Cultivate Your Joyful Life

Emily Liou
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Cultivate Your Joyful Life is a personal growth podcast to help you create a fulfilling life in all areas from career to parenting, health to finances, and everything else in between. Certified life coach, Emily Liou, is on a mission to help you create a life you absolutely LOVE. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or not enough as you navigate life but through practical tips and inspiration from our guest experts and myself, this podcast aims to help you nourish yourself and tap into inner joy right now.

  1. 3d ago

    054. Saying No to my “Dream Job” w/ Lynn Hylden | Career Pivot Series | CultiVitae Review

    In this Career Reinvention episode, I’m sitting down with Lynn Hyllden, who made a powerful pivot inside the entertainment industry—from 15 years on set in television production (the “factory”) to production finance and corporate decision-making.We talk about the moment she realized she couldn’t keep chasing the producer path, even though it looked like the obvious next step, and the identity discomfort of not being able to say “I am a producer.”Lynn shares how getting clear on what she’s genuinely good at opened the right door—literally, when she turned down a VP of production role and discovered the company was desperate for a production finance hire.We also get into imposter syndrome as a non-traditional candidate, the sunk cost fallacy, what her week actually looks like (cash flow, payroll, cost reports, tax credits, compliance), and why controlling your narrative—and saying what you want out loud—matters so much.In this episode:00:00 Turning Down The Dream Job00:12 Show Welcome And Series Intro01:25 Icebreakers And Career Advice04:09 Lynn’s TV Career Background06:01 Factory To Finance Pivot09:03 Identity Shift And Clarity11:50 Saying No Opened A Door14:55 Nontraditional Candidate Advantage17:27 Job Search And Solo Mom Fears20:26 Day In The Life Production Finance26:04 Secret Weapon Reading Numbers27:53 Imposter Syndrome And Support30:55 Pivot Myths And Full Circle34:09 Advice And Networking In TV36:56 First Break Scrappy Origin Story39:37 Wrap Up And Final ThanksAbout Lynn Hylden:Lynn Hilden spent 15 years chasing the traditional path in TV production — until she was finally offered the promotion she'd wanted for over a decade, and realized she had to turn it down. In this episode, we talk about the pivot she made instead, the year of imposter syndrome that followed, and why the sunk cost fallacy keeps so many talented people stuck longer than they need to be.Mentioned in this episode:RSVP for my FREE Masterclass: cultivitae.com/clearApply for a FREE Strategy Call: cultivitae.com/applyFollow Emily on social: @cultivitaeYou might also love:Ep. 047 — Why You Don't Trust YourselfEp. 044 — Normal Hard vs. Soul-Crushing HardEp. 043 — Why you can't figure out what you want anymoreSending you so much love. Thanks for tuning in! 💛

  2. Aug 9

    053. The Trick to Opening Bigger Possibilities

    In this episode, I’m sharing the trick to opening bigger possibilities when you feel stuck or can’t even see what’s “next” yet — and it’s way simpler than you think: have real, honest conversations that expand what you believe is possible.I walk you through the Roger Bannister story (the first person to break the 4-minute mile) to show how so many limits are psychological before they’re physical, and why we need both internal belief and external strategy.Then I share two Inner Magic client wins where salary negotiation felt terrifying… and ended up paying off (including one client who asked for more and got $7K extra plus a six-month review, and another who got a $17.5K bump plus a sign-on bonus).I also tell you about a random pickleball conversation with a pilot that totally expanded my understanding of what’s possible in the market, and I’ll leave you with one simple question: what’s one conversation you can have this week?In this episode:00:00 Doors You Assume Closed01:01 Episode Theme Bigger Possibilities01:35 Roger Bannister Mindset Shift04:18 Client Win Negotiation06:46 Momentum Through Stories09:30 Salary Transparency Matters10:40 Pickleball Pilot Pay Reality12:50 Free Career Masterclass Invite14:12 Talk To People Not Glassdoor16:01 Run Small Experiments16:57 Curiosity Beats Resistance18:20 One Conversation This Week18:31 Wrap Up And ConnectMentioned in this episode:RSVP for my FREE Masterclass: cultivitae.com/clearApply for a FREE Strategy Call: cultivitae.com/applyFollow Emily on social: @cultivitaeYou might also love:Ep. 047 — Why You Don't Trust YourselfEp. 044 — Normal Hard vs. Soul-Crushing HardEp. 043 — Why you can't figure out what you want anymoreSending you so much love. Thanks for tuning in! 💛

  3. Aug 2

    052. From Business Development to Compliance Director | How Christina Byrd Made the Leap | Career Reinvention | CultiVitae Review

    In this episode of Cultivate Your Joyful Life, Emily Liou welcomes Christina Byrd, a Cultivitae alum on her “eighth career journey,” to talk about making a major career pivot from HR/communications in higher ed, to business development in the financial services sector, where she now serves as a Compliance Director at CU Alternative Lending.Christina shares how organizational restructuring pushed her to prepare proactively, how she got hired into a business development role, that eventually allowed her to step into the compliance director role she has today.Christina shares her transferable skills like follow-up and “inspect what you expect,” working through imposter syndrome, learning to ask questions, and staying humble and open to new responsibilities.Christina also challenges the myth of ageism in career pivots and encourages job seekers to change environments, network, and stay prepared for unexpected opportunities.This is a must watch episode if you want to be inspired towards a career you love.In this episode:00:00 Career Uncertainty Mindset00:28 Show Welcome Intro01:20 Icebreakers With Christina02:07 Christina Background Pivot03:47 Biz Dev To Compliance06:02 Training Transferable Skills07:49 Secret Weapon Excellence09:28 Fear Asking Questions11:39 Getting Poached Networking15:14 Making Pivot Work18:56 Pivot Myths Ageism20:51 Advice For Job Seekers23:54 Wrap Up Thanks OutroAbout Christina Byrd:Christin spent more than 15 years in multiple roles and industries - she is living proof pivots are more than possible. Through that journey, she discovered how to leverage her transferable skills, uncover her unique strengths, and embrace new opportunities with resilience and confidence.Today, she has built a fulfilling career in Financial Lending and Compliance, where she enjoys helping others grow, continuously learning, and making a meaningful impact. Her role has also given her the flexibility to work remotely while collaborating with her team and traveling for work. Looking back, what once felt like a season of uncertainty became the foundation for personal and professional growth—and a career she genuinely loves.Resources & Links:RSVP for my FREE Masterclass: cultivitae.com/clearApply for a FREE Strategy Call: cultivitae.com/applyFollow Emily on social: @cultivitaeYou might also love:Ep. 047 — Why You Don't Trust YourselfEp. 044 — Normal Hard vs. Soul-Crushing HardEp. 043 — Why you can't figure out what you want anymoreSending you so much love. Thanks for tuning in! 💛

  4. Jul 26

    051. Isn't it strange?

    Hey there, beautiful soul! Ever notice how leaving a job that's slowly dimming you gets called "reckless," but staying in it is just... normal? That question sent me down a rabbit hole into how we're all raised inside our own "culturescapes" — and how that shapes what we believe about work and success.I share my own story of growing up watching my immigrant parents grind through exhausting jobs, plus a client's story of feeling trapped in a job that clashed with her values — and the one small shift that changed everything for her.In this episode:1:29 – The TikTok that started it all2:15 – What's our "culturescape" around work?5:56 – My story: immigrant parents, law school, and a failed LSAT9:41 – A client trapped in a job that clashed with her values11:05 – The search that proved change was possible13:13 – What "misalignment burnout" really isMentioned in this episode:Ready to get clarity on your next step? Apply for a free clarity call at cultivitae.com/apply — it only takes about 3 minutes.You might also love:Ep. 047 — Why You Don't Trust YourselfEp. 044 — Normal Hard vs. Soul-Crushing HardEp. 043 — Why you can't figure out what you want anymoreSending you so much love. Thanks for tuning in! 💛

  5. Jul 20

    050. Why not me? Acting on your dream idea w/ Amber Janke - Inner Magic Review

    In this episode, I sit down with Amber Janke, creator of the podcast Super Sorry, to talk about how she finally brought a long-held podcast idea to life.Amber shares how she joined Inner Magic during a tough season—after being laid off and navigating family loss—and used that pause to get clear on what truly motivates her and brings her joy, especially creativity and storytelling.We dug into the mindset shift that kept coming up for her—“why not me?”—and how it helped her take action.Amber explains what Super Sorry is (a show exploring apologies in superhero movies, starting with the MCU Infinity Saga), how she designed it to be entertaining and educational, and the strategic, sustainable systems she used to launch and stay consistent. We also talk about her surprise acceptance into AIR’s New Voices Amplify program and where she wants to take the show next.Timestamp:00:00 Why Not Me Mindset00:17 Show Welcome01:09 Meet Amber01:51 Joining Inner Magic03:47 Finding Joy Again05:04 Starting The Podcast06:59 Super Sorry Explained07:49 Format And Segments09:29 Planning For Sustainability11:44 Applying To AIR Program14:39 Podcast Vision Ahead16:51 Skills From Corporate19:41 Curiosity Over Certainty21:17 Handling Highs And Lows24:47 Advice To Start Now27:10 Where To Find Super Sorry27:56 Final Takeaways29:14 Closing And SubscribeAbout Amber Janke:Amber Janke is the founder, producer, and co-host of Super Sorry, a podcast that uses superhero stories to explore the power of apology, accountability, and emotional repair. Blending thoughtful storytelling with pop culture, she examines how fictional heroes—and villains—can teach us meaningful lessons about repairing relationships and taking responsibility.Before launching Super Sorry, Amber built a career in program management, higher education, human resources, and organizational leadership. She brings that experience together with a passion for emotional intelligence and storytelling to create conversations that are both entertaining and deeply insightful.Learn more about Amber and listen to Super Sorry at: 🦸‍♀️ Super Sorry Website: https://www.supersorry.com/🎧 Listen to Super Sorry: https://listen.supersorry.com/podcastor connect with her on🔗 LinkedIn personal profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-janke/SUPER SORRY Instagram: @supersorrypodcast Resources & Links:RSVP for my FREE Masterclass: cultivitae.com/clearApply for a Strategy Call: cultivitae.com/applyLearn more about Inner Magic (6-month program): cultivitae.com/magicFollow Emily on social: @cultivitaeYou might also love:Ep. 047 — Why You Don't Trust YourselfEp. 044 — Normal Hard vs. Soul-Crushing HardEp. 043 — Why you can't figure out what you want anymore

  6. Jul 12

    049. Making the perfect decision is keeping you stuck.

    Your Job Isn’t to Be Right — It’s to Find Out (A Self-Trust Reframe for Big Decisions)In this episode, I share a real-time update on why my podcast schedule has been inconsistent (hello, summer break with kids) and how I’m getting clearer on what I want this podcast to become—more depth around clarity and self-trust, and eventually interviews with normal people who love their jobs and have made meaningful career pivots.Then I dive into one of my favorite coaching questions: what if your job wasn’t to be right? Using my months-long inability to pick an outdoor dining table, I unpack how so many of us get stuck chasing the “right” decision, seeking certainty, and looking for permission. I explain why certainty isn’t coming, why values-based decisions build self-trust, share how a “wrong” career move in 2016 became my catalyst to leave corporate, and invite you to my free live training on landing a career you’re excited about.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Welcome and Mission00:52 Why Episodes Are Inconsistent02:09 Podcast Pivot and Clarity05:07 Stop Needing the Right Answer05:54 The Dining Table Spiral06:55 The Real Pattern Underneath08:56 Career Story Best Worst Boss12:02 Inner Magic and Self Trust14:35 Values Over Certainty17:45 Decision Practice and Invitation18:42 Training Offer and Wrap Up19:44 Final Thanks and SubscribeResources & Links:RSVP for my FREE Masterclass: cultivitae.com/clearApply for a Strategy Call: cultivitae.com/applyLearn more about Inner Magic (6-month program): cultivitae.com/magicFollow Emily on social: @cultivitaeYou might also love:Ep. 047 — Why You Don't Trust YourselfEp. 044 — Normal Hard vs. Soul-Crushing HardEp. 043 — Why you can't figure out what you want anymore

  7. May 24

    048. From W-2 to Business Owner: Trusting Yourself to Take the Leap w/ Holly Shuss | Inner Magic Review

    What does it actually look like to leave a stable job and start a business — not in theory, but in real life, with two young kids, postpartum fog, and zero entrepreneurial experience?In this episode, Emily sits down with Holly Shuss, a former Inner Magic client, for an honest update on her journey from corporate admin employee to solo bookkeeping business owner. This conversation is equal parts testimonial and practical roadmap for anyone sitting on a business idea they haven't acted on yet.Timestamps:0:00 — Welcome to Cultivate Your Joyful Life0:52 — So many of us have a dream we're letting fear hold hostage1:06 — Introducing today's guest: Holly Shuss, former Inner Magic client turned bookkeeping business owner1:26 — Holly's background: admin work, bookkeeping on the side, and searching for what's next3:01 — "I never thought I would be an entrepreneur" — how the idea snuck up on her3:01 — Postpartum, two kids in daycare, and the corporate schedule that just didn't fit anymore3:34 — How life kind of forced (or invited?) her into entrepreneurship — and why the pieces just started falling into place4:22 — Life design: figuring out what kind of life you want first, then finding the path that supports it4:43 — Freedom as a core value — and what it means to actually build toward it13:43 — How Holly found her bookkeeping coaches and the collective that made starting feel less alone13:43 — You don't need the five-year plan. You just need to follow your curiosity and take the next step16:36 — What it felt like in her last job: guilt, advocating for herself constantly, and a company that kept saying no17:28 — Every "no" gave her clarity. So if that's happening to you right now — pay attention13:43 — IFS (Internal Family Systems) — the "cheat code to life" she discovered in Inner Magic and has kept working with ever since15:23 — The part of her that said "you're not cut out for this" — what it was really protecting her from15:36 — Fear of failure, wanting to be accepted, and the work of calming that inner voice down16:30 — The first year: a client who couldn't pay, learning to price herself, and the W-2 to CEO mindset shift17:23 — The unglamorous reality of being a solopreneur (and why the trade-off is still worth it)22:43 — Limiting beliefs she had to work through: "Who am I to charge for this?" and "I don't know if I have the skills"1:05:39 — The Inner Magic goal-setting tool that helped her break the big dream into actual next steps1:07:41 — What self-trust means to Holly (this answer is so good)1:12:24 — Holly's final words about Inner Magic and how she credits it for where she is today1:25:06 — Where to find Holly + the bookkeeping services she offers1:30:05 — Wrapping up + how to connect and follow alongAbout Holly Shuss:Holly provides bookkeeping and accounting services to help small business owners get their finances organized and off their plate. She manages income and expense tracking, bill payments and invoicing, and keeps financials accurate and tax-ready — while providing clear, easy-to-understand reports so clients can make confident financial decisions and focus on growing their business.📩 holly.shuss@empowerap.com 🔗 LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-shuss/Resources & Links:RSVP for my FREE Masterclass: cultivitae.com/clearApply for a Strategy Call: cultivitae.com/applyLearn more about Inner Magic (6-month program): cultivitae.com/magicFollow Emily on social: @cultivitaeYou might also love:Ep. 047 — Why You Don't Trust YourselfEp. 044 — Normal Hard vs. Soul-Crushing HardEp. 043 — Why you can't figure out what you want anymore

  8. May 17

    047. Why You Don't Trust Yourself

    Okay, I have to be honest with you — this episode came straight from my soul (and from a week on a Princess cruise with my mom, which… let's just say it was illuminating).If you've ever second-guessed a decision the moment someone raised an eyebrow. If you've ever needed five people's opinions before you could feel okay about a choice you already made. If you've ever wondered why, despite being a smart, capable adult, you just can't seem to trust yourself — this episode is going to feel like a warm hug and a lightbulb moment at the same time.I'm sharing what I realized about my own self-trust patterns on this trip, why so many of us struggle with this (spoiler: it goes back to childhood), and the actual, practical ways you can start rebuilding that trust — not through some dramatic transformation, but through the tiniest everyday decisions.There's also a really important reframe in here that I don't want you to miss: self-trust doesn't mean nobody ever disagrees with you. It means their disagreement no longer destabilizes you. That distinction changed everything for me, and I think it will for you too.Whether you're someone who overthinks every decision, constantly seeks reassurance, or just feels weirdly disconnected from knowing what you actually want — this one's for you.**********Timestamps:0:00 — Welcome to Cultivate Your Joyful Life1:21 — The teaser: what happens when someone asks "what do you want?" and you genuinely don't know1:22 — Back from a Princess cruise — and why traveling with family hits different when you've done inner work3:08 — Introducing today's topic: Why You Don't Trust Yourself4:17 — The Ram Dass quote that perfectly summed up the trip4:28 — How our childhood shapes our ability to trust ourselves as adults4:27 — Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of Development: the "autonomy vs. shame and doubt" stage explained7:28 — What it looks like when your choices are constantly corrected, criticized, or overridden (very personal examples here)7:42 — What happens when you grow up never being asked what you want — the story about my cousin Jacob11:00 — Self-trust can be rebuilt — here's how I started11:27 — Why I subconsciously moved to California right after college (I didn't even realize this until now)13:42 — The home purchase that changed things: buying a house without asking anyone's opinion first13:42 — Self-trust doesn't mean no one disagrees with you — it means the disagreement no longer destabilizes you16:49 — Reframing past "bad" decisions: they're not proof you can't be trusted, they're how you learned16:49 — Every decision is either a lesson or a celebration16:49 — Rebuilding self-trust starts small — ordering what you want, choosing the restaurant, buying clothes without polling your group chat17:52 — You are allowed to build a life based on your own values, preferences, and truth19:57 — Re-parenting yourself and giving your inner child the encouragement she never got19:57 — Why having my daughter Zoe has been one of the most healing things for my own self-trust journey21:37 — Wrapping up + final encouragement: start small, drop the good/bad labels, and trust the decision you make with the information you have right now22:23 — Thanks for tuning in + how to connect and follow along**********Resources & Links:Apply for a Strategy Call: cultivitae.com/applyLearn more about Inner Magic (6-month program): cultivitae.comFollow Emily on social: @cultivitaeYou might also love:Ep. 044 — Normal Hard vs. Soul-Crushing HardEp. 043 — Why you can't figure out what you want anymoreEp. 042 — Why You Can't Make Yourself Do the Thing

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About

Cultivate Your Joyful Life is a personal growth podcast to help you create a fulfilling life in all areas from career to parenting, health to finances, and everything else in between. Certified life coach, Emily Liou, is on a mission to help you create a life you absolutely LOVE. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or not enough as you navigate life but through practical tips and inspiration from our guest experts and myself, this podcast aims to help you nourish yourself and tap into inner joy right now.

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