilet paper during pandemics
understanding of the world
business
change practice
providing
providing for others
unique gift
recognize
turning into a business
talents
skills
be organized
glitter
creative talents
recognized
synchronized swimming
wonder
presentation
conference
presenters
breakout sessions
concurrent sessions
information
chunk the information
specifics
train them to be really great
exceptional
superpower
talents
share
world
interesting talents
unique
change practice


