Is being alone the same as being lonely? Not quite. In this episode of JOYrific, Emi Braithwaite explores the difference between solitude and loneliness. As an introvert with a heart for inclusion, Emi shares how she recharges through quiet moments while also recognizing the importance of connection. We discuss the power of invitations, the courage to show up, and how small actions can make a big difference in fostering belonging.

Whether you seek space to recharge or long for deeper connections, this conversation will help you find balance and embrace being alone—on your own terms.

Is being alone the same as being lonely? Not quite. In this episode of JOYrific, Emi Braithwaite explores the difference between solitude and loneliness. As an introvert with a heart for inclusion, Emi shares how she recharges through quiet moments while also recognizing the importance of connection. We discuss the power of invitations, the courage to show up, and how small actions can make a big difference in fostering belonging.

Whether you seek space to recharge or long for deeper connections, this conversation will help you find balance and embrace being alone—on your own terms.

What do gratitude and orthodontics have in common? More than you think! Dr. Jordan Hillam, an orthodontist and father of five, shares why he believes gratitude is the mother of happiness. He explains how being grateful—whether for the tools in his profession, the process of transformation, or the ability to be an instrument in God's hands—creates a foundation for joy. Through personal stories and thoughtful insights, this highlight episode explores how gratitude shifts our mindset and leads to true happiness.

🔹 Dr. Jordan Hillam’s Strengths:
Achiever, Learner, Woo (Winning Others Over), Self-Assurance, and Positivity.
🔹 Jamie Braithwaite’s Strengths:
Futuristic, Strategic, Achiever, Responsibility, and Communication.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to see how gratitude transforms not just smiles, but lives.

Dr. Jordan Hillam makes five key connections between orthodontics and gratitude, using his profession as a powerful metaphor for personal and spiritual growth. Here’s how he ties gratitude into his work as an orthodontist:

1️⃣ Instruments as a Tool for Miracles – Just as he relies on precise orthodontic instruments to create beautiful smiles, he sees himself (and all of us) as instruments in God's hands. He expresses gratitude for both the physical tools he uses daily and the opportunity to be a spiritual tool in helping others.

2️⃣ Crooked to Straight – The Process of Transformation – He is grateful for both crooked teeth and straight teeth because they represent the process of growth. Just as orthodontics takes time, patience, and effort, personal and spiritual transformation follows a similar path—slow, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately beautiful.

3️⃣ Retention – Holding Onto What Matters – The journey doesn’t end when braces come off; retention is necessary to maintain progress. He relates this to spiritual and personal endurance, expressing gratitude for the habits, values, and faith practices that keep us aligned after the initial transformation.

4️⃣ Shape Memory & Light Continuous Forces – Inspired by NASA-developed nickel titanium wires, which retain their original form and gently move teeth into place, he compares this to our divine nature. He is grateful for the small, consistent influences (mentors, scriptures, faith) that help guide us back to who we are meant to become.

5️⃣ Detailing & Finishing – The Power of Small Adjustments – The final phase of orthodontics involves fine-tuning small imperfections. He expresses gratitude for the principle of integrity, ensuring that even when no one else sees the flaws, he takes the time to make things as perfect as possible—both in orthodontics and in life.

Extended Track! We could not stop the conversation and continue through personal stories and thoughtful insights, this episode explores how gratitude shifts our mindset and leads to true happiness.

In this extended track, we go beyond the basics and dive into deeper reflections on gratitude, resilience, and faith. Dr. Hillam shares:
🔹 The Opposite of Gratitude is Entitlement – How shifting our mindset changes how we experience life.
🔹 Learning Through Hard Knocks or Wisdom – Why some lessons must be lived, while others can be learned from others.
🔹 Parenting and Gratitude – Helping kids develop an attitude of gratitude instead of entitlement.
🔹 Facing Challenges with Gratitude – Finding joy and strength in trials, even in life’s toughest moments.
🔹 The Power of Perspective – How reframing hardships leads to personal and spiritual growth.

Stick around for an unfiltered, unhurried conversation about the connection between gratitude, personal growth, and the everyday choices that shape our lives.

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.