Joy Found Here

Discover why midlife isn’t the end—it’s the perfect time to rewrite the rules, unlock your potential, and build the business you’ve always dreamed of.In today's episode, the impressive Brenda Rigney and I explore the transformative journey of embracing midlife, from redefining career paths to discovering personal fulfillment. Brenda is a midlife business coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the Aligned AF Community, dedicated to empowering women to transition from corporate careers to thriving entrepreneurship. With over three decades of leadership experience across industries, Brenda specializes in helping midlife women leverage their skills, passions, and values to build purposeful and sustainable businesses.Throughout this episode, Brenda shares insights from her transformative journey from corporate executive to entrepreneurial coach. She discusses how her midlife pivot began with a reevaluation of her values and priorities, inspired by personal challenges such as divorce and professional burnout. Brenda highlights the importance of leveraging one's skills, passions, and experiences to identify a business niche and create a sustainable, scalable signature offer. She also speaks about the value of community, collaboration, and setting boundaries to maintain a balanced life. Brenda's Aligned AF Community reflects her commitment to empowering midlife women to explore entrepreneurship affordably and effectively, providing practical tools and fostering a supportive network. Tune in to this episode 188 of The Joy Found Here to hear Brenda Rigney’s empowering journey of reinvention, her insights into aligning values with purpose, and her practical strategies for transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Midlife as a launchpad for leadership (1:22)A defining moment at 23 (6:23)Quitting corporate for self-reinvention (9:11)Rediscovering creativity and values (13:05)Building a purpose-driven business (20:27)The power of community and collaboration (22:55)Finding your sweet spot and creating a signature offer (29:51)Breaking free from the hustle: systems and boundaries (39:49)Final takeaways and joining the Aligned AF community (43:14)Connect with Brenda Rigney:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYouTubeXListen to Brenda’s podcast: The X Podcast!Let's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

Are your beliefs about success and money keeping you stuck? Discover the traps of the middle-class mindset and learn how to break free to build lasting wealth and fulfillment.In today's episode, the inspiring Gavin McHale and I delve into the transformative journey of personal growth and self-awareness, exploring topics such as breaking free from limiting beliefs, overcoming self-sabotage, redefining success, and cultivating intentional living. Throughout this episode, Gavin McHale brings a wealth of insight to the conversation, sharing his experiences as a former hockey player who transitioned to entrepreneurship. He reflects on how his struggles with self-sabotage and subconscious patterns held him back until he embraced radical responsibility and self-awareness. Gavin discusses the limiting beliefs ingrained by the "middle-class mindset" and the importance of rewiring these beliefs to achieve success. He offers practical advice on maintaining a healthy relationship with money, building intentional morning routines, and approaching challenges with curiosity rather than judgment. Through his stories and insights, Gavin underscores the transformative power of emotional regulation and conscious decision-making in both business and life.Tune in to Episode 187 of The Joy Found Here and discover Gavin’s transformative strategies for overcoming the middle-class mindset, breaking free from self-sabotage, embracing emotional awareness, and cultivating a life of intentionality, success, and fulfillment.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Gavin’s journey from hockey to entrepreneurship (1:34)The power of radical responsibility (6:16)Unpacking the middle-class mindset (9:32)Shifting money mindsets (14:06)Practical steps to build financial security and escape scarcity (20:48)The importance of morning routines (28:07)Intentional living and emotional awareness (32:30)Insights from Consciouspreneur (37:04)Closing thoughts and resources (49:23)Connect with Gavin McHale:InstagramFacebookXYouTubeLinkedInLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

Learn practical tools for navigating life’s toughest transitions, turning challenges into opportunities, and taking full control of your personal growth.In today's episode, the amazing Elizabeth Hamilton and I delve into the challenges of navigating life changes, from career shifts to personal growth. Elizabeth "Bitsy" Hamilton is a certified life Transitions Coach with over 20 years of experience in guiding individuals and organizations through challenges. Holding degrees in Political Science and certifications in life, divorce, and academic coaching, she combines empathy, intuition, and both traditional and nature-based practices to foster self-awareness and growth. Throughout this episode, Elizabeth shares her expertise as a life transitions coach, rooted in her background as an educator and her own life challenges. She introduces her "Own IT" framework, which is built on elements like self-awareness, accountability, and understanding fears. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of addressing mistakes constructively and using them as opportunities for growth. She shares her personal story of resilience after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, demonstrating the power of mindset and determination in overcoming challenges. Elizabeth highlights how coaching provides a safe space for individuals to explore their fears, dreams, and passions without judgment. Her insights into the dynamics of relationships, both personal and professional, underscore the value of clear communication and self-reflection.Tune in to Episode 186 of The Joy Found Here to hear Elizabeth’s inspiring journey of resilience, her framework for owning life transitions, and her powerful approach to turning fears and mistakes into tools for growth.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Elizabeth’s background and career shift (3:11)The role of self-awareness in navigating change (7:38)Building resilience in the face of adversity (11:41)Introducing the "Own IT" Framework (14:49)The power of reflection and mistakes (21:30)The importance of addressing fears (28:57)Relationships, communication, and boundaries (32:05)Closing thoughts and practical applications (38:45)Connect with Elizabeth Hamilton:WebsiteLinkedInLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

Why do traditional goals so often fail to create lasting change, and how can shifting your focus to identity help you achieve true transformation and fulfillment?In today's episode, I interview Alison Weihe, an Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, and Identity Coach from Johannesburg, South Africa. Alison shares her remarkable journey from political activism to becoming a successful entrepreneur, navigating personal and professional challenges along the way. Throughout this episode, Alison speaks candidly about her transformation at 52, when she realized the toll that stress, workaholism, and emotional eating had taken on her. This marked the beginning of a profound wellness journey. She explains how focusing on identity rather than rigid goal-setting allowed her to reclaim her health and embrace a new perspective on life. Through physical activity, self-compassion, and a shift in mindset, she redefined herself, moving from a place of shame and self-doubt to one of strength, vitality, and joy.A key turning point in her life was Alison’s decision to share her story through writing and public speaking. Her book, Belonging - Finding Tribes of Meaning, captures her journey of finding purpose and community through the different "tribes" that shaped her life. She describes how global storytelling unlocked her courage and helped her connect to her true self, ultimately discovering a sense of belonging she had never fully realized before.Tune in to Episode 185 of Joy Found Here as Alison Weihe shares her identity-focused approach to transformation, the healing power of storytelling, and the importance of love and grace in overcoming challenges and finding belonging.In This Episode, You Will Learn:From activist to entrepreneur (2:50)The fraud that changed everything (12:51)Transformation through identity, not goals (14:45)Building a new relationship with food and movement (20:42)The healing power of storytelling (28:00)Becoming a Soul Speaker (33:51)A Legacy of hope and grace (42:24)Connect with Alison Weihe:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInGet Alison’s book: Belonging – Finding Tribes of Meaning!Let's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

Ever wondered why workplace culture feels so toxic? Tosca Fasso shares insights on transforming office culture and putting people before profits.In today's episode, we explore themes of self-care, toxic workplace culture, and the corporate journey, with the incredible Tosca Fasso. Tosca, a former Fortune 100 Executive turned Author, Leadership Consultant, and Podcast Host, shares her experience of climbing the corporate ladder to secure her "dream job," only to face disillusionment due to toxic workplace practices.Throughout this episode, Tosca discusses her shift towards people-first leadership, emphasizing the need for supportive work environments that prioritize employee well-being over rigid shareholder capitalism. She reflects on the challenges of traditional corporate structures and the importance of embracing change, especially as younger generations enter the workforce. The episode highlights Tosca’s journey of self-discovery and courage in stepping away from the corporate world to pursue a career focused on leadership transformation.Plus, Tosca introduces her forthcoming book, "NSFW: A Good Manager’s Guide to Better Feeling Work in a Toxic Culture," which she describes as a manifesto advocating for healthier workplace cultures. Through her book, she aims to equip leaders with the tools to adopt people-first policies, emphasizing that modern employees work best when valued and not merely monitored.Join us for Episode 184 of Joy Found Here and find out how to break free from toxic work culture and lead with compassion and purpose.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The reality of the "Dream Job" (3:49)Confronting toxic workplace culture (13:04)Writing as a catalyst for change (15:40)The problem with shareholder capitalism (21:17)The return to office debate (24:20)People-first management: A new leadership approach (35:49)Looking ahead: Tosca's vision for workplace change (49:52)Connect with Tosca Fasso:WebsiteXInstagramLinkedInManager on a Mission Podcast Let's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

Struggling with sleepless nights and a spirited little one? This episode offers game-changing sleep strategies for 'livewire' kids!In today's episode, I am joined by two wonderful women, Kim West and Macall Gordon who are both Authors and Sleep Coaching Experts. They discuss their new book, Why Won't You Sleep?!, which explores a gentle, alternative approach to sleep training for children, especially those with "livewire" temperaments who are highly alert and emotionally intense. Kim and Macall emphasize the importance of recognizing a child's temperament in sleep training and advocating for a method that rejects the traditional "cry it out" approach, instead supporting parental involvement to help children learn self-soothing skills over time.Throughout this episode, Kim West, known as "The Sleep Lady," shares her journey into sleep coaching, driven by her desire to help parents navigate sleep challenges with a gentler approach. Kim explains her "Sleep Lady Shuffle," a coaching method focused on staying with children as they learn to self-soothe, which avoids leaving them alone to cry. She highlights her passion for creating a tailored, gentle approach that is supportive of both parents and children, aiming to help parents feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.Plus, Macall Gordon brings her expertise as a researcher and parent to the conversation, highlighting how temperament research can change the way parents understand their children's sleep issues. She discusses her struggle with her own child's sleep and the lack of options that didn't involve crying it out, which led her to co-develop the gentle approach with Kim. Her focus on research helps parents see that they’re not to blame for their child's sleep difficulties, offering them the reassurance and alternatives they need to handle sleepless nights effectively.Tune in and discover gentle, effective strategies to support your child’s sleep, helping you and your family find the rest you deserve.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Kim and Macall's personal journeys into sleep coaching (1:22)Challenges with traditional sleep training methods (8:07)Understanding temperament and its impact on sleep (14:12)Practical gentle sleep coaching techniques (17:58)The Role of consistency and parental support (20:29)Resources for parents and closing thoughts (37:07)Connect with Kim West:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInGet Kim’s books!Connect with Macall Gordon:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInGet the Why Won't You Sleep?! book!

Can forgiveness and healing coexist after childhood trauma? Cindy Benezra’s inspiring story shows us how.In today's episode, the brave Cindy Benezra and I break the silence around sexual abuse, offer survivors tools to reclaim their voices, and encourage open dialogue on trauma and recovery. Cindy is an Author, Speaker, and Survivor Advocate whose memoir, Under the Orange Blossoms, sheds light on her personal journey through childhood sexual abuse and the path she forged to healing and forgiveness. Through her writing, public speaking, and advocacy, Cindy’s work provides hope, education, and resources for survivors, empowering them to embrace their healing journey.Throughout this episode, Cindy Benezra shares her story as a survivor and advocate, revealing the profound psychological and physical impact of childhood abuse. She describes how dissociation helped her cope and explains the challenges of navigating family relationships with an abusive parent. Cindy also shares her emotional journey toward forgiving her father, not to excuse his actions but to find personal peace. She offers grounding techniques that help her stay present during her healing and stresses the importance of therapy and self-help.Tune in to Episode 182 of the Joy Found Here and be moved by Cindy’s courageous story of survival, her insights on breaking the cycle of abuse, finding personal healing, and advocating for open conversations on trauma and resilience.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The impact of childhood trauma and surviving abuse (2:25)Family dynamics and complexities of healing (7:49)Dissociation and grounding techniques (11:19)The struggle and process of forgiveness (17:38)Navigating anger and finding acceptance (22:03)Finding her voice and becoming an advocate (37:13)Encouragement for survivors and moving forward (42:24)Connect with Cindy Benezra:WebsiteFacebookLinkedInInstagramGet Cindy’s book!Let's Connect:WebsiteInstagram

Ready to take charge of your happiness at work? Beth Stallwood shares her proven strategies for finding joy and balance in your career.In today's episode, the amazing Beth Stallwood  and  I explore how individuals can bring more joy into their work and debunk the myth that work must be a source of gloom. Beth is a Coach, Facilitator, Speaker, Consultant, and Author of Work Joy: A Toolkit for a Better Working Life. She shares her career journey, moving from corporate roles in various sectors to becoming an entrepreneur and helping others find fulfillment in their work.Throughout this episode, you will learn the concept of Work Joy, which stems from Beth’s belief that individuals have the power to shape their own experiences at work. She emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s work satisfaction rather than blaming external factors like managers or companies. Beth highlights the importance of learning, self-awareness, and maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Her message underscores that joy is a choice, and with intentional reflection and small changes, anyone can create more joy in their working life.Tune in to Episode 181 of the Joy Found Here and get inspired by Beth’s practical strategies for finding joy in work, experimentation, taking ownership of your work experience, and challenge the myths of perfectionism and work-life balance.In This Episode, You Will Learn:From a corporate career to Work Joy advocate (1:22)Disrupting the gloom of the workplace (7:25)Embracing curiosity and experimentation in your career (14:58)Look upwards and outwards and not get stuck in a box (19:28)Taking ownership of your Work Joy: Practical steps to find fulfillment(24:24)The importance of self-reflection and taking risks (31:49)Building success: Experimentations and growth (41:16)Leaping into entrepreneurship (46:06)What’s next for Beth Stallwood (50:12)Connect with Beth Stallwood:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXYouTubeThe WorkJoy Jam PodcastGet Beth’s book!Let's Connect:WebsiteInstagram