The Reality Lab

Episode 3: Joy vs. Happiness — Why the Difference MattersIn Episode THREE of In The Genes, Kayla and Christie return to a question that seems simple on the surface… but turns out to be much deeper than we think:What’s the difference between joy and happiness?We often use these words interchangeably when we talk about well-being, purpose, and fulfillment. But research, especially in fields studying burnout in helping professions, shows that joy and happiness actually come from very different psychological systems.And confusing the two might be costing us more than we realize.In this episode, Kayla and Christie unpack the paradox many mission-driven people experience:feeling deeply called to their work while also feeling completely exhausted.Drawing from Christie’s doctoral research and Kayla’s real-world observations, they explore:Why people can lose happiness but still retain joyHow meaning and purpose can coexist with exhaustionWhy burnout in helping professions is often misunderstoodHow leaders can better recognize whether their teams have lost happiness (external overload) or joy (internal misalignment)🎙 Subscribe and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you don’t miss future episodes.And remember: keep what’s worth passing down.Let's talk about it! Follow us on all channels @TheRealityLabCME

In the Genes | Episode Two: Burnout Isn’t a Badge of HonorIn Episode Two of The Reality Lab Podcast: In the Genes, we tackle a belief that many of us inherited without question: that exhaustion equals dedication, and burnout is simply the cost of success.As a mother and daughter working side by side, we explore how different generations have defined work ethic, resilience, and achievement... and how those definitions have shaped our own relationship with rest, ambition, and boundaries. Where did the idea come from that being overwhelmed proves we care? And what does it look like to redefine commitment without sacrificing well-being?This conversation unpacks the subtle ways burnout becomes normalized in both family culture and professional life, and challenges the narrative that overextension is something to be proud of.Because showing up fully doesn’t require running on empty.Let's talk about it! Follow us on all channels @TheRealityLabCME

In this opening chapter of The Reality Lab Podcast Season One: In the Genes, a mother and daughter, who also happen to work side by side, launch a candid conversation about what it truly means to share both family ties and professional purpose.Together, they explore how values, communication styles, leadership instincts, and perspectives are shaped across generations, and how those dynamics show up not only at home, but in the workplace. From navigating boundaries to leveraging shared strengths, Episode One sets the foundation for thoughtful dialogue about collaboration, identity, and growth when personal and professional lives intersect.This episode introduces In the Genes as a space for honest reflection, mutual learning, and meaningful conversation. Examining what we inherit, what we challenge, and what we intentionally build together.Let's talk about it! Follow us on all channels @TheRealityLabCME