Productive Joy

Dr. Christie McMullen
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    Be a Builder of a Better World with Ashlieya Mariano

    Today Dr. Christie welcomes guest Ashlieya Mariano—author, filmmaker, business owner, performing artist, and animal lover—who shares that she lived in 32 places before 23 due to a complex childhood and touring internationally as a performer from age 15. Ashlieya discusses her Irish and Scottish roots, schooling in England, and pride in living in the US. She explains how low self-worth and a need to prove herself fueled extensive education and led her to merge psychology, therapeutic modalities, and performing arts through her dance businesses to support kids and communities.  Ashlieya defines “productive joy” as doing what makes you happy and turning passions into profit, emphasizing creativity, emotional literacy, whole-self wellness, and discerning between growth challenges and misaligned paths. She addresses comparison and redefining success, shares her long-standing writing life (including 13 nonfiction books), and closes with her core message: building a better world starts with building the best you. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Meet Ashlieya Mariano 01:42 Life in 32 Places 03:01 Roots and Accents 04:17 From Performer to Purpose 06:54 Defining Productive Joy 08:47 Emotional Literacy Mission 10:29 Whole Self Wellness 12:33 Facing the Shadow Side 13:24 Genius Zone vs Growth 15:01 Comparison and Self Worth 16:51 Reframing Success Goals 18:15 Redefining Success 20:35 Finding Leia Online 22:16 Writing Journey Origins 23:54 Growth Beyond Boxes 26:30 Elephants and Destiny 29:16 Rapid Fire Wisdom 31:56 Build the Best You 33:10 Take Action Today  Ashlieya, a dynamic individual with a rich tapestry of experiences, shares her colorful journey. From being a globetrotting performer to embracing her diverse talents as a writer and filmmaker, Ashlieya's story is one of continuous metamorphosis. She emphasizes the power of self-discovery and aligning one’s life with genuine passions, encouraging others to find what makes them truly happy. **Embracing Your Unique Path** In a world prone to comparison, Ashlieya argues for celebrating individual achievements and redefining success based on personal values rather than external standards. By recognizing one's unique attributes and finding comfort in their own skin, individuals can pave their own way to fulfillment. **The Power of Self-Discovery** Ashlieya speaks passionately about the shadow side — the lesser-known aspects of oneself that require attention and growth. By understanding both strengths and areas needing improvement, individuals can achieve whole-self wellness. She champions the idea that true human thriving is an intricate blend of self-awareness, creative expression, and emotional literacy. **Creating Change from Within** Christie and Ashlieya profoundly agree that to impact the world, one must start with personal development. By embodying the changes they wish to see in the world, individuals can inspire and lead by example. Ashlieya's motto, “Building the best world starts with building the best you,” resonates throughout their dialogue. **Unleashing Your Potential** As the conversation wraps up, Ashlieya urges listeners to embrace their potential and explore new possibilities. She stresses that transformation and change are part of a continuous journey, encouraging others to seize each stage of life for self-improvement. **Final Thoughts** This blog post captures a snippet of an enlightening discussion between two passionate individuals advocating for personal growth and joy-infused productivity. Take a moment to reflect on Ashlieya's insights and find ways to inject more productive joy into your life. Remember, building a better world starts with building the best you.

  2. 5d ago

    Think Less, Live More, Go Big! & More From Jeanne Chung

    In this episode of Productive Joy: The Recap, Dr. Christie recaps Jeanne Chung’s message about staying open to opportunities beyond a rigid plan, highlighting Chung’s varied career path from investment banker to yoga instructor to COO and model at 58, and her book “Say Yes Before You’re Ready.” The host shares a personal story about her 24-year-old son Jackson’s sudden Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and how taking up cycling—progressing to 70+ mile rides and preparing for a 100-mile race—helped him realize he isn’t limited by changed circumstances.  Listeners are challenged to stop selling themselves short, take on bold goals like writing, presenting, entrepreneurship, or career changes, and view uncertainty as a chance to grow. The host reflects on turning 50, committing to “playing big,” and invites emails at christie@intentionalitygroup.com,  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Recap 00:13 Jean Chung’s Big Pivot 00:24 Letting Go of the Plan 01:11 Jackson’s Diabetes Wakeup 01:32 Cycling Past Limits 02:43 Stop Selling Yourself Short 03:19 Say Yes Before Ready 03:38 Turning 50 and Playing Big 04:26 Embrace Your Uniqueness 04:51 Reach Out and Connect 05:35 Final Joy Challenge

  3. Sep 29

    Be Willing to Say Yes Before You Are Ready! With Jeanne Chung

    On Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Jeanne Chung—former investment banker turned yoga teacher, global entrepreneur in wellness, hospitality, and menopause, boutique hotel owner, and author in New York City—and they discuss why rigid life plans are inherently flawed and how saying yes to unexpected pivots can lead to greater fulfillment.  Jeanne explains how choosing not to tell her father’s North Korea escape story led her to write her own memoir, Before I Was Ready (out in January), centered on agency, authority, and owning past decisions by reflecting backward. She shares how body-based awareness from yoga supports authenticity, defines productive joy as raising other people’s “vibe,” and gives midlife advice for menopause and aging: tune into your body, ignore high-level noise, reflect on what you’ve accomplished, and stay “full” so life’s changes feel less depleting.  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Meet Jeanne Chung 01:16 Life Plans Are Flawed 02:21 Why She Wrote It 05:04 Before I Was Ready 05:45 Owning Your Past Yeses 07:16 Banker To Yoga Pivot 09:21 Instinct And Signals 10:52 Defining Productive Joy 11:21 Happiness In The Body 13:53 Productive Joy In Action 16:45 Joy For Others 16:59 Productive Joy Types 18:31 Menopause Mentorship 19:39 Own Your Story 21:44 Battery Charge Mindset 24:38 Rapid Fire Reflections 26:05 Slow Down To Cope 27:44 Say Yes Beyond Plans  #ProductiveJoy #JeanneChung #BeforeIWasReady #Memoir #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #SayYes #LifePlans #Pivot #CareerChange #InvestmentBanking #YogaTeacher #WellnessEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #Midlife #Menopause #MenopauseSupport #SelfReflection #Storytelling #Authenticity #Joy #Productivity #WomenOver50 #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast **The Power of Saying Yes:** Jeanne Chung's narrative is a bold reminder that the traditional life plan isn't the only path to success and fulfillment. She articulates how essential it is to remain open to Plan B, Plan C, or even Plan Z, emphasizing that while having a life plan is admirable, it should not restrict you from seizing unexpected opportunities. Her journey to a yoga teacher from being an investment banker highlights the potential we unlock by simply saying "yes" to life's surprises. **Understanding Productive Joy:** Jeanne describes her path toward understanding happiness and joy - a discovery that came when she consciously recognized happiness in her own body for the first time. Realizing joy, for Jeanne, transcends personal fulfillment; it's about elevating others, turning joy into a productive force. Productive Joy, as she delineates, is about raising others' spirits, a shared experience beneficial to all involved. **Owning Your Story:** Jeanne's message underscores the importance of looking back, understanding, and owning one's past. She encourages embracing all experiences, both good and bad, to build a fuller self. This ownership becomes the foundation for future decisions, transforming challenges into powerful stepping stones. Her forthcoming book, "Before I Was Ready," encapsulates this journey of acceptance and promises a rich tapestry of life lessons for readers. **Concluding Thoughts:** Jeanne Chung and her insights on Productive Joy invite us to reevaluate the rigidity of life plans. Her life story, a testament to the beauty of spontaneity, challenges us to embrace the full spectrum of our lived experiences, say yes to the unknown, and find joy both in personal moments and in uplifting others. If you're searching for direction or in need of inspiration, take a cue from Jeanne and let life unfold in unexpected, fulfilling ways.

  4. Sep 25

    Turning Trauma into Strength & More From Dana Killian

    In this Productive Joy recap, Dr. Christie spotlights guest Dana Killian, a seven-time author who recently released Becoming Unbreakable: A Big Sister’s Guide to Trauma, following a 2023 memoir and earlier mystery-style books. Dana shares a repeatable process for coping and healing after layered trauma, including the death of her son from fentanyl, losing both parents, and discovering her husband’s secret life and alcoholism.  Dr. Christie ties Dana’s story to choosing “victor” over victim, and underscores authenticity as a superpower—showing up fully even when others say you’re “a lot.” She reflects on feedback as a gift, urges listeners not to play small, challenges them to consider who is pouring into them. email Dr. Christie at christie@intentionalitygroup.com to explore Intentionality Group’s approach to finding the “problem behind the problem,” and help you create impactful change. .  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Recap 00:09 Meet Dana Killian 01:23 Trauma to Triumph 02:19 Authenticity as Power 03:09 Bold Flavor Feedback 04:42 Stop Playing Small 05:45 Learn From Mentors 06:30 Why I Do This 07:01 Intentionality Group Invite 07:52 Grab One Takeaway  #ProductiveJoy #PodcastRecap #DanaKillian #BecomingUnbreakable #TraumaHealing #Resilience #MentalHealth #GriefSupport #FentanylAwareness #AddictionRecovery #VictimToVictor #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #EmotionalWellbeing #HealingTools #SelfWorth #LeadershipMindset #FeedbackCulture #TakeUpSpace #IntentionalLiving #Coaching #IntentionalityGroup #Memoir #AuthorInterview #Motivation  A Deeper Dive: ### Dana's Journey of Resilience Dana’s latest book, *Becoming Unbreakable: A Big Sister's Guide to Trauma*, shares her story of navigating through profound personal trauma. She lost her son to fentanyl, her parents passed away, and she discovered her husband led a secret life and battled alcoholism. Despite these challenges, Dana chose to heal, using her experiences to empower herself and others. ### The Power of Authenticity As I listened to Dana, I was inspired by her authenticity and how she showed up fully as herself. This resonated with me, as I also embrace my bold personality. Being unapologetically ourselves—no matter how "much" that might seem to others—is vital. Feedback, both good and bad, is a gift that helps us grow and become more self-aware. Recognizing when to tone down without playing small allows us to take up our rightful space in the world. ### Learning and Growing Dana’s story prompts us to ask: Who are we learning from? Who shapes us? Are we open to their insights, even if they challenge us? These deep reflections can help us grow into our full potential, using the wisdom of others to become our true selves. ### A Call to Action I encourage you to grab onto something from Dana’s journey and turn it into action in your life. Whether it’s being more authentic, embracing feedback, or learning from others, these actions can lead to profound change. ### Final Thoughts As part of the Intentionality Group, I'm committed to helping people illuminate their journey and identify both strengths and shadows. If you’re seeking guidance, reach out to me at christie@intentionalitygroup.com. Our support is based on research  Your full potential is waiting; don’t play small—play big.

  5. Sep 22

    Becoming Unbreakable with Dana Killian

    Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie interviews author Dana Killian, a survivor, painter, and former fashion designer, about her writing and healing. Killian explains how she began writing mystery fiction in 2015 as a portable career during a messy personal life, using classes, editors, and first-person perspective with an investigative journalist protagonist. She then shifted to nonfiction after divorcing an alcoholic husband, rewriting an initial memoir draft to tell the truth about his secret life; the published result was her 2023 memoir Where the Shadows Dance.  Dana discusses her seventh book, Becoming Unbreakable: A Big Sister’s Guide to Trauma (released September 10), shaped by multiple traumas including divorce, the deaths of her parents, a cross-country move, and her oldest son’s fentanyl death. She describes becoming “unbreakable” through a repeatable process, emphasizing that “relief is not healing,” and shares coping tools like baby steps, quiet reflection, walking, and the mantra “I will not let him destroy me.”  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Meet Dana Killian 00:40 Book Seven Launch 01:29 From Fashion to Fiction 03:39 Learning the Craft 04:56 Naming Series Characters 06:04 Memoir Truth Telling 11:28 Trauma to Unbreakable 15:35 Defining Productive Joy 18:18 Advice for the Pain Bubble 22:58 Where to Find Dana 24:35 Rapid Fire Questions 27:03 Relief Is Not Healing 28:08 Final Challenge  #ProductiveJoy #DanaKillian #BecomingUnbreakable #TraumaHealing #TraumaRecovery #HealingAfterTrauma #MentalHealthPodcast #Memoir #AuthorInterview #WomenSupportingWomen #AddictionRecovery #AlcoholismRecovery #DivorceRecovery #GriefSupport #ChildLoss #FentanylAwareness #Resilience #EmotionalHealing #TherapyTalk #SelfWorth #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #CreativeHealing #MysteryAuthor #BookPodcast

  6. Sep 18

     Figure Out Your Vision of Freedom and More From Liz Landry

    In this Productive Joy episode, Dr. Christie  introduces Liz Landry—author, speaker, coach, and business strategist—who explains why many entrepreneurs lose joy as their businesses grow: they delegate task execution but keep ownership of outcomes. This essentially turns them into a constant “help desk.”  Liz shares her own experience of working 18-hour days despite hiring good people and realizing the leadership problem was how she led, not the team. She breaks down how managing processes and endless “got a minute” interruptions compound with each hire, and why shifting from handing off tasks to handing off outcomes reduces the weight on the leader, builds trust, and develops leaders who can replicate results. Liz previews her book, From Operator to Owner (releasing October 20), with pre-sales offering an early-edition audiobook via FromOperatorToOwnerBook.com.  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Meet Liz Landry 00:39 Why Hustle Fails 02:01 People Problem Solution 05:07 Tasks Versus Ownership 08:43 Finding Leadership Tools 11:11 Book From Operator 14:25 Get The Audiobook 17:12 Defining Productive Joy 17:31 Freedom In Work 21:26 Rapid Fire Questions 23:51 Key Takeaway Mic Drop 24:49 Final Call To Action   #LizLandry #FromOperatortoOwner #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurLeadership #Delegation #DelegationSkills #Micromanagement #BusinessGrowth #TeamLeadership #PeopleManagement #OperationsManagement #BusinessStrategy #FounderLife #Solopreneur #ScaleYourBusiness #WorkLifeIntegration #FreedomInBusiness #OrganizationalLeadership #ManagementSkills #BuildLeaders #EmployeeOwnership #ProductivityTips #HustleCulture Welcome to a fascinating conversation with Liz Landry, an inspiring author, speaker, coach, and business strategist. Liz is renowned for her practical leadership expertise, particularly in helping entrepreneurs bridge the gap between running operations and truly owning their businesses. Her unique journey and insights make her an invaluable guest on the podcast "Productive Joy." **A Journey from Exhaustion to Empowerment** Liz recalls the early days of her entrepreneurial journey, working tirelessly to keep her business afloat. She soon realized that simply handing off execution of tasks wasn’t sufficient. Instead, the key to effective leadership was in encouraging people to take ownership of their outcomes. This shift not only alleviated Liz's burdens but also empowered her team, setting the foundation for sustainable success and true leadership. **Magic Wands in Leadership** Liz discusses a crucial element often overlooked by many business owners—practical leadership. Contrary to the notion that success comes solely from hustle and grit, Liz advocates for enjoying the process. Her philosophy revolves around creating a work environment where freedom and joy coexist.  **From Operator to Owner** Liz's upcoming book, *From Operator to Owner*, provides a comprehensive guide for small business entrepreneurs. It emphasizes not just the importance of leadership but how to implement it effectively. The book delves into moving from micromanagement to genuine leadership, offering a blueprint that empowers team members to shoulder responsibilities fully. This not only lightens the leader's load but fosters a positive and productive workplace culture. **Defining Success and Freedom** Liz encourages redefining success beyond traditional metrics. Her personal anecdote about eliminating the alarm clock symbolizes finding joy within work, rather than solely striving for a distant retirement goal. Liz's model is about enjoying the 90,000 hours most people spend at work throughout their lives, making those hours joyful and fulfilling. To explore Liz’s insights further or to pre-order her book, visit [FromOperatorToOwnerBook.com](http://fromoperatortoownerbook.com). Don’t miss the chance to learn and grow with Liz Landry’s groundbreaking leadership journey.

  7. Sep 15

    From Operator to Owner...Shifting Outcomes not Tasks with Liz Landry

    Today Dr. Christie welcomes Liz Landry—author, speaker, coach, and business strategist—to explain why many entrepreneurs become overwhelmed as they grow: they delegate task execution but keep ownership of outcomes, turning the owner into a nonstop help desk.  Liz shares how building her first business led to misery, 18-hour days, and the realization that hiring more people doesn’t create freedom without practical leadership skills. She outlines the key shift from micromanagement to handing off outcomes, clarifying what “done well” looks like, providing context, and creating a culture where feedback flows upward.  Liz introduces her book, ‘From Operator to Owner’, a practical leadership framework for small business owners seeking freedom within the business to focus on vision, strategy, creativity, and customers. The book releases October 20, with preorders available and an early-edition audiobook for presale buyers at FromOperatorToOwnerBook.com.  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome and Meet Liz 00:53 Why Hustle Is Broken 02:06 The Leadership Wake Up Call 05:07 Tasks vs Outcomes Ownership 08:43 Finding Practical Leadership Tools 11:11 New Book From Operator to Owner 14:25 Get the Book and Early Audiobook 17:25 Defining Productive Joy and Freedom 21:26 Rapid Fire Q and A 23:51 Key Takeaway and Closing  #ProductiveJoy #LizLandry #FromOperatortoOwner #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurLeadership #Delegation #DelegationSkills #Micromanagement #BusinessGrowth #TeamLeadership #PeopleManagement #OperationsManagement #BusinessStrategy #FounderLife #Solopreneur #ScaleYourBusiness #WorkLifeIntegration #FreedomInBusiness #OrganizationalLeadership #ManagementSkills #BuildLeaders #EmployeeOwnership #ProductivityTips #HustleCulture Title: Discovering Leadership Freedom with Liz Landry --- A Deeper Dive: **Liz Landry: A Journey to Joyful Leadership** Liz Landry is not just an inspiring figure; she’s an accomplished author, speaker, and business strategist. Having started her entrepreneurial journey over two decades ago, Liz quickly learned that owning a business was about more than the hustle. Instead, true success and satisfaction stem from not letting the business weigh you down but finding joy and freedom in it. **The Shift from Execution to Ownership** Through her book, "From Operator to Owner," Liz outlines a compelling leadership framework focused on transferring the ownership of outcomes rather than merely executing tasks. This model not only alleviates the burden on business leaders but also empowers team members to own their roles, fostering a fulfilled and engaged workforce. **The Power of Defining Freedom** An underlying theme in our conversation was freedom—freedom not from work, but within it. Liz emphasizes the importance of defining what freedom looks like for each individual. For her, it meant not starting her day to the blare of an alarm clock but waking naturally and approaching her work with renewed energy and enthusiasm. **The Call to Action: Redefining Success** Liz’s story is a call to action for entrepreneurs and leaders alike. Whether you are leading your own venture or a team within a larger organization, it's crucial to differentiate between managing tasks and leading outcomes. This shift not only lightens your load but also builds a thriving, autonomous team. **Conclusion: Turning Fun into Action** Liz’s journey and insights are a reminder to find joy in the process of work rather than striving for a distant freedom. As she aptly put it, identify how you can find freedom in your role today. Pick up her book, "From Operator to Owner," to delve deeper into these transformative principles. Embrace this newfound perspective and turn your journey into a productive and joyful one.

  8. Sep 11

    Intentionality, Stillness, and Becoming You & More From Alicia Danielle

    Intentionality, Stillness, and Becoming You & More From Alicia Danielle In this Productive Joy recap, the host highlights key takeaways from guest Alicia Danielle, author of Becoming You. Alicia emphasizes that stillness matters and encourages listeners to take a step back, define fun as laughter and positive impact, and lead with a mindset rooted in intentionality. A standout quote—“Forgive yourself for not knowing the things that only time can have taught you”—sparks reflection on how people often criticize themselves for lessons that require experience. The episode challenges default habits and “the way we’ve always done it,” urging individuals and organizations to be intentional in how they work, communicate, onboard, and care for others. The host discusses resisting the urge to shrink to fit others’ spaces, practicing what you want to improve, embracing humility, and choosing new approaches now to create better results by year-end.  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Recap Kickoff 00:15 Alicia Danielle Highlights 00:35 Forgive Yourself With Time 01:38 Practice Shapes Progress 02:05 Intentionality Over Default 02:44 Break The Old Rules 03:45 Stop Shrinking Yourself 05:22 Choose Your Next Step 06:40 Execute Wisely Closing  #ProductiveJoy #PodcastRecap #Intentionality #IntentionalLiving #LeadershipMindset #BecomingYou #AliciaDanielle #PersonalGrowth #SelfForgiveness #Stillness #Mindfulness #Habits #PracticeMakesProgress #ChangeYourHabits #DefaultToIntentional #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeOnboarding #PeopleFirstLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Motivation #LifeReflection #TakeUpSpace #ChooseYourPath #EndOfYearGoals #ExecuteWisely **The Power of Stillness and Fun** Alecia Danielle highlighted the importance of balance in our fast-paced lives. She emphasized, "Don't be afraid to take a step back. Stillness is important, too." Her approach to fun incorporates making a positive impact and cherishing laughter, which resonates deeply. **Learning Through Time** A profound quote from Alecia's book, "Becoming You," encourages self-forgiveness for not knowing things only time can teach. Life is a series of lessons, some of which cannot be rushed. Alecia reminds us that it's okay to not have all the answers and to be patient with ourselves. **Intentional Growth** Central to our discussion was intentionality. Alecia’s philosophy is that with intentional actions, desired results are achievable. It's not about mindlessly following the status quo but about choosing actions that align with our goals. Whether in organizations or personal life, intentional steps make a significant difference. **Questioning Norms** We often fall into the trap of perpetuating traditions and habits because "that's how it's always been done." Alecia challenges us to rethink these norms. Are our actions driven by choice or obligation? Embracing change can be as simple as trying a habitual task differently to see new outcomes. **Becoming Your True Self** A key lesson from Alecia is not shrinking ourselves to fit into others' expectations. We are designed to be expansive and true to ourselves. Personal reflection helps in understanding how we can embody our true selves across different spaces. **Liberation from Perfection** The journey of becoming is not about having all the answers but embracing humility. It’s freeing to release the unrealistic aim of being perfect. Alecia shares that releasing this burden allows us to focus on what truly matters and avoid being trapped in undeserving spaces. **Conclusion** As we move through the year's final quarters, it's an opportunity to implement intentionality in our lives. Change is within reach—what will you choose to do differently? Recognizing the power of intentional actions can transform your life experience. Let’s waltz into the end of the year with a conscious commitment to growth and intentional living. Keep executing wisely and remember, each day is a choice to blend joy with purpose.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Christie McMullen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    327
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Christie McMullen
  • Show Website
    Productive Joy