JOY Unfiltered: Joy is the strategy

Rachel
  • 5.0 (7)
  • 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

    Mastering the Inner Critic and Embodying Joy with Tasha Wilson

    In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, I sit down with Tasha Wilson for a powerful conversation about inner healing, boundaries, purpose, and what it really means to embody joy. Tasha shares her journey as a speaker, author, educator, and community leader, and how life experiences, grief, and personal transformation led her to help other women find their voice and strength. We talk about the inner critic, how to respond when that voice gets loud, and why giving ourselves grace is such an important part of growth. We also explore boundaries, rest, listening to our bodies, and the courage it takes to live a fulfilling life that feels aligned. Tasha’s wisdom is both grounding and uplifting, and her reminder that joy is something we embody, not chase, is one I’ll be holding onto. In this episode, we discuss: What the inner critic is and how to quiet itWhy grace and self-awareness matter in healingThe importance of boundaries and restHow to listen to your body and honor what you needTasha’s work as an author, speaker, and community leaderWhy joy is something we embody, not something we chaseConnect with Tasha Website: www.lifewithtashaw.com Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    51 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Embodied Self-Trust, Boundaries, and the Quiet Practice of Joy with Rebecca Thomas

    In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, I sit down with Rebecca Thomas for a thoughtful conversation about joy, self-trust, boundaries, and what it means to slow down in a world that constantly pushes us to do more. Rebecca shares how her background in hospitality, hosting, and deep relational work led her into coaching women who appear capable on the outside but are quietly carrying too much. We talk about the difference between joy and happiness, how many of us live in a constant state of bracing, and why true growth is less about having the right language and more about actually integrating what we know. We also explore boundaries, burnout, emotional honesty, and Rebecca’s work through Maria Venus and her AI reflection guide, Mira. This conversation is full of gentle but powerful reminders about presence, discomfort, and learning to trust ourselves more deeply. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between joy and happinessWhat embodied self-trust looks likeHow high-capacity women can move out of chronic self-questioningWhy slowing down is often the real workHow boundaries create more freedom and flowThe idea of “bracing” against joy and lifeConnect with Rebecca Nurture Your Nature | Substack Rebecca Thomas (@marieofvenus) • Instagram photos and videos Nurture Your Nature | Podcast on Spotify LinkedIn Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership Forum The JOY Project Joy is THE Strategy Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    56 min

  3. MAR 13

    From Fear to Flow: Chris Vabre on Art, Color, and Creative Confidence

    In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with artist, designer, and watercolor coach Chris Vabre for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, fear, inspiration, and the healing power of art. Chris shares her journey from a creative childhood to working in retail and fashion, and how she eventually found her way back to her artistic voice through watercolor. Together, they explore why so many people believe they are “not creative,” how to reduce the friction that keeps us from creating, and why inspiration is often rooted in joy, memory, and action. Chris also shares practical beginner tips for getting started with watercolor, how color connects to emotion, and why creative expression matters more than doing it “right.” This episode is an invitation to stop waiting, release perfectionism, and reconnect with the part of you that simply wants to make something beautiful. Full show notes What if creativity isn’t something reserved for “real artists,” but something every human being already has? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel welcomes artist, designer, and watercolor coach Chris Vabre for a rich conversation about creativity, confidence, color, and self-expression. Chris shares how she returned to her creative roots after years in more traditional careers, and how watercolor became both a healing practice and a way to help others reconnect with themselves. They talk about the fears that keep people from creating, the limiting beliefs many of us carry from childhood, and the powerful connection between inspiration and joy. Chris explains how creativity can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and help us process emotion — and she offers simple, practical ways for beginners to get started without pressure. Whether you see yourself as artistic or not, this conversation will encourage you to notice what lights you up, trust your inner spark, and take one small step toward creating again. In this episode, you’ll hear: Chris’s journey from creative child to artist and watercolor coachWhy so many adults believe they “aren’t creative”How fear, shame, and limiting beliefs block self-expressionThe connection between inspiration, memory, and joyWhy reducing friction makes it easier to createHow watercolor became a calming, grounding practice for ChrisThe emotional and personal meaning behind colorBeginner-friendly watercolor supplies to start withHow to reclaim your creative power without needing perfectionConnect with Chris Vabre: Website: octopusconnection.com Community: The Watercolor Journey Be sure to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review if this conversation inspired you. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership Forum The JOY Project Joy is THE Strategy Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    52 min

  4. MAR 9

    Your Brain on Joy: The Neuroscience of Why Joy Makes You a Better Leader

    Is joy just a nice feeling—or is it actually a leadership advantage? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, we explore the surprising science behind joy and how it impacts the way we think, lead, create, and connect with others. Research in neuroscience and psychology shows that joy isn’t just an emotional experience—it changes the way our brain functions. When we experience joy and other positive emotions, our thinking expands, creativity increases, and our ability to build meaningful relationships improves. In this episode, we break down the neuroscience behind joy and explore why leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators may actually perform better when joy is part of the process—not something saved for the end. If you’ve ever felt pressure to hustle harder, push through exhaustion, or sacrifice well-being in order to succeed, this conversation offers a different perspective. Joy might not be the reward for success. It might be the path to it. What You'll Learn in This Episode• The neuroscience of joy and how it affects brain function  • The Broaden-and-Build Theory and why positive emotions expand thinking • Why joy improves creativity and problem-solving • How emotional states influence team culture and leadership • The role joy plays in resilience and stress recovery • Why joy may be one of the most overlooked leadership strategies Research Mentioned• Barbara Fredrickson – Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions  • Research on dopamine and creativity  • Neuroscience studies on mirror neurons and emotional contagion Reflection QuestionWhere in your work do you feel the most energized, curious, and aligned? Those moments of joy may be pointing you toward the work where your leadership and creativity are most powerful. Subscribe & FollowIf you enjoyed this episode of Joy Unfiltered, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who could use a little more joy in their leadership and life. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership Forum The JOY Project Joy is THE Strategy Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    14 min

  5. MAR 6

    What Happens When Joy Becomes a Habit? with Bethany Shipley

    This episode of Joy Unfiltered is a little different and a lot of fun. Rachel welcomes speaker, writer, and personal brand guide Bethany Shipley to the podcast, but then the two flip the script and Bethany interviews Rachel. The result is a heartfelt, honest, and deeply practical conversation about joy, grief, recovery, nervous system regulation, and what it really means to make joy a way of life. Rachel shares how joy is not just a feeling, but a choice, a practice, and eventually a habit. She opens up about her sobriety journey, why joy became the message she could no longer ignore, and how writing her first book, Joy Is the Strategy, helped her step more fully into her purpose. Together, Rachel and Bethany explore the connection between joy and grief, how our brains are wired to notice what we focus on, and why joy is not fluffy at all. It is powerful, strategic, and deeply human. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered: Is joy something I feel or something I choose?Can joy and grief exist at the same time?What happens when I stop waiting for joy and start practicing it?How do I train my brain to notice more good?What changes when I let joy lead?In this episode, we talk about: Rachel’s personal definition of joyWhy joy is both a feeling and a decisionHow small moments of joy build emotional resilienceRachel’s recovery journey and choosing joy with clarityThe relationship between joy, grief, and nervous system regulationWhy practicing joy expands emotional capacityHow childhood vision and purpose shaped Rachel’s workThe science behind joy, dopamine, and the reticular activating systemWhy morning thoughts matter so muchRachel’s path to writing Joy Is the StrategyThe fear and vulnerability that came with publishing her first bookHow joy became not just a message, but a movementKey Takeaway: Joy is not the reward at the end of life. It is a strategy for how we live it. Closing Thought: If joy has felt far away, this episode is your reminder that it may be closer than you think. Sometimes it starts with a cup of coffee, a deep breath, a sunrise, or simply deciding to notice what is still good. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership Forum The JOY Project Joy is THE Strategy Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    1 hr

  6. MAR 3

    Stop Chasing the Checklist. Start Building Community.

    In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with Brenda Rigney, business coach and founder of Aligned AF Community, to talk about what happens when the midlife “rule book” stops working. Brenda shares why the question “How am I supposed to be?” can feel so triggering, how to rebuild trust with your body when life gets loud, and why community (not hustle) is the fastest path to clarity and momentum. You’ll also hear Brenda’s practical advice for women who want to start something on the side without overthinking: start a Skool community first, then let your brand and offers evolve from real conversations. If you’re navigating reinvention, burnout, divorce, a breakup, shifting identity, or simply that feeling of “there has to be more”… this episode is your permission slip to take one grounded step at a time. Connect with Brenda InstagramAligned AF CommunityThe AI-Driven Business SummitSkool Scale CampSupport the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership Forum The JOY Project Joy is THE Strategy Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    57 min

  7. FEB 24

    Living in Rhythm: How Safety Restores Energy and Clarity

    In this grounding episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with Leah Piera Murphy, a somatic practitioner, nervous system educator, and habits health coach supporting midlife women who feel tired, wired, or disconnected to rebuild a steady, trusting relationship with their bodies. Leah’s work lives at the intersection of nervous system science, body awareness, and daily rhythm. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: real change begins with safety. When the body feels safe, energy returns, clarity deepens, and sustainable habits stop feeling like a battle. Together, Rachel and Leah explore: • Why midlife women often feel simultaneously exhausted and overstimulated  • The nervous system as the hidden driver of consistency and behavior change  • How body awareness helps rebuild trust after burnout and chronic stress  • The role of rhythm in restoring energy, focus, and emotional steadiness  • Why pushing harder rarely creates lasting wellness  • Gentle ways to begin living in sync with your body instead of against it Leah shares how her own journey through healing, motherhood, and burnout reshaped her understanding of wellness, revealing that ease is not something we earn through effort, but something we experience when we learn to listen. Living in coastal Alaska, Leah draws daily inspiration from tides and seasons as reminders that balance is never static. It is rhythmic, alive, and continually unfolding. If you’ve ever felt like you know what to do but can’t sustain it, this conversation offers a compassionate reframe and a softer, wiser path forward. 🌿 Connect with Leah Website: https://www.leahpieramurphy.com Living in Rhythm Community: https://www.skool.com/livinginrhythm/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahpiera/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leah.piera 📘 About Rachel Rachel Bents is the author of Joy Is the Strategy, a book exploring how joy isn’t a reward waiting at the finish line but a powerful approach to living, leading, and caring for ourselves in the middle of real life. Through personal storytelling, science, and reflection, Rachel invites readers to reimagine joy as something accessible, sustainable, and deeply transformative. 👉 Get your copy of Joy Is the Strategy on Amazon. 🔗 Connect with Rachel Join The JOY Project community Listen to more episodes of Joy Unfiltered Instagram LinkedIn Website ✨ Joy Unfiltered Reminder If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use a little more calm, clarity, or rhythm in their life. Joy isn’t something we earn someday. It’s something we practice today. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership Forum The JOY Project Joy is THE Strategy Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    49 min

  8. FEB 19

    Rewire Your Brain for Joy Every Morning

    In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel explores the neuroscience behind morning mindset and identity change. Key Topics Covered: Why the brain is in a theta-dominant state upon wakingNeuroplasticity and identity formationThe Reticular Activating System (RAS) and attentional biasThe Broaden-and-Build Theory (Barbara Fredrickson)How positive emotion increases resilience and cognitive flexibilityThe impact of movement on dopamine, serotonin, and BDNFGrowth mindset vs perfectionism and cortisol regulationVagal tone and emotional resilienceFive Daily Rewiring Phrases: Today, I lead myself.Joy is available to me.I move my body because I love it.I choose progress over perfection.Joy is my strategy.This episode explores how intentional morning language shapes perception, behavior, and long-term identity. Because joy isn’t the reward at the end. Joy is the operating system. 🔗 Connect with Rachel If this episode resonated, let’s stay connected. 📘 Grab the book: Joy Is the Strategy Discover how choosing joy on purpose can reshape your mindset, relationships, leadership, and everyday life. 📸 Instagram 💼 LinkedIn 🎥 YouTube 🌐 Website 💛 Join The JOY Project Community A space to practice joy daily, connect with others, and sprinkle joy like glitter in the world. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership Forum The JOY Project Joy is THE Strategy Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 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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