The Truth About Joy: It's Not What You Think with Charlie Engelmann

What if joy isn't about feeling good all the time? In this episode, Melie sits down with Charlie Engelmann—educator, speaker, and PhD candidate studying joy—to unpack what joy really is, how it's different from happiness, and why adversity is actually essential for building a joyful life. They explore: Why joy can coexist with grief, fear, and discomfort The neuroscience behind real joy vs. dopamine-driven highs How behaviors, thoughts, and feelings work together to build joy Why comfort can kill joy—and how small steps toward discomfort can revive it The power of community (even when it's awkward to find) And Charlie's daily journaling habit that's spanned 30 years (!) Whether you're feeling joyless or just want to understand it better, this episode offers both science and soul. And don't worry—there's no ice plunging required (unless you're into that). Mentioned in this episode: Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke The Dose Effect by TJ Power 🎧 Listen in and be reminded: joy isn't the absence of struggle—it's often born from it.