JOY Unfiltered: Joy is the strategy

Rachel
  • 5.0 (8)
  • 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

    Rewiring Your Mind Through Creativity: Finding Calm, Clarity & Joy with Crystal Mills

    Send us Fan Mail What if the key to clarity, calm, and joy… was as simple as picking up a pen? In this inspiring episode, Rachel sits down with Krystal Mills, a teacher, life coach, and NeuroGraphica practitioner, to explore how creativity can unlock powerful personal transformation. After experiencing burnout in her teaching career, Crystal discovered coaching—and later NeuroGraphica—a unique blend of art, mindfulness, and neuroscience that helps people process emotions, rewire limiting beliefs, and reconnect with themselves. Together, they dive into how small, intentional shifts can help women move from overwhelm to alignment—and why joy truly is a choice. If you’ve been taking care of everyone else and feel disconnected from yourself, this conversation will open up a whole new way to come back home to you. 💡 Key Takeaways Burnout is often a signal—not a failure It can be the catalyst for meaningful change and self-discovery. Joy is a choice (even when life isn’t) You can’t control everything—but you can control your response. NeuroGraphica blends art + psychology A powerful tool to process thoughts, reduce stress, and gain clarity through drawing. You don’t need to be “creative” to benefit This is process-based, not performance-based—no artistic skill required. Small shifts create big change Even 10–15 minutes of intentional reflection can transform your mindset. Perfectionism will show up—and that’s the point Awareness is the first step toward releasing limiting patterns. You already know what brings you joy Revisit what you loved at age 8—that’s your starting point. 🧠 Topics We Covered  Teacher burnout and rediscovering purpose  The connection between self-worth and overworking  What NeuroGraphica is and how it works  Using drawing as a form of meditation and nervous system regulation  The role of subconscious processing in creativity  Perfectionism, self-judgment, and personal growth  How to build habits of self-connection in small, doable ways  Creating “Permission to Play” in everyday life 🎨 What is NeuroGraphica? NeuroGraphica is a guided drawing practice that combines:  🧠 Neuroscience (rewiring thought patterns)  ✏️ Simple lines, shapes, and colors  🧘 Mindfulness and emotional processing It helps you:  Gain clarity on challenges  Reduce stress and overwhelm  Access new insights and solutions  Create a visual “anchor” for growth 🔗 Resources & Links  🌐 Website: https://krystalmillscoaching.com  🎁 Free Resource: 5-Day Mindful Drawing Challenge 💫 Membership: Permission to Play (includes creative practices, self-reflection tools & more)  📱 Instagram / Facebook: @krystalmillscoachingSupport the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    53 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Stop Forcing It. Start Living It.

    Send us Fan Mail What if the reason things feel hard… is because you’re forcing them? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel dives into the powerful shift that changed everything in her life: surrender. Not giving up.  Not checking out.  But releasing control over the how… while staying committed to the what. Backed by neuroscience and lived experience, Rachel breaks down why forcing outcomes keeps you stuck in stress, and how shifting into a regulated, open state unlocks clarity, creativity, and aligned action. This is the work of co-creating your life… without the pressure. Inside this episode:  The real definition of surrender (and why it’s not weak)  What happens in your brain when you stop forcing  How stress narrows your thinking and blocks opportunity  The role of dopamine, regulation, and aligned action  How Rachel lost 40 pounds, shifted her finances, and met her partner—without force  Why timing matters more than you think  How this applies to Joy-Led Leadership and leading others effectively If you’ve been pushing, striving, and wondering why it still feels hard… this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Joy isn’t something you earn at the end.  It’s how you get there. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    18 min

  3. 5D AGO

    From “Fine” to Fulfilled: Reclaiming Joy with Connie Cotter

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when your life looks “good on paper”… but something still feels missing? In this heartfelt and energizing conversation, Rachel sits down with Connie Cotter, a faith-forward, joy-driven high-performance coach, to explore what it really means to move from fine to fulfilled. Connie shares her personal journey from a successful IT career to discovering her true calling—helping others reconnect with their purpose, rediscover joy, and design a life that feels aligned and meaningful. Together, they unpack the difference between happiness and joy, the power of asking better questions, and simple ways to ground yourself in the present moment—even in the middle of a busy day. If you’ve ever felt like something is “off” but couldn’t quite name it… this episode is for you. 💡 Key Takeaways “Fine” isn’t the same as fulfilled You can have everything you thought you wanted—and still feel something missing. Joy is internal, not external Happiness comes and goes; joy is something you cultivate and choose. Ask better questions Instead of “Why am I like this?” try: “Where is this coming from?”—a gentler, more productive approach. The 3-2-1 Reset Tool A simple way to ground yourself in the present moment:  3 things you can see  2 things you can hear  1 thing you can physically feel You don’t need all the answers to start Clarity comes from action—not overthinking. You are not broken Growth isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about reconnecting with who you already are. Joy is a choice—and a practice It’s something you build daily through awareness, curiosity, and intentional living. 🧠 Topics We Covered  Transitioning from corporate success to purpose-driven work  Faith and science: finding alignment between logic and belief  The danger of “should” thinking and external expectations  How coaching creates clarity through powerful questions  Morning routines vs. realistic grounding practices  Whole-life coaching: why business and personal growth are connected  The neuroscience of joy and decision-making  Cultivating awe, wonder, and playfulness in everyday life 🔗 Resources & Links  🌐 Connie’s Website: https://conniecotter.com  🎁 Free Resource: 13 Ways to Cultivate Your Sense of Wonder → https://conniecotter.com/wonder  📱 Connect with Connie: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInSupport the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    48 min

  4. 6D AGO

    Micro-Joy: The Small Shift That Changes Everything

    Send us Fan Mail What if you don’t need a new routine, more discipline, or a complete life overhaul to feel better? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel explores the concept of micro-joy - small, intentional moments that can dramatically shift your mood, mindset, and performance in just days. Backed by neuroscience and real-life application, you’ll learn how your brain’s negativity bias works and how micro-joy interrupts it to create more clarity, energy, and emotional balance. This isn’t about chasing big milestones.  It’s about learning how to feel better right now. Key Takeaways:  Why your brain is wired to focus on what’s wrong  How micro-joy activates dopamine and motivation  The link between joy and better decision-making  Why joy comes before success—not after  Simple ways to practice micro-joy daily Practical Steps Shared:  Notice small positive moments  Allow yourself to feel them (just 5 seconds longer)  Share joy to amplify itSupport the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    12 min

  5. APR 7

    What Nobody Tells You About Aging (And Why It’s Actually Beautiful)

    Send us Fan Mail What if aging isn’t something to fight… but something to embrace? In this heartfelt episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with author Mary Westheimer to explore what nobody tells us about getting older—and why joy might be the most important foundation we can build. From meditation and mindset to friendship, loss, and laughter, Mary shares wisdom drawn from decades of life experience (and a whole lot of humor). This is a conversation about aging with open eyes, an open heart… and maybe a few laughs along the way. 🔑 Key Takeaways  Why joy is a foundation, not just a fleeting feeling  How meditation rewires your brain for peace and resilience  Why starting small (even 5 minutes) matters  The surprising connection between aging, mindset, and physical health  How humor becomes a powerful tool as we age  Why loss isn’t the opposite of joy—it lives alongside it  The importance of evolving friendships (and letting some go)  Why multi-generational relationships matter more than we think  How shifting your perspective can literally change how you age 💡 Memorable Quotes  “Joy is my lifeblood.”  “The more you think about aging, the faster you age.”  “We don’t lose just people—we lose dreams, abilities, and expectations.”  “If you can laugh, you have joy in your life.”  “The problem is we think we’re alone. The solution is we’re not.” 📚 About Mary Westheimer Mary Westheimer is the author of What Nobody Tells You About Getting Older—a thoughtful, humorous, and deeply human exploration of aging. Her work has appeared in:  USA Today  Columbia Journalism Review  Publishers Weekly She writes to help people navigate life—and aging—with honesty, humor, and grace. 🔗 Resources & Links  🌐 Website: https://whatnobodytellsyou.com  📖 Get the book: Available on all major online bookstores + Bookshop.org 💛 Call to Action If this episode resonated:  Share it with someone who needs a new perspective on aging  Subscribe to Joy Unfiltered Leave a review to help others discover the show And remember—  ✨ We are not anti-aging… we are aging forward. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    46 min

  6. APR 6

    The Science of Joy, Energy, and Your Nervous System

    Send us Fan Mail What if joy isn’t something you earn—but something you lead with? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel challenges the deeply ingrained belief that burnout is the price of success. Instead, she introduces a powerful reframe: joy is not the reward—joy is the strategy. Blending science, nervous system awareness, and practical tools, this episode explores how your thoughts shape your internal state, how your state drives your behavior, and how that ultimately creates your life. If you’ve been stuck in pressure, urgency, or constant “doing,” this conversation will help you shift into a state where creativity, clarity, and connection actually thrive. 🔑 Key Takeaways  Your thoughts are not harmless—they are generative Your internal state directly shapes your outcomes  The nervous system prioritizes safety, not success  Productivity ≠ creation (you can be busy and still stuck)  Endurance is often just survival in disguise  Joy shifts your brain into a state of creativity and possibility  Leadership is about the energy you bring, not just what you say  Small state shifts create massive long-term change 🧠 Core Concept Your thoughts → create your internal state  Your state → shapes your behavior  Your behavior → creates your resultsRepeat that loop—and you create your life. 🛠️ Practical Tools You Can Use Today 1. Regulate Before You Create Try box breathing:  Inhale 4  Hold 4  Exhale 4  Hold 4 2. Use Your Body to Shift Your State Move for 30 seconds—walk, shake, stretch, or dance. 3. Direct Your Attention Train your brain to notice what’s working—not just what’s wrong. 4. Interrupt Thought Loops Try tapping (EFT-style) and say: “I don’t have to solve everything right now.” 5. Ask Better Questions Instead of “What should I do?” ask: “What state am I in—and how can I shift it?” 🔥 Memorable Quotes  “Joy is not the reward. Joy is the strategy.”  “Endurance is survival with good PR.”  “You can be productive and still not be creating anything new.”  “Leadership is not just what you say—it’s the state you bring.” 💬 Call to Action If this episode resonated with you:  Hit Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes  Share this with someone who needs this message  Leave a quick review—it helps others find the show And if something shifted for you today, even just a little… that matters. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    20 min

  7. APR 3

    The Art of Noticing: How Small Moments Create a Joyful Life

    Send us Fan Mail What if joy isn’t something you wait for… but something you learn to see? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with fellow author Peg Guilfoyle to explore the art of noticing joy in everyday life. From small, surprising moments (like finding “a million dollars” in a grocery aisle) to deeper reflections on curiosity, connection, and attention, Peg shares how cultivating awareness can transform how we experience the world. This conversation is a gentle invitation to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the beauty that’s been there all along. 🔑 Key Takeaways  Why joy is something you train yourself to notice How curiosity opens the door to everyday wonder  The role of small moments in creating a joyful life  Why “running with the enthusiasts” can elevate your energy  How connection amplifies joy (even with strangers)  The science behind noticing more of what you focus on  Why joy becomes even more important during difficult times  How storytelling helps us see the world differently 💡 Memorable Quotes  “The more you look for joy, the more you find joy.”  “We are ignitable.”  “Enthusiasm is transmissible—and life-giving.”  “Joy exists in the world. You just have to look.”  “These small connections are what knit the world together.” 📚 About Peg Gilfoyle Peg Guilfoyle is the author of An Eye for Joy: Noticing the Good World Everywhere, a collection of essays inspired by curiosity, connection, and the beauty of everyday life. She is also the creator of the Motley Peg essay series, where she shares short, reflective pieces every couple of weeks. 🔗 Resources & Links  🌐 Website + Motley Peg essays: https://www.pegguilfoyle.com/  📖 Get the book: Available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and independent bookstores 💛 Call to Action If this episode brought you a moment of joy:  Share it with someone who could use a little light today  Subscribe to Joy Unfiltered Leave a review to help others discover the show And today, try this:  ✨ Notice one small, beautiful thing you might normally miss. Support the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    41 min

  8. APR 1

    Joy-Led Leadership: The 4 Shifts That Change Everything

    Send us Fan Mail What if leadership didn’t require burnout, pressure, or constant proving? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel breaks down a new way of leading—one rooted in joy as a strategy, not a reward. She introduces the 4 pillars of joy-led leadership and a powerful reframe: joy isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you practice. If you’ve been leading from exhaustion, this episode will help you shift into something more sustainable, grounded, and energizing. 🔑 Key Takeaways  Why traditional leadership models are unsustainable  The 4 pillars of joy-led leadership:  Joy over endurance  Regulation over urgency  Integration over compartmentalization  Community over competition  The difference between joy vs. happiness  The 3 “macronutrients” of joy:  Noticing  Allowing  Sharing  How your energy directly influences others (emotional contagion)  A simple daily practice to create more joy immediately 💡 Key Quote “Joy isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you practice.” 🔗 Call to Action ✨ Start your joy practice today:  Notice one thing  Stay with it for 10–20 seconds  Share it with someoneSupport the show Connect with Rachel Joy-Led Leadership ForumThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 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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