JOY Unfiltered: Joy is the strategy

Rachel
  • 5.0 (9)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Joy Unfiltered is the podcast where joy gets real, grounded, and useful. Hosted by Rachel Bents, author of Joy Is the Strategy, this show explores joy not as a reward you earn, but as a practical strategy for living, leading, and feeling better in real life. Each week, you’ll hear honest conversations, solo reflections, and guest episodes that unpack how joy impacts leadership, wellbeing, resilience, mindset, and connection without bypassing hard things or pretending life is perfect. This podcast is also the heartbeat of two growing movements: 📘 Joy Is the Strategy (the book) A deeper exploration of how joy works, why it matters, and how choosing it can change your life and leadership.  ✨ The Joy Project A global, joy-first community built on connection, conversation, and collective momentum.  If you’re tired of hustle culture, burned out on forced positivity, or curious what changes when joy becomes the way forward, you’re in the right place. Joy isn’t the reward.It’s the strategy.

  1. 1D AGO

    From Frazzled to Focused: Reclaim Your Time (for Real) with Alyssa Wolf

    Send us Fan Mail Feeling overwhelmed, overbooked, and like there’s never enough time in the day? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with time management expert Alyssa Wolf to unpack a refreshing, realistic approach to getting your time back—without doing more or pushing harder. Instead of productivity hacks that leave you exhausted, Alyssa shares a powerful three-part framework: scheduling, mindset, and delegation—designed to help you create space, reduce stress, and actually enjoy your life again. They also explore the deeper layers of time management, including:  Letting go of “should” thinking  Rewriting limiting beliefs (aka “mind trash”)  Creating realistic schedules with margin  Delegating at home and in business  Understanding your natural energy through Human Design This conversation is for anyone who wants more clarity, more space, and more joy in their day. Because the goal isn’t to do more.  It’s to live better. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS  Time management is not just about your calendar—it’s about your mindset  “Should” thinking is one of the biggest sources of overwhelm  Scheduling without margin = guaranteed stress  Delegation is essential, not optional  You don’t need more discipline—you need a better system  Personalization (like Human Design) can unlock ease and alignmentConnect with Alyssa Website Podcast  LinkedIn Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumTake the Pledge to send 1 Text a DayThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    45 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Collaboration Over Competition: The Science of Connection

    Send us Fan Mail What if the fastest way forward… wasn’t doing more alone—but connecting more deeply with others? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel dives into the science and strategy behind connection, collaboration, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can completely transform your life, leadership, and success. After attending a powerful conference filled with driven, purpose-led women, Rachel shares what really stood out—and it wasn’t strategy. It was belief, energy, and the undeniable power of being in rooms where people see you, support you, and expand what feels possible. Inside this episode:  Why connection is a biological need—not a luxury  The neuroscience behind mirror neurons and belief expansion  How collaboration boosts confidence, creativity, and performance  Why competition keeps you stuck (and what to choose instead)  The role of oxytocin, dopamine, and nervous system regulation in connection  How to find your people—and become someone others want to collaborate with  A simple daily practice to build meaningful connection (starting today) This isn’t just about networking.  This is about building a life—and leadership style—rooted in connection, trust, and shared growth. Because joy isn’t something you wait for.  It’s something you build… together. And - if you are interested in connecting with Sheryl Raphael Whitaker Sheryl Raphael Whitaker, ICF-ACC | LinkedIn It Starts with Joy: The Inner Shift that Changes Everything Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumTake the Pledge to send 1 Text a DayThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    20 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Feeling Off? Your Nervous System Knows Why

    Send us Fan Mail You’re tired… but it’s more than tired. You’re overwhelmed.  You’re procrastinating simple things.  You don’t feel like yourself anymore. In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with Dr. Holly King to explore what burnout really is and why it’s not just about doing too much, but about a dysregulated nervous system. This conversation blends science, self-awareness, and practical tools to help you understand what’s happening in your body and how to guide yourself back to balance. Because burnout isn’t a personal failure.  It’s a signal. And when you learn how to listen… you can begin to feel like yourself again. 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS  What burnout actually is (beyond exhaustion)  Common signs: overwhelm, procrastination, disrupted sleep  How your nervous system shifts into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn  Why simple tasks can feel impossible when you’re dysregulated  How to create space before reacting  Breathwork as a fast, accessible reset  EFT tapping to reduce emotional intensity  Why joy and gratitude help regulate your system  The power of a “joy list”  How keystone habits support your energy  Journaling to shift mindset and future direction  When to change your mindset and when to change your environment 🛠️ SIMPLE TOOLS TO TRY 1. 3–5 Breath Reset Take 3–5 slow, deep breaths. Signal to your body: I am safe. 2. Joy List Write what brings you joy - use it when you feel off. 3. Keystone Habit Identify one habit that stabilizes your day and protect it. 🌿 CONNECT WITH DR. HOLLY KING Instagram Free Resource 💛 CALL TO ACTION If this resonated: 👉 Take a breath right now 👉 Send one joyful text today 👉 Sign the One Joyful Text a Day pledge  👉 Share this episode with someone who needs it Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumTake the Pledge to send 1 Text a DayThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    49 min

  4. APR 28

    Why You Want It… But Still Don’t Do It

    Send us Fan Mail You want it. You know how to do it. So why aren’t you doing it? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with performance coach, international speaker, and bestselling author Kam Knight to unpack one of the most misunderstood forces in personal growth: internal resistance. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level mindset talk. You’ll learn why your brain can create powerful desires… and block you from acting on them at the exact same time. If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or frustrated with yourself, this episode will change how you see it and more importantly, what you do about it. Because you’re not broken.  You’re resisting. And once you understand that?  Everything shifts. 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS  Why wanting something does NOT mean you’ll take action  The two competing systems in your brain: desire vs resistance  Why fear is not the cause - but a symptom - of resistance  The hidden “board of directors” in your mind making decisions for you  How beliefs, habits, comfort zones, and self-image silently block progress  Why your brain prefers familiar - even if it’s painful  The surprising role your past (yes, even childhood voices) still plays today  How strong desire can actually increase resistance  Why letting go of the timeline accelerates results  The simplest and most powerful tool to rewire your brain: self-talk🛠️ PRACTICAL TOOL FROM THIS EPISODE The “Do It Now” Self-Talk Formula: Repeat daily:  I am a do it now person.  I easily do things now.  I easily accomplish my goals right away. Simple. Repeatable. Powerful.  This is how you start retraining your brain to act. 🎁 FREE RESOURCES FROM CAM Grab all three at: kamknight.com  Prompt Engineering for Your Mind  Build Skills & Habits in Your Sleep  Deep Dive into Internal Resistance 💬 CONNECT WITH CAM Website: kamknight.com 💛 CALL TO ACTION If this episode hit you - don’t just nod your head… move. 👉 Send one joyful text today 👉 Sign the One Joyful Text a Day pledge (link in show notes) 👉 Share this episode with someone who needs it Because one text can shift a moment…  and a million texts can shift the world 🌍✨ ⭐ RATE, FOLLOW, SHARE If you loved this episode:  Hit FOLLOW so you never miss one  Leave a review (it helps more people find this message)  Share it with someone who’s ready to move forwardSupport the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumTake the Pledge to send 1 Text a DayThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    58 min

  5. APR 27

    The Science of Micro Joy (And Why You Need It Daily)

    Send us Fan Mail What if joy isn’t something you wait for… but something you practice? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel breaks down the science and strategy behind micro joys - the small, often overlooked moments that can completely shift your mood, your nervous system, and your life. We’re not talking about big, once-in-a-while happiness. We’re talking about daily, repeatable joy you can access anytime. You’ll learn:  Why your brain is wired to miss joy (and how to retrain it)  The neuroscience of micro-acts of joy and nervous system regulation  How small moments can reduce stress, improve focus, and increase resilience  The 3 Joy Macros: Noticing, Allowing, and Sharing  A simple daily practice to create more energy, connection, and clarity This episode will change how you think about joy and how you live it. ✨ Ready to take action?  Sign the One Joyful Text a Day pledge -  send your text, and join the ripple. Because one moment of joy can change your day.  A million can change the world. 📝 SHOW NOTES In today’s episode, Rachel explores how micro joys can become a powerful daily strategy for improving your energy, mindset, and overall well-being. 🧠 Key Topics:  Negativity bias and how it shapes your perception  Neuroplasticity and rewiring your brain for joy  Dopamine, serotonin, and stress regulation  Micro-acts of joy and their impact on mental health  The Joy Macros framework:  Noticing  Allowing  Sharing 💡 Your Daily Practice:  Notice 3 micro joys  Allow each moment for 10–20 seconds  Share one with someone (text, conversation, or reflection) 📲 Take the next step:  👉 Sign the One Joyful Text a Day pledge  👉 Send your first joyful text 👉 Share your experience Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumTake the Pledge to send 1 Text a DayThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    25 min

  6. APR 24

    Release the Past, Reclaim Your Joy: A Conversation with Lesley Christine

    Send us Fan Mail What if the thing keeping you stuck… isn’t your life - but what you’re still holding onto? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with emotional clearing expert and meta-psychology coach Lesley Christine to explore how unresolved emotions shape our energy, decisions, and ability to experience joy. Lesley shares her powerful personal story—from burnout and a life-altering flood to full-time RV travel, emotional healing, and ultimately helping other women release the invisible weight they’ve been carrying for years. Together, they dive into:  What “emotional clearing” actually means (and how it works)  The role of intention in releasing stored emotions  Muscle testing and intuition as tools for self-awareness  Why journaling is more powerful than you think  How grief and joy can exist at the same time  Leslie’s RECLAIM framework for helping women rediscover themselves in midlife This conversation is a reminder that joy isn’t something you earn after everything is perfect—it’s something you practice, even in the middle of life’s hardest moments. And sometimes… the breakdown is actually the breakthrough. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS (Bullet Section)  Emotional “baggage” isn’t just mental—it’s stored in the body  Intention is one of the most powerful tools for emotional release  You don’t need to relive the full story to heal from it  Journaling helps surface subconscious beliefs and patterns  Joy and grief are not opposites—they can coexist  Expecting good things can literally change your experience of life  Small daily practices build emotional resilience over time ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS  03:00 Leslie’s Story: From Burnout to Emotional Healing  08:30 What Is Emotional Clearing?  14:00 Muscle Testing + Intuition Explained  22:00 The Role of Intention in Healing  28:00 Journaling as a Release Tool  36:00 The RECLAIM Framework  44:00 Joy + Grief: Can They Coexist?  52:00 Expectation, Mindset & Finding the Good 👤 GUEST BIO Lesley Christine is a certified meta-psychology coach, emotional clearing expert, and creator of Living the Game of Life, a platform inspired by the teachings of Florence Scovel Shinn. Through her RECLAIM framework, Leslie helps high-achieving midlife women release emotional baggage, reconnect with themselves, and create lives filled with clarity, peace, and joy. She is also the publisher of the 100th anniversary expanded edition of The Game of Life and How to Play It, bringing timeless wisdom into modern life. 🔗 LINKS Connect with Lesley: Website Substack  Book Instagram Living the Game of Life Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumTake the Pledge to send 1 Text a DayThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    53 min

  7. APR 23

    One Text Could Change Someone’s Life (And the Science Proves It)

    Send us Fan Mail What if changing someone’s entire day… their mood… even their life… took less than 30 seconds? In this solo episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel breaks down the science behind one simple, powerful habit: sending a joyful text. This isn’t about being “nice.”  This is about rewiring the brain, regulating the nervous system, and creating real human connection in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. Backed by research from Barbara Fredrickson and Julianne Holt-Lunstad, this episode explores how small, intentional acts of connection can improve mental health, increase resilience, and even impact longevity. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just tired of doing everything on your own… this episode will give you a simple, powerful way to shift your energy—and someone else’s. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why your brain is wired for negativity (and how to interrupt it)  The science behind “micro-moments” of joy and connection  How one text can regulate your nervous system  Why high-achieving women feel exhausted—and how joy reduces decision fatigue  A simple, repeatable action to create real impact today Call to Action (include at bottom of description) Join the movement: Send one joyful text a day.  Take the pledge and be part of creating 1 million moments of connection. Subscribe, follow, and share this podcast to help us spread more joy - one message at a time. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumTake the Pledge to send 1 Text a DayThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    15 min

  8. APR 21

    Releasing Armor Weight: Midlife Reawakening & True Self-Trust with Lisa Barwise

    Send us Fan Mail What if the weight you’re carrying isn’t just physical? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Rachel sits down with Lisa Barwise, founder of The Warrior Goddess Saga, to explore the concept of “armor weight”—the emotional, energetic, and identity-based weight many women carry, especially in midlife. After years in the fitness industry helping women build strength, Lisa noticed a deeper issue: women were getting physically stronger, yet still feeling stuck, burned out, and disconnected. Her own experience with burnout, anxiety, and chronic fatigue became the catalyst for a new approach—one that blends biology, psychology, and spirituality. This conversation reframes midlife not as a crisis, but as a reawakening—an invitation to reconnect with who you truly are. 💡 Key Takeaways Midlife is a reawakening—not a breakdown Your body is asking for alignment, not punishment. Armor weight goes beyond the scale It includes emotional stress, trauma, identity patterns, and subconscious beliefs. Hormones impact your entire system Changes in estrogen increase stress sensitivity and affect mood, energy, and weight. Your inner dialogue matters Thoughts like “I’m not enough” or “I can’t stop” directly shape your experience. Healing must be holistic True transformation happens when you address body, mind, and purpose together. Quick tools can create real change Practices like EFT tapping, breathwork, and somatic movement can reduce stress fast. 🧠 Topics We Covered  Burnout and nervous system dysregulation  Why traditional fitness approaches fall short  The science of cortisol, stress, and midlife  What “armor weight” really means  EFT tapping and somatic healing practices  Identity shifts and rediscovering purpose  Midlife as an opportunity for reinvention 🔥 Key Concept Armor Weight: The invisible load of emotional stress, energetic fatigue, and identity patterns that can show up as overwhelm, exhaustion, and physical resistance. 🌿 Practical Tools to Try  ✋ EFT tapping for stress and anxiety  🫁 Breathwork + humming for nervous system regulation  🥤 Protein-first mornings (30–50g) for energy and balance  💪 Strength training for longevity and resilience  🌙 Magnesium + adaptogens for recovery and sleep 🔗 Resources & Links  🌐 Website + Quiz: https://thewarriorgoddessaga.com  📘 Book: Unarmored 🎙️ Podcast: Goddess Got Goals 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lisa_barwiseSupport the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumTake the Pledge to send 1 Text a DayThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    55 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Joy Unfiltered is the podcast where joy gets real, grounded, and useful. Hosted by Rachel Bents, author of Joy Is the Strategy, this show explores joy not as a reward you earn, but as a practical strategy for living, leading, and feeling better in real life. Each week, you’ll hear honest conversations, solo reflections, and guest episodes that unpack how joy impacts leadership, wellbeing, resilience, mindset, and connection without bypassing hard things or pretending life is perfect. This podcast is also the heartbeat of two growing movements: 📘 Joy Is the Strategy (the book) A deeper exploration of how joy works, why it matters, and how choosing it can change your life and leadership.  ✨ The Joy Project A global, joy-first community built on connection, conversation, and collective momentum.  If you’re tired of hustle culture, burned out on forced positivity, or curious what changes when joy becomes the way forward, you’re in the right place. Joy isn’t the reward.It’s the strategy.

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