

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

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

Dec 10, 2024 • 29min
See a Need, Fill a Need: Leverage Your Talents with Lindsey Ferrell
Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Lindsey Ferrell, a remarkable leader and entrepreneur who transitioned from teaching deaf students to creating innovative products for families through her business, Ryan and Rose.
Lindsay talks about the beginnings of the business, identifying needs and creating solutions, her deep faith, and the importance of balance in life. She and Dr. Christie discuss how she merged her creative instincts with practical needs to build a thriving community and business, all while maintaining her authentic self and relying on faith and family.
Find more about Lindsey and Ryan & Rose here
and on Instagram
Keywords:
opportunity
fascinating people
share
entrepreneur
proficient
sign language
community
Cutie Community
baby brand
family brand
pacesetter
support
family
business
interpretation
Ryan and Rose
cutie clip
cutie pat
CEO
problem solving
invention
faith
interpretation
education
teacher for the deaf
leader
balance
work hard
kids
joy
business
happiness
faith
family
team

Dec 4, 2024 • 11min
Authoring Your Life & More with Lior Arussy
Welcome back!! In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie shares insights from her conversation with author Lior Arussy, where they discussed his book 'Dare to Author', the importance of taking charge of your life narrative, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and support you. She also talks about the value of hard work, change, and that true fulfillment comes from the journey and effort put into achieving your goals.
Connect with Lior Arussy
Connect with Dr. Christie
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:
author
Dare to Author
victims to being victors
author your life story
chapter titles
role models
change
future
bad
past
aging parents
uncomfortable
middle schoolers
skippity
Riz
glass half full
glass half empty
achievements
idolizing achievements
seven on the Enneagram
motivating
recognize
work
influence
role
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
video
social media
hard work
consistency
new experiences
talented musician
hard working
successful
grind
digging in
purpose

Dec 3, 2024 • 30min
From Victim to Victory with Lior Arussy
Do NOT miss this episode - Full Stop. Dr. Christie's guest today will leave you with so much amazing, wise, and useful information, it may warrant a few listens. Lior Arussy, a customer experience strategist, author, and yes, even a chocolatier joins the show.
Lior discusses the challenges of embracing change, sharing insights from his book 'Dare to Author'. He emphasizes the importance of converting life's experiences into strengths and tools for the future. Through compelling stories and practical advice, he encourages you to choose a life of victory over victimhood. Learn how to be future-ready, resilient, and to turn change into opportunities, all while celebrating the time we have and making a positive impact on others.
Connect with Lior Arussy
Connect with Dr. Christie
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:
customer experience
strategist executive
author
books
father
grandfather
chocolatier
watch collector
life with victory
life in victimhood
transformation
Mastercards
Delta Airlines
resilience
new tools
new technology
embracing change
COVID
unprecedented event
financial crisis
Dare to Author
superpower
future readiness
writing your life story
impact on others
dream it
achieve it
glass half full
efforts
trade offs
imposter syndrome
fixer
creator
business leader
Blockbuster
Netflix
strategy
opportunities
thriving
survive
mission
tools
unplanned events
organization
industry
resilient muscle
bad news
good news
clients
leaders
change resilience
challenges
success
chocolate
time
message
new book
practical solution

Nov 27, 2024 • 8min
Blue Collar Cash and More with Ken Rusk
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie highlights some of the standout moments from her interview with Ken Rusk, the author of 'Blue Collar Cash'. She discusses Ken's inspiring background from a ditch digger to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the value of hard work, celebrating quick wins, and setting purposeful goals. She recaps his unique approach to goal tracking and team motivation. Christie reflects on the importance of vocational skills and the power of personal determination in defining one's success, and gives actionable insights and a motivation to make it happen.
Find more about Ken
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:
author
Blue Collar Cash
interview
ditch digger
celebrate
quick wins
goals
career
technical
education
marketable
skills
pathways
entrepreneurs
milions
podcast
purpose
approval
future
family
opportunities

Nov 26, 2024 • 32min
You and Only You Get to Determine Your Future with Ken Rusk
Thank you for listening to another enlightening episode of Productive Joy. Today Dr. Christie welcomes Ken Rusk, an author and life coach with a background and real-world insights in blue-collar work. Ken shares his journey from a ditch digger to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of vision and culture in achieving success and joy. Ken discusses his unique approach to cultivating goals in his company, his views on overcoming the stigma surrounding blue-collar jobs, and that you don't need an expensive piece of paper from a renowned University to become wildly successful and create your best life.
Find more about Ken
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:
book
bestseller
bizarre podcast experience
blue collar
entrepreneur
visionary
ditch digger
construction
interview
life coach
culture
goals
success stories
stigma
college
trades
high school
tradesman
entrepreneur
educator
mentor
Marine
work hard play hard
consistent
employee
pathways
visualize
curiosity
anticipation
financial independence
revenue
profits
Make A Wish
Junior Achievement
Boys and Girls Clubs
non college success
career
control
visual side of brain
Junior Achievement


