Joy started when she was only 3 years old and worked her way up to a level 9 gymnast (almost the highest level you can be), when all the sudden at age 16, a broken ankle took her completely out of her "way ahead career" of being a competitive gymnast. As a young girl with big dreams for herself, she found herself completely broken, depressed, hopeless and on the verge of suicide admitting, "if I can't do gymnastics, what's the point of living?" 

Her determination and mindset shift to becoming the best and strongest version of herself took her from her absolute lowest of lows to a super successful powerlifter and Bench World Champion, just two years later. 

In this episode, we discuss: 
-Joy's struggle with eating disorders after she lost her ability to compete 
-The lowest moment of her journey and what eventually made her decide to make a change
-Joy's rediscovering of hope for her future
-The practical daily changes Joy made to restabilize her mental health
-How intuitively eating made the biggest impact on her physical health
-Eliminating processed foods helped her regain some of her mental stability through perspective shift
-Being feminine and strong can coexist in the gym
-Sharing her struggles and story of overcoming anxiety and depression online

I hope this episode shows you that no matter your age, disabilities or life circumstances, that there is ALWAYS hope for a better future and an opportunity to rebuild yourself and to find purpose again. 

Find Joy on social media!
Instagram, Tik Tok & Youtube: Joyjoysfitness_

"We look good, we lift good." ;)

Dr. Mark Sherwood, founder of the Functional Medical Institute in Tulsa, OK, joins the show this week and shares with us exactly what it means to "biohack" our health to become the absolute best and healthiest versions of ourselves that we can be - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. It's not a one size fits all.

During this episode, we discuss: 
-The difference between traditional medical doctor's offices and Dr. Mark's medical institute
-Learning on how to not identify as a "sick" person
-How our mental/emotional and physical health are completely tied together
-The definition of "biohacking" and how we can do accomplish it
-Stop blaming genetics
-The physical effects that grief & trauma can have on your physical body: depletes our immune systems which make us more susceptible to bigger health issues
-The impacts of food on our physical AND mental health
-Where to start if you're ready to improve your overall wellness
-Become addicted to giving hope

As hope dealers, Dr. Mark Sherwood and I prat you leave this episode feeling super encouraged and filled with HOPE. 

Connect with and follow Dr. Mark: 
drmarksherwood.com
Instagram: @dr.marksherwood
Don't forget to download his FREE ebook entitled "Health, Hope & Freedom," available on his website!

So let's talk about what grief looks like 3 years later (for me) and the biggest/most important life lessons I have learned since losing my daughter to get me where I am today: depression free, medication free, low anxiety and in the best physical and mental health of my life!

Biggest take away? Healing (of ANY kind) is completely possible when we are willing to dig deep, do the hard work and decide we don't want to stay like this forever. Thank you so much for being here and following along my journey! 

Don't for get to subscribe and leave a positive review if you're enjoying :)

This week, I am sharing my holistic home holiday guide, which is aimed at reducing stress and increasing joy not only during the holiday season, but beyond the new year as well. There is no shortage of dopamine hits around the holidays, but my goal is to help bring you long lasting peace and joy in your heart with the most practical tips I have, based off of experience and LOTS of research. In this episode, I discuss: 

-The importance of decluttering your home leading up to the holidays (and the simplest way to maintain it throughout the year)
-How to maintain a healthy diet but also learn to indulge in the holiday treats stress free
-What is keeping you stuck in a constant loop of negativity and comparison 
-The VERY important task of nurturing our nervous system, especially during the holidays (and the very simple ways to do it!)
-How practicing gratitude literally rewires our brain to feel more joyful and less stressed, almost mindlessly
-My FAVORITE way to make the mundane tasks feel more joyful
-Rushing is stealing all of your joy and prioritizing preparation is your missing ingredient

These tips are timeless. They will help reduce your stress and increase LONG LASTING joy, no matter what time of year. I hope you feel uplifted and encouraged after listening to this episode. Happy Holidays!

Follow me on Instagram for more heart and home healing! @emmysmaz 

On this week's episode, I sit down with the creator of the Pain Free Birth E-course creator, Karen Welton. Over 12 years ago, Karen's journey in the birth education world began as she began prepping for the birth of her first born daughter. In a world where childbirth is often synonymous with fear, pain and trauma, she thought to herself, "There HAS to be another way." Her quest for knowledge and understanding about the physiological and spiritual aspects of childbirth led her to have a mostly pain-free and completely transformative experience with her first born daughter. This was the catalyst to becoming a childbirth educator, e-course creator, doula and podcast host, to start telling as many women as she possibly could about her fearless and almost completely pain free birth experience.

In this episode, we discuss:
-Debunking the pain myth of labor
-The power of your mindset during labor
-Having a redemptive childbirth experience (specifically after loss)
-The fear, tension, pain cycle
-Finding gratitude during labor

Are you ready to embrace a completely different perspective on childbirth? Then this episode is for you! We hope you walk away feeling transformed, empowered and ready for a FEARLESS birth experience.

Find Karen on Social Media!
Instagram:  @painfreebirth
Click on Karen's link in bio for all the info on her FREE Masterclass and her Pain Free Birth E-course!
Youtube:  @painfreebirthwithkarenwelton  
painfreebirth.com

It may be scary, but it’s also where a lot of joy lies.. Taking RISKS. 

In this episode, my goal is to gently nudge you with a reminder that we only get one life. ONE LIFE to live and when it’s over.. Do you want to feel regretful? I know I don’t. Today I discuss: 

-The biggest risks I’ve taken in life and how they’ve paid off

-Pouring yourself out for other people is what brings us deep joy

-Life is scary and hard whether we like it or not; we might as well learn to make scary/hard decisions on our own

-Not living with regret when our life comes to an end

I hope this episode encourages you to step out, take risks and live life to the absolute fullest.. Before it’s too late <3

Today's guest, Susan Heid, has built a following on social media of over half a million women and shows them every day how to turn their "chaos to calm."

In this episode, we discuss the following:
-Parenting struggles are often tied back to a lack of systems and routines in the home
-There is no "cookie cutter" home routine that will work for everyone; it's important to develop what works for you
-The homemaker is the manager of the home, not always the "doer" of all the tasks; get your children involved
-No matter your season of life or what your "9-5" looks like, you are the homemaker and it is a sacred role
-We are not victims to our schedules; we always have a choice and don't have to do it all just because we are moms
-Saying "yes" to everything our children want to participate in often requires unseen sacrifices that lead to an unfulfilled life at home
-Relieving anxiety, overwhelm and chaos in our lives, starts with how we run our homes
-Susan's TOP THREE things to beat overwhelm in your home

We hope this episode inspires you to take ownership of your sacred role as a homemaker and truly changes your life from the inside out. 

Follow Susan on Instagram: @confidentmom 
Grab her FREE "Start Here" Checklist on Instagram
2025 Weekly Household Planner - now only $5!
2026 Weekly Household Planner coming soon!

In this episode, I come to the mic by myself to give you a real and raw look into my current fears and anxieties around my current pregnancy (after a full term stillbirth 3 years ago). But I don't just leave you hanging in fear. I also am thrilled to show you what I'm currently doing that brings me so much hope and helps me feel more in control.

During this episode, I discuss:
-My frustrations with the traditional medical field in dealing with loss moms (and how I'm protecting my peace through it)
-The scary thought of having no "safe zone" in pregnancy and how every living child is a miracle
-How to deal with others around you who aren't speaking your same "loss language"
-How learning to take (and release) control is the ultimate hack to finding inner peace

I hope this episode brings you encouragement and inspiration to find hope and joy among deep pain and anxiety. 

Today on the show, I am joined by Serena Zaicos who decided to start her own podcast, The Still Hopeful Podcast, to document her own pregnancy after loss journey after her first born son Christopher was stillborn. On this week's episode, we talk about the following topics:

-Serena's preexisting fears of stillbirth and how they manifested during her first pregnancy
-The "before" and "after" of loss (and how we change because of it)
-The mix of devastation and relief when facing your monthly period after loss
-The emotional roller coaster of clearing out your late child's things to make room for a new baby
-How to recognize the difference between our hopeful days and fearful days and learning what to do on those days 
-Choosing to parent our late children in our own unique way
-The loss of identity as a "loss mom" when finding out you're pregnant again
-Navigating how to answer triggering questions and deciding how much to share

If you are currently pregnant after loss, trying to conceive after loss or maybe you're early on in your loss and not quite ready to even think about trying to conceive again.. I hope this episode brings you some hope and encouragement, no matter where you are in your journey. 

You can find Serena on Instagram:
@thestillhopefulpodcast

You can find "The Still Hopeful Podcast" wherever you listen to podcasts

In this episode, Bethany and I talk all about her journey from finding out her husband was sick, to 5 years later (current day) - remarried and continuing to honor her late husband every day. We also talk about:

-Finding a witness to your grief is monumental
-Struggling with your faith and the lack of tools the church often has to help grievers
-Grief is a series of ongoing choices
-Honoring our past loved ones coexisting with new relationships

I hope you are encouraged by this week's episode with Bethany. Here is how you can connect with her:

Instagram: @bethany.ann.spencer

For those of you who are learning to lament and bring your grief before God in a way that honors what you've been through, without sugar coating it - you can take her course called "Sorrow + Song."

Sign up for Bethany's weekly "Hope Note" - every Sunday morning, Bethany sends out a note of tools, resources and encouragement, completely for free. 

Join Bethany's "Exhale Retreat" - your sacred invitation to rest, remember who you are and celebrate who you are becoming. Happening January 2026.

You can find more information about all of these things and even shoot Bethany a DM right on Instagram!

In the last 4.5 years, my husband and I have gone from 0 to 3 children overnight, lost a healthy child at 39 weeks after trying to get pregnant for 6 years and spent all of 2024 in and out of the hospital, navigating and treating my husband's very serious case of Crohn's & Colitis, including major surgeries and medications.

Through these many difficult challenges we have faced, the number one lesson we have learned is that our physical, mental and emotional health is OUR responsibility - NO ONE ELSE'S. After taken complete ownership of our health, we have learned a lot along the way, including what place medication has in our lives and when it's simply just a distraction. WE ARE CURRENTLY IN THE BEST HEALTH OF OUR LIVES!

In this episode, I cover the following topics:

-The medication mindset shift
-Finding the root cause of medical issues
-How to take ownership of your health and wellness
-My foundational habits that keep me medication free

I hope this episode inspires you to take ownership of your health and live the best and healthiest life you can!

Check out the following profiles I reference DAILY:
 @DrChatterjeeRangan (@drchatterjee on Instagram)
@drjamesdinic
 @drjoshaxe
 @drmarkhyman
 @crohnscolitislifestyle (crohnscolitis_lifestyle on Instagram)
@716synergy

In this episode, I break down what it truly means to “know” someone and how their influence in their life has a direct effect on the weight of their loss.

I also discuss:

-The unfair comparison between Charlie Kirk and Melissa Hortman

-People’s responses to a political figure’s loss vs. any other kind of loss

-What to stop doing if you are truly grieving the loss of Charlie

My goal for this episode is not to debate politics, but to bring awareness and shed light on the controversial topic of Charlie Kirk’s death from a perspective of grief education. 

I hope this episode inspires you. Thank you so much for listening. 

In honor of Charlie Kirk: 1993-2025 <3

Here are all the things I share:
-How I stick to my routines through changing seasons
-A big life update for my husband and I 
-Traveling with grief and how it's changed over the years
-What my current priorities are and where I'm spending my time

Thank you for continuing to be such a huge part of my journey and I hope this episode (and podcast) inspires you to continue to fight for joy.

In this episode, we talk about..
-How clutter in a pretty bin is still just clutter
-Most things in your home are processes, not one time projects
-Consistency is the key to her success
-All of her tips and tricks on how she keeps her home tidy (even with a husband and 5 kids!)
-How to get started no matter what season of life you're in
-You can have a big family and make lots of amazing memories, all while living in a tidied home that is a well-oiled machine!

Be sure to follow Stephanie on Instagram @somewhatsimpleliving

In today's episode, licensed therapist & (now) grief coach Rio Richards shares her knowledge and expertise on the affects that grief has on all aspects of our lives and why it is so disorienting when it strikes. Here are a few topics we cover:

-Rio's light hearted social media videos about grief to bring awareness to how society handles grief & loss
-Why grief is specifically hard for those that identify as a perfectionist
-How the simplest of tasks become the hardest after loss
-Where to start if you're ready to get "unstuck" and start healing
-The kind of "processor" you are will greatly impact what kind of support you need, especially early on

Below are all the ways you can connect with Rio!
Follow her on instagram @andthatsgrief
Subscribe to her weekly newsletter on Substack called "Touching the Fire"
Join her 8 week program starting in August (DM her on Instagram to get on the waitlist!)

After losing my daughter full term, I hoped one day I would fall into this category. And the time has finally come. 

I am pregnant.

This episode is simply my initial thoughts on being pregnant after loss very early on (somewhere between 7 and 8 weeks). How I found out, how my heart is finding peace and what I plan to do differently this time around. 

I say all of this with the utmost excitement but also with the most gentleness to the women who follow me who have suffered their own baby loss and ache to have another child. My goal for this pregnancy is to perfectly balance both excitement for this child and a humble heart towards those watching whom it may affect. Thank you for listening and being on this journey with me! 

In this episode, Mike and I dissect and discuss for the first time John Onwuchekwa's famous phrase "Grief is not a journey that we finish, but a language we become fluent in." Here are the key takeaways from this week's episode:

-Our interpretations on grief as a language
-The BEST thing you can do for someone if you can't relate to what they're going through
-Debunking the 5 stages of grief
-Grief is circular, not linear
-Holistic solutions (instead of spiritual platitudes)
-Grief vs. trauma
-Grieving is a daily choice

Connect with Mike: 
Wayward Coaching
www.wayward-coaching.com
mike@wayward-coaching.com
@waywardcoaching

On today's episode, I interview author and fitness expert Oonagh Duncan who cuts all the BS out of what the health industry is telling you and simplifies it all down to the basics. And guess what? It actually works and if you implement Oonagh's strategies, you'll never have to stress about being healthy again! Here are the key points we'll talk about today:

-Oonagh's 7 healthy habits that basically guarantee weight loss & better health
-Her TOP most important habit to adopt for FAT loss
-Three concrete steps to creating long lasting habits (PS - it's not discipline or willpower)
-An overlooked area of fitness that has enormous benefits
-Debunking the myth of self care
-Doing it imperfectly is actually the secret to your success
-Your ONLY job is to be at peace with your decisions when it comes to effort to results ratio

And the best part?? These principles can be applied to ANY area of you life, not just health and fitness! If you are looking to better your life in ANY way and you're sick of relying on willpower to do so, this episode AND Oonagh's book is for you! Enjoy!

"Healthy AF" available at:
Fitfeelsgood.com/book or Amazon

Oonagh's FREE resources available at:
Fitfeelsgood.com/free

DM Oonagh on Instagram: 
@oonaghduncan

Dr. Joe left the traditional medical field after several years of caring for patients because one year, while celebrating the 4th of July with his family, his son was bit by a tick. He ended up contracting Lyme disease and no other doctor, methods or medications were bringing his son the reprieve he and his wife were desperately searching for. So Dr. Joe decided to take measures into his own hands to start getting to the ROOT of his son's issue, with lots of holistic measures. This led him to Synergy Nutrition & Wellness, which is a wellness center located in Buffalo, NY, where he now treats patients holistically, working to get to the root of the issue, rather than simply prescribing medications to manage symptoms. 

In this episode, Dr. Joe talks about how frustrating it can be to feel like you are spinning your wheels with your health in the traditional medical field (like they were with his son). He offers his TOP holistic practices that are absolutely FREE to anyone looking to better their health. We even take a deep dive into my healing story and how Dr. Joe was able to take into consideration my current circumstances (loss, grief, trauma, chronic stress & caretaking) and help me create a completely personalized plan, to regulate my nervous system and bring me back to health, completely medication free! 

I'm so grateful to Dr. Joe for being such an integral part of my healing journey post loss. If you are someone who is intrigued by the holistic world of health and how it works, this episode is for you! 

I urge you to listen to my interview with Dane Johnson, the Founder & CEO of Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle. He was on the brink of death with Crohn's & Colitis in 2014. He lived in a hospital. Every doctor and drug failed him. Until one day, everything changed for him. Dane became the CEO of his own health and decided to take complete control of not only his health, but his HAPPINESS. He went from 122 pounds, in a wheelchair to a healthy 185 today and is completely symptom and surgery free!

If you are feeling stuck in your health (physical, emotional or mental), this episode is for YOU. Allow Dane to empower you to take control of your own health and your own life by becoming your own CEO. Get a pen and paper ready.. because this episode is going to blow your mind!

Leslie is an incredible example of how women can be both a homemaker and an entrepreneur, without sacrificing your sanity and peace. Enjoy this super fun episode as we talk about the challenges AND joys of childbirth, trying to conceive, running a beef liver bites for children business and standing firm in our faith in the face of adversity. 

Connect with Leslie: 
All social media platforms: Leslie Burris
*Most active on Instagram*
leslieburris.com for all resources, including "Elbee's" - beef liver bites for kids!

Takeaways

• Discipline should focus on level 10 problems or opportunities.
• Real success comes from focusing on what matters to you.
• Discipline can be a savior but can also become a burden.
• Subtraction is often more important than addition in habit change.
• Reflection and planning are crucial for success.
• Social media challenges can distract from real goals.
• Going to bed on time is essential for a productive day.
• Discipline in one area does not guarantee discipline in another. Standards provide a framework for decision-making.
• Discipline can be exhausting; standards simplify choices.
• Identify core values to guide your life.
• Life has seasons; prioritize accordingly.
• Use slivers of time effectively for personal projects.
• Saying no is essential for maintaining focus.
• You can achieve great things with limited time.
• Grief can motivate us to live fully.
• Living with intention honors those we've lost.
• Fewer commitments lead to greater achievements.

To purchase "The Dark Side of Discipline" go to www.darksideofdiscipline.com or get directly off Amazon (audio book available).
DM Craig on Instagram @realcraigballantyne
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn - Craig Ballantyne

Takeaways

• Grief can lead to profound personal transformation.
• The loss of a loved one challenges our beliefs and identity.
• Returning to familiar places can evoke complex emotions.
• Grief provides an opportunity to reevaluate life choices.
• Introspection during grief can lead to deeper relationships.
• Worship music can be both healing and challenging after loss.
• It's important to consciously choose what reflects our current selves.
• Grief strips away distractions, allowing for hard questions.
• The journey through grief is unique for everyone.
• Finding meaning in grief can lead to a fuller life.

Takeaways

• Emotional shelving helps manage unexpected grief.
• Self-care is crucial for emotional resilience.
• Cognitive distortions can hinder healing.
• Grief encompasses various types of loss, not just death.
• Surround yourself with caring individuals, not just those who understand.
• Recognizing when to seek help is vital for healing.
• Grief does not resolve on its own; it requires active engagement.
• Healing is a personal journey that requires effort and intention.
• Establishing boundaries with those who don't understand is important.

Takeaways

• Fear often stands in the way of our dreams.
• It's important to confront our fears head-on.
• Anxiety often stems from fear of judgment.
• We have the resources to achieve our goals.
• Fear of looking silly can hold us back.
• Regret is a more significant fear than failure.
• Living authentically requires overcoming fear.
• We are not guaranteed time; act now.
• Fear should not dictate our choices.

Takeaways

• Decluttering can reduce housework by 40%.
• Intentionality in decluttering leads to a more meaningful life.
• Gratitude grows when we appreciate what we own.
• Decluttering is not about deprivation but about joy.
• The financial implications of keeping clutter can be significant.
• Guilt over spending can hinder decluttering efforts.
• Decluttering helps change future purchasing habits.
• It's important to slow down and think before buying.
• Meaningful possessions can spark joy and gratitude.
• Decluttering can be a catalyst for personal growth. Letting go of items can relieve guilt when donating to those in need.
• Negativity bias can skew our perception of decluttering.
• Decluttering can lead to a more intentional lifestyle.
• Generosity enhances well-being and happiness.
• Physical decluttering can trigger emotional and relational clarity.
• Identifying core values is crucial for meaningful decluttering.
• Small, consistent changes can lead to significant life transformations.
• Reevaluating life choices can prevent feeling like a victim of circumstances.
• Decluttering is a catalyst for broader life changes.
• Time management is about prioritizing what truly matters.

Takeaways

• Grief is a deeply personal journey that varies for everyone.
• Funerals often serve as closure for outsiders but not for grievers.
• The emotional chaos surrounding a death can be overwhelming for the grieving family.
• Grievers often feel abandoned after the funeral as outsiders move on with their lives.
• There is a significant disconnect between the experiences of grievers and outsiders during the grieving process.
• Funerals can rush the grieving process, leaving little time for reflection.
• The need for emotional support during grief is crucial but often overlooked.
• Understanding the grieving process can help bridge the gap between grievers and outsiders.
• Awareness of the loneliness in grief can lead to better support for those mourning.

Takeaways

• Anxiety is often misunderstood and requires education.
• Personal experiences with anxiety can provide valuable insights.
• Chronic anxiety is not the individual's fault; it's a physical response.
• The body reacts to emotional trauma with physical symptoms.
• Retraining the brain is essential for managing anxiety.
• Fight or flight mode can lead to chronic stress if not addressed.
• Practical strategies are necessary for dealing with anxiety.
• Recognizing anxious thoughts as often unfounded is crucial.
• Self-care and prioritizing wellness can alleviate anxiety.
• Anxiety can be managed through consistent practice and support. Anxiety, fear, and worry are just thoughts.
• Finding a supportive person who understands anxiety is crucial.
• Speaking anxious thoughts out loud can diminish their power.
• Redirecting energy from worry to solutions is essential.
• Letting go of control can lead to peace.
• Faith can provide hope and comfort during anxious times.
• It's important to prioritize self-care and mental well-being.
• Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but we have more control than we think.
• Listening without judgment is key to supporting someone with anxiety.
• Taking practical steps can significantly reduce anxiety.

Takeaways:

• Advocacy is crucial for health management.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of health.
• Grief can significantly impact physical health.
• Education from medical professionals is vital.
• Self-care is essential for effective caregiving.
• Being vigilant is part of being a caregiver.
• You must ask questions to ensure proper care.
• Health is a shared responsibility between patient and advocate.
• Prioritizing health can require sacrifices.
• Emotional well-being is tied to physical health.

Takeaways

• Spiritual clichés can be harmful to those grieving.
• Practical support is more effective than platitudes.
• Grief is a complex emotional and physical response.
• Avoid putting the burden of asking for help on the griever.
• Listening to the grieving person's story is crucial.
• Bringing food can alleviate practical burdens during grief.
• Crying with someone can provide comfort and connection.
• There is no timeline for grief; patience is essential.
• Acknowledging the pain is more helpful than trying to fix it.
• Empathy and presence are the best forms of support.

"Will of God" by Eric Knopf

Takeaways

• The phrase 'God is good' can be misused in conversations about grief.
• Cliché responses can feel dismissive to those suffering.
• A simple acknowledgment of pain is often more helpful than spiritual platitudes.
• God's goodness is constant, regardless of circumstances.
• People often struggle to find the right words in times of grief.
• Acknowledging both pain and gratitude is essential in faith.
• Support should be practical and empathetic, not just spiritual.
• The true nature of God is goodness, independent of our situations.
• Gratitude should be expressed in both good and bad times.
• Understanding grief requires sensitivity and awareness of language.

Key Points

• Trauma is often rooted in both significant and small events.
• The body's memory of trauma can manifest in physical responses.
• Grieving is a necessary process for healing and transformation.
• Avoiding grief can lead to deeper emotional and physical issues.
• Community support is crucial in processing trauma and grief.
• Transformation often comes through experiencing and processing pain.
• The internal and external worlds are interconnected in healing.
• Grief can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.
• It's important to allow oneself to grieve without the pressure to heal immediately.
• The journey through trauma and grief is unique for everyone.

Wayward Coaching
www.wayward-coaching.com
mike@wayward-coaching.com
@waywardcoaching

"At a Total Loss" Podcast & Youtube Channel

katherinelazar.com

Instagram: @thekatherinelazar

Email me for Decluttering Ebook link: esmaczniak@gmail.com

Follow Rachel on Instagram @the_grief_gal.