In this episode of The Contagious Joy Podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny wrap up their month-long series on family and motherhood as they prepare for contrasting seasonal changes—with Kim heading into summer holidays and Jenny bracing for a rainy Australian winter.

The episode centers on the complex, beautiful, and sometimes difficult realities of parenting and family systems. Kim shares an intimate look at a real-time parenting standoff with her son over chores and screen time, explaining why it is vital for children to safely experience boredom and why she purposefully uses a positive reinforcement structure to build an internal sense of pride in her child. Jenny reflects on how her own family dynamic has shifted over time.

Deepening the conversation, the hosts candidly look back at their own upbringings to explore how childhood structures shape adulthood. They discuss the profound impact of rules and expectations, navigating childhood traumas to dealing with ADHD and rejection sensitivity in motherhood, Kim and Jenny offer a comforting, raw reminder that while parenting stages never truly stop being hard, they are filled with opportunities to heal, grow, and pass down love.

Show Notes

Welcome Back to The Contagious Joy Podcast Kim and Jenny officially open the show by welcoming listeners back for the final week of May. They touch on their contrasting climates as Kim prepares for the U.S. summer break and Jenny faces a long, rainy winter in Australia.

Cross-Continental Core Memories The hosts reminisce about past family travels, detailing the lasting impact that cross-continental visits between American and Australian cultures have had on their children's worldviews.

Life Under Chuck’s Roof: Rules, Manners, and Telephone Etiquette Kim fondly remembers her father, Chuck, and his strict but loving rules for teaching neighborhood kids accountability, proper manners, and how to respectfully answer a landline telephone.

The Hard Realities of High School Counseling Drawing from her background as a school counselor, Kim discusses the heartbreaking realities of hidden childhood neglect, referencing an old family friend who realized for the first time as a guest in another home that "normal" fathers didn't have to be abusive alcoholics.

Rewriting the Script on Discipline Kim opens up about her childhood as a "prickly pear" and explains how her past experiences with strict parental yelling led her to consciously develop safe, boundary-focused parenting style with her son.

The Memorial Day Pool Standoff & Brain Rot Kim shares a humorous, real-time look at managing a three-day holiday weekend. She explains her strategy for handling her son’s reliance on YouTube, using the setup of a backyard pool to teach the valuable lesson that "if you want to have the fun, you've got to do the help too".

Parental Burnout and Mothers Who Are Jealous of Their Kids Jenny reflects on falling into a parenting role at just five years old to care for her siblings. She bravely opens up about her mother's severe mental illness and the complex trauma of having a parent who felt envious and frustrated by her child's capabilities.

Navigating ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity in Motherhood Kim dives into the emotional layers of parenting with ADHD, explaining how Rejection Sensitivity Dysmorphia (RSD) can make criticism agonizingly heavy. She shares how she actively manages her instinct to be a "prickly pear" so she can remain a safe, comforting space for her son.

From Everyday Chores to Prison Escapes Jenny tells a wild piece of family folklore about an ancestor who famously broke out of prison multiple times, bringing a hilarious conclusion to a conversation that started with simple childhood chores.

The Bittersweet Evolution of Motherhood The hosts close the episode by debunking the myth that the newborn phase is the only difficult part of parenting. They reflect on the bittersweet emotional trials of watching adult children pack up their things to officially move out, reminding listeners that motherhood is a beautiful, lifelong commitment.

In this episode of the Contagious Joy Podcast, hosts Jenny and Kim celebrate a massive milestone—reaching 800 downloads! Before diving into the main celebration, they pull back the curtain on their typical pre-recording technical chaos and dive into a hilarious debate over American versus Australian terminology. From the quick onset of American "hot flashes" to the enduring body-heat of Australian "hot flushes" (accompanied by toilet-flushing hand gestures), they compare the cultural quirks of their respective home countries.

The heart of the episode centers around a major family milestone: Jenny’s adult daughter, Emily, and her husband, Phil, have officially exchanged contracts on their very first home in Sydney’s notoriously brutal housing market. Jenny shares the grueling 12-month journey of hunting through poorly constructed units, avoiding real estate tricks, and the sheer pride she and her husband, Tim, feel in helping the couple finally break into the property ladder. The hosts also discuss the emotional side of packing up 28 years of life, how furniture reveals a couple's true personality, and why neither of them will ever live in a minimalist, all-white house.

Show Notes

• Behind-the-Scenes Technical Bloopers: Jenny and Kim share the reality of logging into their recording software, which accidentally kicks off a conversation about mid-recording hot flashes.
• Welcome & Milestone Celebration: The hosts officially welcome listeners back and celebrate hitting 800 downloads, thanking their community for being ambassadors of joy.
• Hot Flashes vs. Hot Flushes: A deep dive into regional lingo. The hosts compare how Americans view a "hot flash" versus how Australians experience a "hot flush". Plus, a breakdown of American high-water toilet bowls vs. Australian button-flush toilets.
• Menopause in the Wild: Kim shares a funny story about trying to cool down during a rainy 51°F parkour competition in Seattle , while Jenny recounts her athletic history of turning "strawberry red".
• Breaking into the Sydney Housing Market: Jenny details her daughter Emily and son-in-law Phil's year-long journey searching for an apartment (or "condo") in Sydney. They swap stories on navigating "badly built" modern units with curved brick walls versus how Jenny's grandfather used to build sturdy structures.
• Finding "The One": How a sudden call from Jenny's husband, Tim, led them away from an agricultural show and straight to the winning 3-bedroom unit. Jenny breaks down how they beat the real estate agents at their own game to exchange contracts.
• Personalities Through Furniture & Decor: Jenny talks about the excitement of seeing Emily and Phil design their own home. Kim relates by sharing her memory of moving in with her husband, Eric, and adding personal color to the walls.
• Generational Real Estate Reflections: Jenny reflects on how hard she and Tim worked to buy their first home 1.5 hours outside of the city , and the deep pride they feel in helping the next generation secure a spot closer to home.
• The Logistics of Home Buying: A quick educational breakdown of Australian real estate processes, including the 10-day cooling-off period, strata reports, and the 42-day settlement period.
• Packing Up 28 Years of Life: Emily starts sorting through her massive book collection (including saying goodbye to Percy Jackson) as she transitions into a new phase of life.
• The Sofa Scale & Design Style: Kim warns about the deceptive size of sectional couches in large furniture warehouses , and both hosts proudly embrace having "lived-in" homes filled with family memories and dog hair over minimalist aesthetics.

In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, Jen and Kim dive deep into the multifaceted journey of motherhood. Set against the backdrop of Mother’s Day, the hosts share their personal and often contrasting experiences—from the physical toll of difficult pregnancies to the emotional complexities of family legacies. They discuss the societal expectations placed on women regarding starting families, the current financial barriers like rising housing costs and interest rates that impact young people's decisions today, and the reality that Mother's Day can be a day of both celebration and grief.

Show Notes

• Introduction: The hosts celebrate Kim entering a new stage of life ("a woman of a certain age") and transition into the primary topic: Mother's Day.
• Societal Expectations: A discussion on the pressure young women feel to marry and have children, contrasted with modern trends of delaying or opting out of parenthood.
• Economic Realities: How high real estate prices (specifically in Sydney) and rising interest rates create significant barriers for young couples wanting to start families.
• Pregnancy Journeys:
  • Jen’s Story: Dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum, resulting in extreme illness and multiple hospitalizations during her two pregnancies.
  • Kim’s Story: Navigating a high-risk pregnancy at age 45, including gestational diabetes and a 14-day NICU stay for her son, Haakon.
• The Emotional Spectrum of Mother's Day:
  • Jen reflects on her "traumatizing" childhood with a mother who suffered from untreated schizophrenia.
  • Kim discusses the beauty of her evolving relationship with her mother, Gail.
  • Acknowledging those facing infertility, loss, or difficult maternal relationships.
• The Joy of Motherhood: Highlights including watching children learn, grow, and eventually teach their own parents.
• Poem by: Sara_rian_books on instagram

In this episode, the hosts celebrate a major milestone—surpassing 700 downloads—before diving into deeply personal updates. Kim shares the surprising results of her recent blood work, revealing she has moved into the post-menopausal stage of life at age 52. This sparks a broad, heartfelt discussion on the "Remarkable" nature of the female body, ranging from the struggles of infertility and miscarriages to the complexities of Mother’s Day and the "Cruel" judgments women sometimes face from one another. The episode also touches on the humor of midlife crises—including a sudden interest in colorful underwear—and the importance of knowing when to "Think it" rather than "Say it".

Show Notes

• Celebrating Success: A big thank you to the listeners for reaching 700 downloads.
• Cook’s Country Connection: Recapping the joy of last week’s guest, Lois Pajari, and her 11-year-old petting farm in Cook, Minnesota.
• The Post-Menopause Surprise: Kim discusses her high FSH levels and low estrogen, and how she seemingly skipped perimenopause to become a "Menopause overachiever".
• The "Say It vs. Think It" Filter: A lesson from Kim’s days as a school counselor on how to avoid being a "Woman's worst enemy" by filtering judgmental thoughts.
• Fertility Journeys: Personal reflections on difficult pregnancies, HSG procedures, and the emotional toll of miscarriages.
• Male Cycles and Midlife Crises: A lighthearted look at how men experience their own "Cycles," featuring a story about a husband’s sudden switch from plain white to bright, stripy underwear.
• Mother’s Day Reflections: Acknowledging that Mother’s Day can be difficult for many, including those who struggle to conceive or those who have complicated relationships with their own mothers.

In this episode of Contagious Joy, hosts Kim and Jenny interview Lois Pajari, the owner and operator of Cook’s Country Connection. Lois shares the devastating story of the June 2013 fire that destroyed her business, the Cook Dollar Barn, and left eight families homeless. Out of that tragedy, Lois returned to her great-grandparents' 1900 homestead to build a new sanctuary. Now celebrating its 10th season, the farm has become a vibrant community hub featuring a mobile zoo, farm yoga, summer camps, and a sanctuary for "misfit" animals.

Show Notes

• The Catalyst for Rebirth: Kim introduces Lois Pajari and the history of the catastrophic 2013 fire in Cook, Minnesota.
• Life Before the Fire: Lois discusses her transition from the airline industry to opening the "Dollar Barn," which became a community hub for local tenants.
• The First Field Trip: The emotional moment a school bus arrived at the farm, sparking the idea for a permanent farm-based business.
• The Day of the Fire: Lois recounts receiving the phone call that changed everything and the loss of her business and family heirlooms.
• Building a New Dream: Using graph paper and inspiration from other agritourism farms to sketch the layout of Cook’s Country Connection.
• Building the "Ark": Learning to raise Nigerian dwarf goats, llamas, and sheep through trial, error, and "Stories Guides".
• Lessons Learned: The importance of "test families" and why you should never put concrete pavers at the bottom of a slide.
• Searching for a Matt Damon connection. Cousin Matt come to Cook!

You can find Lois at Cook’s Country Connection at www.cookscountryconnection.com

Instagram: cookscountryconnection

Facebook: Cook's Country Connection

Check out Cook’s Country Connection on HipCamp.com/Cooks Country Connection

In this episode, Kim and Jen dive deep into the concept of "joy" as a response to last week’s conversation with Annie. They explore the physical toll of high-stress environments, with Kim sharing her personal battle with vertigo and a familial health crisis that forced her to re-evaluate her priorities. Meanwhile, Jen shares a heartwarming and humorous story about stepping out of her comfort zone to care for her brother Brendan, who has autism, and the specific rituals (involving KFC and a specific placement of the spoon and straws) that brought them a unique moment of connection. Together, they discuss how to find "flow," the importance of mental health, and the joy of rediscovering old passions like sewing and crafting.

Show Notes

• Recap of Annie’s Story: Reflecting on the "word of the year"—Joy—and how a health crisis can lead to a more purposeful life.
• The Physical Cost of Stress: Kim discusses her experience with vestibular neuritis and vertigo brought on by a high-stress school environment and the pressure of being a new mom.
• Prioritizing Mental Health: A discussion on why women often "muscle through" stress and the importance of pausing before reaching a breaking point.
• Finding "Flow" in Creativity: Jen talks about her return to sewing after 18 months and the peace found in being creative.
• The KFC Ritual: Jen shares the detailed system required to take her brother Brendan out for lunch, including the precise placement of straws and spoons in the center console.
• Communication Beyond Words: How Brendan’s "happy noises" and specific demands for disinfectant wipes showed a deep sense of connection and joy.

In this episode, Annie continues to share her transformative journey from a high-pressure career as a family lawyer to her current role as a health and wellbeing coach. After a life-altering trip to New York that served as a catalyst for change, Annie realized she could no longer sustain the stress and constant deadlines of her legal practice. She discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with motherhood, her transition into "Bodies Before Business" coaching, and the importance of maintaining meaningful professional relationships while prioritizing personal health.

Show Notes

• The Catalyst for Change: Annie discusses how a three-week trip to New York with her husband helped her reconnect with joy and clarity, leading to a courageous decision to reshape her life.
• The Reality of the "Return": Returning to Australia and facing a mountain of emails, Annie quickly realized her body could no longer handle the habitual tension of her full-time legal role.
• Career Evolution: From running corporate health programs in the 1990s to becoming a family lawyer and eventually pivoting back to coaching, Annie explores the cyclical nature of her professional path.
• Defining Success in Law: Annie reflects on her time as a solicitor, defining success as helping clients navigate the "messiness" of separation and moving them toward a stable future.
• "Bodies Before Business": An introduction to Annie’s current coaching program, which helps senior lawyers and law firm owners avoid burnout and prioritize their wellbeing.
• The Power of Connection: Annie emphasizes the value of her "Central West Therapy Group"—a close-knit circle of colleagues who provided essential support during her most challenging health and professional moments.

You can find Annie at https://anniesievers.com/

Instagram @anniessievers

Facebook @Annie Sievers

Books mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Lisa Miller https://www.lisamillerphd.com/ The Awakened Brain

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar https://www.draditi.com/ The 5 Reset- Your Personalized Roadmap to Rewire Your Brain

You can find us at www.TheContagiousJoyPodcast.com where you can submit a What's Your Joy Story.

Facebook: The Contagious Joy Podcast

Facebook Group: What's Your Joy

Instagram @thecontagiousjoypodcast

In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny return from a two-week hiatus to interview Annie, a former family lawyer from Mudgee, New South Wales. Annie shares her powerful journey from living a high-pressure, "unsustainable" life in the legal field to finding a new purpose after a serious health diagnosis. The conversation explores the hidden burdens lawyers carry, the importance of listening to your body, and how to find clarity and joy even in life’s heaviest moments.

Show Notes

• Meeting Annie: Jenny describes her "instant" connection with Annie at a conference a year ago and introduces her background as a dedicated professional in country New South Wales.
• The Life of a Family Lawyer: Annie reflects on 12 years of "jumping from deadline to deadline," juggling a massive workload with personal responsibilities and the emotional toll of managing clients' lives.
• Accidental Self-Care: How losing a car for a month forced Annie into a walking commute, revealing the desperate need for breaks and movement.
• Finding the "Wins": Annie discusses the rewarding side of law—using behavioral psychology to help clients move toward a "future-focused" life after separation.
• The Weight of Vicarious Trauma: A deep dive into the emotional burden lawyers carry, the "mask" of invulnerability they must wear, and the moment Annie realized she had to retire for her own sanity.
• Windshields vs. Rearview Mirrors: A discussion on why looking forward is more vital than dwelling on the past.
• The Turning Point: Annie begins to share the onset of a health crisis in late 2022 that ultimately changed the trajectory of her life.

You can find Annie at https://anniesievers.com/

Instagram @anniessievers

Facebook @Annie Sievers

Hosted by two friends who have "been through the wringer" when it comes to serious and confronting topics, this show explores how to capture joy in the moments that matter most.

In every episode, you can expect:

• Deep Exploration: We discuss themes of joyful living, personal growth, and the vital importance of finding joy in everyday life.

• Serious Conversations: While we love a good laugh, we don’t shy away from the serious topics that shape who we are.

• Transformative Practices: We share the actual tools and habits that helped us find our way back to the light.

• Special Guests: Join us for insightful chats with inspiring guests.

• Interactive Fun: Get involved with our unique listener joy challenges!

Join us as we share our stories, ask the tough questions, and learn together how to live more joyfully.

Season 2 of the Contagious Joy Podcast returning to the airwaves on April 4th!

In this special season finale, Kim and Jenny reflect on their journey through the first 11 episodes of the Contagious Joy Podcast. They celebrate reaching a milestone of 400 listens and take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the heartfelt, heavy, and hilarious moments that defined their first season. From discussing the "biosecurity" of mixed nuts to navigating sibling loss and "joy vampires," the duo explores how they've found light in both the mundane and the monumental. The hosts conclude by inviting listeners to share their own stories as they prepare for a refreshed Season 2 in April.

Episode Highlights

• The Milestone: Celebrating 400 listens and the global connection between Minnesota and Sydney.
• The Great Food Debate: Re-evaluating whether the first meal their fathers shared 50 years ago was American tacos or "hot ham".
• A Season of Depth: Recapping key episodes, including:
  • Episode 2: Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart and finding purpose through grief.
  • Episode 3: The science of joy (amygdalas and hippocampi) and "admitting defeat" as a strength.
  • Episode 4: Lessons from Jenny’s brother Paulie and the perils of Australian customs.
  • Episode 5: Funeral photography with Nell Alberto and finding the "real fun" in funerals.
  • Episode 8: Identifying "joy vampires" and setting boundaries to protect your energy.
• Special Guest: A brief audio cameo from Hector, Jenny’s golden retriever puppy.
• The "RxCKSTxR" Recommendation: A hilarious shout-out to animal voiceover videos involving Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

What’s Next?

The podcast is taking a short hiatus! Kim is driving her parents from Oregon back to Minnesota, and Jenny is busy with new speaking engagements. Season 2 will return in April with new guests, including discussions on infertility, farm life, and more.

Connect with Us: * Website: www.contagiousjoypodcast.com * Socials: @TheContagiousJoyPodcast (Facebook & Instagram) * Share Your Story: Submit a "Joy Story" or volunteer to be a guest on our site!

In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Jenny and Kim explore the intentional practice of "bringing joy" to others. Inspired by the storytelling of folk singer Christine Lavin, Jenny reflects on how a simple conversation can prevent a "moment from slipping away" and shares a touching story about a chance encounter at a grocery store that changed a stranger's week. The hosts delve into the profound impact of kindness, from supporting those with disabilities and communication challenges to the life-changing work of the Jesse Reese Foundation. Whether it’s through "Joy Jars," Lego flowers, or just a genuine "hello," this episode is a reminder that being a "light bringer" is a choice we can make every day.

Show Notes

The Theme: Bringing Joy

• The Origin Story: Kim reveals the podcast was almost named "Joy Bringer" before a fortune cookie inspired the current title.
• Lessons from Christine Lavin: Jenny discusses the song "The Moment Slipped Away" and the importance of speaking up when you admire someone.
• The Aldi Connection: A powerful story about how a simple greeting to a woman in a wheelchair turned into a lasting connection.

Communication & Kindness

• A Legacy of Approachability: Kim reminisces about her "Grandma Vi," who could turn a quick trip for bread and milk into an hour-long social event.
• Navigating Non-Verbal Worlds: Jenny talks about her two non-verbal brothers and the importance of "noticing and feeling" when words aren't available.
• The Magic of Speech Therapy: Kim shares her son Hakan’s journey with a "talker" (AAC device) and the emotional moment he first said "I love you".

Joy as a Tool for Healing

• The Jesse Reese Foundation: An introduction to the "Never Ever Give Up" (NEGU) movement and "Joy Jars" for children fighting cancer.
• The Toy Cave: Jenny describes a "toy cave" at Ronald McDonald House that provides hope and distraction for sick children.
• The "Smile" Experiment: Kim shares a simple challenge used in her counseling career to demonstrate how joy is reflected back to us.

Call to Action

• The Bring the Joy Challenge: The hosts invite listeners to share their own stories of bringing joy to others via their website or social media.

You can find the Jesse Reese Foundation at www.negu.org

In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny explore the intersection of joy and boundaries through the lens of unexpected life events. Kim shares her recent experience serving on a day-and-a-half theft trial, describing the selection process, the internal struggle to remain stoic while being a naturally joyful person, and the small ways she found joy—such as admiring the new courthouse views and doodling to stay focused. Jenny complements the discussion with her own legal stories from Australia, including a run-in with a judge whose colorful language left a lasting impression. Together, they reflect on the absurdity of rigid systems, the importance of "joy filters" to block out "joy vampires," and how setting boundaries—even in a courtroom—is essential for maintaining one's peace.

Show Notes

• The Joy Filter: A look at how to protect your happiness from "joy vampires" and "joy suckers".

• Kim’s Jury Duty Experience:
  • Receiving a summons in Oregon and the process of "voir dire".
  • The transition from a joyful mood to the stoic requirements of a trial.
  • Finding joy in the small things: courthouse architecture and the "delightful" court clerk.
  • The challenge of sitting still and the benefits of doodling for those with ADHD.

• Jenny’s Legal Tales from Australia:
  • The similar process of jury summons in Australia.
  • A personal story involving a mistrial, a future husband, and a judge’s shocking promise to "walk naked on his hands".

• The Absurdity of Systems: A discussion on the "pomp and circumstance" of the court system and how absurd humor (like Monty Python) can help navigate complex, rigid environments.

• Manners and Soirees: A look at vintage etiquette for the courtroom and an invitation to a formal soiree.

In this heartfelt episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny dive into the complex dynamics of experiencing joy in the presence of others who may not be ready or able to share it. The conversation explores deeply personal stories of familial betrayal and generational trauma, including a significant incident that changed a relationship. They discuss the concept of "lateral violence" and how shared trauma can lead to "dimming someone else’s light". Ultimately, the episode highlights the transformative power of apologies and the importance of finding "safe people" who celebrate your successes rather than feeling threatened by them.

Show Notes

• Recap of Last Week: A brief look back at the "great tale debate" (dogs vs. cats) and the origins of the term "budgie smugglers".

• Jenny’s Story of Betrayal: Jenny shares a 30-year-old story about her early days running a successful restaurant and how a family member stole the business’s takings, nearly jeopardizing everything she worked for.

• Understanding Lateral Violence: The hosts explore "lateral violence" or "horizontal hostility," where oppressed or struggling individuals displace aggression onto their own community or family members.

• Generational Trauma: Kim reflects on her "happy-go-lucky" childhood in a "non-hugging house" and the realization that her mother’s perceived jealousy was actually a manifestation of her own past traumas.

• The Power of the Apology: A discussion on how a simple, sincere apology—like the ones Kim’s parents eventually offered—can break cycles of trauma and foster healing.

• The "Joy Filter" and "Joy Vampires": How to identify people who drain your energy and the vital importance of holding tight to "safe people" who act as treasures in your life.

In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny shift from last week's heavy discussion on toxic positivity to the "age-old debate" of being a cat person versus a dog person. The hosts share heartwarming and humorous stories about their past and current pets, ranging from golden retrievers and "bougie" Bombay cats to a first pet budgerigar. They reflect on the deep family bond formed with animals, the unique personalities of their pets, and the profound grief that comes with "crossing the rainbow bridge". The conversation also touches on cultural differences in pet terminology.

Show Notes

• The Great Debate: Jenny identifies as a "dog person," sharing stories about her shaggy golden retriever who, ironically, cannot retrieve.

• Early Pet Memories: Kim recalls the loss of her first cat, Cocoa, in a childhood house fire, while Jenny discusses her first pet—a budgerigar named Blue—and the unexpected emotional impact of its passing.

• Naughty Neighbors: The hosts laugh about pets that "make the rounds" in the neighborhood for treats, including Kim’s white cat named Sasha and a neighbor's golden retriever named Lenny who had to be put on a diet due to too many neighborhood treats.

• Morning Rituals: A humorous look at how pets act as early morning alarm clocks, from Kim’s cat walking on pillows and the other meowing for breakfast to Jenny’s dog, Hector "straddling" Jenny & husband in bed.

• Cultural Differences: A lighthearted discussion on the Australian term "budgie smugglers" and the different terminology for "de-sexing" pets versus "spaying or neutering".

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In this episode, hosts Kim and Jenny explore the concept of "toxic positivity"—the dysfunctional promotion of a "good vibes only" mindset that dismisses authentic negative emotions. After recapping a previous conversation with funeral photographer Nell Aburto about finding joy during mourning , the hosts pivot to discuss why forced optimism can be harmful, during hard times. They reflect on personal experiences with invalidation, the negativity of current world news, and the importance of allowing oneself to "sit in the muck" of difficult emotions rather than masking them with a smile.

Show Notes

• Recap: Finding Joy in Loss – Reflections on the interview with Nell Aburto and the importance of capturing meaningful photos for legacies.

• Defining Toxic Positivity – A look at Leah Methar’s definition: how excessive cheerfulness can invalidate grief, anger, and fear. You can find Leah’s video about Toxic Positivity here:https://youtu.be/BJIZXJZ00EE?si=eAwGKBbZt-xg6m9j And her website here:https://www.leahmether.com.au/

• The Weight of the World – Discussing the constant stream of negative news from Social Media to Corporate News and how it impacts mental well-being.

• Handling Hate Online – Kim recounts her experience receiving a hateful comment on a social media post and her decision to continue spreading joy without ignoring the "not so joyful" parts of life.

• What You Can Control – Shifting focus from global issues to personal attitude, thoughts, and the validation of one's own feelings.

In this moving episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny are joined by their first guest, professional funeral photographer Nell Aburto. Nell shares how the personal regret of not having photos from her own parents' services inspired her to launch a business documenting final goodbyes. The conversation explores the " joy" that persists even in deep mourning, the importance of capturing family history, and how documenting loss can become the seed for a new kind of healing and connection. From lighthearted stories about "real fun" funerals to the technical and emotional challenges of working behind the lens in somber spaces, Nell offers a unique perspective on why these final moments are worth remembering.

Show Notes

Introducing Nell Alberto

• Professional Background: A portrait photographer for over 15 years who transitioned into the rare field of funeral photography.
• A Personal Calling: Nell’s interest began after losing both of her parents and realizing she lacked photos of the beautiful, uplifting moments from their services to look back on.

The Role of a Funeral Photographer

• Capturing the "Real Fun": Discussing the irony that "funeral" is an anagram for "real fun," the group talks about finding laughter and celebration in the midst of mourning.
• Focusing on Legacy: Nell looks for interactions between relatives, the presence of children playing, and the legacy of the deceased.
• Hidden Beauty: Documenting moments like a husband's last touch of a casket or the expressions on grandchildren’s faces that would otherwise be a "blur" for the grieving family.

Navigating Grief and Vulnerability

• The "Club" of Loss: Kim, Jenny, and Nell reflect on their shared experiences losing siblings and parents, acknowledging that every person’s grief is unique.
• Brené Brown & Foreboding Joy: A discussion on why we often try to "protect" our hearts from joy to avoid future pain and how gratitude serves as the antidote.
• Empathy as a Tool: Nell discusses how she balances her professional duties while empathizing deeply with families, often finding herself moved to tears during services.

Lighthearted Reflections & Community

• "Tips from Dead People": Kim shares a social media find, @tipsfromdeadpeople, which finds life lessons and humor in obituaries.
• The Importance of Photos: Nell emphasizes the practical need for good photos of living relatives for future use in obituaries and family history.
• Kim shares a poem about grief and joy written by @jamesarasi

Don't forget to share your Joy with us at www.thecontagiousjoypodcast.com

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Guest Information

Nell Aburto, Professional Photographer.

https://www.mnfuneralphotography.com

Instagram: @mnfuneralphotography

Facebook: Minnesota Funeral Photography

In this episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny celebrate a major milestone: reaching 100 listeners!. They open with lighthearted corrections from previous stories—clarifying the mystery of the "American Tacos" and the creative use of coffee pots in American motels.

The conversation turns toward a deeper, more meaningful theme: Finding joy without guilt.. Jenny shares a moving tribute to her late brother, Paulie, who lived with cerebral palsy and taught her that joy isn't found in things (like his favorite KFC gravy), but in the presence and laughter of others. Kim reflects on a chance encounter with a former colleague and a conversation about the "guilt of not helping enough" during dark times, reminding listeners that finding small pockets of happiness is essential for resilience.

Show Notes

Highlights & Milestones

• The 100 Club: A big thank you to our first 100 listeners!.
• Setting the Record Straight: Kim’s mom calls in with an edit—it wasn't tacos; it was "Hot Ham.".
• The "Mr. Fix-It" Engineer: Jenny’s dad, Allan, and his adventures fixing things in Oregon.
• Customs & Buckwheat Pillows: The hilarious and slightly stressful story of not claiming a buckwheat neck pillow through Australian border security.

Deep Dive: Joy Without Guilt

• New Purpose: Jenny discusses transitioning from her career in teaching to finding a new purpose in sharing her journey through psychological injury.
• Lessons from Paulie: How Jenny’s brother Paulie found "unfettered joy" through connection and smiles, even after losing the ability to eat his favorite foods.
• The Antidote to Foreboding Joy: Reflecting on Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart and how gratitude serves as the primary tool to combat the vulnerability of joy.
• Global Heaviness: Acknowledging the "shade" in the world—from the cost of living crisis in Sydney to tensions in the US—and why "being the light" is more important than ever.

Episode Summary

In this candid conversation, hosts Kim and Jenny discuss their professional backgrounds in education and the specific moments when the weight of their environments felt overwhelming. Kim shares a poignant story about balancing the joy of a long-awaited pregnancy with the sudden news of job loss and the death of a beloved pet. Jenny reflects on the challenges of returning to the classroom after a significant injury and the difficult decision to eventually walk away from a career she loved to protect her well-being. Together, they delve into the science of the brain's stress response, explaining how the "dinosaur brain" can hijack our ability to think clearly and why sometimes the best way to support someone in a heavy room is simply to sit with them in silence.

Defining the "Heavy Room"

• The Educator's Perspective: Both hosts draw on their backgrounds as a school counselor and a former teacher to describe environments like staff meetings with bad news or classrooms following a student meltdown.
• Kim’s Trifecta of Grief: Kim details a single weekend in February where she faced losing her job and the death of her 20-year-old cat, Zazou, all while navigating a high-risk pregnancy.
• The Power of Community: How Kim leaned on the joy of others and the excitement of her "framily" to carry her through her darkest professional moments.

Navigating Professional Trauma

• Jenny’s Injury and Recovery: A look at the struggle of returning to a workplace that lacked support following a significant psychological and physical injury.
• Admitting Defeat vs. Choosing Strength: Jenny reframes her decision to leave teaching after 17 years as an act of strength and self-preservation rather than failure.
• Finding a New Mission: How Jenny transitioned from the classroom to speaking on a national stage about injury recovery and disability management.

The Science of Joy and Stress

• Brain Anatomy 101: A breakdown of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, and how they interact during a "fight or flight" response.
• Sitting in the Muck: The importance of "presence over prose"—understanding that when someone is overwhelmed, they often need your presence more than your words.

Through personal stories—ranging from a hilarious "ice cream rescue" on a busy highway to the profound grief of losing siblings—Kim and Jenny discuss the "dress rehearsal of tragedy" and how we sometimes protect ourselves from pain by foreboding the very joy we seek.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Weather Extremes: A look at the life of a podcast recorded between a 45°C ( 117°F) heatwave in Australia and the -60°F memories of northern Minnesota.
• The Science of Joy: Insights from Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart on why joy is our most vulnerable emotion and how gratitude serves as its essential antidote.
• Laughter that Heals: How a game of "Five Crowns" and a brewery lunch with old friends remind us that deep connection is the true source of joy.
• Finding Purpose in Pain: Kim shares the moving story of how her career in school counseling began and ended on the anniversary of her sister’s passing.
• What’s Your Joy?: Listener submissions featuring word-of-the-year inspirations, Minnesota birdwatching, and the simple joy of coffee and biscuits.

Join us as we learn to lean into the vulnerability of being happy and discover how to "dance again," even after the hardest years.

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What's Your Joy?

Welcome to the debut episode of The Contagious Joy Podcast! In this introductory session, hosts Kim (from Oregon, USA) and Jenny (from Sydney, Australia) share the heartwarming and often hilarious story of how two families from opposite ends of the globe became "framily".