JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with therapist, author and transformation expert Karen Goslin for a bold, honest and deeply personal conversation about what it truly takes to break free from the patterns that keep us stuck – and step into a life of intentional joy.From hitting rock bottom through illness, loss and heartbreak to building a life rooted in freedom, purpose and impact, Karen shares how doing the inner work doesn’t just change how you feel – it changes everything.At the heart of this conversation is a powerful realization: the stories you’ve been telling yourself may not be true – and rewriting them is the key to unlocking your joy.Together, Greg and Karen explore what happens when you stop reacting to life through old wounds… and start responding with awareness, accountability and intention.•  How hidden narratives from your past shape your present – and how to rewrite them•  Why your brain creates inaccurate stories during painful moments (and how to correct them)•  Simple, practical tools to interrupt triggers and respond with clarity instead of reaction•  The connection between discipline, self-care and your ability to experience joy•  How reframing pain can open the door to freedom, passion, and possibilityBut beyond the tools, this episode is about something deeper.It’s about awareness. It’s about ownership. It’s about getting out of your own way.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected or unsure of what’s holding you back, this conversation will challenge your thinking, ground you in practical action, and remind you that change is always possible – no matter where you’re starting from.Because as Karen reminds us:Joy isn’t found by fixing everything around you – it’s created by changing your relationship with what’s within you.Chapters:00:00:00  Welcome to Joy Squared00:02:06  Meet Karen Goslin 00:09:36  What Is Joy? Freedom, Passion & Getting Out of Your Own Way00:12:02  Why Most People Don’t Know What They Want00:13:25  Rewriting Narratives & Removing Mental Blocks00:17:06  From “Not Enough” to Self-Awareness00:21:05  Why Our Brains Create Inaccurate Stories in Painful Moments00:23:01  The CHANGE Method / Tools to Interrupt Triggers00:30:09  Creating Joy Through Discipline, Sleep & Lifestyle Choices00:36:30  Reframing the Past & Building New Mental Anchors00:40:11  Why Your Past Doesn’t Disappear – But Your Relationship to It Can00:56:48  Final Reflections / Hope, Healing & What’s Possible00:58:48  Where to Connect with Karen01:00:25  Joy Is Contagious – Create It & Share ItConnect with Greg De KokerWebsite: www.joy2.caLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/Connect with Karen GoslinWebsite: https://karenrsw.com/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karen-goslin-msw-rsw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengoslin.speaks/Linked Tree: https://linktr.ee/karengoslin.speaksTake ActionTake a moment to notice a story you’ve been telling yourself – especially one that shows up when you feel triggered, stressed or not enough. Ask yourself: is this actually true… or is this something I created in a moment of pain? Now consider a different perspective. A more accurate, grounded and empowering version of that story. This is where change begins.Action TipPractice creating a “pause” the next time you feel triggered. Before reacting, try this simple sequence: • Notice what’s happening in your body and mind • Interrupt the reaction (even with something physical, like taking a breath or shifting your focus)• Ask yourself: What do I know to be true right now? • Choose a response that aligns with what you really want – not just how you feel in the moment Joy isn’t about eliminating triggers – it’s about learning how to move through them with intention. And the more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker and co-host and Title Sponsor, Wray Carvelas, sit down with strategy and culture expert Tracey Swanepoel for a powerful and perspective-shifting conversation on the true role of joy in leadership, performance and everyday life.With decades of experience spanning business, storytelling and organizational transformation, Tracey brings a rare ability to simplify complexity and reconnect people to what matters most. Her work is rooted in a simple but often overlooked truth: when people feel seen, heard and genuinely connected, everything changes.At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reframe:Joy isn’t the reward at the end of the journey. It’s the fuel that makes everything else possible.Together, we explore what happens when leaders move beyond chasing outcomes – and instead create environments where purpose, meaning and human connection can thrive.Because when that shift happens, performance doesn’t suffer. It expands.In this episode, we explore:• Why joy is a foundational driver of performance – not just a “nice to have”• How storytelling and simplicity can align teams and bring strategy to life• The power of helping people feel truly seen, heard and valued• Why the smallest “micro-moments” of joy matter more than big winsBut this conversation goes beyond leadership.It’s about awareness. It’s about connection. It’s about how you choose to show up – every single day.If you’ve ever felt caught in complexity, disconnected from purpose, or stuck chasing results that don’t truly fulfill you, this episode offers a powerful reset.Because as Tracey reminds us:The joy you experience along the way is far more powerful than any result you achieve at the end.Chapters:00:00:00  Welcome to Joy Squared00:01:40  Meet Tracey / Strategy, Culture & Storytelling00:05:18  What Joy Means in Work and Life00:08:00  Simplicity, Storytelling & Human Connection00:14:01  Joy at Home: Family, Presence & Being Seen00:23:53  From Tennis Dreams to Life Purpose00:28:14  Why Joy is Foundational, Not Optional00:31:03  Strengths, Resilience & Leading Through Joy00:33:08  Turning Insight into Action00:34:27  Final Reflections: Joy is ContagiousConnect with Greg De KokerWebsite: www.joy2.caLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/Connect with Wray CarvelasWebsite: www.ascenciagroup.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ascencia-group-unleashing-tomorrow-s-leaders-today/Connect with Tracey SwanepoelWebsite: www.thinkspiration.co.zaLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-swanepoel-61496872/Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastStay Connected to JOY²:Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/Take ActionTake a moment to notice where you’ve been treating joy as something secondary – something that comes after the work is done or the goal is achieved.Where are you postponing it?Now flip it.What would change if joy became your starting point instead of your destination?Today, choose one moment – at work, at home, or in a conversation – where you intentionally bring more presence, more connection and more humanity into the experience.Not later.Right there, in the middle of it.Action TipThis week, lead with intention before you lead with action.Before your next meeting, conversation or task, pause and ask:• How can I simplify this?• How can I help someone feel seen or heard?• Where can I create a moment of real connection?Small shifts create big ripple effects.Joy isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you create – moment by moment, interaction by interaction.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, Greg De Koker sits down with financial advisor Ian Barnett for a grounded, honest and deeply human conversation about what it really means to live – and lead – with intentional joy.From a high-pressure engineering career to building a purpose-driven financial practice, he shares how redefining success around family, service, and fulfillment transformed not just his work, but how he shows up in life.At the center of this conversation is a powerful shift.Joy isn’t something you earn after success.  It’s something you choose first.Together, Greg and Ian explore what happens when you stop chasing outcomes… and start aligning your life with what actually matters.In this episode, we explore:•  How redefining success can completely change your life trajectory•  The emotional weight of financial stress – and how to move through it•  Why discipline and structure can actually create more freedom and joy•  The importance of presence – especially with the people who matter mostBut beyond money, this episode is about something deeper.It’s about ownership.It’s about values.It’s about choosing how you live – on purpose.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to create meaningful change in your life, this conversation will meet you where you are… and challenge you to take your next step forward.Because at the end of the day, as Ian reminds us:No one else is responsible for your joy – you have to choose it.Chapters:00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared00:01:41 Meet Ian Barnett / Engineering to Financial Advisor00:07:59 The Power of Retreats & Stillness00:09:08 Family First & Helping Clients Transform Their Lives00:10:30 Real Client Transformation Stories00:14:25 Discipline, Planning & Execution00:17:00 Becoming Their Financial Partner, Not Boss00:21:30 Celebrating Life-Changing Milestones00:24:13 Lifting Others Through Energy & Perspective00:27:30 Reducing Stress Through Structure00:29:04 Leading with Joy Daily00:33:11 Presence Over Productivity00:35:52 Fatherhood & Life’s Most Meaningful Moments00:40:06 Two Truths & A Lie 00:44:56 You Are Responsible for Your Joy 00:47:00 Where to Connect with Ian 00:50:04 Joy is Contagious – Create It & Share ItIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to stay connected and subscribe to the "JOY² – Live With Joy" Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you live, work and lead with more joy – intentionally.Connect with Greg De KokerWebsite: www.joy2.caLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/Connect with Ian BarnettWebsite: www.imbfinancial.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ian-m-barnett/Instagram: www.instagram.com/ian_m_barnett/Facebook: www.facebook.com/Barnett.Ian.MListen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastStay Connected to JOY²:Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/Take ActionTake a moment to reflect on where you’ve been treating joy as something to “get to later.” Where are you waiting for the promotion, the financial milestone, or the perfect moment?Now flip the question: what would it look like to lead with joy today, exactly where you are?Choose one small shift. One decision. One action that aligns more closely with the life you actually want to live and take it.Action TipCreate a simple “Joy Filter” for your decisions this week. Before saying yes to something, ask:• Does this align with what matters most to me?• Will this move me toward the life I want or away from it?• Can I show up to this with energy, presence, and intention?If the answer is no, pause.Joy isn’t found in doing more - it’s found in choosing better.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, Greg De Koker sits down with transformational speaker, educator and movement facilitator Emmy Rousseau for an energizing and deeply human conversation about reclaiming joy as a daily, intentional practice.From navigating uncertainty in her early entrepreneurial days to becoming a powerful voice for self-love, mindset and embodied transformation, she brings a refreshing perspective:  joy isn’t something we earn – it’s something we return to.Through her work, Emmy helps depleted changemakers reconnect with themselves so they can create meaningful, sustainable impact – without burning out.But what makes her approach so powerful isn’t just what she teaches – it’s how she invites people back into themselves.In this episode, we explore:•  Why joy isn’t dependent on circumstances – but always available within•  The difference between happiness (temporary) and joy (ever-present)•  How overthinking, people-pleasing and pressure quietly block joy•  The power of trusting your intuition as a guide to alignment•  Emmy’s “self-love toolbox” for shifting your state in real time•  How movement, breath and awareness can unlock authentic joyIf you’ve ever felt stuck in your thoughts…Disconnected from your energy…Or unsure how to access joy in the middle of real life…This conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder:Joy isn’t somewhere out there waiting for you.  It’s already within you – waiting to be felt again.Chapters:00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared 00:02:00 Meet Emmy Rousseau / From Movement to Full-Body Joy Activation00:05:22 Following Bliss vs Chasing Stability00:07:01 Joy as an Intention / Why Joy Is Always Available00:10:19 How to Return to Joy / Self-Love Toolbox & Nature Healing00:13:18 Letting Go of Perfectionism 00:16:40 What to Do When You Wake Up Off 00:23:43 Why Mistakes Create More Joy00:26:56 Why High Achievers Burn Out 00:29:05 How Energy Impacts Others00:33:08 Rewriting Your Story / Choosing Empowering Perspectives00:36:40 How to Move Through Emotional Blocks / Breath, Awareness & Self-Check00:38:13 Embodying Joy and Transformation00:42:00 Practicing Joy Daily in Small Ways00:44:10 How to Connect with Emmy Rousseau /00:46:32 Live with Joy, Lead with PurposeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to stay connected and subscribe to the "JOY² – Live With Joy" Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you live, work and lead with more joy – intentionally.Connect with Greg De KokerWebsite: www.joy2.caLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/Connect with Emmy RousseauWebsite: https://www.emmyrousseau.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/transformwithemmy/Instagram: www.instagram.com/transformwithemmy/Facebook: www.facebook.com/mariaelena.rousseauListen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastStay Connected to JOY²:Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/Take ActionInspired by this conversation? Start where Emmy starts:  with yourself.Today, pause and check in – not with your to-do list, but with your state.Ask yourself: “What do I need right now to feel even 5% more like me?”Then give yourself permission to follow that – whether it’s a breath, a walk, music or movement.Because joy doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from coming back to yourself.Action TipWhen you feel stuck in your head, shift your state through your body.Stand up. Shake it out. Take a deep breath. Move – intentionally, even for 30 seconds.You don’t need to solve everything. You just need to shift your energy.Joy isn’t something you figure out. It’s something you feel your way back into. 

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, Greg De Koker sits down with global executive, leadership advisor, and founder of Ascencia Group, Wray Carvelas, for a powerful and grounded conversation on what it truly means to lead with joy, purpose, and genuine care for people.With a career spanning engineering, mining, and global leadership – including CEO roles leading thousands – Wray brings a rare perspective: high performance at scale, built through people, not pressure.But what sets his leadership apart isn’t just what he’s achieved – it’s how he’s achieved it.In this episode, we explore:•  Why joy isn’t a reward for results – but a strategic starting point•  How leaders set the emotional tone for their teams (whether they realize it or not)•  The shift from “work-life balance” to true integration of life, purpose, and leadership•  The role of ikigai in aligning passion, strengths, and impact•  The hidden cost of taking on too much – and how self-awareness changes everything•  How to lead in environments that resist change – and still stay true to your valuesWray also shares honest reflections from his journey – what he’s learned, what he’s unlearned, and what it really takes to create cultures where people feel valued, empowered and inspired to do their best work.If you’ve ever felt the tension between performance and humanity…If you’ve questioned whether joy truly belongs in leadership…This conversation will challenge your assumptions – and invite you to lead in a way that changes everything.Because when leaders choose joy first, everything else follows.Chapters:00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared / Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth00:01:37 Meet Wray Carvelas / From Global CEO to People-Centered Leader00:03:30 Believing in Big Possibilities00:07:12 Shifting Mindsets Around Joy at Work00:12:25 Why Leaders Must Care Before They Lead 00:14:05 Joy vs Work-Life Balance / Why Life Must Be Blended00:21:32 Be the Reason for Joy / Leadership Starts With You00:26:55 Knowing Your People Deeply00:28:00 Misconceptions About Productivity00:34:14 Choosing What Matters Most 00:35:45 Self-Awareness and Courage / Overcoming Joy Blockers00:40:37 Finding Purpose and Actively Caring00:41:32 How to Connect with Wray 00:42:54 Leading with Joy, Purpose, and Impact00:44:50 Closing Message / Joy is Contagious – Spread ItIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to stay connected and subscribe to the "JOY² – Live With Joy" Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you live, work and lead with more joy – intentionally.Connect with Greg De KokerWebsite: www.joy2.caLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/Connect with Wray CarvelasWebsite: www.ascenciagroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wray-carvelas-80520032/Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastStay Connected to JOY²:Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/Take ActionInspired by this conversation? Start where Wray starts: with people.Today, choose one person you lead, work with, or care about – and intentionally show them that they matter. Not through a task or transaction, but through genuine connection.Ask a better question. Listen a little longer. Be fully present.Because leadership doesn’t begin with strategy. It begins with how you show up for people.Action TipBefore your next meeting or conversation, pause for 10 seconds and ask yourself:“How do I want this person to feel after interacting with me?”Then lead from that intention.  Joy, care and connection aren’t accidental – they’re chosen. And they’re contagious.Be the reason someone experiences more joy today.

In the first episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with keynote speaker, executive leadership coach, and podcast host Jamie Mason Cohen for a powerful conversation about encouragement, courage, and the choice to lead life with joy.This episode is especially meaningful for Greg, because Jamie was one of the first people who encouraged him to share his voice publicly and step into the work he’s now bringing to life through this podcast.Before becoming an internationally recognized speaker and leadership coach, Jamie’s path was shaped by a deep curiosity about communication, creativity, and human connection. Over the years, he has worked with leaders and organizations around the world, helping them communicate more authentically and lead with greater clarity and impact.In this conversation, Jamie reflects on the experiences that shaped his career—from early days in teaching and storytelling to building a global speaking practice and interviewing some of the world’s most influential thinkers.Together, Greg and Jamie explore what it takes to start something meaningful even when doubt, fear, and overthinking try to hold us back. They talk about how a single word of encouragement can change the trajectory of someone’s life, why perfectionism often delays the things that matter most, and how joy isn’t something we experience after success—it’s something we choose and cultivate along the way.This conversation sets the tone for the JOY² podcast: honest, thoughtful discussions about leadership, personal growth, and the small but powerful practices that help us live, work, and lead with more intention and joy.If you’ve ever hesitated to begin something important—or wondered how to bring more joy into your work and life—this episode is a meaningful place to start.Chapters:00:00:00 Welcome to JOY² / The Power of Joy in Life, Work & Leadership00:00:59 Meet Jamie Mason Cohen / The Man Behind the Podcast Inspiration00:03:44 The Moment That Sparked This Podcast / Seeing Potential Before You Do00:07:25 The Loneliness Epidemic & Why Connection Matters More Than Ever00:08:32 Overcoming Inner Critic & Fear of Starting a Podcast00:10:41 Saying Yes Before You’re Ready / Breaking Perfectionism00:15:24 Stop Overthinking / Focus on the 3 Things That Actually Matter00:23:45 Building Momentum / From Overwhelm to Simple Action Steps00:25:35 How to Cultivate Joy Intentionally (Not Accidentally)00:27:33 Daily Joy Habits / Kundalini Yoga & Energy Shifting00:33:00 Movement, Music & Positive Distractions for Mental Health00:36:19 Vulnerability in Men / Building Authentic Friendships00:39:18 Why Hobbies Matter / Creative Outlets for Mental Balance00:42:00 When You Stop Forcing, Life Works / Unexpected Opportunities00:45:39 Rejection is Redirection / Trusting Life’s Timing00:47:00 Letting Go Framework / Accept, Learn, Forgive00:50:00 Choosing Peace Over Conflict / Emotional Maturity in Action00:52:03 What Joy Really Feels Like / Presence, Lightness & ConnectionIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the "JOY² – Live With Joy" Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you live, work and lead with more joy – intentionally.Connect with Greg De KokerWebsite: www.joy2.caLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/Connect with Jamie Mason CohenWebsite: https://jamiemasoncohen.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemasoncohenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiemasoncohenFollow JOY² Official Social MediaApple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast

JOY² – Live With Joy is a leadership and personal growth podcast exploring the hidden power of joy in work, leadership and life.Hosted by brand and culture strategist Greg De Koker, each episode features meaningful conversations with founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, creators and thought leaders who are reimagining how we lead teams, build thriving cultures and live more meaningful lives.Together we explore purpose, passion, fun and the powerful role joy plays in leadership, workplace culture, performance and human connection.JOY² is a gathering place for people who believe joy belongs at the center of how we live, work and lead.If you're a leader, entrepreneur, creator – or simply someone who wants more meaning, energy and joy in your life – this podcast is for you.Welcome to the conversation.Let’s Live With Joy.