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.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    Healing Beyond the Individual: A Conversation with Chase Thayer

    Guest: Chase Thayer — Long-Term Recovery Coach & Family Systems Specialist Website: https://www.austinintegrationcoaching.com/ About Chase: Chase Thayer brings nearly 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction, mental health challenges, and complex relational dynamics. As both a professional coach and someone with lived experience in recovery, Chase combines empathy with accountability — guiding not just clients, but entire families — toward deeper understanding, structural healing, and long-term sustainable change. 💡 What We Explore in This Episode 🔹 Chase’s personal recovery journey We dive into how his lived experience shapes his work, his lens on resilience, and the shifts that led him to family systems work. 🔹 What “long-term recovery” really means This isn’t quick fixes or surface-level tools — Chase talks about recovery as an ongoing process, rooted in identity, connection, and self-trust. 🔹 Supporting families, not just individuals Why individual change often stalls without healthy relational shifts — and how families can become part of the solution instead of the backdrop of the problem. 🔹 The role of boundaries, accountability, and compassion Chase unpacks how compassion and accountability aren’t opposites — they’re the foundation for real transformation. 🔹 Breaking generational cycles We talk about structural patterns in families, how they persist across generations, and the intentional work it takes to change them. 🔹 What sustainable change actually looks like From emotional literacy to systems thinking — real stories, real challenges, and practical perspectives that go beyond slogans. 🎧 Key Takeaways Recovery is relational. Healing happens not just within the person, but within the network of those who love them.Families have roles. Understanding those roles (and reconfiguring them) can unlock deeper healing.Accountability and compassion are partners. One without the other gets stuck in blame or permissiveness.Patterns aren’t destiny. Generational cycles can be interrupted with intention, support, and insight.Long-term growth > quick relief. Sustainable change is messy, but it’s also real.🧠 Quotes to Share “Recovery isn’t about behavior change alone — it’s about identity change in the context of relationships that matter.” — Chase Thayer“You don’t heal in isolation. You heal in connection — and connection requires accountability.”📌 Connect With Chase 🌐 Austin Integration Coaching: https://www.austinintegrationcoaching.com/ Chase’s work with individuals and families blends trauma-informed systems thinking with compassion-based accountability. Support the show

    57 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Why Joy Works (Even When Life Is Hard)

    Joy isn’t about ignoring stress, grief, or reality.  It’s about how we stay human inside of it. In this episode, Rachel explores why joy isn’t fluff, a personality trait, or a reward for surviving hard things. It’s a practical, science-backed strategy that helps us regulate our nervous systems, make better decisions, lead more effectively, and avoid burnout. You’ll learn: Why pressure and discipline alone don’t create lasting changeHow joy signals safety to the brain and bodyWhy joy leads to consistency, resilience, and clarityHow joy can coexist with stress, grief, and hard seasonsWhy joy isn’t a luxury, but a life and leadership skillThis conversation isn’t about forced positivity.  It’s about understanding how we’re wired, and choosing a way of living that actually works. Joy is not the reward.  Joy is the strategy. 👉 Learn more about Rachel’s work and upcoming book Joy Is the Strategy 👉 Join The Joy Project community and practice joy together Support the show

    17 min

  3. JAN 29

    Joy Is the Strategy (Not the Reward)

    What if joy isn’t something you earn after everything is fixed, but the strategy that helps you live, lead, and feel better now? In this first solo episode of Joy Unfiltered, I’m setting the foundation for everything this podcast stands for. Not forced positivity. Not bypassing hard things. And definitely not joy as a personality trait reserved for a lucky few. This episode is about choosing joy as a practical, grounded, repeatable strategy, especially in seasons that feel heavy, uncertain, or exhausting. I share how joy became the throughline in my work, my wellness, and my leadership, why it works when motivation runs out, and how small, intentional choices can change how you move through your day, your body, and your life. This conversation also connects directly to two things I’ve poured my heart into: 📘 My upcoming book, Joy Is the Strategy A deeper dive into why joy works, how it’s built, and how choosing it can change the way you live and lead. 👉 Pre-sales are open now. ✨ The Joy Project A growing community for people who want joy that’s real, human, and shared. This is where connection, conversation, and collective joy live. 👉 Join The Joy Project. If you’re tired of chasing happiness, burned out on hustle culture, or quietly wondering if there’s a better way to feel good without waiting for life to cooperate, you’re in the right place. Joy isn’t the reward.  It’s the strategy. Support the show

    24 min

  4. 07/17/2025

    Joy Is a Business Strategy: How Feeling Good Helps You Earn More

    Most of us have been taught that stress = success. But what if the real secret to growth, clarity, and cash is… JOY? In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, I’m showing you why feeling good isn’t a luxury - it’s your most powerful business strategy. You’ll learn: The science behind joy and productivityHow to rewire your habits to feel better and earn moreA powerful 3-part ENJOY Method™ to build joy into your workday (without adding more to your to-do list)Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or just tired of the grind… this one will change how you show up. Joy isn’t the reward. It’s the strategy. Use it. In this episode, you’ll discover: ✅ Why hustle culture is keeping you stuck  ✅ What neuroscience says about joy + focus  ✅ How cortisol impacts your energy and performance  ✅ 3 practical ways to build joy into your business day using the ENJOY Method™:  • pauses – for clarity and calm  • pushups – movement that lights you up  • plants – food that fuels your brain and body 💬 Ready to feel better and earn more? Join the free ENJOY Community Explore the ENJOY90 coaching program: Basic, Prime or  📌 Mentioned Resources: Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s “Broaden and Build” Theory: https://positivepsychology.com/broaden-and-build-theory/University of Warwick study on happiness + productivity: https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/new_study_shows/✨ Connect with Rachel: Website Instagram LinkedIn rachel@enjoymyeveryday.com Support the show

    14 min

  5. 06/26/2025

    You’re Not Lazy. You’re Just Tired

    If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “What is wrong with me?” - this episode is for you. This week on Joy Unfiltered, we’re busting one of the biggest lies in wellness: That your lack of motivation is laziness. Spoiler alert: It’s not. You’re not lazy. You’re tired. Join Rachel as she breaks down the 5 types of tired that high-achieving women often overlook—and how to tell the difference between needing rest and needing a reboot. With her signature mix of sass, science, and real-life truth bombs, you’ll learn simple, sustainable ways to reclaim your energy without burnout, guilt, or green juice obsession. 💥 What You’ll Learn: Why calling yourself lazy is not only wrong—it’s harmfulThe 5 types of tired (mental, emotional, physical, sensory, spiritual)How hormonal shifts (hello perimenopause) might be draining your energyA 5-step framework to feel more energized, focused, and vibrantRachel’s #1 mindset reframe to change everything: from lazy to listening🛠️ Links + Resources: 💬 Join the FREE ENJOY Community – daily joy, workouts, plant-based recipes, and real support 🎯 Ready to go deeper? Check out ENJOY90 – Rachel’s 90-day coaching program with 3 levels of support🛒 Browse ENJOY Supplements – plant-based protein, creatine, collagen & more💌 Get Rachel’s Weekly Dose of ENJOY Newsletter🧠 Quotable Moments: “You don’t solve emotional tiredness with more coffee.” “Lazy isn’t a personality trait—it’s a misdiagnosed cry for rest.” “Movement isn’t punishment. It’s permission.” “You’re not broken. You’re just burned out—and we can fix that.”💬 Let’s Connect: InstagramLinkedInWebsiteSupport the show

    10 min

  6. 06/19/2025

    Eat More. Weigh Less. Seriously.

    Feeling hungry and stuck? It might be time to eat more - not less. In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, I’m busting the toxic myth that weight loss requires restriction and misery. The truth? When you focus on high-fiber, high-volume, plant-based meals, you can finally feel satisfied and lose weight. Yes, seriously. We’ll break down: The science behind fiber, satiety, and fat lossWhy your body needs volume to feel full (hint: it’s not just about calories)Easy plant-based swaps that actually taste amazingMy go-to high-protein breakfast for long-lasting energyThe real mindset shift that breaks the binge-restrict cycleIf you’re ready to ditch the diet drama and feel amazing in your body again, this one’s for you. 📥 Join the free ENJOY! Community 🎯 Want a personal plan? Let’s talk! Support the show

    12 min

  7. 06/05/2025

    Building Vegan Muscle on a Budget

    Think you need a $90 protein powder and a boutique gym membership to build muscle on a vegan diet? Think again. In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, I’m busting the myth that strength gains require deep pockets. With 25 years of plant-based living under my belt - and muscles built during broke, busy, and just plain chaotic seasons - I’m sharing exactly how you can get strong without going broke. What You’ll Learn: 💪 The 5 budget-friendly habits that fuel real plant-based muscle 🥦 How to shop smart (yes to bulk bins, no to $7 jerky) 📅 Why a loose meal plan saves you more than just time 🏋️ The minimalist workout gear that actually gets results 🍛 How batch cooking keeps your macros and money on point ✨ Plus, some good ol’ mindset truth bombs (as always) Mentioned in this Episode: ✅ ENJOY Community — your hub for joyful, plant-powered strength ✅ My go-to high-protein vegan meal staples ✅ Why perfection is a myth and action is where it’s at Links & Resources: 👉 Join the ENJOY Community 👉 Download my free plant-based protein cheat sheet 👉 Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn 👉 More tips on my website Subscribe & Review: Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps more women find the joy in getting strong, healthy, and energized - without the BS. Support the show

    13 min

  8. 05/22/2025

    The Plant Powered Muscle Blueprint: What to Eat to Actually Build Strength

    Are oats, peanut butter, and beans really enough protein to build muscle on a plant-based diet? Spoiler: Nope. In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, we’re breaking down the top high-protein vegan foods that actually support muscle growth, recovery, and strength - without leaving you bloated, underfed, or confused. I’ll walk you through the real MVPs of vegan muscle-building (think tofu, tempeh, seitan, TVP, and protein powders), bust the myths around so-called “protein-rich” foods, and give you simple, actionable tips to upgrade your plate and hit your goals. If you’ve been strength training but not seeing results, this episode is your plant-powered reset button. 💪🌱 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why protein matters for muscle, metabolism, and recovery ✅ The 4 vegan protein sources that deliver real results ✅ What foods not to rely on (looking at you, peanut butter...) ✅ How to build 20–30g protein meals without tracking macros all day ✅ And how to make this work—sustainably and joyfully Mentioned in this episode: – ENJOY Plant-Based Protein – Join the ENJOY Community – Learn more about ENJOY coaching 🎙️ Hosted by Rachel Bents  Founder of the ENJOY Method  -  helping women over 40 lose weight, gain energy, and feel amazing in their bodies through mindfulness, movement, and plant-based nutrition. No BS. Just results. Have fun. Live well. ENJOY. Support the show

    14 min

  9. 05/15/2025

    Is Your Snack Lying to You? How to Actually Read a Nutrition Label

    Episode Title: Is Your Snack Lying to You? How to Actually Read a Nutrition Label Podcast: Joy Unfiltered Host: Rachel Bents Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the food label fluff. If you’ve ever been tricked by clever packaging into thinking something was “healthy,” only to discover it wasn’t helping your goals—this episode is for you. I’m walking you through everything you need to know about reading nutrition labels so you can make choices that support your energy, your body, and your joy. You’ll learn: Why serving size is the first thing you should checkWhy calories aren’t bad (but still matter)The protein hack that tells you instantly if a food is worth itHow much fiber you actually needWhat sugar number to really look at (hint: it’s not what you think)Mentioned in this Episode: 🧃 ENJOY Supplements – Fuel your fun 💪 ENJOY Community – Join the sisterhood 📞 1:1 Coaching with Rachel Let’s Connect: 🌐 Website 📸 Instagram 💼 LinkedIn 🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode. Support the show

    16 min

  10. 05/08/2025

    Joy Unfiltered – Episode 2: Creatine: Your New Best Friend for Muscle, Brain, and Aging Like a Badass

    🎙️ Episode 3 – Creatine: Your New Best Friend for Muscle, Brain, and Aging Like a Badass Podcast: Joy Unfiltered Tagline: No burpees. No BS. Just fun. If you're a woman over 40 and not taking creatine… we need to talk. In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, I’m diving into one of the most underrated, misunderstood, and underutilized supplements for women—creatine. No, it’s not just for bodybuilders or gym bros.  It’s for YOU.  For your brain.  For your energy.  For your recovery.  And for your long-term confidence in that strong, powerful body of yours. Here's what we unpack: 💪 Why creatine is essential for preserving muscle and strength as you age  🧠 How it boosts cognitive function, memory, and mood (yes, really)  💃 The science behind how creatine supports women during perimenopause and beyond  ✅ What kind to take, how much, when, and how to make it part of your daily routine  ❌ Plus, I bust the top myths that are keeping women from taking it Did you know?  Creatine is the most well-researched supplement in the world—second only to caffeine. And the benefits go far beyond performance. Whether you’re lifting weights, managing a business, navigating hot flashes, or just trying to stay focused through your afternoon meetings—creatine supports all of it. It’s time to stop sleeping on the supplement that could seriously change your game. ✨ Want to make it easy? Let’s do it together. 🥤 ENJOY Supplements – My clean, simple, and effective creatine is made for women like you. Fuel your fun and your focus with products that actually work. → Grab your ENJOY Creatine 🎉 ENJOY Community – For $9/month, get joyful workouts, plant-powered meal plans, meditations, and the support you need to finally feel like yourself again. → Join the Community 💥 ENJOY 90 – My signature 90-day program that helps women leaders get their energy, confidence, and income back—without extreme workouts or sad desk lunches. → Apply for ENJOY 90 🎧 If this episode gave you the “OMG WHY DIDN’T I KNOW THIS SOONER” moment…  → Hit subscribe → Leave a review → Share it with a friend who’s still calling creatine a “bro supplement” You’re not just lifting weights.  You’re lifting your entire life. 🎵 Intro & outro music credit: "Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm" by Oleg Mazur, used under license from Chosic.com Have fun. Live well. ENJOY. 💛 Support the show

    15 min

  11. 05/01/2025

    Joy Unfiltered – Episode 2: You’re Not Inconsistent - You’re Just Exhausted

    🎙️ Episode 2 – You’re Not Inconsistent. You’re Just Exhausted. Podcast: Joy Unfiltered Tagline: No burpees. No BS. Just fun. You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re not inconsistent. You're just exhausted from doing too much for everyone else—and nothing that actually fuels you. In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, we’re rewriting the tired wellness narrative and giving you permission to stop chasing perfection and start building consistency from a place of energy, ease, and JOY. I break down: Why “starting over” every Monday is NOT a character flawThe real reason your habits aren’t sticking (hint: it’s not willpower)3 ways to rebuild your consistency without adding more to your platePlus, I share stories from my own burnout recovery—and how I reclaimed my energy, confidence, and body without sacrificing my success (or my sanity). Because the truth is: when you feel good in your body, you show up differently in your business, your relationships, and your LIFE. ✨ Want more support? Let’s do this together. 🎉 ENJOY Community – My $9/month membership to help you feel good again (and make it fun). Weekly workouts, meal plans, meditations, and a group chat that actually helps you get results. → Join the ENJOY Community 💪 ENJOY 90 – My signature 90-day program for women leaders ready to reclaim their energy, confidence, and income. You get expert coaching, customized plans, and accountability to finally stop starting over. → Learn about ENJOY 90 🥤 ENJOY Supplements – Want better energy, recovery, and focus? Fuel your fun with my signature supplement line—protein, creatine, collagen, greens, and BCAAs. Kristen-approved. → Grab your ENJOY Supplements 🎧 Hit subscribe to Joy Unfiltered so you never miss an episode. 💬 Leave a review and tell me what hit home for you today. 📩 Share this episode with the smart, successful woman in your life who’s ready to feel like herself again. 🎵 Intro & outro music credit: "Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm" by Oleg Mazur, used under license from Chosic.com Have fun. Live well. Joy Unfiltered. 💛 Support the show

    13 min

  12. 04/24/2025

    Joy Unfiltered – Episode 1: Who Am I and Why This Podcast?

    Welcome to the very first episode of Joy Unfiltered — the show for high-achieving women who are ready to stop running on fumes and start feeling amazing in their bodies (and their lives). In this kickoff episode, I’m reintroducing myself, pulling back the curtain on my own wellness journey, and walking you through the foundation of everything I teach: Pauses, Pushups, and Plants. These are the three pillars that helped me lose 40 pounds, get my energy back, and show up bigger in both life and business — and now, they’re the backbone of this podcast. What you’ll learn today: Why I created Joy Unfiltered (spoiler: the wellness world needs less BS and more fun)The real reason most women feel exhausted — even when they're doing everything "right"How Pauses, Pushups, and Plants can completely change how you feel (and lead)Links + Resources: 🎉 Join the ENJOY Community💚 Founding members get 25% off ENJOY! supplements for life📩 Get Your Weekly Dose of ENJOY! straight to your inbox.💪 Ready for a personalized plan? Let’s make your wellness actually fun: Mentioned in this episode: My 40-pound transformation (and how it wasn’t just about the weight)The importance of joy as a strategy, not a luxuryMy core belief: fitness should feel good, not like punishment🎵 Theme music: “Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm” by Oleg Mazur Licensed for podcast use. 📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!  💬 Got thoughts or questions? DM me on Instagram @enjoymyeveryday   I’d love to hear from you! And remember - from my heart to yours - I am celebrating you today and EVERY day. Have fun. Live well.  ENJOY! Support the show

    10 min
  • 12 Episodes

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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