Productive Joy

Dr. Christie McMullen
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Nov 13, 2025 • 35min

Living Limitless, I Will, I Can, I Am with Rick Torrison

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie hosts Rick, an influence creator, potential unlocker, and author of 'Born Limitless.' Their conversation gets into the importance of challenging limiting beliefs and rewriting personal narratives to achieve a life of limitless potential. Rick shares his personal story of overcoming childhood trauma to illustrate the power of self-belief and reframing one’s story. They discuss the concept of productive joy and how choosing joy, even in difficult times, can lead to a fulfilling and impactful life. Rick introduces his new app, 'Living Limitless,' designed to help individuals harness their true potential through daily affirmations and personalized coaching.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:26 Meet Rick: The Influence Creator01:40 Rick's Journey to Limitless Mindset02:30 Christie's Limiting Belief Story04:11 The Power of Limiting Beliefs08:56 Rick's Personal Story of Overcoming Trauma16:01 Understanding Self-Worth and Identity17:41 Recognizing Your Inherent Value18:12 The Power of Words and Declarations18:33 Challenging and Changing Limiting Beliefs19:32 Overcoming Past Traumas and Lies23:29 Choosing Joy Amidst Challenges26:58 Living Limitless: The App and Community31:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Final ThoughtsA Deeper Dive:In an invigorating episode of "Productive Joy," host Christie engages in a transformative discussion with Rick Torrison, a coach, speaker, and influence creator. Their conversation deeply explores the idea of breaking through limiting beliefs to uncover our limitless potential.Rick kicks off the conversation by introducing his bestseller, "Born Limitless," a book aimed at helping individuals identify and conquer limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs are those internal narratives that restrict us and often arise from early life experiences. Rick shares a powerful personal story about a childhood trauma that fostered a limiting belief about his own worth. It wasn’t until he reframed his narrative that he understood his inherent value and was able to begin healing.Christie and Rick delve into the significance of rewriting these internal narratives. Christie shares a personal experience from high school where she felt undervalued because of her vivacious personality. This limiting belief that she couldn't be both the fun and the smart one lingered until she recognized it as her unique superpower. Rick emphasizes that our actions must align with our beliefs, reinforcing either limitations or limitless possibilities.Rick passionately explains that our worth is intrinsic, not a product of external validation. This point resonated with Christie, who underscores it with insights from Jamie Kern Lima's book, which reminds readers that worth is inherent, not earned. The challenge lies in helping people realize this, especially when past traumas cloud their self-perception. Rick encourages listeners to challenge what they consider "normal" by questioning whether their so-called normal was ever truly theirs to begin with.The discussion transitions to the concept of productive joy. Rick and Christie agree that joy is a choice, independent of circumstances. Rick suggests that even in the midst of hardship, individuals can choose joy. For him, productiveness flows naturally from a joyful life. Despite life's challenges, the inner belief system, not external conditions, determines whether one experiences joy.Rick shares his recent endeavor: an app titled "Living Limitless," which is bundled with his life's work. The app includes a chat bot, Rick Bot, which offers insights based on Rick's coaching philosophy. Additionally, the app features a daily mind shift video to inspire positive thinking. Rick's approach encapsulates his mission to empower people to lead significant and limitless lives by recognizing their innate worth and potential.
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Nov 11, 2025 • 35min

Information, Interpretation, Intensity...Finding Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Greg Stewart

Dr. Greg Stewart, a counselor, coach, and author specializing in emotional management and leadership, shares insights from his new leadership book. He discusses the I3 theory—information, interpretation, intensity—and how it applies to emotional intelligence in relationships and leadership. Dr. Stewart introduces the 'Ironman core,' a source of inexhaustible energy for purpose-driven leadership. He also highlights the importance of finding a personal mission statement to achieve inner peace, balancing happiness with values for true joy.
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Nov 8, 2025 • 4min

Reclaim Control To Change Your Life and More with Heather Hansen & Nancy Berrian

Explore inspiring stories of resilience from Heather Hansen and Nancy Berrian. Dr. Christie discusses the power of using your voice to shape your life and the importance of recognizing personal strengths. As she embraces turning 49, she reflects on confidence and self-awareness gained through experience. Listeners are encouraged to ask for help and seek guidance while pursuing growth. Plus, don’t miss the upcoming TED Talk announcement and a call to take control of your influence starting today!
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Nov 6, 2025 • 37min

It’s Time To Advocate For Yourself with Heather Hansen

In this compelling episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Heather Hansen, a podcaster, author, speaker, voracious reader, and former trial attorney. They delve into Heather's journey of balancing elegance with warrior-like determination in and out of the courtroom. Heather discusses her book 'The Elegant Warrior: How to Win Life’s Trials Without Losing Yourself' and her TEDx talk on perspective versus empathy. She offers insights into advocating for yourself and the importance of perspective-taking in creating meaningful change. Heather also shares personal stories, including a transformative courtroom experience and her unique practice of journaling negative emotions. Throughout the episode Dr. Christie and Heather emphasize the power of beliefs in shaping reality and encourage listeners to embrace joy and productivity harmoniously.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:17 Meet Heather Hanson01:02 The Importance of Self-Advocacy02:26 Heather's Journey as a Trial Attorney04:15 Balancing Elegance and Warrior Spirit09:26 The Power of Perspective10:41 Heather's TEDx Experience15:19 Defining Productive Joy18:50 Beliefs Drive Behaviors19:26 Creating Joy in the Legal Profession21:16 Balancing Fun and Professionalism22:22 Understanding Your Audience26:36 Jury Duty Anecdotes30:20 Rapid Fire Questions35:42 Final Thoughts and Contact Information A Deeper Dive:In a recent episode of "Productive Joy," Christie welcomes Heather Hansen, Heather highlights a common issue many individuals face: the struggle to advocate for oneself while easily doing so for others. Her message is clear—learn to be your own advocate. Her book, "The Elegant Warrior: How to Win Life's Trials Without Losing Yourself," embodies this philosophy, teaching how to navigate the thin line between elegance and warrior spirit.A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Heather's TEDx talk, "Why Perspective is Better than Empathy." She underscores the importance of cognitive empathy, seeing the world through others' eyes rather than simply feeling their emotions. In professions like education or law, understanding perspective can be far more productive and effective than mere empathy.Christie and Heather explored the importance of showing up as one's authentic self. While humor and joy should be present in the workplace, it's essential to understand and respect different personalities and how they might respond to public displays of silliness or fun. Recognizing when and how to incorporate joy into professional settings leads to more authentic and fulfilling interactions.Heather's route to TEDx was filled with a desire to share a meaningful message rather than achieving recognition. Her focus on how cognitive empathy can transform professions reveals a thoughtful shift from personal pride to public service. Her story reminds us that succeeding in such transitions relies on clarity of message and purpose.In a heartfelt sharing, Heather discussed dealing with grief through journaling, encouraging people to express thoughts—good or bad—without fear of judgment. She argues it's not the thoughts that shape reality, but the beliefs we hold. Letting go of negative thoughts prevents them from transforming into detrimental beliefs.**Key Takeaways**- **Advocate for Yourself:** Recognize that your skills and experiences need your voice. If you don't speak up for yourself, no one else will.- **Perspective Over Empathy:** In various aspects of life, aspiring to understand and acknowledge others' perspectives can lead to better communication and effectiveness.- **Joy in Professionalism:** Even in the most serious environments, allowing for joy and humor can lead to a healthier mental state and promote productivity.- **Authenticity is Key:** In every role, whether personal or professional, showing up authentically makes interactions more meaningful and genuine.
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Nov 4, 2025 • 28min

Vows, Wows, and WTF! with Nan Berrian

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Nan Berrian, a multi-talented author and support group leader. Nan shares her experiences with divorce, suicidal thoughts, and estrangement from her son. She discusses the importance of talking about hard topics to reduce stigma and shame. Having always wanted to write, Nan turned her tumultuous life events into a book titled 'Vows and What the F?', injecting humor with her story. Dr. Christie and Nan also talk about the support group she started for parents estranged from their children. This episode highlights the power of resilience, humor, and supportive communities in overcoming life's challenges.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Promotion00:28 Meet Nan Barian: Author and Advocate01:20 Nan's Journey: From Divorce to Bestselling Author04:15 The Power of Humor and Relatability04:57 Nan's Book: Vows and What the F06:23 Defining Productive Joy07:00 Nan's Love for Music13:26 Dating Over 50: Hilarious Stories19:00 Building Bridges: Support Group for Estranged Parents22:56 Rapid Fire Questions and Final ThoughtsA Deeper Dive:In our latest episode of "Productive Joy," we had the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Nan Berrian, a woman who has transformed her life's challenges into a beacon of hope and support for others. Nan, a Shine Press author, shared her compelling journey through the peaks and valleys of life and how she emerged on the other side, helping others do the same.Nan's story is one of resilience and courage. From surviving a turbulent divorce to battling suicidal thoughts, she has faced some of life's toughest challenges head-on. Rather than shy away from the hard topics, Nan dives into them with honesty and humor, aiming to break down stigmas and encourage others to speak openly about their own struggles. Her philosophy? The more light you can shine on your struggles, the less they become burdens.Through her personal experiences, Nan has become an advocate for others dealing with estranged relationships, especially between parents and children. She has co-founded "Building Bridges," a support group dedicated to providing a safe space for parents navigating estrangement. Her efforts go beyond just the emotional; they offer practical advice and community support, proving that no one is truly alone.Nan's journey also led her to pen a humorous and insightful book, "Vows and What the F," detailing her experiences with divorce, estrangement, and finding new love. In her writing, she weaves humor with reality, making her book a quick yet impactful read. It's both a memoir and a guide, offering readers hope that they too can overcome their hard moments.Nan's definition of "productive joy" resonates strongly. For her, it involves actively seeking out what brings joy, even amid adversity. Music plays a significant role in her life, serving as a soothing balm that lifts her spirits. Whether it's '80s synth-pop or quirky sea shanties, music is a constant companion that helps her to maintain her authentic self and find joy in the everyday.Throughout our conversation, Nan emphasized the importance of a strong foundation—whether that's through therapy or community—that can prevent life's highs and lows from feeling too overwhelming. She believes that while joy isn't a constant, maintaining a solid foundation can help us navigate through life's ebbs and flows more smoothly.
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Nov 1, 2025 • 7min

Embrace Mistakes and Embrace The Unknown & More with Cassy Williamson, Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie recaps this weeks interviews with some very inspiring guests: Cassy Williamson (author of 'Unapologetic'), and Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell (co-authors of 'Unstuck Yourself'). Celebrating her 49th birthday,  Dr. Christie shares personal reflections and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of asking questions, making mistakes, and surrounding oneself with positive influences. She encourages us to embrace growth, take risks, and live life to the fullest,Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome00:11 Meet the Fabulous Guests01:10 Insights from the Guests' Books01:39 Personal Reflections on Turning 4902:21 Lessons Learned and Growth04:50 Encouragement to Grow and Try New Things05:28 Purpose of Productive Joy05:55 Birthday Challenge and Conclusion
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Oct 29, 2025 • 37min

Go Unstuck Yourself… Reclaim The Art of Enjoying Life with Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell, accomplished entrepreneurs, coaches, and holistic health experts. The group discusses the significance of curiosity and internal alignment in leadership and personal growth. Meghan and Laura introduce concepts from their book 'Unstuck Yourself,' focusing on applied neuroscience, human design, and the power of being your true self. They share insights on avoiding burnout, living with purpose, and harnessing joy not just in professional settings but in everyday life. They encourage you to follow their unique paths and embrace their innate wholeness for a fulfilling, productive life.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:32 Meet Our Special Guests: Meghan and Laura01:34 The Power of Purpose and Joy03:20 The Journey of Meghan and Laura11:12 Understanding Applied Neuroscience14:22 Defining Productive Joy18:30 Embracing Joy in Difficult Situations19:19 Understanding Enneagram Types20:09 Productive Joy and Self-Discovery20:33 Introducing 'Unstuck Yourself'20:48 Exploring Human Design and Somatics22:55 Addressing Burnout and Spiritual Alignment25:38 Curiosity and Imagination in Leadership27:08 Internal vs. External Seeking30:29 Rapid Fire Questions35:11 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysA Deeper Dive:In our frenetic lives, finding joy and purpose can often feel like a luxury we cannot afford. However, during a recent conversation on the "Productive Joy" podcast, Christie was joined by extraordinary guests, Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell, who shared fascinating insights into living a life brimming with joy and authenticity.Meghan and Laura are not just leadership gurus and holistic health experts; they're also hip hop dancers who infuse fun into their transformative work. Their backgrounds in applied neuroscience and passion for helping people find their purpose shine through their innovative approach. The duo lives by the belief that purpose isn't about finding the right job, but about being fully expressed as a human being.The conversation also introduces Meghan and Laura’s new book, “Unstuck Yourself: Thrive Beyond Burnout and Discover Your True Purpose,” which dropped on October 6th. This guidebook is designed as a complete journey for readers to discover their true purpose through human design, applied neuroscience, and a unique framework called Integrative Somatic Experience. It challenges cultural stories and helps readers develop practical tools to realign with their authentic selves.The book emphasizes the powerful role of curiosity as a tool for personal development, allowing imagination and innovation to thrive. Meghan and Laura also discuss the importance of distinguishing between internal and external seeking to rediscover personal truth and wisdom.A key takeaway from the discussion is the approach to show up as your authentic self. Meghan highlights the importance of relying on bodily wisdom over the mind's chatter, while Laura underscores heart-centered leadership. Practices like meditation and journaling play a significant role in helping them stay grounded and align with their true nature.Both Meghan and Laura advocate for embracing practices on good days so that they can support you on the challenging days. This approach is a constant reminder that joy is not just for the good times but a guiding force through all experiences.As we navigate our journey towards joy and purpose, Meghan and Laura leave us with potent reminders:- You are here on purpose. Let this guide your life.- You are already whole. Nothing about you is broken or lacking; you possess everything you need to thrive.
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Oct 27, 2025 • 28min

Be Unapologetic and You Will Change the World with Cassy Williamson

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Cassy Williamson, an author, leadership coach, and keynote speaker who is passionate about fostering positive change. Cassy discusses her new book, 'Unapologetic,' which calls on her life experiences, both good and bad, to help readers embrace their authentic selves. Cassy shares insights into living an unapologetically authentic life, overcoming criticism, and creating environments where people feel valued and heard.She emphasizes the importance of intentionality, support systems, and finding the right organizational fit. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for leaders and individuals with a goal to create more productive joy in their lives. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Meet Cassie Williamson01:14 Cassie's New Book: Unapologetic02:36 Living Unapologetically09:33 Advice for Young Professionals12:38 Creating Productive Joy in the Workplace22:57 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionA Deeper Dive:Cassy Williamson is not just an author or a leadership coach; she embodies dynamic leadership with every interaction—whether it's through her inspiring books or powerful keynotes. She revels in sparking positive change, emphasizing that everyone she interacts with should feel seen, valued, and heard.Cassy's book "Unapologetic" is a testament to her journey of encouraging others to embrace their authenticity. It serves as a rugged yet relatable guide through life's ups and downs, offering readers the confidence to recognize their perfection just as they are. Her greatest hope is that people will find the book a catalyst for a more fulfilled, joyful life.Cassy relates how being unabashedly yourself doesn't come easy. It's a constant work in progress, requiring conscious effort to drown out the noise that encourages conforming to traditional expectations. With guidance from a supportive community—the ‘village’—alongside a firm grasp on one’s ‘why,’ Cassy advocates pushing past the hurdles life throws, aiming to empower not just oneself but the next generation.Taking a stance against societal pressures and finding her voice, especially in male-dominated industries or traditional settings, has inspired Cassy to own her narrative. Her advice to anyone struggling in such spaces is to recognize the power within and surround oneself with those who uphold these ideals, further fostering unapologetic living.For the young adults finding their footing, Cassy's advice is straightforward yet profound: Pick a seat at the right table—a space where their distinct contributions are not merely acknowledged but celebrated. She reinforces to the up-and-coming that it's okay not to have everything figured out early on in life. The narrative stretches beyond immediate returns, as missed opportunities are often masked chances for bold, unlikely successes.Cassy introduces the concept of the "Unapologetic Leader Loop," which is pertinent in shaping an empowering workplace culture. By fostering an environment where members feel free to express their true selves, organizations can witness dramatic improvements in engagement, retention, and overall satisfaction. A fulfilled team is inevitably more productive.Leaders are encouraged to break from antiquated molds, and Cassy offers practical strategies—including clear action plans and ongoing reinforcement—to ensure innovations endure beyond the allure of a motivational seminar. Her methods are designed to be easily implementable and effective, paving a foundation for sustainable change.
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Oct 25, 2025 • 8min

Discover Your Authority X Factor and More From Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien  & Kelly Schuknecht

In this episode of Productive Joy Recap, the focus is on self-discovery and tapping into your unique skills. Dr. Christie dives into discussions with Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien and Kelly Schuknecht, who highlight the importance of belonging and personal authenticity. She discusses 'your authority X factor' and how to leverage your unique talents into something practical and valuable. Dr. Christie emphasizes the need for interactive and engaging presentations, offering tips on transforming dull talks into dynamic sessions. Discover how to integrate fun into professional settings and make your expertise accessible to others. .Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:33 Guest Introductions and Key Insights01:18 Understanding Your Unique Genius02:20 Making Presentations Engaging05:32 Applying Your Unique Skills07:08 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Oct 23, 2025 • 33min

You Can Be the Person Behind The Person, Or You Can Build Your Own Legacy with Kelly Schuknecht

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Kelly Schuknecht, Chief Elevation Officer and personal brand expert. Kelly shares her remarkable transition from being the 'person behind the person' to becoming a thought leader and entrepreneur. Kelly gives insights insights into overcoming fear of public speaking, the importance of betting on oneself, and how fostering productive joy can lead to a fulfilling career. She discusses how she established her company, Two Mile High Marketing, which helps business owners elevate their thought leadership through strategic public speaking, podcast appearances, and LinkedIn management. Dr. Christie and Kelly emphasize listening to your  inner calling and taking actionable steps toward achieving your goalsEpisode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:16 Introducing Kelly Schuknecht01:15 Kelly's Journey: From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage03:31 Starting a Business: Challenges and Triumphs05:56 Building a Thought Leadership Platform13:19 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Public Speaking17:26 Defining Productive Joy19:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Leaders23:07 Hiring and Building a Remote Team27:49 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionA Deeper Dive:Today, we're spotlighting Kelly Schuknecht, a Chief Elevation Officer, personal brand expert, and innovative entrepreneur with a powerful journey to share.Kelly's story is one of transformation from being "the person behind the person" to stepping into her own spotlight. For 20 years, she supported entrepreneurs and thought leaders, helping them achieve their goals behind the scenes. But when she was laid off last October, she seized the moment. Within days, Kelly decided to start her own business, and just under a year later, she has a flourishing company with a team of ten.Her transition was not merely about business, but about personal growth. Kelly emphasizes betting on oneself, encouraging others to embrace their potential. Her journey illustrates how the seeds of fertile experiences often lie dormant until the right moment catalyzes growth.Kelly attributes much of her success to her ability to create tactical steps for achieving goals—what she calls her "authority X factor." This approach now drives her company, Two Mile High Marketing, where she helps thought leaders establish their platforms through targeted strategies such as securing speaking engagements and managing their online presence.What stands out about Kelly is her acute understanding of her target market. She recognizes that while strategy is vital, many smaller companies lack the resources for overarching plans and crave tangible steps to guide them forward. Her Speaker Elevation Plan is a testament to this insight, addressing the exact needs of busy professionals looking to elevate their visibility.A crucial aspect of Kelly's personal transformation was overcoming a deep-seated fear of public speaking. By confronting her anxieties head-on, she turned them into strengths. She began by publishing short videos on TikTok and appearing on podcasts, creating content to overcome her fears and align with her business values.Her message to those considering taking risks is clear: push past fears, actively seek opportunities, and listen to your inner calling. Her advice is particularly resonant for those wanting to pivot their careers or embark on entrepreneurial ventures.Kelly’s approach to building her team offers valuable insight into finding the right people to support your vision. She emphasizes leveraging relationships and hiring those who complement your skills. This strategy ensures a good cultural fit and helps the organization thrive, particularly in the early stages.Her advice is clear: assess your strengths and weaknesses, and trust others with responsibilities that align with their skills to enhance the overall capability of your team.

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