

Productive Joy
Dr. Christie McMullen
Welcome to Productive Joy with Dr. Christie. I'm your host, Christie McMullen, and together we are going to make sure we turn fun into action. How will we do that? By thoughtfully taking AIM. AIM stands for Analyze Improve Move. We're going to analyze the things that you're currently doing that you're like, I probably could find more joy in this. We're going to improve on those things by listening to experts and learning all kinds of new ways to do business. And then we're going to move. It is time to learn and grow together...let's do this.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 18, 2025 • 30min
Learning to Thrive with Charlynn Ruan
In this enriching episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie is joined by Dr. Charlynn Ruan, a leader, therapist, CEO, and mother. Dr. Ruan shares insights on the importance of inner work for outward success, how she was drawn to psychology, and her mission to help individuals thrive. She and Dr. Christie cover tips for leaders, leveraging team strengths, and the application of sports psychology principles to business. They encourage you to reflect on your routines, team dynamics, and personal growth for achieving true productive joy.In Today's episode:01:32 Charlene's Journey into Psychology02:49 Founding Thrive Psychology Group04:17 Expanding Focus Beyond Women04:55 Working with Founders and Leaders06:12 Applying Sports Psychology to Business07:41 Balancing Leadership and Personal Life09:13 Delegation and Time Management15:38 Defining Productive Joy16:10 Embracing Your Strengths in Management17:04 Leveraging Team Superpowers18:21 Balancing Talents in Psychology19:36 Constructing a Balanced Team22:25 The Importance of Gratitude23:06 Learning and Growing as a Leader26:06 Rapid Fire QuestionsFind more aboutDr. RuanDr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.

Feb 12, 2025 • 9min
If You Show Up, They Show Up & More From Kwesi Johnson
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie recaps her interview with Kwesi Johnson, a change agent and author of the upcoming book 'Dare to Be.' They discuss the importance of staying authentic, handling feedback, and focusing on positive reinforcement. Kwesi shares strategies like keeping a kudos folder to stay motivated and highlights the need for leaders to be their true selves and encourage the same in others.In this episode:00:44 The Concept of 'Dare to Be'01:11 Embracing Authenticity01:25 Feedback and Self-Acceptance03:24 Knowing Yourself03:32 Leveraging Strengths and Weaknesses05:01 The Importance of Positivity05:36 Creating a Kudos Folder06:14 Focusing on the Good07:22 Defining Productive Joy

Feb 11, 2025 • 35min
Dare to Be You...Being Impactful Rather Than Impressive with Kwesi Johnson
Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Kwesi Johnson, who discusses his trajectory from healthcare to becoming a champion of workplace transformation.They explore the concept of 'productive joy,' the challenge of being genuine, the importance of combating imposter syndrome, and why we should focus on being impactful over being impressive.Kwesi shares his 'dare to be' mantra, emphasizing authenticity and promoting true collaboration through psychologically safe work environments, and he and Dr. Christie share insights on creating inclusive cultures, boosting employee engagement, and the significance of being over doing.In this episode:02:23 Kwesi's Journey to Transforming Workplaces05:03 The Concept of 'Dare to Be'08:37 Challenging Mediocrity and Imposter Syndrome12:55 Defining Productive Joy15:11 Supporting Others in Finding Productive Joy17:18 Learning from Each Other18:10 Extrovert vs. Introvert20:45 Dare to Be: The Book25:35 Rapid Fire Questions31:21 Final Thoughts on AuthenticityConnect withKwesiDr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between. keywords:authortwin dadtwin momcycling enthusiastbest versionstrustemployee engagementrelationshipspositive environmentinclusive cultureauthentic selfleaderfriendTravis Beverlytransform workplacesjourneyNorth Carolinacollegehealthcareconsultingpatient experienceprocessesworkshopstrainingsvaluecompassionimproving processespatient throughputrevenue cycle managementtransform workplaceslearningchampion of experiencechurchreplicatetalentbecoming a published authordare to begenuineauthenticcall to actioninspirechallengemove forwardencourageindividualmentorshigh schoolbe betterimpactimposter syndromechameleonmaskBrene Brown

Feb 5, 2025 • 9min
When Income and Impact Come Together & More From Georgi Enthoven
Today Dr. Christie breaks down her conversation with Georgi Enthoven, an author, advisor, and Founder of Work That's Worth It. She discusses Georgi's unique path to help herself, and now others, to achieve the enviable combination of income and impact.
Dr. Christie reflects on the podcast's one-year milestone, sharing lessons learned and the significance of making work fun and rewarding for employees. She gives real-world insights on fostering a work culture that promotes happiness, productivity, and prosperity.
Find more about Georgi
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
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Dr. Tamara Gilliam
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memorable

Feb 4, 2025 • 32min
Work That's Worth It... How Will You Spend Your 90,000 Hours? with Georgi Enthoven
Welcome to Productive Joy! Today Dr. Christie, brings you an extraordinary guest, with an extraordinary past, and extraordinary story, vision and mission. But with that came a lot of doubt and struggle and finding the right path. Georgi Enthoven, an author and coach with a background from Harvard and USC Berkeley, shares insights on aligning your career with personal joy and impact.
Georgi discusses her eclectic life experiences, the importance of experimenting in early career stages, and how to discover your calling. She introduces her upcoming book and podcast, 'Work That's Worth It,' emphasizing the balance of income and impact in a fulfilling career.
Find more about Georgi
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
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learning to listen

Jan 29, 2025 • 7min
Your Sphere of Influence is Larger Than You Know & More From Janice Kaplan
Today Dr. Christie dives into insightful tips on maintaining joy and productivity. Sharing fascinating insights from her conversation with author Janice Kaplan about how small environmental changes can significantly influence your mindset and well-being. She also shares personal stories that highlight the profound impact of simple, everyday choices on our happiness and gives practical advice on leveraging your sphere of influence and making the most of the new year.
00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy
00:17 Recap of Conversation with Janice Kaplan
01:03 Influence and Control
01:36 Practical Tips for a Happier Life
02:29 Personal Reflections and Choices
04:20 The Fork Story
05:16 Taking Care of Your Body
06:30 Final Encouragement
Keywords:
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Jan 28, 2025 • 32min
What your Body Knows about Happiness with Janice Kaplan
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Janice Kaplan, an acclaimed author and former editor-in-chief of Parade Magazine. Janice discusses her latest book, 'What Your Body Knows About Happiness,' emphasizing the significant impact physical experiences and environments have on our mental state.
She shares insights on how simple changes, like posture and surroundings, can boost joy and productivity. She and Dr. Christie cover topics such as the importance of movement for creativity, the influence of sensory inputs, and practical tips for leaders to foster a positive workplace environment.
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Jan 22, 2025 • 6min
How To Control Your Controllables & More from Torkil Faero
Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie discusses key insights from an interview with Dr. Torkil Faero, author of 'The Pulse Cure,' on how tracking and controlling stress can extend your by up to two decades. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing stressors and highlights actions you can take on factors like diet, exercise, and sleep.
As this is the 101st episode (Yay!!), Dr. Christie underscores the value of consistency, mindset, and deliberate effort in achieving productive joy and encourages everyone listening to choose their challenges, control the controllables and see what growth will come in the new year.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
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Jan 21, 2025 • 32min
Controlling your Nervous System with Intentionality with Torkil Faero
Today is very special because it's the 100th episode of Productive Joy!! AND we have an amazing guest.
Dr. Christie welcomes Dr. Torkil Farrow, all the way from Norway. Dr. Farrow is a general practitioner, author, and stress management expert. He talks about his path into preventative medicine sparked by his father's early death, which pivoted his focus from traditional medicine to lifestyle changes.
He explains how using wearables like Garmin watches helps in tracking and managing stress levels for better health and longevity, and emphasizes practical steps such as improving diet, reducing alcohol, and adjusting exercise routines. His book, 'The Pulse Cure,' offers in-depth strategies for leveraging technology to enhance well-being.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.

Jan 15, 2025 • 7min
Be Tenacious! Go BIG! Be Rewarded & More With Larry Kasanoff
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie is delivering a message from her latest guest - Go Big!
She shares her experience interviewing film producer Larry Kasanoff, known for movies like Platoon, Dirty Dancing, Mortal Kombat, and the Lego Star Wars movie. They discuss the importance of overcoming fear, taking risks, and stepping out of comfort zones. Larry's advice centers on asking for what you want, having fun, and being tenacious. Christie emphasizes living boldly, embracing joy, and pursuing passions with fervor. So go big, don't fear 'no' and see where it can take you.
Connect with here and here
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
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