

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 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.
Keywords:
author
interview
gratitude
gratitude diaries
happiness
body and mind
joy
lessons
subscribe
follow
positive
subscribe
New Yorker
editor in chief
Parade Magazine
mom
two sons
swimmer
world traveler
novels
journalist
TV producer
exercise
mental state
meditation
hard chairs
soft chairs
research
mindfulness
environment
creativity
positivity
writing process
new book
elevator experiment
interviews
movement
soft pillows
temperature
cross-body impact
clipboard
sensitivity
auditory impact
physical environment
interaction
flowers
noise
color association

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.
Keywords:
Norway
The Pulse Cure
lower your stress
track your nervous system
control your nervous system
research
live up to 24 years longer
stress levels
nervous systems
understand
productive
sugar
alcohol
lack of sleep
lack of exercise
too much exercise
choose your hard
physically fit
stressed
physically fit
nervous system
choose your heart
married
divorced
thoughtful
healthy
happy
whole
control our controllables
sphere of control
sphere of influence
reflection
consistency
mindset

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.
Keywords:
fun
tenacious
work
Larry Kasanoff
Platoon
Mortal Kombat
Lego Star Wars
movie production
transparency
Malibu blonde
touch of the madness
stories
leaders
fear
successful
risks
job
emotion
fail
live
space
willing
risks
famous people
listeners
teams
Productive Joy
walks of life
box
importance
volunteer
running something
positivity
advice
three things
college
CEO
Warner Brothers
ask
fun
pick one thing
tenacious

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


