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.

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 most

But 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 Squared

00:01:41 Meet Ian Barnett / Engineering to Financial Advisor

00:07:59 The Power of Retreats & Stillness

00:09:08 Family First & Helping Clients Transform Their Lives

00:10:30 Real Client Transformation Stories

00:14:25 Discipline, Planning & Execution

00:17:00 Becoming Their Financial Partner, Not Boss

00:21:30 Celebrating Life-Changing Milestones

00:24:13 Lifting Others Through Energy & Perspective

00:27:30 Reducing Stress Through Structure

00:29:04 Leading with Joy Daily

00:33:11 Presence Over Productivity

00:35:52 Fatherhood & Life’s Most Meaningful Moments

00:40:06 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 It

If 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 Koker

Website: www.joy2.ca

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/

Connect with Ian Barnett

Website: www.imbfinancial.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ian-m-barnett/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ian_m_barnett/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Barnett.Ian.M

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: 

Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363

Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/

Take Action

Take 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 Tip

Create 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 joy

If 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 Activation

00:05:22 Following Bliss vs Chasing Stability

00:07:01 Joy as an Intention / Why Joy Is Always Available

00:10:19 How to Return to Joy / Self-Love Toolbox & Nature Healing

00:13:18 Letting Go of Perfectionism

00:16:40 What to Do When You Wake Up Off

00:23:43 Why Mistakes Create More Joy

00:26:56 Why High Achievers Burn Out

00:29:05 How Energy Impacts Others

00:33:08 Rewriting Your Story / Choosing Empowering Perspectives

00:36:40 How to Move Through Emotional Blocks / Breath, Awareness & Self-Check

00:38:13 Embodying Joy and Transformation

00:42:00 Practicing Joy Daily in Small Ways

00:44:10 How to Connect with Emmy Rousseau /

00:46:32 Live with Joy, Lead with Purpose

If 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 Koker

Website: www.joy2.ca

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/

Connect with Emmy Rousseau

Website: https://www.emmyrousseau.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/transformwithemmy/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/transformwithemmy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mariaelena.rousseau

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: 

Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363

Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/

Take Action

Inspired 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 Tip

When 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 values

Wray 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 Myth

00:01:37 Meet Wray Carvelas / From Global CEO to People-Centered Leader

00:03:30 Believing in Big Possibilities

00:07:12 Shifting Mindsets Around Joy at Work

00:12:25 Why Leaders Must Care Before They Lead

00:14:05 Joy vs Work-Life Balance / Why Life Must Be Blended

00:21:32 Be the Reason for Joy / Leadership Starts With You

00:26:55 Knowing Your People Deeply

00:28:00 Misconceptions About Productivity

00:34:14 Choosing What Matters Most

00:35:45 Self-Awareness and Courage / Overcoming Joy Blockers

00:40:37 Finding Purpose and Actively Caring

00:41:32 How to Connect with Wray 

00:42:54 Leading with Joy, Purpose, and Impact

00:44:50 Closing Message / Joy is Contagious – Spread It

If 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 Koker

Website: www.joy2.ca

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/

Connect with Wray Carvelas

Website: 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/id1886910363

Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/

Take Action

Inspired 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 Tip

Before 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 & Leadership

00:00:59 Meet Jamie Mason Cohen / The Man Behind the Podcast Inspiration

00:03:44 The Moment That Sparked This Podcast / Seeing Potential Before You Do

00:07:25 The Loneliness Epidemic & Why Connection Matters More Than Ever

00:08:32 Overcoming Inner Critic & Fear of Starting a Podcast

00:10:41 Saying Yes Before You’re Ready / Breaking Perfectionism

00:15:24 Stop Overthinking / Focus on the 3 Things That Actually Matter

00:23:45 Building Momentum / From Overwhelm to Simple Action Steps

00:25:35 How to Cultivate Joy Intentionally (Not Accidentally)

00:27:33 Daily Joy Habits / Kundalini Yoga & Energy Shifting

00:33:00 Movement, Music & Positive Distractions for Mental Health

00:36:19 Vulnerability in Men / Building Authentic Friendships

00:39:18 Why Hobbies Matter / Creative Outlets for Mental Balance

00:42:00 When You Stop Forcing, Life Works / Unexpected Opportunities

00:45:39 Rejection is Redirection / Trusting Life’s Timing

00:47:00 Letting Go Framework / Accept, Learn, Forgive

00:50:00 Choosing Peace Over Conflict / Emotional Maturity in Action

00:52:03 What Joy Really Feels Like / Presence, Lightness & Connection

If 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 Koker

Website: www.joy2.ca

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/

Connect with Jamie Mason Cohen

Website: https://jamiemasoncohen.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemasoncohen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiemasoncohen

Follow JOY² Official Social Media

Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363

Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Chris Barkey for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, performance, and why joy still matters in high-pressure environments.

After decades leading global engineering teams at Rolls-Royce plc and Baker Hughes, Chris shares what truly drives high-performing teams – and it’s not fear, pressure or control.

It’s trust.

It’s purpose.

It’s creating environments where people can thrive.

Through stories from his career leading thousands of engineers around the world, Chris explains how culture is shaped through everyday behaviors, honest conversations, intentional leadership, and the small moments that make people feel seen and valued.

Together, Greg and Chris explore how joy and performance work together – not against each other. They discuss leadership energy, psychological safety, communication, recognition, and how removing unnecessary barriers can unlock stronger cultures and better results.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why joy should be part of the process – not just the outcome

• How trust and behavior shape high-performing cultures

• Why celebration, recognition and positivity matter at work

• How communication and feedback strengthen teams

• The hidden bureaucracy and habits that block innovation and joy

• Why curiosity and shared success create stronger organizations

More than a leadership conversation, this episode is about creating workplaces where excellence and wellbeing can coexist.

Because as Chris reminds us:

You can do serious work, solve hard problems, and still create an environment where people genuinely enjoy the journey.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared

00:02:02 Meet Chris Barkey / What Joy in Leadership Really Means

00:07:22 Why Joy Should Be Part of the Process

00:09:51 Culture Change, Laughter & High Performance

00:15:44 Purpose, Family & Shared Experiences

00:19:31 Managing Pressure in High-Stakes Leadership

00:23:24 Emotional Awareness & Leadership Energy

00:31:02 Building Culture Through Shared Language & Behaviors

00:34:07 Coaching, Feedback & Positive Communication

00:41:09 Breaking “Sacred Cows” & Removing Bureaucracy

00:45:12 Small Changes That Transform Culture

00:49:20 Creating Environments Where Teams Thrive

00:54:34 Conflict, Perspective & Staying Curious

00:58:18 Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Chris Barkey

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbarkey/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/chris.barkey.35⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chris_j_barkey/⁠

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Take a moment to reflect on the environment you create for the people around you.

Ask yourself:

• Do people feel valued and supported around me?

• Am I bringing positive energy into conversations?

• What barriers or frustrations could I help remove?

• Am I celebrating progress – or only focusing on problems?

Sometimes the smallest shifts create the biggest cultural change.

Action Tip

This week, choose one intentional leadership action:

• Recognize someone sincerely and specifically

• Ask a teammate what’s getting in the way of them doing great work

• Replace criticism with curiosity

• Celebrate a small win with your team

• Pay attention to the energy you bring into the room

Because leadership isn’t just about results.

It’s about how people experience the journey getting there.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with financial advisor and community leader Kyle Grooms for a grounded, eye-opening conversation about what it truly means to live with joy – not as something you chase, but as something you recognize and allow.

Kyle shares a simple yet powerful perspective: joy isn’t created by circumstances, success or material things – it’s already present. The real work is learning how to see it and stop blocking it with unnecessary complexity or stress.

Through his experiences as a husband, father and advisor guiding clients through uncertainty, including COVID and market volatility, Kyle reveals how gratitude, relationships and service have helped him stay steady and fulfilled – even when life gets hard.

Together, Greg and Kyle explore what happens when you stop overcomplicating life… and focus on what actually matters.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why joy isn’t something you create, but something you allow

• How perspective, not circumstance, shapes your experience

• The connection between gratitude and global awareness

• Why treating people well always comes back to you

• How giving and service can become a path to fulfillment

• The role of relationships in creating meaning, stability and joy

• Simple mindset shifts to navigate stress and uncertainty

• How focusing on “the relationship” transforms connection

But beyond the insights, this episode is about something deeper.

It’s about perspective.

It’s about simplicity.

It’s about remembering what you already have.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, caught in negativity or chasing the next thing, this conversation will help you reset and reconnect with the joy already in front of you.

Because as Kyle reminds us:

Joy isn’t something you find later – it’s something you allow right now.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared

00:02:01 Meet Kyle Grooms / A Relationship Built on Trust

00:05:07 Why Joy Feels Accessible (and Why It Often Isn’t)

00:06:15 Gratitude, Global Perspective & Feeling “Lucky”

00:11:26 The Role of Family in Daily Joy

00:14:16 Why Material Things Don’t Increase Happiness

00:18:39 Mental Health, Awareness & Compassion

00:21:12 The Power of Kindness & Giving

00:25:25 Joy in Work & Client Relationships

00:30:41 Leading Through Uncertainty (COVID Lessons)

00:33:18 Bringing Intention Into Everyday Interactions

00:37:21 What Blocks Joy – and How to Shift It

00:41:19 Zooming Out: The Bigger Global Perspective

00:47:00 The “Three Circles” of Relationships

00:52:25 Final Reflections / Allowing Joy Into Your Life

00:53:11 Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: www.joy2.ca

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/

Connect with Kyle Grooms

Website: www.penmore.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kylegrooms//

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363

Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/

Take Action

Take a moment today to notice what’s already good in your life.

Not what’s missing. Not what needs fixing.

What’s already there.

Ask yourself – am I allowing this… or overlooking it?

Sometimes, the only shift needed is awareness.

Action Tip

Next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, try this:

• Pause and slow down

• Zoom out and shift your perspective

• Ask: what actually matters right now?

• Focus on one thing you’re grateful for

• Choose a response that supports the relationship

Joy isn’t about eliminating challenges – it’s about seeing clearly through them.

And the more you practice, the easier it becomes.

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 possibility

But 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 Squared

00:02:06  Meet Karen Goslin

00:09:36  What Is Joy? Freedom, Passion & Getting Out of Your Own Way

00:12:02  Why Most People Don’t Know What They Want

00:13:25  Rewriting Narratives & Removing Mental Blocks

00:17:06  From “Not Enough” to Self-Awareness

00:21:05  Why Our Brains Create Inaccurate Stories in Painful Moments

00:23:01  The CHANGE Method / Tools to Interrupt Triggers

00:30:09  Creating Joy Through Discipline, Sleep & Lifestyle Choices

00:36:30  Reframing the Past & Building New Mental Anchors

00:40:11  Why Your Past Doesn’t Disappear – But Your Relationship to It Can

00:56:48  Final Reflections / Hope, Healing & What’s Possible

00:58:48  Where to Connect with Karen

01:00:25  Joy Is Contagious – Create It & Share It

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: www.joy2.ca

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/

Connect with Karen Goslin

Website: 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.speaks

Take Action

Take 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 Tip

Practice 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 wins

But 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 Squared

00:01:40  Meet Tracey / Strategy, Culture & Storytelling

00:05:18  What Joy Means in Work and Life

00:08:00  Simplicity, Storytelling & Human Connection

00:14:01  Joy at Home: Family, Presence & Being Seen

00:23:53  From Tennis Dreams to Life Purpose

00:28:14  Why Joy is Foundational, Not Optional

00:31:03  Strengths, Resilience & Leading Through Joy

00:33:08  Turning Insight into Action

00:34:27  Final Reflections: Joy is Contagious

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: www.joy2.ca

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/

Connect with Wray Carvelas

Website: www.ascenciagroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ascencia-group-unleashing-tomorrow-s-leaders-today/

Connect with Tracey Swanepoel

Website: 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/id1886910363

Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/

Take Action

Take 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 Tip

This 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.

In this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, Greg De Koker sits down with Gord Carter, Leadership Development Coach and President & Co-Founder of L3 Solutions, for a thoughtful and insightful conversation about joy, leadership, personal growth, and what it means to live with intention.

Many people spend years chasing happiness, believing it exists somewhere in the future – after the next promotion, achievement or milestone. Gord offers a different perspective. He explains why joy isn't something we discover by adding more to our lives, but often by removing the beliefs, expectations and distractions that prevent us from experiencing it.

Together, Greg and Gord explore the difference between happiness and joy, the myth of work-life balance, and the critical role self-awareness plays in both effective leadership and personal fulfillment. They discuss the importance of curiosity, accountability and presence, and why meaningful relationships are often at the heart of a joyful life.

In this episode, we explore:

• The difference between happiness and lasting joy

• Why work-life balance may be the wrong goal

• How expectations often create disappointment and frustration

• The role of self-awareness in leadership and personal growth

• Why curiosity is essential for learning and development

• How being fully present transforms relationships

• The connection between purpose, peace and fulfillment

• Practical ways to remove barriers that block joy

More than a conversation about leadership, this episode invites us to rethink how we define success and where we seek fulfillment. Gord shares insights gained from decades of coaching leaders and helping people create lives that are more intentional, meaningful and aligned with their values.

If you've ever felt like joy is always just beyond your reach, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: the life you're searching for may already be available when you stop chasing more and start paying attention to what matters most.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared

00:02:01 Meet Gord Carter

00:05:10 The Difference Between Happiness and Joy

00:09:27 Why We Chase the Wrong Things

00:13:42 Expectations, Agreements and Relationships

00:18:11 The Myth of Work-Life Balance

00:22:34 Leadership Through Self-Awareness

00:27:19 Curiosity as a Growth Tool

00:31:45 Being Present in a Distracted World

00:36:18 Creating Meaningful Connections

00:40:52 Living Your Dream Now

00:45:37 Removing Barriers to Joy

00:50:14 Purpose, Peace and Fulfillment

00:55:06 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/

⁠Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Gord Carter

Website: www.l3solutions.ca

Personal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gordcarter

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3solutions-partners-in-life-long-learning/?viewAsMember=true

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast ⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ ⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

• What expectations may be limiting my joy?

• Am I fully present with the people who matter most?

• Am I chasing happiness instead of creating meaning?

• What habits or beliefs are holding me back?

Action Tip

This week, create one intentional moment of presence:

• Have a distraction-free conversation

• Replace an expectation with a clear agreement

• Ask a curious question

• Reflect on what truly fulfills you

• Let go of one unnecessary commitment

Joy isn't something we find someday. It's something we create through intention, awareness and meaningful connection.

In this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, Greg De Koker sits down with Greg Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Steam Whistle Brewing, for a conversation about leadership, culture, and the power of putting people first.

For many Canadians, Steam Whistle is more than a brewery—it's part of countless memories shared with family and friends. Behind the iconic brand is a company built on humility, trust, recognition, and genuine human connection.

Together, Greg and Greg explore how great leaders create environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. They discuss why employees should be treated as a company's first customers, how psychological safety fuels growth, and why appreciation remains one of the most powerful leadership tools.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why joy is a competitive advantage in business

• The role of humility, trust, and recognition in leadership

• Why employees should be treated as a company's first customers

• How psychological safety encourages growth and honesty

• The balance between accountability and compassion

• Why hiring exceptional people helps organizations thrive

More than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that culture is built through everyday interactions and relationships. While Steam Whistle is known for brewing great beer, Greg Taylor shows that lasting success comes from investing in something even more important: great people.

Because joy isn't something we experience after success arrives—it's something we create together along the way.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared

00:02:19 Meet Greg Taylor & The Culture Behind Steam Whistle

00:04:28 What Joy in Leadership Really Means

00:06:19 Creating a Workplace People Want to Join

00:08:03 Psychological Safety & Honest Conversations

00:10:11 Recognition, Feedback & Building People Up

00:15:03 High-Performing Teams & Accountability

00:20:25 Protecting Culture as Organizations Grow

00:23:15 Scaling Joy & Creating Memorable Experiences

00:25:26 Humility, Leadership & Customer Experience

00:29:12 Treating Employees as Your First Customers

00:34:20 Breaking Down Hierarchy Through Connection

00:38:09 Why Love, Joy & Performance Belong Together

00:43:48 A Defining Moment of Joy at Steam Whistle

00:45:23 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/

⁠Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Greg Taylor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelsongnt/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-taylor-38036945/

Connect with Steam Whistle Brewing

Website: https://steamwhistle.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steamwhistlebrewing/

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast ⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ ⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

• Do people feel valued, appreciated, and heard?

• Have I created a space where others can speak honestly?

• When was the last time I recognized someone beyond their achievements?

• What small action could make work more meaningful this week?

The culture we create is shaped by the conversations we have, the appreciation we show, and the example we set.

Action Tip

This week, create one intentional moment of connection:

• Tell someone why they matter to your team

• Check in and genuinely listen

• Recognize an overlooked contribution

• Express appreciation for someone's effort or character

• Create a moment of fun or celebration

Because leadership isn't about controlling people—it's about creating an environment where people feel connected, valued, and inspired to do their best work.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Courtney Stevens for a heartfelt, insightful and genuinely fun conversation about leadership, workplace culture, resilience and the power of joy in creating exceptional teams.

As Co-owner and Chief Creative Officer of Wilmot Orchards, Courtney shares how a people-first mindset, intentional leadership and meaningful relationships helped transform a family-run farm into one of Ontario's most loved destinations. She explains why leadership isn't about titles or authority. It's about creating environments where people feel valued, supported and inspired to contribute their best.

Along the way, Greg and Courtney share stories, laughs and lessons as they explore the connection between joy and performance, the importance of being fully present, and how culture shapes both the employee and customer experience. Courtney also offers practical insights on hiring, mentoring young employees and creating positive first-job experiences that leave a lasting impact.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Courtney shares her personal journey through anxiety, burnout and recovery. With honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on the importance of self-awareness, healthy boundaries and strong support systems while continuing to lead with purpose and compassion.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why joy and performance are deeply connected

• Leading with trust, care and presence

• Hiring for attitude, character and potential

• Helping young employees build confidence and life skills

More than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that culture is built one interaction at a time.

People may forget what you said.

People may forget what you did.

But they'll never forget how you made them feel.

And when leaders create environments rooted in trust, joy and connection, the impact extends far beyond the workplace.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared

00:01:57 Introducing Courtney Stevens & Wilmot Orchards

00:08:31 Personal Practices for Cultivating Joy

00:16:16 Bringing Class and Elegance to Farming

00:27:22 Growth Through Feedback and Adaptation

00:31:03 Why Fun Matters at Work

00:32:55 Creating a Culture People Love

00:36:40 Leadership, Trust & Responsibility

00:44:09 Mental Health, Boundaries & Resilience

00:53:20 Hiring for Culture and Long-Term Success

00:56:00 Final Reflections on Joy & Leadership

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Courtney Stevens

Website: https://www.wilmotblueberries.com/

Business LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilmot-orchards-inc/about/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/courtney.stevens.737

https://www.facebook.com/WilmotOrchards

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneybreannestevens/

https://www.instagram.com/wilmotorchards/

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

- How am I making people feel each day?

- Am I creating a culture people want to be part of?

- Do the people around me feel valued, appreciated and supported?

Because leadership isn't about getting more out of people.

It's about bringing out the best in people.

Action Tip

This week, intentionally create one meaningful moment of connection.

- Thank someone.

- Listen without distraction.

- Have a deeper conversation.

Remind someone that they matter.

Because when people feel valued, trusted and connected, joy becomes more than a feeling.

It becomes a catalyst for growth, performance and transformation.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker and co-host Wray Carvelas sit down with leadership expert and Ascencia Group Senior Partner, Aiden Carey, for a powerful conversation about leadership, accountability, culture and the human side of performance.

With more than 25 years of experience leading teams across mining operations and multinational organizations, Aiden shares why the best workplaces are built through trust, connection, shared vision and genuine care for people – not pressure or control. He explains how great leaders create environments where people feel motivated, supported and inspired to contribute at their highest level.

Together, Greg, Wray and Aiden explore why joy and performance are deeply connected, how leaders can transform frustration into passion, and why helping people feel seen and heard changes everything. Through authentic stories and practical leadership insights, this episode reveals that leadership is less about managing people – and more about creating something people genuinely want to be part of.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why joy drives performance

• How vision creates alignment and purpose

• The difference between accountability and punishment

• Turning frustration into passion and growth

• Why people thrive when they feel valued and supported

• The role of trust and human connection in leadership

• How great leaders help people recognize their own potential

More than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that people do their best work when they feel connected to a shared purpose and supported by leaders who genuinely care.

Because as Aiden reminds us:

People don’t just want a paycheck.

They want to feel proud of what they’re building – and who they’re building it with.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared

00:01:43 Introducing Aiden Carey & His Leadership Journey

00:05:04 Finding Joy Through Leadership & Team Success

00:08:10 Creating a Culture People Want to Be Part Of

00:11:29 Coaching Leaders & Transforming Careers

00:16:06 Finding Joy in Family, Adventure & Shared Experiences

00:18:16 Building Vision, Purpose & Team Alignment

00:22:14 Creating Accountability Through Shared Vision

00:29:04 Why Fun at Work Matters

00:30:04 Building Trust Through Human Connection

00:34:09 Final Reflections on Leadership & Joy

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Aiden Carey

Website: https://www.ascenciagroup.com/

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiden-carey-22b38a15b/

Connect with Wray Carvelas

Website: www.ascenciagroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ascencia-group-unleashing-tomorrow-s-leaders-today/

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/id1886910363 ⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Ask yourself:

• Do the people around me feel valued?

• Am I creating clarity and purpose?

• Do I lead with connection – or just performance?

• What kind of culture am I creating?

Sometimes leadership isn’t about pushing harder.

It’s about creating the conditions where people can thrive.

Action Tip

This week, try one intentional leadership practice:

• Have a meaningful conversation with a team member

• Recognize someone’s contribution publicly

• Ask your team for honest feedback

• Clarify the vision behind a project or goal

• Replace criticism with coaching and support

Because when people feel connected, trusted and inspired,

high performance becomes a natural outcome.

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Theresa (“T”) Sansome for a heartfelt conversation about joy, self-awareness, emotional healing, and reconnecting with the wisdom already within us.

As the founder of Future Self Now and a coach with nearly 30 years of experience, T shares how connecting with your “future self” can help you live with more clarity, trust, peace and intention. Rather than chasing a better version of yourself, she explains how joy begins when you reconnect with who you already are beneath the pressure, expectations and self-criticism.

Together, Greg and T explore how people lose themselves through responsibility, people-pleasing, overthinking and emotional overwhelm – and how presence, appreciation, self-kindness and intentional living can guide us back home to ourselves.

Through honest reflections and practical insights, this episode explores the emotional patterns that block joy, the power of community and inner guidance, and why healing often begins when we stop abandoning ourselves.

In this episode, we explore:

• What it means to connect with your “future self”

• Why joy should be the starting point — not the reward

• The difference between gratitude and appreciation

• How self-criticism disconnects us from ourselves

• The comfort, nurture and action cycle for hard seasons

• Why community and connection amplify joy

• How intentional living helps reclaim our energy

More than a conversation about personal growth, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and remember that the clarity and joy you’re searching for may already exist within you.

Because as T reminds us:

You don’t have to become someone else to experience joy.

You simply have to reconnect with the truest version of yourself.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared

00:02:17 Meet Theresa (“T”) Sansome & Future Self Now

00:04:33 Greg’s Experience Connecting with His Future Self

00:07:16 Why Joy, Presence & Appreciation Matter

00:10:01 Gratitude vs. Appreciation

00:14:31 Letting Go of Emotional Weight & Old Patterns

00:17:21 Self-Compassion, Healing & Emotional Awareness

00:20:02 Responsibility, Control & Choosing Your Experience

00:27:45 The Addiction to Responsibility & Losing Yourself

00:31:13 Building the Future Self Now Community

00:35:39 What Blocks Joy & How to Return to Yourself

00:38:04 The Comfort → Nurture → Action Cycle

00:45:22 Family, Love & Moments of Full-Body Joy

00:51:01 Community, Connection & Shared Energy

00:52:10 Final Reflections & Reconnecting with Yourself

Connect with Greg De Koker

Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/⁠

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠

Connect with Theresa Sansome

Website: www.futureselfnow.com

LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-sansome-30537012/

Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:

Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363⁠

Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠

Stay Connected to JOY²:

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠

Take Action

Take a moment to pause and reconnect with yourself.

Ask yourself:

• What brings me joy right now?

• Where have I been neglecting myself?

• Am I showing myself kindness?

• What would my future self tell me today?

• How can I live more intentionally?

Sometimes joy isn’t about adding more.

It’s about reconnecting with yourself.

Action Tip

This week, try one small intentional practice:

• Journal for a few quiet minutes

• Take a walk without distractions

• Replace self-criticism with self-compassion

• Reflect on your future self’s advice

• Choose something that genuinely lights you up

Because joy doesn’t have to wait for someday.

It can shape how you live every day.