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Joy Found Here

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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
62 reviews
This podcast has
257 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2021/05/04
Latest episode
2026/04/21
Average duration
52 min.
Release period
7 days

Description

Welcome to the Joy Found Here podcast, hosted by Stephanie Martinez Rivera. Join us each week while we have real talk with inspiring women about life,balance, grace and permission to step off the ride. Listen in as we hear their stories, victories and fails and how to recognize and embrace the simple joy that life does offer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Check latest episodes from Joy Found Here podcast


The Nonprofit Executive Holding the Line on Mental Health — One Client at a Time
2026/04/21
What happens when the mental health system is quietly crumbling — and the woman holding it together has been doing so for 25 years? In episode 257 of Joy Found Here, Janelle Miller Moravek, Executive Director of Youth & Family Counseling, pulls back the curtain on America's behavioral health crisis — from a shrinking workforce and impossible pay rates to the hidden toll social media is taking on our kids. Hopeful yet eye-opening, this conversation is a reminder that access to mental health care is not a luxury. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (3:54) How a French major stumbled into 25 years of nonprofit leadership (7:49) Why loving your work makes it harder to switch off (10:39) What nonprofit fundraising really looks like (17:47) Why the mental health crisis didn't start with COVID (20:05) The workforce shortage driving therapists out of behavioral healthcare (22:57) How social media is rewiring kids' tolerance for discomfort (30:16) The wrestling mat conversation that led to her son's ADHD diagnosis (36:48) The "atlas" project helping people navigate to the right care (38:22) Why one person getting help creates a community ripple effect (39:30) What Medicaid rollbacks mean for mental health nonprofits in 2026 Janelle Miller Moravek is the Executive Director of Youth & Family Counseling (YFC), a nonprofit mental health organization serving Lake County in the Chicagoland area. A Wesleyan University graduate, she joined YFC in 2000 as its first-ever development director and has spent over two decades building it into a leading provider of affordable, accessible mental health services — including bilingual care and Medicaid-covered options — for children, teens, adults, and families.  In this episode, Janelle Miller Moravek brings 25 years of nonprofit leadership to a candid conversation about the growing gap between mental health need and workforce capacity — tracing the roots to chronically low reimbursement rates, a lengthy therapist training pipeline, and COVID-era burnout. She connects social media's rise to a surge in adolescent mental health struggles, shares a personal story about parenting a son with ADHD that deepened her advocacy, and makes the case for treating behavioral health literacy as common knowledge. She also introduces YFC's "atlas" project — a navigation tool to help people find the right care — while sounding an honest alarm about what Medicaid rollbacks could mean for organizations like hers in 2026. Connect with Janelle Miller Moravek: LinkedIn Youth & Family Counseling website Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Permission Slip You Needed: Hypnotherapy, Intuition & Breaking Free With Lynnsey Robinson
2026/04/14
What if the key to unlocking your biggest goals isn't willpower or grinding harder — but learning to speak the language of your own subconscious? In episode 256 of Joy Found Here, certified hypnotherapist and intuitive guide Lynnsey Robinson pulls back the curtain on why so many of us stay stuck despite wanting change, and what it actually takes to get your mind working for you. From demystifying hypnosis to explaining why your "I am" affirmations might be misfiring, Lynnsey makes the science of transformation feel genuinely exciting. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (04:38) Lynnsey's unconventional childhood and what drew her to the human mind (07:45) The book that sparked her journey into hypnotherapy (13:18) Her Human Design type and why it's a permission slip to be yourself (16:02) The two suggestibility types and why they matter (20:59) Why "I am" affirmations don't work for everyone — and what to say instead (25:04) How Lynnsey discovered and claimed her intuitive gifts (30:40) What spirits are really like and why you don't need to fear them (33:34) Why we self-sabotage and what the subconscious is actually doing (35:00) How hypnotherapy works and what happens in a trance-like state (42:16) What a session with Lynnsey looks like and how to work with her Lynnsey Robinson is a certified hypnotherapist, intuitive guide, and mindset coach who helps women rewire their subconscious minds to manifest with ease and align with their highest selves. Drawing on her background in behavioral science, EFT, human design, past life regression, and spiritual hypnosis, she works with clients exclusively online and is also the co-host of High Vibin' It, a weekly spiritual podcast.  In this episode, Lynnsey takes us from her unconventional childhood — growing up between a religious mother and an empathic, hippie father — to her winding path to becoming a hypnotherapist, sharing the pivotal "signs" that kept pointing her back to her calling. She demystifies hypnotherapy by breaking down the conscious vs. subconscious mind, explaining why we self-sabotage even our most wanted goals, and why cookie-cutter "I am" affirmations don't work for everyone — offering practical reframes that actually stick. She also opens up about claiming her intuitive gifts after years of fear, and closes with a synchronistic oracle card pull that ties the whole conversation together beautifully. Connect with Lynnsey Robinson: Website Instagram TikTok Podcast: High Vibin' It App: Align Your Mind Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trusting the Call: How a Military Officer Became a Psychic Guide in Paradise
2026/04/07
What does it take to trade a military uniform for a spiritual calling — and finally trust the gift you've carried your whole life? In episode 255 of Joy Found Here, psychic guide and intuitive channel Kathleen Davenport traces the beautifully chaotic path that led her from active duty to the sacred shores of Hawaiʻi — and why every detour, closed door, and sign from the universe was quietly pointing her home all along. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (03:46) From Kansas to Hawaiʻi: military life to spiritual calling  (07:09) Why her failed political run was a perfect redirection  (08:20) Competitive golf — and the hamstring that made her listen  (11:40) The intuitive gift she couldn't keep ignoring  (13:02) How she prepares her vessel before a reading  (15:28) How Hawaiʻi shaped the way she receives guidance  (20:17) The Jack Canfield vision that led her to podcasting  (30:14) The near-fatal health scare after childbirth  (32:29) From private readings to her 60-day mentorship  (34:03) Seven signs the universe is speaking to you Kathleen Davenport is a military officer turned psychic guide and spiritual channel based on the shores of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. After a career spanning the military, corporate life, city government, and professional photography, she stepped fully into her lifelong gift of intuitive guidance — helping others find clarity through life's biggest transitions via one-on-one spiritual readings, intuitive mentorship, and her podcast, Finding Focus with Kathleen Davenport. In this episode, Kathleen shares how she recognized her intuitive gifts early — channeling entire motivational talks with no script — and how Hawaii's spiritual culture deepened her ability to receive guidance. She reframes career detours, a failed political run, and even a hamstring injury as divine redirections, and reflects on a near-death health scare after childbirth as the wake-up call that taught her to slow down and listen. She walks listeners through her grounding rituals before readings, her private sessions and 60-day mentorship program, and a free downloadable guide on seven signs the universe is speaking to you — closing with a powerful reminder that your gifts, and your guides, are already there. Connect with Kathleen Davenport: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Free guide: 7 Signs The Universe is Speaking to You…. & How to Listen Podcast: Finding Focus with Kathleen Davenport Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rising From the Ashes: Melanie Rhora on Burnout, Boundaries, and The Phoenix Path
2026/03/31
What happens when everything burns down — literally — and the woman left standing in the ashes decides she's done rebuilding the same life twice? In episode 254 of Joy Found Here, Melanie Rhora, author of The Phoenix Path, shares how losing her home and 15-year business to a fire on the same day became the brutal turning point she didn't know she'd been asking for — and how it led her to finally ask the one question she'd been avoiding: what do I actually need? In This Episode, You Will Learn: 03:42) When the house fire finally matched what was already burning inside  (07:11) Why she sat in the mess before rebuilding  (09:38) The shift from doing for everyone to asking what do I need?  (11:50) Walking away from a $200M career to follow an unexplainable idea  (14:07) What happened when Melanie finally stopped confusing control with strength  (15:57) Why women's circles feel nothing like a networking room  (19:23) How The Phoenix Path went from circle program to poolside in Costa Rica  (24:36) The mean girl dynamic — why their projection is never about you (27:11) Self-trust as the quiet fire that brings you back to yourself  (35:55) The book, 12-week program, and Costa Rica retreats explained Melanie Rhora is the author of The Phoenix Path: A Woman's Guide to Healing, Rebuilding, and Rising Stronger and founder of Phoenix Path Transformations. After losing her home and 15-year digital marketing business to a fire on the same day, she rebuilt her life from the ground up — this time on her own terms. Now a trauma-informed facilitator and CEO of Ascend Empower Group Inc., she leads women's circles, online programs, and Costa Rica retreats built around her four-step framework: recognize, release, reclaim, and rise. In this episode, Melanie shares how her house fire became the catalyst that forced her to stop asking how do I fix this? and start asking what do I actually need? — a shift she credits with changing everything. She unpacks the power of women's circles, including her no-feedback model where women "beam" love instead of offering advice, creating rare space for women to hear their own inner voice. She also reframes the "mean girl" dynamic as a reflection of unhealed wounds, explores why self-trust is the quiet fire that reignites a woman's sense of self, and shares a practical gem she lives by: committing to three fun things a day to stay, as she puts it, a sparkly unicorn. Connect with Melanie Rhora: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Book: Melanie Rhora - The Phoenix Path Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Regenerative Medicine Doctor Who Reversed a 93-Year-Old's Aging — Starting With Your Gut
2026/03/24
What if the stranger staring back at you in the mirror isn't a sign of decline — but an invitation to take back control? In episode 253 of Joy Found Here, Dr. Prudence Hall, founder of The Hall Center and pioneer in regenerative medicine, makes a compelling case that biological age is not a sentence — it's a choice. From the gut-hormone connection to why it's never too late to rebalance your body, this conversation is equal parts eye-opening and deeply hopeful. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (4:25) How France sparked Dr. Hall's calling to champion women's health  (7:20) Why biological age matters more than chronological — and how to reverse it  (10:41) Building an anti-inflammatory plate from the ground up  (14:52) Where to find fiber and why your gut depends on it  (17:09) The link between menopause, gut inflammation, and estrogen  (19:32) Sugar, smarter swaps, and hidden inflammatory triggers  (24:22) The hard truth about alcohol and women's hormones  (27:05) Perimenopause decoded: symptoms, timing, and missed diagnoses  (35:24) The thyroid-estrogen connection most doctors overlook  (39:46) Why it's never too late to rebalance your hormones Dr. Prudence Hall is a board-certified physician, founder and medical director of The Hall Center in Santa Monica, and a leading voice in regenerative and integrative medicine. After training as a traditional gynecological surgeon, she pivoted to address the root causes of women's hormonal health through a whole-body, individualized approach. She is the author of Radiant Again & Forever (free download at drprudencehall.com) and has treated over 40,000 patients worldwide through her practice, Menopause Breakthrough Program, and virtual consultations. In this episode, Dr. Prudence Hall reframes aging as something largely within our control, introducing the concept of biological vs. chronological age — and making the case that biological age can genuinely be reversed. She covers the foundational pillars: a plant-forward, low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet; gut health supported by fiber and clean oils; and eliminating hidden inflammatory triggers like gluten and dairy. The conversation's core lands on hormones — Dr. Hall demystifies perimenopause (which can begin as early as the late 30s), champions bioidentical hormone therapy for symptom relief and long-term brain health, and unpacks the underappreciated thyroid-estrogen connection. Her closing message: it is never too late, pointing to a 93-year-old patient whose cognitive clarity was restored through hormone rebalancing. Connect with Dr. Prudence Hall: Website Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook Book: Prudence Hall M.D. - Radiant Again & Forever Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Unbecoming Everything You Were Told to Be — with Hema Crockett
2026/03/17
What happens when a high-achieving woman checks every box society handed her — only to realize none of it was truly hers? In episode 252 of Joy Found Here, Recalibrate Coaching founder Hema Crockett shares the deeply personal moment that cracked everything open and led her to ask, for the very first time: what do I actually want? In This Episode, You Will Learn: (01:52) Meet Hema: coach and "recovered HR executive"  (04:45) Growing up between East and West  (06:09) Nearly 20 years in the corporate grind  (07:03) The turning point: living in Kathmandu, Nepal  (10:14) The IVF journey that changed everything  (13:00) How "what do I want?" became Recalibrate Coaching  (18:10) Introducing the Disrupting Default podcast  (21:51) Why awareness, once gained, can't be undone  (27:10) Inside the Recalibrate process: digging, the void, building  (33:23) Recalibration as a lifelong practice Hema Crockett grew up as the daughter of Indian immigrants in Arizona, straddling Eastern traditions and Western culture — conditioning she didn't recognize until much later. After nearly 20 years as a corporate HR executive in tech and biotech startups, she had the corner office, the stock options, and the title, but felt completely disconnected. The breaking point came during IVF, when she realized mid-transfer that she didn't want children — and her husband, waiting in the car, felt exactly the same. That moment of radical honesty sent her on a years-long journey of unraveling everything she'd been told to want. In this episode, Hema walks Stephanie through the philosophy behind her coaching practice, Recalibrate, where she works one-on-one with high-achieving women in midlife who have "made it" by every measure but feel unfulfilled. She shares her process of guiding clients from discovery to a conscious "choice point," then into intentionally building a life rooted in desire rather than expectation — no quitting required, just micro-shifts in awareness. She also introduces her new podcast, Disrupting Default, co-hosted with her retired Marine husband, which challenges the everyday autopilot habits we never stop to question.  Connect with Hema Crockett: Website Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Podcast: Disrupting Default Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Toxic Boss Playbook: Kate Lowry on How to Read, Predict & Outlast Them
2026/03/10
What if the most powerful weapon against a toxic boss isn't quitting — it's understanding exactly how they think? In episode 251 of Joy Found Here, CEO coach and venture capitalist Kate Lowry reveals why fear-based leadership is making a sweeping comeback, and why so many high-achievers are blindsided by it. Drawing on her own journey from a controlling household to the corridors of Silicon Valley, Kate brings her book Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders to life with a toolkit that turns powerlessness into strategy. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (03:59) How a Silicon Valley sea change sparked Unbreakable (06:32) Why Kate's childhood became her greatest career advantage (08:39) Why top-down leadership is suddenly back in vogue (11:36) Inside the mind of a fear-based leader (15:17) What to do when your new boss isn't who showed up to the interview (18:30) Red flags, buzzwords, and questions that make a toxic culture hard to hide (21:47) Why fear chokes innovation — and the hidden cost to companies (28:50) How to protect your energy, predict their moves, and run circles around them (33:30) Why identity is your greatest armour — and how to build it (36:59) The decade outlook — and why attention and availability are your greatest leverage Kate Lowry is a Silicon Valley-based CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author with over 15 years of experience across startups, private equity, and big tech — including stints at McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners. Founder of coaching firm Scaleheart Co., she specialises in empowering mission-driven founders and has become one of the leading voices on fear-based leadership in the modern workplace. Her expertise was forged first-hand — navigating a controlling household, then eight fear-based bosses across some of the world's most high-pressure industries — and is now distilled into her book, Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders. When she's not coaching CEOs, you'll find her writing comedy, making music, and cuddling her service dog, Annie. Kate unpacks why fear-based leadership — top-down, my-way-or-the-highway management — is surging back into vogue and why it's hitting today's workforce particularly hard. She reveals that these leaders are fundamentally driven by deep insecurity, and because of that, far more predictable than they appear. Kate offers listeners a practical toolkit for navigating these environments: build a diverse sense of identity so no job title can topple your self-worth; protect your energy; control what information you share; and use your attention and availability as quiet forms of leverage. She also shares sharp red-flag advice for spotting a toxic culture before you even accept the role — and closes with a sobering outlook: this trend isn't going anywhere for the next five to ten years, making these skills not just helpful, but essential. Connect with Kate Lowry: Website Instagram Substack Get coaching/advising from Kate! Book: Kate Lowry - Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pay Attention to Your Attention: Emily Florence's Roadmap to a Happier Life
2026/03/03
What if the secret to a happier life wasn't about doing more — but paying closer attention to what's already pulling you forward? In episode 250 of Joy Found Here, author and entrepreneur Emily Florence returns to share why choosing joy is less about grand gestures and more about small, intentional daily decisions. From dropping out of law school after four days to building a life entirely on her own terms, her story is a masterclass in trusting yourself — and Even Better: Easier Ways to a Happier Life is the roadmap she wishes she'd had all along. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (04:38) The four-day law school exit that changed everything  (09:20) Why "safe" choices aren't always the right ones  (10:33) From gallery walls to Beverly Hills: journalism, PR, and American Idol  (13:19) Learning to trust intuition even when the path isn't clear  (15:44) Why happiness is a decision, not a feeling  (20:08) Letting go of heavy thoughts — and what to replace them with  (24:28) Staying grounded when the world feels overwhelming  (28:31) The story behind Even Better's 101 bite-sized lessons  (35:32) Social media, dopamine, and why boundaries are non-negotiable  (40:18) The simple five-thing evening ritual that builds lasting joy Emily Florence is a bestselling author, award-winning writer, and entrepreneur who believes life gets better when we stop being so hard on ourselves and start choosing joy with intention. A former Beverly Hills PR strategist who worked on American Idol and Gilmore Girls, she holds a Master's in Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College, is a certified life purpose and career coach, and founder of Everyday Happy — honoured as a Forbes Top 100 Website for Women. Her book Even Better: Easier Ways to a Happier Life was named the Feel-Good Book of 2024 by Yahoo Finance. Emily opens with the moment that shaped everything: dropping out of law school after just four days at 22, choosing how she felt over what people thought — the seed of all she now teaches. She unpacks why happiness isn't a destination but a series of daily micro-choices, and introduces the practice of "paying attention to your attention" — noticing what leaves you feeling better or worse and deliberately choosing more of what lifts you. She also speaks to staying grounded in a noisy world through mindful media consumption, daily meditation, and a simple evening ritual of writing down five things you're grateful for or accomplished. The episode closes with exciting news: the audiobook for Even Better drops February 26, 2026. Connect with Emily Florence: Website Substack Instagram Book: Emily Florence - Even Better Get Emily’s free workshop & guide! Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"Too Old for Desire?" How Lexy Shaw Delorme Built a 9-Book Empire Out of Rejection
2026/02/24
What happens when a former lawyer and pop musician gets told she's "too old" to write about desire—and builds a literary empire instead? In episode 249 of Joy Found Here, author Lexy Shaw Delorme shares how she turned publisher rejection into fuel for independence. After being told it's "unbecoming for a woman in her forties to still have sexual feelings," Lexy chose self-publishing and proved that refusing to wait for permission creates something extraordinary. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (04:12) From Music to Law to Literature: Lexy's Multi-Hyphenate Journey (05:38) Characters as Truth-Tellers: Why Fiction Lets You Say What You Can't (10:17) Finding Her Tribe: How Comic-Con Became the Perfect Venue (14:24) The Inclusive Magic of Comic-Con Culture (22:13) The Limerent Series: Four Books, One Converging World (29:30) Writing with ADHD: Achievable Goals and Family Accountability (35:32) "I'm Not Going to Allow Myself to Think I Can't Do It" (44:24) Fighting the Publishing Patriarchy: Why She Went Independent (47:36) Building a Creative Empire: Her Self-Publishing Team (53:06) Taking on Amazon and Where to Find Her Books Lexy Shaw Delorme is an award-winning American author based in Paris, known for her genre-defying Limerent Series written under the pen name S. Delorme. A true Renaissance woman—pop musician with an MTV feature, lawyer, 23andMe science writer, and sound engineer—she channels all those experiences into fiction that blends paranormal romance with legal thrillers and metaphysical mysteries. After rejecting traditional publishing's limitations (including being told it's "unbecoming for a woman in her forties to still have sexual feelings"), she built an independent publishing empire with her family. With nine books completed and a relentless creative drive fueled by ADHD, Lexy regularly appears at Comic-Cons and literary festivals across Europe and the US, proving you're never too old to write complex stories on your own terms. In this episode, Lexy returns with updates on launching her fifth book at New York Comic-Con and plans for a short story collection. She shares how Comic-Con became her ideal venue—a passionate, inclusive community of 250,000+ attendees who embrace boundary-pushing stories—and opens up about managing ADHD through achievable writing goals, treating her author career as a startup, and building a creative team with her son as developmental editor. Whether discussing constant creative momentum or recent Amazon challenges, Lexy's message is clear: passion, persistence, and refusing to wait for permission are the keys to creating the life and work you want. Connect with Lexy Shaw Delorme: Website TikTok Instagram X SoundCloud Get Lexy’s books! Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Personal Trainer Who Couldn't Walk for 10 Years—And Discovered Channeling, Somatic Healing & the Harmonic Egg
2026/02/17
What happens when a personal trainer loses the ability to walk and discovers a power she never knew existed? In episode 248 of Joy Found Here, Isabelle Daikeler shares how spending over a decade unable to move without pain after giving birth forced her into complete surrender. That breaking point became her awakening—when her body began moving on its own for three days, when channeling started, and when she discovered what she calls our "third limb": an aspect of ourselves we've all forgotten we have. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (04:59) From Skeptic to Healer (07:18) The Car Crash That Changed Everything (10:30) Discovering Adaptogenic Medicine (15:13) Giving Birth and Losing Mobility (17:10) The Prayer of Surrender (22:00) Three Days of Somatic Unwinding (24:30) Discovering the "Third Limb" (30:44) Living with Inner Guidance (34:08) Your Body's Ancestral Wisdom (39:37) Inside the Harmonic Egg (44:48) Why Knowing is Freedom As the founder of Authenticity – The Malibu Sound & Light Healing Center, Isabelle Daikeler guides individuals toward inner alignment through intuitive channeling and the revolutionary Harmonic Egg chamber. Her journey into this work wasn't sought—it found her. After giving birth to her son seventeen years ago, she spent over a decade unable to walk, stripped of her identity as a strong, athletic personal trainer. Broken and surrendering in prayer on the floor of her Kauai home, her connection to divine guidance—what she calls her third "limb"—awakened through three days of involuntary somatic unwinding and the beginning of channeling. Her devastating loss became the doorway to a different kind of strength: one built from the inside out. In this episode, Isabelle shares why surrender is the most essential step in healing, how our bodies hold ancestral wisdom and current-life lessons in every moment, and why the negative emotions we resist are actually our greatest teachers. She introduces the Harmonic Egg—a sacred geometry chamber using personalized sound and light frequencies to reset the nervous system and shift us from reactive to responsive. Whether you've spent years searching for answers or you're carrying pain that won't let go, Isabelle's message is clear: the wisdom you need is already within you, accessible here and now, and knowing—truly knowing—is the gateway to freedom. Connect with Isabelle Daikeler: Website Instagram Facebook Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Chirping Bird Wins: Author Celeste Fenton on Writing a Mystery Series at 60 After a Loss
2026/02/10
What happens when grief becomes the catalyst for finally answering a lifelong creative calling? In episode 247 of Joy Found Here, Celeste Fenton shares how losing her husband in 2020 forced her to confront who she was beyond educator, wife, and mother. At 60+, she stopped making excuses and started writing the suspense romance series that had been "chirping" at her for decades. Her journey to self-published author isn't just about books—it's about giving yourself permission to fail, discover who you are, and step out of the "shadow of the but." In This Episode, You Will Learn: (05:53) Leaving a Difficult Childhood Behind (11:07) Divorce, Single Parenthood, and Going Back to School (14:27) The Loss That Changed Everything (14:29) Starting to Write at 60+ (15:53) Sharing Her Terrible First Draft (17:59) Finding Her Identity Through Writing (23:16) The Solo Trip to Maine That Sparked It All (40:27) Creating Gabby Hart: A Messy Midlife Heroine (46:26) Shifting from Success to Meaning (49:26) Inspiring Other Women to Pursue Their Passions Celeste Fenton spent 30 years as an educator and director in adult and continuing education, earning her degrees from Kansas State University and the University of South Florida. After growing up in a difficult household north of Tampa and navigating divorce as a single parent, she returned to school for her master's degree and built a fulfilling career in higher education. She remarried in 1997 to a fellow educator, but when her husband unexpectedly passed away in 2020, that loss became a catalyst. At 60+, grieving and searching for her identity beyond the roles of wife, mother, and educator, Celeste finally answered the creative calling that had been "chirping" at her for decades and began writing seriously in 2021. In this episode, Celeste opens up about the vulnerable process of writing her first draft and discovering parts of herself she hadn't consciously acknowledged. Drawing inspiration from a solo trip to Maine, she created her "Mysteries of a Heart" suspense romance series featuring Gabby Hart—a midlife protagonist navigating family secrets, romance, and mystery. With two published books, "Lost Heart in King Manor" and "Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle," and a third coming in 2026, Celeste's purpose has shifted from seeking success to inspiring others. She now speaks to women's groups about stepping out of the "shadow of the but" and giving yourself permission to try, fail, and discover who you are. Her message is clear: it's never too late to answer the call that's been waiting for you. Connect with Celeste Fenton: Threads LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Get Celeste’s books! Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
60 Is a Good Start: How Allison McCune Davis Redefines Aging, Purpose, and Daily Vitality
2026/02/03
What happens when a milestone birthday sparks restlessness instead of celebration—and becomes a turning point for deeper purpose? In episode 246 of Joy Found Here, Allison McCune Davis joins Stephanie to rethink aging, midlife, and what comes next. A mother of five and natural health educator, Allison shares how turning 60 pushed her to stop coasting, ask bigger questions, and create a clear plan for living fully—body, mind, and soul. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (04:18) The moment turning 60 stopped feeling comfortable (05:05) Why decade birthdays demand honest reflection (06:30) Letting go of “mom mode” and redefining self (08:31) How age labels distort women’s health narratives (11:11) Raising five kids through birth, adoption, and choice (14:34) A first wake-up call into natural healing (16:26) Saying yes to a challenge that changed everything (19:06) How mindset and community shape what’s possible (21:52) The three-pillar framework for a strong second half (28:50) Building momentum through a 60-day reset Allison McCune Davis is an author, certified naturopath, and natural health educator with over a decade of experience supporting women in building healthier, more intentional lives. A former television producer and homeschooling mother of five, she brings both structure and compassion to her work, drawing on longevity research, habit formation, and holistic health. Allison is the author of Sixty Is a Good Start, a practical guide for women navigating midlife with clarity, vitality, and purpose, and she leads programs that help women turn insight into sustainable daily action. In this episode, Allison shares how turning 60 became a catalyst for reinvention rather than a moment of decline. She reflects on the identity shifts that follow motherhood, the restlessness many women feel in midlife, and how that discomfort can spark meaningful change. Introducing her three-pillar framework—body work, brain work, and world work—she explains why small, consistent habits shape long-term health, connection, and fulfillment. Her message is clear and empowering: our future is built through the daily routines we choose, and it’s never too late to begin creating a life that feels strong, purposeful, and fully alive. Connect with Allison McCune Davis: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Get Allison’s books! Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Menopause Is Not the End: A Triple Board-Certified OB-GYN on Hormones, Sex, and a Midlife Reset
2026/01/27
What if the changes you’ve been dreading—fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, shifting desire—aren’t signs that your body is failing, but signals that it’s asking for a new kind of care? In episode 245 of Joy Found Here, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Betsy A.B. Greenleaf for a candid, empowering conversation about menopause, hormones, and midlife vitality. Together, they challenge outdated myths, explore why so many women feel blindsided by this transition, and reveal why this chapter can be a powerful beginning—not an ending. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (02:02) How Dr. Betsy found her calling in women’s health (07:44) What menopause really is—and what it isn’t (09:46) Genetics, stress, and the timing of menopause (13:59) Hormones and their full-body impact (17:07) Understanding hormone replacement options (20:01) The study that shaped menopause fear (24:08) Is it ever too late to start hormones? (28:35) Collagen, protein, and supplement truths (36:41) Sex, stress, and midlife desire (44:02) Why PAUSE matters in midlife Dr. Betsy A.B. Greenleaf is a triple board-certified OB-GYN and integrative medicine physician with over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in menopause, hormones, sexual health, and longevity. As the founder of the International P.A.U.S.E. Institute, she helps women and men over 40 navigate midlife changes with clarity, confidence, and choice—blending conventional medicine with functional and holistic approaches. Her work centers on whole-body wellness, education, and empowerment rather than quick fixes. Dr. Greenleaf is a sought-after speaker and media expert, featured in outlets such as Forbes and Oprah Daily. In this episode, Dr. Greenleaf reframes menopause not as an ending, but as a natural transition into a powerful “second spring,” offering reassurance that women are not broken—and that it’s never too late to feel well again. She breaks down how hormonal shifts affect the entire body, from mood, sleep, and brain fog to skin health, bone density, and intimacy, while clearly explaining the full range of options available, including lifestyle changes, supplements, and hormone therapy. With honesty and nuance, she addresses long-standing fears around hormones, unpacking outdated research and emphasizing that every path forward is a personal decision. She also highlights the often-overlooked role of stress, mindset, and brain health in desire and connection, reminding listeners that vitality, pleasure, and confidence can evolve—and even deepen—during midlife. Connect with Dr. Betsy A.B. Greenleaf: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Free Hormone Quiz Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Midlife Wake-Up Call: An Integrative Health Practitioner on Hormones, Gut Health & Power
2026/01/20
What happens when your body starts changing in ways no one prepared you for—and pushing through stops working? In episode 244 of Joy Found Here, integrative health practitioner Dyna Vink joins Stephanie for a candid conversation about perimenopause, menopause, and the hidden ways they impact women’s health and confidence. Drawing from her own 13-year journey, Dyna shares why this often-misunderstood life stage can become a powerful turning point rather than something to simply endure. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (3:18) A turning point sparked by caregiving and loss (4:51) Leaving corporate life to choose purpose (6:38) Thirteen years of unexplained perimenopause symptoms (8:54) What integrative testing uncovers beyond bloodwork (12:08) How hormones affect focus, mood, and confidence (15:04) Why women quietly exit careers in midlife (16:16) The four pillars of midlife health and balance (26:05) The gut–hormone–inflammation connection (38:45) Mindset shifts that unlock reinvention (44:18) One simple habit to start the new year Dyna Vink is a certified Integrative Health Practitioner and the founder of Holistic Nutrition Lifestyle, supporting women through perimenopause and midlife health transitions. After leaving a high-powered corporate career in tech marketing, she retrained in integrative and functional health following her own 13-year struggle with unexplained symptoms. Her approach focuses on uncovering root causes through lifestyle strategies and functional medicine testing rather than quick fixes. Now based in Panama, she works virtually with women worldwide, helping them restore balance, resilience, and long-term vitality. In this episode, Dyna reframes perimenopause and menopause as signals to listen more closely to the body, not phases to simply endure. She explains how hormonal shifts affect the entire system—from gut health and sleep to mood, cognition, and confidence—and why many women feel unseen by traditional approaches. Dyna shares how integrative testing can reveal hidden imbalances and outlines four essential pillars—nutrition, sleep, movement, and mindset—that support women through midlife. Her message is clear and practical: advocate for your health, trust your body’s wisdom, and use this season as an opportunity to redefine what well-being looks like moving forward. Connect with Dyna Vink: LinkedIn Holistic Nutrition Lifestyle YouTube Facebook Facebook Group: Perimenopause Relief  Let's Connect: Website Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Redesigning Success: A Trailblazing Engineer on Women in STEM, Leadership, and Life Architecture
2026/01/13
What happens when an engineer questions not just how systems work—but who they work for? In episode 243 of Joy Found Here, Josée Tremblay joins Stephanie for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, resilience, and the unseen structures shaping our careers and lives. Drawing on three decades in male-dominated STEM environments, she challenges assumptions about success and invites listeners to rethink how work, home, and purpose fit together. In This Episode, You Will Learn: (04:08) From engineering to authorship (06:10) Why STEM still shuts women out (09:30) How culture shapes career paths early (15:42) Being the only woman in the room (18:58) Small fixes with big access gains (26:50) The hiring bias no one sees (35:04) When work and home collide (36:51) Following the heart compass (41:15) Mentorship that actually works (44:54) Leading with intention and impact Josée Tremblay is a mechanical engineer, trailblazing STEM leader, and author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Us, And Yet: Together We Rise Beyond Traditional Roles. With more than 30 years of experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, she brings a rare blend of technical depth and human-centered insight to conversations about leadership and fulfillment. Josée is passionate about rethinking how work, home, and relationships intersect, helping people design a sustainable “life architecture” where success and wholeness can coexist. In this episode, Josée explores why women remain underrepresented in STEM and leadership, pointing not to lack of ability but to systemic structures, cultural conditioning, and unconscious bias. Drawing from her own career in male-dominated environments, she reframes equity as a human issue and emphasizes the power of intentional design—both professionally and personally—to build resilience and belonging. She encourages listeners to trust their internal compass, make thoughtful adjustments rather than drastic exits, and lead with clarity and heart, reminding us that when environments support the whole person, everyone rises together. Connect with Josee Tremblay: LinkedInBook: US and yet and yet - Josee Tremblay Let's Connect: WebsiteInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast reviews

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5 out of 5
62 reviews
★★★★★
Lizzie_Merritt 2026/02/17
Great podcast!
Each episode is full of warmth and heart. The stories and wisdom feel like having a cup of coffee (or glass of wine) with your wisest friend. Love the...
★★★★★
Organized Chaos with Shabana 2025/10/10
Amazing stuff found here!
Stephanie is such a fun person to podcast with and listen to other people she has had on her show - it’s raw, real and authentic and inspiring! Check ...
★★★★★
LadyUnemployed 2025/05/23
One of my favorite podcasts
I love Stephanie's podcast Joy Found Here. She has a great way with guests and making every episode fun and friendly, like listening to a friend. Defi...
★★★★★
DianaSAquiar 2025/04/03
Terrific show!
Sometimes it’s a topic just meant for me and sometimes I pass it along to someone who I know needs to hear it. Either way, Stephanie is funny, warm an...
★★★★★
Kinsana78 2025/03/04
Great Show!
I had an incredible time as a guest on Joy Found Here. Stephanie is warm, kind and engaging. The conversation flows effortlessly with Stephanie’s vast...
★★★★★
Veronica.GD 2025/01/23
Empowering insights!
Stephanie does a wonderful job exploring the multifaceted nature of her guests, and drawing out insights to apply in everyday life.
★★★★★
XmasBaby777 2024/10/11
Loved the episode on neurodiversity in relationships!
I really enjoyed to information shared on the recent episode about neurodiversity in relationships… the speaker (Barbara Grant) shared so many things ...
★★★★★
Betsypepine 2024/07/09
Love this podcast!
My daily companion when I exercise every morning. Stephanie and her guests are uplifting and offer practical and simple tips to create more joy. I’ve ...
★★★★★
Terrible - no stars 2024/06/23
Inspiring and Uplifting: A Must-Listen Podcast
The Joy Found Here podcast with Stephanie Martinez Rivera is Great! Each episode is filled with real, heartfelt conversations with inspiring people.of...
★★★★★
Eda Rod 2024/05/22
Heart to heart
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie and she’s as warm and loving as she sounds on the podcast. Keep on shining 💫
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