

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

May 24, 2025 • 11min
Mastering Simplicity in Systems and Life & More from Ernesto Mandowsky and Dr. Rhonda Parker Taylor
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie shares reflections from a fun and insightful week. Broadcasting from a hotel room in Tallahassee, Florida, she emphasizes the importance of God's perfect timing and introduces her and her husband's company, The Intentionality Group. The focus then shifts to discussions with two special guests that she interviewed this week, Ernesto Mandowsky, creator of the Million Dollar Machine and author of 'Momentum Multipliers,' who outlines his five-step system for creating momentum, and Dr. Rhonda Parker Taylor, author of 'Crossroads,' who merges suspense thriller writing with mental health case studies for her Business 101 students. Dr. Christie encourages you to embrace simplicity, avoid overcomplication, and explore their unique genius and productivity through joy.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. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap00:08 Field Trip to Tallahassee00:30 The Intentionality Group and AIM01:15 Interview with Ernesto Mandoki01:57 Momentum Multipliers: Simplifying Systems03:29 Interview with Dr. Rhonda Parker Taylor04:25 Finding Productive Joy06:33 Personal Story: Embracing Joy09:29 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsKeywords:fun weekfield triphotelTallahasseeFloridaGod's timingJanuaryretreatAIMAnalyzeimprovemoveIntentionality Grouppurposeunique geniuscapitalizebrandJasonErnesto MandokiMillion Dollar MachineMomentum Multiplierssystems engineerindustrialsimpletransformationconnectioncommunicationorganizationactualizationrepeatablesimplicityovercomplicatingstruggleDr. Rhonda Parker TaylorCrossroadssuspense thrillermental healthcase studybusiness 1 0 1fiction and nonfictionself-help book

May 22, 2025 • 30min
FEAR IS FUEL with Dr. Rhonda Parker Taylor
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Dr. Rhonda Parker Taylor, an educator, researcher, and entrepreneur. Dr. Rhonda shares her inspiring story of overcoming personal tragedies and finding purpose. She discusses how she helps others find their inner strength and balance through her work and writings, including her suspense novel 'Crossroads.' She and Dr. Christie discuss the importance of turning struggles into strengths and making intentional choices to find joy and transformation. With her unique blend of fiction and self-help, Dr. Rhonda provides valuable insights and encouragement for anyone looking to get unstuck, "unleash the beast" and achieve their full potential.Learn more about Dr. Rhonda Parker TaylorDr. 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. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:43 Meet Rhonda Parker Taylor01:15 Rhonda's Journey to Empowerment04:57 The Power of Intentionality08:44 The Birth of Crossroads10:38 Overcoming Tragedy and Finding Strength19:22 Crossroads: A Case Study25:17 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing ThoughtsKeywords:TallahasseeFloridadiscoveredauthorbooks2025empathyeducatorresearcherentrepreneurresearcherdaughteryearsteacherclientsisterfearfulpromotionsrelationshipintentionallyself-advocatefamilymirrorsclientscoachvulnerablestrongresourceslessonsintentionscolleaguesbalancertherapywritingjournalingworkshopspurposeinner strengthtransformlossstrengthfearencouragementsearchingcareerteachingpersonal developmenthealthbalancetransformationbenefitstoolshighlightgrief

May 20, 2025 • 31min
Follow This Simple Business Growing Recipe with Ernesto Mandowsky
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie introduces her friend Ernesto Mandowsky, a systems thinker, author, and recent dad. Ernesto shares insights into his unique approach to business growth through his 'Million Dollar Machine' concept. He and Dr. Christie discuss the importance of systems, automation, and trust in creating productive joy. Ernesto expands on the five recipes detailed in his book 'Momentum Multipliers' which include transformation, connection, communication, organization, and actualization and emphasizes the value of having clear processes and the necessity of understanding one's true purpose.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. Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:31 Meet Ernesto Mandoki01:29 Ernesto's Journey to Success10:14 The Birth of Million Dollar Machine13:11 Defining Productive Joy15:19 Introduction to Momentum Multipliers15:43 Recipe 1: Delivering Transformation16:20 Recipe 2: Building Connections17:17 Recipe 3: Effective Communication18:52 Recipe 4: Organization and Technology19:32 Recipe 5: Actualization and Culture21:14 The Solopreneur Journey23:54 Advice for Entrepreneurs27:51 Rapid Fire QuestionsKeywords:million dollar machineMomentum Multipliersbraised beefsweet little Levgratitudeadvicehospitalitytechnologypodcastsystemsrestaurateuruse Miro boardindustrial engineeringsystems engineeringCPD Advisorssalesworkshopclientstransformationsworkshopsgatheringsnetworkteam memberVAautomationorganizationactualizationalignHubSpotMailChimpproject management toolsentrepreneursolopreneursmall businessesconsultingrelationship managementAlchemistinspirationtransformationtrustprocessgoal settingexecutioncultureleaderfungratitudeexperimentstinkeringpivotreinventionstorytellingwisdom

May 17, 2025 • 12min
Pathways to Personal Achievement and More From Steven Foster & Deepak Parashar
On today’s recap, Dr. Christie reflects on the inspiring conversations with Steven Foster and Deepak Parashar. Steven, creator of 'One Golden Nugget,' emphasizes the value of wisdom from diverse experiences and the importance of passion-driven work. He believes that failure is only failure if you quit, and shares how productive joy can transform work environments. Dr. Christie discusses Deepak Parashar’s life-changing experience meeting the Dalai Lama, and the harmony of career and higher calling. She underscores the significance of asking for help and fostering the brilliance in others, and shares her struggle with staying present, highlighting the importance of finding joy in the moment.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. Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:35 Recap of Recent Episodes00:45 Steven Foster's Golden Nugget04:41 Deepak Char's Inspiring Journey07:19 The Importance of Being Present09:12 Creating Productive Joy in Your Life10:01 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

May 15, 2025 • 30min
Tell Me What You Did For Humanity Today with Deepak Parashar
In this insightful episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie is joined by Deepak Parashar, an experienced electrical engineer and world traveler with deep spiritual insights. Deepak shares his transformative experiences, including an unexpected encounter with the Dalai Lama that led him to explore the interconnectedness of energy and spirituality. He and Dr. Christie discuss the importance of asking for what you need, the value of persistent seeking, and how to lead with humility and open-mindedness. Deepak also highlights the significance of caring for both the younger and older generations and encourages listeners to embrace the divinity within themselves. This conversation touches on effective team leadership, holistic stress management, and the pursuit of becoming a 'spiritual billionaire,' all contributing to a life filled with productive joy.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:27 Meet Deepak Char: World Traveler and Energy Expert01:45 Deepak's Life-Changing Encounter with the Dalai Lama08:29 The Journey of Spiritual and Energy Research12:23 Lessons in Leadership and Productive Joy22:15 Rapid Fire Questions and Final ThoughtsDr. 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. Kewords:world travelerarranged marriageelectrical engineerenergy industryresearchTibetDalai LamaTokyospiritual journeyDivinityinterconnectednessbookLife the Spiritual Essencesproject directorpower initiativesmeditationenergyholisticspiritual essencetransformationalveteranenergy interconnectsconference callteams callZoomteamscollaborationleadershipcommunicationyellblessingsresearchholistic stress managementquadrantsself-improvementvibrancymeditationsynchronicitybirdsnaturemusical rhythmorchestratespiritual billionaireself-confidencehumilityself-awarenessintrospectiongrowth mindsetuniversepartnershipdivinityhumanitywisdomyouthelders

May 13, 2025 • 26min
Finding your Golden Nugget of Wisdom with Steven Foster
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Steven Foster, a self-professed connector of humans and founder of One Golden Nugget. Steven shares his 30-year experience of building, losing, and rebuilding businesses and the importance of collecting wisdom from those experiences and from others. He and Dr. Christie discuss the value of living in the present and the role of kindness in achieving happiness. Steven discusses his efforts to create a purpose-driven business centered around sharing wisdom through co-authored books and underscores the significance of purpose over mere profit. Connect with Steven FosterDr. 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. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:07 Steven's Journey of Failure and Wisdom03:01 Golden Nuggets of Wisdom04:42 Defining Productive Joy06:11 Building a Purpose-Driven Business07:55 Connecting People and Sharing Wisdom14:25 Advice for Overcoming Challenges21:34 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionKeywords:connector of humansoptimistLinkedInfabulous guestfailed businessgolden nuggetpandemicwisdomself-reflectionbusinesslessons learnedsurvival and thrivepubishing companypurposehappinesskindnessinternal workbeliefspiritualemotional energyflowfrustrationresistanceacceptancenetworksynergypurpose in workauthentic selfwake upillusionproblem-solvingcreativityconnectionlife lessonscontentmentjoy in workrisk-takingmentorshipnetworkingsocial mediabusiness visionself-discoverygratitudeovercoming challengesgrowthpositivitylearningsharingmindsetsupportcompassioninspirationcollaborationinnovationcreativity

May 10, 2025 • 11min
Living Core Values and Defining Your Own Success with Lauren Kwedar Cockerell and Hilda Fainsod
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie recaps her conversations with Lauren Kwedar Cockerell and Hilda Fainsod. Lauren, an expert in PR and marketing, emphasizes the importance of not just having core values but living them. She discusses how defining your own version of success and understanding your core values can lead to personal and professional transformation. Hilda, an author from Mexico, focuses on understanding who you want to become and what matters most to you, offering insights on setting clear targets for future growth. Dr. Christie encourages listeners to reflect on their own definitions of success and the power they have to shape their futures.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. Check out the incredible sponsor of our podcast, Shine Press. Want to increase your visibility? A book establishes you as a leader in your field. Shine Press makes publishing seamless. Illuminating Stories. Empowering Authors. Shine Press.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:21 Meet Lauren Kwedar Cockerell: Living Core Values01:13 Defining Success and Core Values02:22 Curiosity and Learning: A Personal Anecdote04:08 Meet Hilda Fainsod: Powering Up Your Future05:15 The Doctoral Journey: Lessons Learned07:18 Creating Productive Joy in the Workplace08:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

May 8, 2025 • 34min
Performance and Happiness Do Not Have To Be Mutually Exclusive with Hilda Fainsod
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie introduces Hilda Fainsod, an accomplished author and executive leadership coach. Hilda discusses the concept of 'productive joy,' and shares her insights on helping people identify their dreams, aspirations, and the incremental steps to achieve them. Throughout the conversation, Hilda discusses her transformational coaching methods, the significance of self-reflection, and how to turn daily moments into opportunities for growth. She and Dr. Christie discuss practical tips for setting daily intentions, creating meaningful routines, the challenges of making lasting changes, and the power of maintaining a clear path toward your goals.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. Check out the incredible sponsor of our podcast, Shine Press. Want to increase your visibility? A book establishes you as a leader in your field. Shine Press makes publishing seamless. Illuminating Stories. Empowering Authors. Shine Press.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:30 Meet Hilda: A Multifaceted Guest03:30 The Journey to Becoming a Coach05:06 Helping Clients Find Their Path12:01 Navigating Life's Phases15:19 Defining Productive Joy17:38 Introduction to Power Up18:17 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Change19:03 The Challenges of Change and Inertia21:47 The Importance of Small Practices24:10 Building Routines and Habits27:46 Connecting with Hilda and Rapid Fire Questions31:23 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysKeywords:supportauthortransformationmomfoodietravelerdogsvoracious readerwinewhite winered wineconversationperformancehappinessresultsprocessexecutive leadership coachchange makercoachingfuturedreamsaspirationschallengesrelevancesuccessjobdreamphases of lifepotentialgrowthcorporate executivesoverwhelmproductivityPower UpCaminoseven stepsnext levelSpanishEnglishbookpersonal developmentroutinehabitsmindfulnessintentionsgratitudefitnesssmall practicesreflection

May 6, 2025 • 33min
Stay Curious, Unlock Your Goals With Wonder and Joy with Lauren Kwedar Cockerell
Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes strategic PR partner Lauren Kwedar Cockerell. Lauren shares incredible insights on living authentically and offers actionable advice on personal and professional growth. They explore the nuances between PR and marketing, discuss the importance of having core values in business, and the concept of 'people first' management. From juggling entrepreneurship and parenting to learning from the pandemic, Lauren's experiences are a source of inspiration. Find more about LaurenDr. 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. Check out the incredible sponsor of our podcast, Shine Press. Want to increase your visibility? A book establishes you as a leader in your field. Shine Press makes publishing seamless. Illuminating Stories. Empowering Authors. Shine Press.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:15 Lauren's Background and Journey02:59 Entrepreneurial Insights and Early Experiences04:53 Empathy and Personal Growth07:48 PR vs. Marketing Explained10:04 Core Values and Team Building14:37 Navigating Challenges and Pandemic Experiences17:00 Overcoming Challenges and Self-Motivation17:21 Balancing Family and Work During the Pandemic17:51 Introduction to People First Management19:07 Team Retreat and Future Goals19:56 Leading with Trust and Boundaries20:52 Encouraging Creativity and Healthy Conflict23:03 Scaling and Delegating Responsibilities24:29 Defining Fun and Authenticity at Work29:50 Core Values and Company Culture31:04 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysKeywords:strategic PR partnerImpatient Entrepreneurself-proclaimed amateur birdervoracious readermentoring conversationsauthenticpersonal lifebusiness liferecovering perfectionistresonatesentrepreneurship journeybusiness ownersself-actualize peopleserviceclientsteamserviceempathdeep empathstorytellingcompelling contentchildren's hospitalbabysittingdeep empathenthusiasmPR firmstrategic partnerleadershipmanagementexecutive announcementsthought leadershipbrandbrand positionmarketingbrandingpersonal brandtarget marketpublicationslong-term visioncore valuesdelightfully curiousdisciplinestrategyprofessional growthpandemicPeople First Management

May 3, 2025 • 9min
Optimize Your Personal and Brand Performance with Dr. Hillary Cauthen and Leonard Scheiner
On this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie reflects on the value of embracing new opportunities and building your brand. She pulls the most impactful pieces from her interviews Dr. Hillary Cauthen, a sports psychologist and TED Talk speaker, who discusses performance optimization and the importance of addressing trauma, and Leonard Scheiner, a CMO turned PR expert, who gave insights on effective marketing and brand consistency. Dr. Christie emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and feedback in personal and professional growth. 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. Check out the incredible sponsor of our podcast, Shine Press. Want to increase your visibility? A book establishes you as a leader in your field. Shine Press makes publishing seamless. Illuminating Stories. Empowering Authors. Shine Press.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:38 The Journey So Far00:59 Meet the Guests: Dr. Hillary Coffin02:30 Insights from Leonard Scheer03:35 The Importance of Personal Branding05:06 Reflecting on the Podcast's Impact06:21 Engage and Share Your FeedbackKeywords:sports psychologistmarketingCMOChief Marketing OfficerTED TalkHello TraumaInvisible Teammateperformance optimizationslow downbookBig T traumalittle T traumaDr. Greg Stewartnegative thoughtstraumalive in itmove oninternational law firmPR experttarget audiencebrandmarketgrowsocial mediaauthentic selfdaily challengefirst versionrecent versionconsistentt-shirt guyfill in the blankamazing guestsbrilliant conversationsborrow ideas


