In this in-depth conversation, Sam Castor and I go beyond inspiration and into the real work of becoming a light in the world. We talk about the struggles, the responsibility, and the deep impact of choosing to shine, even when it’s difficult.

In this special highlight episode, we introduce Sam Castor, a visionary leader, advocate, and deep thinker, as we explore the profound idea of Be Light. What does it mean to bring light into the world? How do we illuminate the spaces we enter—whether in our families, workplaces, or communities?

This episode sets the stage for a deeper conversation, offering powerful insights and inspiring moments to reflect on. If you're looking for a quick boost of wisdom, this is the episode to start with.

In Season 3, Episode 28 of the JOYrific Podcast, titled "Mental Health Minute: Anxiety," listeners are treated to a profound and accessible exploration of anxiety as a disorder rooted in avoidance. Dr. Matt Larson joins the hosts to unravel the complexities of anxiety through relatable analogies, practical advice, and compassionate insights. This episode illuminates anxiety not just as a series of panic attacks or anxious moments but as a pattern of avoidance that can deeply impact one's life. Using the beloved Disney movie "Frozen" as a metaphor, Dr. Larson explains how avoidance of anxiety-inducing situations, much like Elsa's initial response to her powers, can lead to a restricted and isolated life.

The conversation navigates the challenges of facing anxiety head-on, whether in oneself or in supporting others, including children or adults, through their struggles. The hosts and Dr. Larson discuss strategies for gently confronting anxiety-inducing situations through exposure and response prevention, emphasizing the importance of not enabling avoidance behaviors. This episode offers a beacon of understanding and practical guidance for dealing with anxiety, highlighting the significance of empathy, patience, and the delicate balance of support needed to encourage facing fears without overwhelming the individual.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of anxiety's nature, strategies to support themselves or loved ones in managing anxiety, and a message of hope that with the right approach, overcoming avoidance and embracing life fully is within reach.

In Season 3, Episode 25 of the JOYrific Podcast, titled "Mental Health Minute: Mental Hospital," listeners are given an enlightening discussion on the crucial differences between inpatient and outpatient care, with a focus on suicide prevention. Dr. Matt Larson joins the episode to share his extensive experience in the mental health field, offering insights into the nuances of psychiatric care. The episode demystifies the process of admitting someone to a mental health facility, providing practical advice for those facing the possibility of needing inpatient care for themselves or a loved one. Through engaging conversation, the hosts explore how to recognize when hospitalization is necessary, the logistics of admitting someone against their will, and the importance of supportive care for both the individual in crisis and their caregivers. Dr. Larson's expertise illuminates the path to seeking help in dire situations, emphasizing that mental health, like physical health, sometimes requires professional intervention to heal. This episode aims to destigmatize mental health hospitalization, encouraging open dialogue about seeking help and supporting loved ones through their darkest times.

In Season 3, Episode 22 of the JOYrific Podcast, titled "Mental Health Minute: Pornography," hosts embark on a candid conversation about the complexities surrounding discussing pornography. This episode delves into the sensitive and often misunderstood topic, aiming to demystify and discuss pornography in a thoughtful and open manner. The hosts touch upon the nuances of viewing pornography, its impact on relationships, and the importance of discussing such topics within families and partnerships. They explore the distinctions between nudity in medical and educational contexts versus pornography, addressing misconceptions and societal views on modesty and objectification. The dialogue includes personal anecdotes and professional insights, emphasizing the necessity of honest communication about sexual health and expectations. With a focus on understanding rather than judgment, this episode offers a compassionate approach to addressing pornography, encouraging listeners to engage in open conversations with loved ones and to navigate the challenges it may present within relationships and personal morality.

The episode doesn't shy away from the challenges posed by digital distractions, including the ubiquitous presence of smartphones and the endless scroll of social media. It delves into personal anecdotes and broader societal trends, touching on the delicate balance between using technology as a tool for connection and letting it dominate our attention and time. The hosts contemplate solutions, from social media fasts to rearranging phone apps, and even consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of switching to simpler, "dumb" phones.

In this insightful episode of "Monday's Mental Health Minute" with Jamie Braithwaite and Dr. Matt Larson, the focus is on the crucial role of boundaries in maintaining healthy relationships, especially with teenagers. Dr. Matt Larson explores the concept of boundaries not as barriers, but as essential tools to keep relationships inclusive and healthy. He emphasizes that without boundaries, we risk either overwhelming ourselves or cutting people out of our lives entirely.

In Season 3, Episode 18 of our enlightening podcast series, we are thrilled to welcome back the ever-insightful Andilyn Jenkins for a deep dive into the world of self-care, aptly titled "JOYrific Wisdom: Self Care." This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom, practical advice, and heartfelt discussions designed to empower you to take control of your well-being and prioritize self-care in your daily life.

The conversation explores the foundational elements of self-care, emphasizing the significance of tapping into one's desires as the cornerstone of nurturing oneself. With their combined expertise and compassionate approach, the speakers unravel the layers of self-care, intricately linking it with emotional intelligence and the art of allowing others to be themselves. This dialogue underscores the importance of not feeling the need to control or manage others' emotions and actions, highlighting a path towards genuine self-care and understanding.

In this enlightening episode of the JOYrific podcast, "S3E17 Taco Tuesday: Pattern and Trigger Recognition using the JOYrific Chart," we dive into the delicious complexity of Taco Tuesday, but with a twist. Join host Jamie Braithwaite as we explore not only the savory delights of al pastor tacos and guacamole but also embark on a profound journey through recognizing patterns and triggers in our daily lives, using the innovative JOYrific Chart. This episode is not just about tantalizing your taste buds; it's about feeding your soul and understanding deeper emotional currents. From the joyous chaos of meal planning to the transformative power of self-awareness and gentle parenting, we unravel how the simple acts of cooking and eating together can mirror the challenges and triumphs of managing emotions and expectations. Discover how a seemingly ordinary Tuesday can lead to extraordinary insights about grief, anger, and the healing process, all while keeping the spirit of joy and kindness at the heart of it all. Whether you're a foodie, a parent, or anyone navigating the complex flavors of life, this episode promises a blend of mouthwatering discussions and nourishing wisdom.

In this compelling episode of "Monday's Mental Health Minute," join Jamie Braithwaite and Dr. Matt Larson as they delve into the often misunderstood concepts of 'triggers' and 'toxicity' in our daily lives. Dr. Matt, with his insightful commentary, clarifies these terms, explaining how they are frequently misused and misapplied in various contexts.

In Season 3, Episode 15 of our podcast, we delve into the nuanced world of "QT Time" with the insightful Andilyn Jenkins. This episode is a heartfelt exploration into the multifaceted concept of quality and quantity time in relationships, especially between parents and their children. We kick off with an engaging conversation about the significance of consistent love and the dynamics of reciprocal affection within familial bonds.

In this empowering episode of the JOYrific Podcast titled "Taco Tuesday," Jamie Braithwaite and special guest Garth dive into the crucial topic of encouraging children, especially girls, to explore careers in technology. The conversation opens with a reflection on the alarming trend of girls losing interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields as they transition from elementary to middle school due to societal pressures and stereotypes that suggest these areas are not typical pursuits for girls.

Nobody listens until they are understood. Join Jamie Braithwaite and Dr. Matt Larson for an enlightening episode of "Monday's Mental Health Minute." In this engaging podcast, they delve into the complex world of parenting in the age of smartphones and social media. Dr. Matt, with his wealth of knowledge and experience, discusses the challenges parents face in managing their children's phone usage, from multitasking to setting healthy boundaries.

In this engaging episode, we're delighted to welcome back Andilyn, known for her insightful approaches to personal growth and self-discovery. The episode kicks off with a focus on a common dilemma: the feeling of not always knowing what one wants. Andilyn introduces her empowering catchphrase, "You are not alone. You do know what you want, and you can create it," which sets the tone for a deeper exploration of self-awareness and intuition.

In this insightful episode of JOYrific Podcast titled "Taco Tuesday with Garth: Neurodivergence in the Tech Industry," hosts Jamie Braithwaite and special guest Garth delve into the complexities of neurodiversity within the technological sphere. The discussion begins with personal anecdotes, exploring the challenges and misconceptions around medication and mental health, before transitioning into the heart of the episode: the intersection of neurodivergence and the tech industry.

👋🎙️ Join Jamie Braithwaite and Dr. Matt Larsen in Season 3, Episode 10 of "JOYrific: Mental Health Moment with Dr. Matt Larsen." This episode delves into meaningful and sometimes humorous conversations about mental health. 🤔💬 They discuss the importance of not fearing strangers, sharing personal stories that highlight the value of overcoming awkward situations and forming new friendships. 🚸👥 Dr. Larsen emphasizes teaching kids to approach strangers with caution but not fear, reshaping the traditional "stranger danger" narrative. 🚫🤝 The episode offers insights into interacting with unknown people safely, emphasizing the potential for positive human connections. 🛤️🌍 Tune in for a blend of lighthearted anecdotes and serious discussions, perfect for anyone interested in mental health and personal growth. 🌟🧡 #MentalHealth #Community #Conversation

This podcast features an insightful 🧐 and emotional 😢 discussion between Jamie Braithwaite and Krystal Palmer, who share their personal experiences with type 1 diabetes 🩸, a condition that deeply affects their families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. Jamie and Krystal, cousins who have grown closer over the years 🌱, delve into the complexities and challenges of managing diabetes, especially in children 👶. They touch upon the importance of support groups 🤝, handling a diabetes diagnosis 💔, the intricacies of diabetes care 🚑, and the emotional toll it takes on both the individual and the family 💔👪. The conversation also explores broader topics such as finding balance in life ⚖️, the significance of community support 🤗, coping with difficult situations 🥊, and the journey of personal growth 🌼 and resilience 💪.

🌮 "Taco Tuesday Podcast" 🎙️ dives into the relatable concept of 'swooping' in family dynamics. Join Jamie and Garth Braithwaite as they discuss managing the chaos of parenting, the emotional toll of being a stay-at-home parent, and navigating power struggles with kids. They explore how 'swooping' evolved from a point of frustration to a necessary strategy for maintaining harmony.

In the seventh episode of JOYrific's third season, "Mental Health Monday with Matt | Difficult Conversation: Abuse," 🎙️ hosts Jamie Braithwaite and Dr. Matt Larson delve into the complexities of mental health. 🧠 They kick off by discussing the importance of setting and maintaining realistic personal goals 🎯, with Dr. Matt sharing his own experiences with healthier eating habits 🍏. The episode then transitions to a critical and sensitive topic: recognizing and addressing abuse, especially in children. 🚫 Dr. Matt leverages his medical expertise to provide practical advice for navigating these tough conversations, emphasizing the creation of a safe and judgment-free space for sharing. This blend of personal stories and professional insights offers a relatable 🤝 and educational approach to tackling difficult topics in mental health. The episode serves as a valuable resource, encouraging open communication and understanding in handling such sensitive issues. It concludes with a reminder that it's normal to feel awkward during these discussions, and the importance lies in keeping the communication channels open. 💬🌈

In this insightful episode 🎙️, Jamie Braithwaite leads a profound discussion with Andilyn Jenkins on the complexity and importance of embracing our emotions. The conversation begins with a personal anecdote about an argument 👫, illustrating how emotions like frustration 😤 and anger 😡 can be a part of our growth, rather than obstacles.