

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

Jan 14, 2025 • 33min
A TOUCH OF THE MADNESS: HOW TO BE MORE CREATIVE BY BEING MORE CRAZY? With Larry Kasanoff
So today is a very special show. A must hear. A must share episode, as Dr. Christie welcomes Larry Kasanoff, famed film producer (Platoon, Blue Steel, Dirty Dancing,True Lies, Lego Movie, Terminator 2, Mortal Combat Franchise) and author (A Touch of Madness) .
Is Larry crazy? Not exactly, but he encourages you to embrace the things you might feel are crazy and be amazed by the doors that open and opportunities that arise.
Larry and Dr. Christie explore the importance of taking risks, protecting one's creative vision, not hearing no, and the power of asking for what you want. Larry offers exceptional, and often uncommon advice for leaders and creatives on embracing their madness, incorporating fun into work, and the power of persistence.
Learn more about Larry
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:
film producer
CEO
author
animals
treasure hunter
film studio
mid eighties
home video
Touch of the Madness
pandemic
creative
cautious
filmmakers
audience
intellectual property
brands
titles
emotions
creativity
risks
marketing
storytelling
Hollywood
political correctness
streaming
sequel
remake
fear
corporate mergers
Disney
Simon Cowell
X-Factor
Karaoke
documentary
authoritative
conference
persistent
mindfulness
reset
meditation

Jan 8, 2025 • 7min
Stop Hiding Your Hidden Talents & More with Kerim Kfuri
On today's episode of Productive Joy, we explore the concept of turning your unique talents into impactful actions. Dr. Christie discusses insights from Kerim Kfuri, a global supply chain expert and author, who explains the interconnectedness of the world and applying skills in various domains.
Dr. Christie emphasizes recognizing and utilizing your hidden talents, giving examples from her own life and experiences of others. No matter what the talent is this episode encourages listeners to harness their capabilities to provide value to others and open up possibilities both personally and professionally.
Keywords:
brilliant people
leaders
learned
Global supply chain
supply chain ups and downs
toilet paper during pandemics
understanding of the world
business
change practice
providing
providing for others
unique gift
recognize
turning into a business
talents
skills
be organized
glitter
creative talents
recognized
synchronized swimming
wonder
presentation
conference
presenters
breakout sessions
concurrent sessions
information
chunk the information
specifics
train them to be really great
exceptional
superpower
talents
share
world
interesting talents
unique
change practice

Jan 7, 2025 • 32min
Thinking Globally to Break Out of Your Silo with Kerim Kfuri
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie introduces Kerim Kfuri, a multi-talented entrepreneur and CEO of the Atlas Network. Kerim shares his journey from selling blueberries as a child to leading a global company. He highlights the importance of a global perspective, creativity, and adaptability.
Kerim also discusses his book, 'Supply Chain Ups and Downs,' which provides insights into navigating complex industries and offers advice on developing great employees and the significance of curiosity and problem-solving skills. This episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of our lives and businesses and the joy found in innovative solutions.
Connect with Kerim
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:
Atlas Network
CEO
family man
global traveler
educator
human brain
attention span
global supply chain industry
toilet paper
pandemic
consulting industry
Securities and Exchange Commission
NASD
FINRA
entrepreneur
Asia
quality products
manufacturing
entrepreneurship
commodities
textiles
innovation
shark tank
as seen on TV
creative thinking
problem solving
economic mechanisms
natural disasters
distribution centers
sourcing
logistics
warehousing
fulfillment
import
customs duty
reordering
nearshoring
sustainability
greenhouse gases
artificial intelligence
global mindset
students
production operations management
sales strategy
employee hiring
philosophy
leadership
business leaders
technology
consumer products
crisis management
Supply Chain Ups and Downs
education
communication
marketing
raw materials
distribution
consumer behavior
political issues

Jan 1, 2025 • 11min
What Are Your Priorities In 2025?
Happy New Year!! On this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie encourages listeners to set their priorities for 2025 with inspiration from her interview yesterday wit Professor Pete Alexander's stress management techniques.
She shares details about her own top priorities—family, health, friends, and career—and challenges you listening to identify your own guiding values.
She also emphasizes the importance of making 'I am' statements to transform intentions into actions and offers support for anyone needing help with accountability.
Please share this podcast to others that you know will benefit from it. Thank you for listening and we look wish all our listeners a happy and fulfilling 2025!

Dec 31, 2024 • 33min
Don't Trade Your Health For Your Career...That is a Really Bad Trade
In this special New Year's Eve episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Professor Pete Alexander, a stress relief specialist, hiker, laughter yoga teacher, and improv comedian. Pete shares his background from a dysfunctional family to battling stress-induced diabetes and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health.
He discusses practical stress relief techniques from his book 'Lighten Your Day' and the significance of understanding personal values. Discover ways to take proactive steps towards managing stress for a healthier, more joyful life.
Connect with Professor Pete Alexander
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:
New Year's Eve
stress relief
hiker
laughter yoga
improv comedy
dysfunctional family
divorces
stress-induced diabetes
chronic disease
cellular inflammation
mental health
physical health
workaholic
corporate job
epiphany
health
career
burnout
time
personal values
Type A personality
stress management
positive difference
influence
leadership
micromanagement
gratitude
authentic self
New Year's resolutions
learning new skills
lifelong learner
self-care
fountain of youth
meditation
yoga
mindfulness
LinkedIn
audiobook
habit formation
inner critic
fear
fictional evidence appearing real
goal-setting
de-stressing
diabetes
health and time
balance
health advice
personal growth
empathy
inspiration

Dec 25, 2024 • 18min
Find Your Productive Joy, Reach Your Full Potential
Welcome back, and merry Christmas! In this special Christmas episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie revisits and shares even more guests' definitions of 'Productive Joy.' From finding joy in forgiveness, intentionality, and gratitude, to balancing personal growth and supportive relationships, each guest offers unique insights.
Dr. Christie even shares her own definition of productive joy and encourages listeners to reflect on their own definition and invites them to share it on her social media for a special gift. This episode is springboard into 2025, and reaching your full potential.
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:
Christmas Day
downtime
quiet
love
family
peace
end of 2024
beginning of 2025
Aaron Port
Mark Goodman
forgiveness
Aaron Gier
Pepsi
balance work and life
seizing the moment
opportunity for growth
Dr. Brianna Rue
optometrist
tech owner
gratitude
Altair Gonzalez
Rise
healthy professionals
events
individuals
flourish
lawyers
law firm
team sport
Florida
Anthony Cook
mindful thought
positive outlook
synergy
dynamic growth
Troy Whitehurst
pastors
inner growth
anticipation
Jeff Standridge
passions
future generations
Lindsay Frey
supportive relationships
positive mindset
integrity
personal goals
unique qualities
Ken Resk

Dec 24, 2024 • 13min
What is Productive Joy?
Happy Christmas Eve! This time of year brings about a lot of reflection of the past and plans for the future. Today Dr. Christie is bringing you a bit of both! She has interviewed dozens of people this past year and each guest has a different perspective on what productive joy means to them. Today's show is a review of these pearls of wisdom from the different views of successful and inspiring people that have been on the show. You may hear something that sparks a new idea, or creates fresh motivation to get you started into 2025.
Thank you so much for being part of the Productive Joy family this past year, and stay tuned for the great things to come!
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:
Aaron Port
Mark Goodman
forgiveness
commitment
balance
challenge
fulfillment
Erin Gier
Brianna Rue
gratitude
journey
Altair Gonzalez
fostering
environment
thrive
Kristen Ritchie
Caroline Johnson
family law
fulfillment
Anthony Cook
mindful thought
Troy Whitehurst
synergy
action
intention
Amos and Crystal Pierre
anticipation
inner growth
Jeff Standridge
passions
lasting impact
Lindsay Frey
positive mindset
support
goals
Mark McFatridge
life experiences
future growth
Amy Woodall
present moment
valuable lessons
Lisa DeAngelis
change
motivation
rediscovering
Jeff Panik
individual journey
Evan Marks
Ken Resk
achieving goals
celebrating milestones
Equilibrium

Dec 18, 2024 • 10min
Leading With Trust & More with Erin Bro
Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie discusses her multifaceted roles, from running educational programs to authoring books, and her interview with Erin Bro, a high school educator and AVID program expert and speaker. Dr. Christie talks about ways to prepare Gen Z for the workforce, the importance of creating inclusive and fun work environments, leveraging individual talents, and fostering collaborative team dynamics. She also emphasizes the value of recognizing each person's strengths and the necessity of providing a supportive space for them to thrive.

Dec 17, 2024 • 32min
Be Part of the Solution Team with Erin Bro
Welcome to Productive Joy! Today Dr. Christie is joined by Erin Bro. She has many talents and interests, but above all she is a passionate educator . Erin shares insights from her career, emphasizing the importance of introducing students to varied career options early and fostering their talents.
She talks about personal experiences to highlight the value of flexibility, confidence, and active listening in leadership. Erin and Dr. Christie also discuss the AVID program and the approach of balancing structure with creative freedom, and how leaders can effectively harness the unique strengths of Gen Z and future generations in the workplace.
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:
friend
educator
wife
small nuances
big changes
student
careers
exposure
volunteer
social work
teacher
AVID
high school
transcript
college
trade school
military
community service
tutorials
studying
relationship building
English major
intern
DA's office
law school
teaching
lessons
hardships
struggle
vulnerable
leadership
confidence
team
delegation
flexibility

Dec 11, 2024 • 8min
Embracing Your True North & More with Lindsey Ferrell
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie recaps her interview with former teacher, turned entrepreneur and business owner, Lindsey Ferrell. Dr. Christie shares how Lindsey's faith guides her journey, the importance of recognizing and utilizing one's talents, and the value of pivoting in life.
She stresses the importance of assessing your talents and leveraging them effectively in both personal and professional spheres, and the year ends, to reflect on your accomplishments and plan for a more impactful 2025.
Find more about Lindsey and Ryan & Rose here
and on Instagram
Keywords:
entrepreneur
teacher
interpreter
talent
faith
pivot
educator
high school
adults
career
leader
workplace
team
job description
gifts
Ryan and Rose
cutie products
pacifier clip
necessity
medicine dropper
need
results
home
talents
extraordinary
New Year's resolutions
accomplish
gifts
learner
influence
talents


