

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

Nov 20, 2025 • 31min
Set your Goals...and GRIND with Bose Akadiri
In this heartfelt and electric episode, Dr. Christie introduces Bose Akadiri, a multifaceted joy creator, motivational speaker, author, trainer, yogi, and holistic wellness advocate. Bose shares her personal story of discovering and maintaining joy, influenced heavily by her mother's teachings to prioritize happiness and remain creatively resilient. She discusses her strategies for creating a joyful life, including moving from Oklahoma to Chicago for a better lifestyle fit. Bose also explores her vision of productive joy, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal and professional goals with passion and support networks. Her upcoming book, 'Stay Joyful,' provides a guide to sustaining joy across life's key areas. Throughout the conversation, Bose reiterates the significance of joy as a fundamental right and encourages you to identify your personal sources of happiness and integrate them into your daily life.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Promotion00:16 Meet Bose Akadiri: A Multifaceted Joy Creator01:03 Bose's Journey to Joyful Living04:33 The Importance of Joy and Overcoming Obstacles05:07 Introducing 'Stay Joyful': Bose's Upcoming Book10:00 Goal and Grind: Leveraging Joy for Success16:44 Corporate Experience and Strategy17:51 Innovative Client Engagement20:12 The Joy Blueprint23:38 Nicknames and Personal Stories26:22 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Nov 18, 2025 • 53min
GenX meets GenZ on Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch, Carmella Dolde, and Chloe McMullen
Welcome to this very special episode of Productive Joy! Dr. Christie is joined by Chloe McMullen, Audra Lewis-Hoesch, and Carmella Dolde—three remarkable women with unique, inspirational experiences. Hosted by Dr. Christie dives into overcoming imposter syndrome, highlighting personal stories of resilience and transformation. Chloe shares her path from psychology to becoming a passionate kindergarten teacher. Carmella describes her career shifts from veterinary assistant to cybersecurity. Audra talks about founding Period Zero to bridge the gap between education and real-world skills. This episode emphasizes the impact of social media, the importance of vulnerability, and the value of focusing on individual definitions of successEpisode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:51 Meet the Guests: Carmella, Audra, and Chloe03:02 Carmella's Journey: Overcoming Self-Worth Struggles03:44 Chloe's Path: From Bullying to Teaching05:41 Audra's Story: From Homelessness to Doctorate08:39 The Importance of Sharing Struggles10:01 Generational Perspectives on Vulnerability14:25 Social Media and Imposter Syndrome22:19 Chloe's College Experience and Career Path27:22 Carmella's High School and Work Journey28:29 Moving In and Cultural Differences28:42 Challenges in the Veterinary Field30:03 Workplace Struggles and Career Shifts33:28 Burnout and Career Reevaluation35:11 Defining Productive Joy40:58 Rapid Fire Questions46:20 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysA Deeper Dive:In a recent episode of 'Productive Joy,' Christie brought together three inspiring women—Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch, Chloe McMullen, and Carmella Dolde—to explore their journeys of overcoming imposter syndrome. Each of these women, from different generational backgrounds, offered unique perspectives and wisdom on finding purpose and navigating life's challenges.**Meet the Panel**- **Carmella Dolde** is a multifaceted individual currently studying cybersecurity. Despite her love for animals and a background as a veterinary assistant, Carmella is shifting her focus while carrying the lessons from her past experiences.- **Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch** is a self-proclaimed workaholic, driven by her passions. As an educator and founder of "Period Zero," she provides a supportive space for mentorship and personal growth.- **Chloe McMullen** is a dedicated kindergarten teacher who found her dream job in education despite early self-doubt and a challenging first workplace experience.**Embracing Vulnerability: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome**The conversation revealed a common theme: the struggle with imposter syndrome transcends generational lines. Chloe and Carmella discussed how social media heightens comparison, making others appear more successful than they might be. Audra noted the cultural shifts between generations and emphasized the importance of open discussions to combat these feelings.Christie urged listeners to embrace honesty and vulnerability in their relationships. She highlighted the necessity of having open conversations about struggles and triumphs, allowing us to connect more deeply with those around us.**Building a Supportive Community**Chloe, Carmella, and Audra shared their strategies for dealing with imposter syndrome. They stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and maintaining a reminder of one's purpose. Audra encouraged taking "micro steps" toward goals, while Carmella emphasized focusing on personal paths rather than the achievements of others.**Key Takeaways**- **Just Start:** Take the first step toward your goal, regardless of self-doubt.- **Comparison is the Thief of Joy:** Focus on your own path and achievements.- **Life Moves Fast:** Stay grounded in what's important to you personally.- **Honest Conversations Matter:** Share your struggles and triumphs to deepen connections and build community.

Nov 15, 2025 • 7min
Know Your Worth, Defeat Limitations and More From Greg Stewart & Rick Torrison
Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie looks back at her incredible conversations this past week with returning guest Greg Stewart and new guest Rick Torrison. They discussed overcoming trauma, reclaiming personal worth, and breaking self-imposed limitations. Greg introduced his I Cubed series, emphasizing the power of interpreting information and managing intensity to take control of one's emotions. Rick highlights the impact of beliefs on behavior and outcomes, urging people to rewrite their narratives. Dr. Christie reinforces the message of inherent worth and encourages you to recognize and celebrate your value. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:07 Guest Highlights: Greg Stewart and Rick Torrison00:31 Greg Stewart's I Cubed Series01:12 Rick Torrison's Insights on Beliefs and Behaviors01:57 Embracing Your Worth03:49 Breaking Through Your Glass Ceilings04:21 Encouragement and Final ThoughtsA Deeper Dive:Hi friends! This week on Productive Joy, we explored powerful approaches to overcoming trauma and embracing personal worth, featuring insights from two brilliant guests, Greg Stewart and Rick Torrison. Both of these experts offer practical strategies to help transform your narrative and break through self-imposed limits.Greg Stewart has developed a transformative series called I Cubed, which stands for Information, Interpretation, and Intensity. Greg's formula encourages individuals, couples, and leaders to take control of their feelings by processing the information they're given, interpreting it effectively, and managing the intensity of their responses. By doing so, it places the ownership of emotions and experiences firmly in the hands of individuals, empowering them to move beyond past traumas.Rick Torrison emphasizes that beliefs drive behaviors, which in turn produce outcomes. He encourages his audience to rewrite their narratives and break free from feeling stuck. Despite societal teachings, it's crucial to recognize that current emotions and circumstances don't have to define one's worth or potential.Our worth isn't earned—it's inherent. Too often, societal pressures and upbringing teach us that our value is dependent on our actions or accomplishments. However, simply being is enough. As human beings, our worth doesn't require external validation. Recognizing this truth is vital for personal growth and overcoming the glass ceilings we impose on ourselves.What limits have you set for yourself? Whether it's a perceived lack of education or experience, it's time to challenge these boundaries. While learning and growth are important, never doubt your worthiness of pursuing your passions. Encouraging this mindset shift can help you achieve extraordinary feats.It's okay to have emotions, to not know everything, and to ask for help. Both Greg and Rick teach that acknowledging and understanding trauma is crucial, but allowing it to dictate your boundaries is not. Take a moment to reflect on the limitations you can break through this week.You are unique, worthy, and enough. Everything you've accomplished contributes to your growth. If you need support, don't hesitate to reach out to Greg, Rick, or myself. We're here to walk alongside you, sharing insights and experiences to foster a journey towards being better. Remember, nobody aspires to mediocrity; we all strive for greatness.

Nov 13, 2025 • 35min
Living Limitless, I Will, I Can, I Am with Rick Torrison
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie hosts Rick, an influence creator, potential unlocker, and author of 'Born Limitless.' Their conversation gets into the importance of challenging limiting beliefs and rewriting personal narratives to achieve a life of limitless potential. Rick shares his personal story of overcoming childhood trauma to illustrate the power of self-belief and reframing one’s story. They discuss the concept of productive joy and how choosing joy, even in difficult times, can lead to a fulfilling and impactful life. Rick introduces his new app, 'Living Limitless,' designed to help individuals harness their true potential through daily affirmations and personalized coaching.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:26 Meet Rick: The Influence Creator01:40 Rick's Journey to Limitless Mindset02:30 Christie's Limiting Belief Story04:11 The Power of Limiting Beliefs08:56 Rick's Personal Story of Overcoming Trauma16:01 Understanding Self-Worth and Identity17:41 Recognizing Your Inherent Value18:12 The Power of Words and Declarations18:33 Challenging and Changing Limiting Beliefs19:32 Overcoming Past Traumas and Lies23:29 Choosing Joy Amidst Challenges26:58 Living Limitless: The App and Community31:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Final ThoughtsA Deeper Dive:In an invigorating episode of "Productive Joy," host Christie engages in a transformative discussion with Rick Torrison, a coach, speaker, and influence creator. Their conversation deeply explores the idea of breaking through limiting beliefs to uncover our limitless potential.Rick kicks off the conversation by introducing his bestseller, "Born Limitless," a book aimed at helping individuals identify and conquer limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs are those internal narratives that restrict us and often arise from early life experiences. Rick shares a powerful personal story about a childhood trauma that fostered a limiting belief about his own worth. It wasn’t until he reframed his narrative that he understood his inherent value and was able to begin healing.Christie and Rick delve into the significance of rewriting these internal narratives. Christie shares a personal experience from high school where she felt undervalued because of her vivacious personality. This limiting belief that she couldn't be both the fun and the smart one lingered until she recognized it as her unique superpower. Rick emphasizes that our actions must align with our beliefs, reinforcing either limitations or limitless possibilities.Rick passionately explains that our worth is intrinsic, not a product of external validation. This point resonated with Christie, who underscores it with insights from Jamie Kern Lima's book, which reminds readers that worth is inherent, not earned. The challenge lies in helping people realize this, especially when past traumas cloud their self-perception. Rick encourages listeners to challenge what they consider "normal" by questioning whether their so-called normal was ever truly theirs to begin with.The discussion transitions to the concept of productive joy. Rick and Christie agree that joy is a choice, independent of circumstances. Rick suggests that even in the midst of hardship, individuals can choose joy. For him, productiveness flows naturally from a joyful life. Despite life's challenges, the inner belief system, not external conditions, determines whether one experiences joy.Rick shares his recent endeavor: an app titled "Living Limitless," which is bundled with his life's work. The app includes a chat bot, Rick Bot, which offers insights based on Rick's coaching philosophy. Additionally, the app features a daily mind shift video to inspire positive thinking. Rick's approach encapsulates his mission to empower people to lead significant and limitless lives by recognizing their innate worth and potential.

Nov 11, 2025 • 35min
Information, Interpretation, Intensity...Finding Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Greg Stewart
Dr. Greg Stewart, a counselor, coach, and author specializing in emotional management and leadership, shares insights from his new leadership book. He discusses the I3 theory—information, interpretation, intensity—and how it applies to emotional intelligence in relationships and leadership. Dr. Stewart introduces the 'Ironman core,' a source of inexhaustible energy for purpose-driven leadership. He also highlights the importance of finding a personal mission statement to achieve inner peace, balancing happiness with values for true joy.

Nov 8, 2025 • 4min
Reclaim Control To Change Your Life and More with Heather Hansen & Nancy Berrian
Explore inspiring stories of resilience from Heather Hansen and Nancy Berrian. Dr. Christie discusses the power of using your voice to shape your life and the importance of recognizing personal strengths. As she embraces turning 49, she reflects on confidence and self-awareness gained through experience. Listeners are encouraged to ask for help and seek guidance while pursuing growth. Plus, don’t miss the upcoming TED Talk announcement and a call to take control of your influence starting today!

Nov 6, 2025 • 37min
It’s Time To Advocate For Yourself with Heather Hansen
In this compelling episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Heather Hansen, a podcaster, author, speaker, voracious reader, and former trial attorney. They delve into Heather's journey of balancing elegance with warrior-like determination in and out of the courtroom. Heather discusses her book 'The Elegant Warrior: How to Win Life’s Trials Without Losing Yourself' and her TEDx talk on perspective versus empathy. She offers insights into advocating for yourself and the importance of perspective-taking in creating meaningful change. Heather also shares personal stories, including a transformative courtroom experience and her unique practice of journaling negative emotions. Throughout the episode Dr. Christie and Heather emphasize the power of beliefs in shaping reality and encourage listeners to embrace joy and productivity harmoniously.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:17 Meet Heather Hanson01:02 The Importance of Self-Advocacy02:26 Heather's Journey as a Trial Attorney04:15 Balancing Elegance and Warrior Spirit09:26 The Power of Perspective10:41 Heather's TEDx Experience15:19 Defining Productive Joy18:50 Beliefs Drive Behaviors19:26 Creating Joy in the Legal Profession21:16 Balancing Fun and Professionalism22:22 Understanding Your Audience26:36 Jury Duty Anecdotes30:20 Rapid Fire Questions35:42 Final Thoughts and Contact Information A Deeper Dive:In a recent episode of "Productive Joy," Christie welcomes Heather Hansen, Heather highlights a common issue many individuals face: the struggle to advocate for oneself while easily doing so for others. Her message is clear—learn to be your own advocate. Her book, "The Elegant Warrior: How to Win Life's Trials Without Losing Yourself," embodies this philosophy, teaching how to navigate the thin line between elegance and warrior spirit.A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Heather's TEDx talk, "Why Perspective is Better than Empathy." She underscores the importance of cognitive empathy, seeing the world through others' eyes rather than simply feeling their emotions. In professions like education or law, understanding perspective can be far more productive and effective than mere empathy.Christie and Heather explored the importance of showing up as one's authentic self. While humor and joy should be present in the workplace, it's essential to understand and respect different personalities and how they might respond to public displays of silliness or fun. Recognizing when and how to incorporate joy into professional settings leads to more authentic and fulfilling interactions.Heather's route to TEDx was filled with a desire to share a meaningful message rather than achieving recognition. Her focus on how cognitive empathy can transform professions reveals a thoughtful shift from personal pride to public service. Her story reminds us that succeeding in such transitions relies on clarity of message and purpose.In a heartfelt sharing, Heather discussed dealing with grief through journaling, encouraging people to express thoughts—good or bad—without fear of judgment. She argues it's not the thoughts that shape reality, but the beliefs we hold. Letting go of negative thoughts prevents them from transforming into detrimental beliefs.**Key Takeaways**- **Advocate for Yourself:** Recognize that your skills and experiences need your voice. If you don't speak up for yourself, no one else will.- **Perspective Over Empathy:** In various aspects of life, aspiring to understand and acknowledge others' perspectives can lead to better communication and effectiveness.- **Joy in Professionalism:** Even in the most serious environments, allowing for joy and humor can lead to a healthier mental state and promote productivity.- **Authenticity is Key:** In every role, whether personal or professional, showing up authentically makes interactions more meaningful and genuine.

Nov 4, 2025 • 28min
Vows, Wows, and WTF! with Nan Berrian
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Nan Berrian, a multi-talented author and support group leader. Nan shares her experiences with divorce, suicidal thoughts, and estrangement from her son. She discusses the importance of talking about hard topics to reduce stigma and shame. Having always wanted to write, Nan turned her tumultuous life events into a book titled 'Vows and What the F?', injecting humor with her story. Dr. Christie and Nan also talk about the support group she started for parents estranged from their children. This episode highlights the power of resilience, humor, and supportive communities in overcoming life's challenges.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Promotion00:28 Meet Nan Barian: Author and Advocate01:20 Nan's Journey: From Divorce to Bestselling Author04:15 The Power of Humor and Relatability04:57 Nan's Book: Vows and What the F06:23 Defining Productive Joy07:00 Nan's Love for Music13:26 Dating Over 50: Hilarious Stories19:00 Building Bridges: Support Group for Estranged Parents22:56 Rapid Fire Questions and Final ThoughtsA Deeper Dive:In our latest episode of "Productive Joy," we had the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Nan Berrian, a woman who has transformed her life's challenges into a beacon of hope and support for others. Nan, a Shine Press author, shared her compelling journey through the peaks and valleys of life and how she emerged on the other side, helping others do the same.Nan's story is one of resilience and courage. From surviving a turbulent divorce to battling suicidal thoughts, she has faced some of life's toughest challenges head-on. Rather than shy away from the hard topics, Nan dives into them with honesty and humor, aiming to break down stigmas and encourage others to speak openly about their own struggles. Her philosophy? The more light you can shine on your struggles, the less they become burdens.Through her personal experiences, Nan has become an advocate for others dealing with estranged relationships, especially between parents and children. She has co-founded "Building Bridges," a support group dedicated to providing a safe space for parents navigating estrangement. Her efforts go beyond just the emotional; they offer practical advice and community support, proving that no one is truly alone.Nan's journey also led her to pen a humorous and insightful book, "Vows and What the F," detailing her experiences with divorce, estrangement, and finding new love. In her writing, she weaves humor with reality, making her book a quick yet impactful read. It's both a memoir and a guide, offering readers hope that they too can overcome their hard moments.Nan's definition of "productive joy" resonates strongly. For her, it involves actively seeking out what brings joy, even amid adversity. Music plays a significant role in her life, serving as a soothing balm that lifts her spirits. Whether it's '80s synth-pop or quirky sea shanties, music is a constant companion that helps her to maintain her authentic self and find joy in the everyday.Throughout our conversation, Nan emphasized the importance of a strong foundation—whether that's through therapy or community—that can prevent life's highs and lows from feeling too overwhelming. She believes that while joy isn't a constant, maintaining a solid foundation can help us navigate through life's ebbs and flows more smoothly.

Nov 1, 2025 • 7min
Embrace Mistakes and Embrace The Unknown & More with Cassy Williamson, Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie recaps this weeks interviews with some very inspiring guests: Cassy Williamson (author of 'Unapologetic'), and Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell (co-authors of 'Unstuck Yourself'). Celebrating her 49th birthday, Dr. Christie shares personal reflections and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of asking questions, making mistakes, and surrounding oneself with positive influences. She encourages us to embrace growth, take risks, and live life to the fullest,Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome00:11 Meet the Fabulous Guests01:10 Insights from the Guests' Books01:39 Personal Reflections on Turning 4902:21 Lessons Learned and Growth04:50 Encouragement to Grow and Try New Things05:28 Purpose of Productive Joy05:55 Birthday Challenge and Conclusion

Oct 29, 2025 • 37min
Go Unstuck Yourself… Reclaim The Art of Enjoying Life with Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell, accomplished entrepreneurs, coaches, and holistic health experts. The group discusses the significance of curiosity and internal alignment in leadership and personal growth. Meghan and Laura introduce concepts from their book 'Unstuck Yourself,' focusing on applied neuroscience, human design, and the power of being your true self. They share insights on avoiding burnout, living with purpose, and harnessing joy not just in professional settings but in everyday life. They encourage you to follow their unique paths and embrace their innate wholeness for a fulfilling, productive life.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:32 Meet Our Special Guests: Meghan and Laura01:34 The Power of Purpose and Joy03:20 The Journey of Meghan and Laura11:12 Understanding Applied Neuroscience14:22 Defining Productive Joy18:30 Embracing Joy in Difficult Situations19:19 Understanding Enneagram Types20:09 Productive Joy and Self-Discovery20:33 Introducing 'Unstuck Yourself'20:48 Exploring Human Design and Somatics22:55 Addressing Burnout and Spiritual Alignment25:38 Curiosity and Imagination in Leadership27:08 Internal vs. External Seeking30:29 Rapid Fire Questions35:11 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysA Deeper Dive:In our frenetic lives, finding joy and purpose can often feel like a luxury we cannot afford. However, during a recent conversation on the "Productive Joy" podcast, Christie was joined by extraordinary guests, Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell, who shared fascinating insights into living a life brimming with joy and authenticity.Meghan and Laura are not just leadership gurus and holistic health experts; they're also hip hop dancers who infuse fun into their transformative work. Their backgrounds in applied neuroscience and passion for helping people find their purpose shine through their innovative approach. The duo lives by the belief that purpose isn't about finding the right job, but about being fully expressed as a human being.The conversation also introduces Meghan and Laura’s new book, “Unstuck Yourself: Thrive Beyond Burnout and Discover Your True Purpose,” which dropped on October 6th. This guidebook is designed as a complete journey for readers to discover their true purpose through human design, applied neuroscience, and a unique framework called Integrative Somatic Experience. It challenges cultural stories and helps readers develop practical tools to realign with their authentic selves.The book emphasizes the powerful role of curiosity as a tool for personal development, allowing imagination and innovation to thrive. Meghan and Laura also discuss the importance of distinguishing between internal and external seeking to rediscover personal truth and wisdom.A key takeaway from the discussion is the approach to show up as your authentic self. Meghan highlights the importance of relying on bodily wisdom over the mind's chatter, while Laura underscores heart-centered leadership. Practices like meditation and journaling play a significant role in helping them stay grounded and align with their true nature.Both Meghan and Laura advocate for embracing practices on good days so that they can support you on the challenging days. This approach is a constant reminder that joy is not just for the good times but a guiding force through all experiences.As we navigate our journey towards joy and purpose, Meghan and Laura leave us with potent reminders:- You are here on purpose. Let this guide your life.- You are already whole. Nothing about you is broken or lacking; you possess everything you need to thrive.


