Explore every episode of the podcast JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to JOY² - Live with Joy Podcast | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:01:07 | |
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. | |||
| 4 - Why Joy Isn’t a Reward – It’s the Strategy That Changes Everything with Ian Barnett | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:50:57 | |
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. | |||
| 3 - What If Joy Was ALWAYS Available to You – Even on Your Worst Days? with Emmy Rousseau | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:47:24 | |
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. | |||
| 2 - Why Great Leaders Choose Joy First (Not Results) with Wray Carvelas | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:45:42 | |
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. | |||
| 1 - Why Joy Comes First: Rethinking Success, Leadership and Growth with Jamie Mason Cohen | 25 Mar 2026 | 01:03:19 | |
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/ | |||
| 8 - How Great Leaders Build High-Performing Teams Without Fear or Pressure with Chris Barkey | 14 May 2026 | 01:00:08 | |
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. | |||
| 7 - What If Nothing Needs to Change for You to Feel Joy? with Kyle Grooms | 07 May 2026 | 00:53:43 | |
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. | |||
| 6 - The Hidden Power of Awareness and Emotional Control in Joy with Karen Goslin | 30 Apr 2026 | 01:01:55 | |
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. | |||
| 5 - Why Joy Is the Missing Link in High Performance and Leadership with Tracey Swanepoel and Co-host Wray Carvelas | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:35:19 | |
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. | |||
| 13 - Work-Life Balance Is a Myth – Powerful Lessons on Joy, Growth & Fulfillment With Gord Carter | 18 Jun 2026 | 01:09:14 | |
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. | |||
| 12 - The CEO Who Built a Thriving Company by Putting People First with Greg Taylor | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:56:52 | |
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. | |||
| 11 - The Culture Advantage: Creating Workplaces People Never Want to Leave with Courtney Stevens | 04 Jun 2026 | 01:04:46 | |
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. | |||
| 10 - How Great Leaders Inspire Employees to Care, Contribute & Perform with Aiden Carey and co-host Wray Carvelas | 28 May 2026 | 00:36:34 | |
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. | |||
| 9 - The Future Self Conversation That Could Change Your Life with T Sansome | 20 May 2026 | 00:56:42 | |
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. | |||
| 15 - How to Create More Joy Through Curiosity and Creativity with Ron Tite | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:47:19 | |
In this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker, comedian and creative strategist Ron Tite for a conversation that's equal parts thought-provoking, entertaining and refreshingly human. Together, they wander down some wonderfully unexpected rabbit holes, exploring why curiosity may be one of the greatest catalysts for joy, why creativity thrives when perfection takes a day off, and why the best leaders don't have all the answers... they're simply willing to ask better questions. Drawing on his unique journey through comedy, business and leadership, Ron shares why joy isn't something we stumble across. It's something we intentionally create through curiosity, experimentation and a willingness to embrace new experiences... even when they don't go according to plan. In this episode, we explore: • Why curiosity is one of the fastest paths to joy • How experimentation fuels growth, creativity and fulfillment • Why failure isn't the opposite of success... it's often the entrance fee • The role of humor, spontaneity and play in life and leadership • How psychologically safe cultures unlock innovation • Why balancing ambition with presence creates a more meaningful life More than a conversation about leadership and creativity, this episode is an invitation to stay curious, laugh a little more, loosen your grip on perfection and discover what becomes possible when you give yourself permission to explore. Because success doesn't create joy. More often than not... joy gives us the courage to chase success. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared 00:02:09 Meet Ron Tite: Creativity, Business & Humanity 00:05:04 What Joy Means and Why It Requires Intention 00:08:05 Zoning In Instead of Zoning Out 00:12:32 Rituals, Curiosity & Creating More Joy 00:14:09 The Joy of Mischief and Following Your Interests 00:22:21 Failure, Experimentation & Learning Through Experience 00:27:26 Creating Psychological Safety in Teams 00:30:49 Why Great Workplace Joy Happens Without the Leader in the Room 00:33:06 Laughing at Yourself and Finding Joy in Imperfection 00:36:00 Defining Moments of Joy in Life and Career 00:37:05 The Leap Into Stand-Up Comedy 00:43:05 Curiosity as the Path to Joy 00:45:16 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 Ron Tite: Website: https://rontite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rontite/ 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: • Am I fully present with the people and moments that matter most? • What expectations may be limiting my joy? • Where am I chasing happiness instead of creating meaning? • What habits are preventing me from experiencing more fulfillment? Joy isn't found by doing more – it's found by becoming intentional about what truly matters. Action Tip: This week, create one meaningful moment of presence. • Have a distraction-free conversation. • Replace an assumption with curiosity. • Reflect on what brings genuine fulfillment. • Let go of one commitment that drains your energy. Because joy isn't reserved for someday – it's available today when we choose intention, awareness and connection. | |||
| 14 - The Power of Believing in Someone Before They Believe in Themselves with Jacques Perron and co-host Wray Carvelas | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:40:54 | |
On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker and co-host Wray Carvelas sit down with veteran mining executive and former CEO Jacques Perron for a powerful conversation about leadership, mentorship, and why people remain the foundation of every successful organization.Over a career spanning more than four decades, Jacques has led complex operations around the world, but his greatest lessons have little to do with mining and everything to do with human connection. From developing future leaders to creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported and inspired, Jacques shares why leadership is ultimately about helping others become more than they ever believed possible.Together, they explore what truly creates joy at work, why so many people struggle to find meaning in their jobs, and how great leaders cultivate environments where individuals understand the value of their contribution. Through personal stories and practical insights, Jacques reveals why believing in people, celebrating progress, and staying connected to frontline teams can transform both performance and culture.In this episode, we explore: • Prioritizing people and human-centric leadership • Parallels between mentorship at work and at home • Staying connected to frontline teams and individual contributions • Cultivating optimism and safe environments for growthMore than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that lasting success is ultimately built through relationships. Jacques' approach demonstrates that high performance and humanity are not competing priorities. They go hand in hand.Because joy doesn't come from reaching the finish line. It comes from helping others grow, celebrating progress along the way, and creating environments where people genuinely want to contribute and belong.Chapters:00:00:00 Welcome to Joy² – Live With Joy00:02:10 Meet Jacques Perron 00:05:08 Finding Joy Through Community and Connection00:08:49 Why Leadership at Work Mirrors Family Life00:13:17 Building Confidence by Believing in People00:18:06 Why So Many People Don't Enjoy Work00:21:57 Helping People Find Meaning in Their Contribution00:25:18 Why Great Leaders Stay Close to Their Teams00:29:01 What Blocks Joy in Organizations00:32:44 A Defining Moment of Leadership and Innovation00:38:01 Closing ReflectionsConnect 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 Jacques PerronWebsite: https://torexgold.com/about-us/board-of-directors/jacques-perron/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacques-perron-19162534/Connect with Wray CarvelasWebsite: www.ascenciagroup.comLinkedIn: 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 ActionAsk yourself:- Do others understand why their work matters?- Is this an environment where people feel safe to grow?- How can I be more present and connected with my team this week?The way we lead shapes how people experience work, relationships and even themselves. Every conversation, every act of encouragement, and every opportunity we give someone to grow leaves a lasting impact.Action TipInvest in others this week:- Boost team confidence.- Value effort and potential.- Connect individuals to the big picture.- Listen to frontline team members.Leadership is about believing in people and fostering a culture where everyone thrives. | |||
| 16 - The Life-Changing Power of Self-Awareness with Victoria Hirst | 09 Jul 2026 | 01:03:29 | |
On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Victoria Hirst for an inspiring conversation about self-awareness, self-compassion and the journey back to yourself. A certified DreamBuilder Coach, Life Mastery Consultant, speaker and retreat leader, Victoria shares how one defining moment in the Costa Rican rainforest completely transformed her perspective on life, purpose and joy. After years of chasing achievement and external validation, Victoria realized that true fulfillment isn't found in doing more. It's found in becoming more present. Together, Greg and Victoria explore how greater awareness, keeping promises to yourself, and challenging limiting beliefs can create lasting transformation from the inside out. Through heartfelt stories, practical insights and moments of laughter, they discuss the power of gratitude, intentional breathing, forest bathing, and reconnecting with nature to quiet the mind, restore inner peace, and rediscover what matters most. Along the way, they remind us that joy isn't something we stumble upon. It's something we intentionally create through the choices we make every day. In this episode, we explore: • Why awareness is the first step toward lasting change • How keeping promises to yourself builds self-trust • The connection between gratitude, self-compassion and joy • How nature and stillness help us reconnect with ourselves • Simple daily practices for living with greater presence and purpose More than a conversation about personal growth, this episode is an invitation to slow down, become more present, and remember that you're already worthy of a joyful and meaningful life. As Victoria beautifully reminds us, we don't have to believe every thought we think. With greater awareness comes the freedom to choose a better way forward. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy² – Live With Joy 00:01:50 Meet Victoria Hirst & Her Journey to Purpose 00:08:27 The Moment That Changed Everything 00:12:12 Awareness, Self-Compassion & Keeping Promises to Yourself 00:17:03 Breaking Old Thought Patterns 00:30:03 The Gift of Presence in Relationships 00:37:04 Reframing Limiting Beliefs 00:41:29 Gratitude, Self-Worth & Emotional Awareness 00:48:34 Forest Bathing & Reconnecting with Nature 00:57:18 Final Reflections & Living with 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 Victoria Hirst: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriahirstcoaching/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vhirst/ 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 quiet moment to check in with yourself. Ask yourself: • Am I living intentionally or simply reacting to life? • What promise have I been avoiding that deserves to be honored? • Which belief is quietly holding me back from experiencing more joy? • Where could I slow down enough to become fully present today? • What would change if I truly believed I was already enough? Sometimes the greatest transformation begins with a single moment of awareness. Action Tip: This week, choose one simple way to reconnect with yourself. • Pause and take three slow, intentional breaths before responding. • Write down five things you're genuinely grateful for. • Spend 20 minutes in nature without your phone or other distractions. • Replace one self-critical thought with one rooted in self-compassion. Joy isn't something we find someday. It's something we create, one intentional choice at a time. | |||
| 22 - The Magic of Seeing Differently with Dan Trommater | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:59:19 | |
On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with speaker, coach and magician Dan Trommater for a captivating conversation about joy, curiosity, wonder, human connection and the extraordinary power of changing the way we see the world. What if the greatest illusion isn't the one happening on stage... What if it's the story we've convinced ourselves is true? For more than two decades, Dan has helped leaders, teams and organizations challenge assumptions, expand perspectives and discover possibilities that were hiding in plain sight. Blending the art of magic with the science of human behaviour, he reveals how curiosity, presence and empathy can transform not only the way we think, but the way we live, lead and connect with others. If you've ever found yourself stuck in judgment, trapped by certainty, rushing through life or believing there's only one way to see a situation, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, become curious and rediscover the wonder that's been there all along. Together, Greg and Dan explore how joy often begins the moment we loosen our grip on certainty and become open to new perspectives, deeper relationships and greater possibility. In this episode, we explore: • Why our assumptions often shape our reality more than the facts • How curiosity opens doors that certainty keeps closed • The surprising connection between wonder, joy and possibility • Why presence is the foundation of meaningful relationships • How judgment quietly steals our joy • Why magic isn't just entertainment. It's a reminder that there's always more than meets the eye. This isn't simply a conversation about magic. It's a conversation about becoming more awake to your own thinking. Because the moment we're willing to question what we believe we already know... we create space for wonder, possibility and joy to enter the picture. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to JOY² – Live With Joy 00:02:01 Meet Dan Trommater 00:03:43 The Joy of Meaningful Connection 00:05:09 Presence, Curiosity & Seeing Differently 00:22:04 Breaking Free From Assumptions 00:29:18 Perspective, Possibility & Leadership 00:37:42 From Judgment to Curiosity 00:44:12 The Joy Train vs. The Judgment Train 00:51:27 Replacing Certainty With Curiosity 00:57:38 Choosing One Insight & Taking Action 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 Dan Trommater: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrommater/ Website: https://www.dantrommater.com 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 assumptions am I treating as facts? • Where has certainty replaced curiosity? • What might I be missing because I've already decided I know the answer? • Where have I boarded the "judgment train" instead of choosing the "joy train"? • What might become possible if I simply looked at this situation differently? Action Tip This week, choose one situation where you're convinced you already know what's true. Then: • Pause before reacting. • Notice the story you're telling yourself. • Question your assumptions with genuine curiosity. • Look for another perspective you hadn't considered. • Choose one small action based on what you've discovered. Then ask yourself: "What became possible the moment I stopped trying to be right... and started trying to understand?" Because curiosity doesn't weaken us. It expands us. And sometimes the greatest magic isn't changing the world around us... It's changing the way we see it. | |||
| 21 - Why Purpose Matters More Than Success with Pascal Wiscour-Conter | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:55:12 | |
On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur, strategist, storyteller, educator and author of The Culture of Purpose, Pascal Wiscour-Conter, for a thought-provoking conversation about purpose, fulfillment, authentic communication, and why joy is often the natural outcome of living in alignment with who we truly are. Like many people, I've spent years wrestling with questions around purpose. What am I meant to do? How do I know I'm on the right path? And why do some people achieve remarkable success yet still feel like something is missing? If you've ever questioned your direction, felt disconnected from your work or longed for a life that feels more meaningful, this episode is for you. Drawing on decades of experience spanning entrepreneurship, Silicon Valley, Hollywood, academia and strategic communication, Pascal explains why purpose isn't something we discover once and for all. It's something we intentionally create by aligning our values, experiences and choices. Together, we explore how storytelling, trust, neuroscience and authentic leadership help us build stronger relationships, healthier organizations,and more fulfilling lives. In this episode, we explore: • Why meaning and purpose play different roles in our lives • How alignment creates fulfillment, peace and lasting joy • Why failure often becomes our greatest teacher • The power of storytelling in leadership, trust and influence • How authentic communication strengthens relationships and culture • Why choosing fulfillment often requires courage over comfort This isn't simply a conversation about purpose. It's an invitation to become more intentional about the life you're creating. Because when our values, actions and aspirations begin to align, joy stops feeling like something we have to chase... and starts becoming something we naturally experience. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to JOY² – Live With Joy 00:01:31 Meet Pascal Wiscour-Conter 00:05:28 Discovering the Purpose Behind Every Chapter 00:08:17 Meaning vs. Purpose: Understanding the Difference 00:11:34 Authenticity, Trust & Human Connection 00:14:04 Why Joy Is the Outcome of Fulfillment 00:18:58 Failure, Growth & Letting Go 00:24:17 Self-Forgiveness, Growth & Imposter Syndrome 00:35:51 Storytelling as a Leadership Superpower 00:46:13 Finding the Courage to Realign Your Life 00:50:14 Living a Life of Purpose & 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 Pascal Wiscour-Conter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascalwiscour/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pascalwiscour/ X: https://x.com/PascalWiscour Substack: https://pascalogy.substack.com/ Pascalogy website: https://pascalogy.me/ Get Pascal’s “The Culture of Purpose” Book Now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8Q3HV77 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: • Am I living in alignment with what matters most? • Where am I choosing comfort over fulfillment? • What experience from my past is preparing me for what's next? Action Tip This week, make one decision through the lens of your purpose. • Pause before automatically saying yes. • Reflect on what truly matters. • Reconnect with someone who inspires your growth. • Choose one action that reflects your values. Then ask yourself: "What's the most meaningful choice I can make right now?" Because purpose isn't something we discover overnight. It's something we reveal, one intentional choice at a time. | |||
| 20 - Make Peace With Your Body with Martha Munroe | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:58:59 | |
On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, I sit down with author, coach, speaker and creator of Attuned Exercise, Martha Munroe, for one of the most honest and relatable conversations I've had about exercise, body image and our relationship with ourselves. I'll admit it... for much of my life, exercise has felt more like something I should do than something I want to do. Like many people, I've wrestled with guilt, unrealistic expectations and comparing myself to who I used to be. If you've ever struggled to stay motivated, felt frustrated with your body or wondered why exercise feels more like pressure than joy, this conversation is for you. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in fitness, applied psychology and positive psychology, Martha helps people replace shame, hustle and perfectionism with curiosity, self-compassion and sustainable well-being. Together, we explore how our relationship with movement often reflects the way we approach work, leadership and life. In this episode, we explore: • Why joy is a better motivator than guilt • How shame and perfectionism sabotage lasting change • Why comparing yourself to your past steals today's joy • The connection between movement, self-worth and leadership • Why "I get to" is far more powerful than "I have to" • How small, sustainable habits create lasting transformation This isn't really an episode about exercise. It's about making peace with your body. Because when we stop trying to earn our worth and start treating ourselves with compassion, movement becomes something we enjoy instead of endure. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to JOY² – Live With Joy 00:01:51 Meet Martha Monroe & Reclaiming Movement 00:06:00 Authenticity, Attunement & Joy 00:09:15 Why Exercise Should Feel Like a Gift 00:12:30 Letting Go of "Should" Thinking 00:19:10 Building Sustainable Habits 00:26:40 Fear, Perfectionism & Body Image 00:34:10 Exercise as a Mirror for Life 00:40:00 Self-Compassion Through Every Season 00:45:00 Rediscovering Joyful Movement 00:53:55 Final Reflections & Key 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 Martha Munroe: Website: AttunedExercise.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-munroe-882bb21b9/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marvelous.martha.9 Instagram: @AttunedExercise https://www.instagram.com/attunedexercise/ Get Martha’s Attuned Exercise Book Now! https://www.amazon.ca/Attuned-Exercise-Martha-Munroe-ebook/dp/B0FXBMLVMJ 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: Am I moving from joy... or from guilt? What expectations about my body am I ready to let go of? What would it look like to treat my body as a lifelong partner instead of a lifelong project? Action Tip This week, choose one form of movement that simply feels good. - Go for a walk. - Dance in your kitchen. - Stretch. - Play with your kids or grandkids. - Ride your bike. - Spend time in nature. Then, instead of asking: "Did I burn enough calories?" Ask: "Did I reconnect with myself?" Because sometimes the healthiest thing we can do isn't to push our bodies harder... It's to thank them for carrying us through another day. | |||
| 19 - How Joy Begins When We Know We Belong with Christopher Bylone | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:57:51 | |
On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Christopher Bylone, Founder of Innovation Unbiased and former Global Head of Belonging at Krispy Kreme, for a powerful conversation about belonging, resilience, authenticity and the transformative power of joy. After navigating bullying, cancer, depression, perfectionism and other life-changing challenges, Christopher discovered a profound truth: lasting joy isn't found in achievement or approval — it begins when we know we truly belong. Together, Greg and Christopher explore the powerful connection between joy and belonging, challenging the belief that high performance requires pressure or perfection. Instead, they reveal why trust, psychological safety, authenticity and meaningful human connection are the real foundations of extraordinary leadership and thriving cultures. In this episode, we explore: • Why joy and belonging are inseparable partners in a fulfilling life • The life-changing difference between feeling you belong and knowing you belong • How adversity can become a catalyst for resilience, purpose and growth • Why perfectionism quietly steals our joy • How leaders create cultures built on trust, psychological safety and genuine connection • The hidden cost of microaggressions and workplace exclusion • Why seeing the human behind the job title transforms leadership • How authenticity strengthens relationships, builds healthier teams and drives better performance More than a conversation about workplace culture, this episode is an invitation to rethink how we show up for ourselves and for the people around us. Christopher reminds us that belonging isn't about fitting in. It's about being fully seen, accepted and valued for who you are. And when people know they belong, joy doesn't simply become possible. It becomes inevitable. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast 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 Christopher Bylone: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbylone/ Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovation-unbiased/ Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbylone/ Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovation_unbiased/ Personal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christopher_bylone Business Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovation_unbiased 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 know they matter? • Am I creating spaces where others feel safe enough to be themselves? • Who in my life needs to know they truly belong? Action Tip This week, intentionally help someone feel seen. • Learn more of their story. • Recognize a contribution that often goes unnoticed. • Or simply remind them that they matter. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer another person isn't advice, recognition or praise. It's helping them know they belong. | |||
| 18 - The Courage to Care: Putting People First with Patrick Godin | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:36:04 | |
On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker and co-host Wray Carvelas welcome Patrick Godin, an accomplished mining executive whose people-first leadership philosophy has helped transform workplace cultures, strengthen teams and deliver exceptional business results. What if the greatest driver of performance, safety and long-term success isn't found in systems or strategy... but in how deeply leaders care about their people? Drawing on more than 35 years of leadership experience, Patrick shares the powerful lessons behind his Courage to Care philosophy. Through stories of triumph, adversity and personal growth, he reveals why trust, empathy, accountability and genuine human connection aren't soft skills. They're leadership superpowers. Patrick explains how leaders create environments where people feel valued, supported and inspired to perform at their best. He challenges the notion that results and humanity compete, showing instead how joy, recognition and authentic relationships become powerful drivers of individual and organizational success. In this episode, we explore: • The meaning behind Patrick's Courage to Care philosophy • Why caring for people improves performance and safety • The power of recognizing positive behaviors • How leaders build trust through actions, not words • Why investing in people creates long-term business success • How small acts of care create extraordinary impact More than a leadership conversation, this episode is a powerful reminder that people are at the heart of every successful organization. Patrick's stories of resilience, loyalty and connection demonstrate what happens when leaders intentionally invest in others and create environments where people feel seen, valued and empowered. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, manager or simply someone who wants to make a greater impact, this conversation will inspire you to lead with more intention, courage and humanity. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared 00:02:01 Introducing Patrick Godin & The Courage to Care Philosophy 00:08:13 Recognizing Positive Behaviors to Build Better Cultures 00:11:24 Why Great Leaders Stay Connected to the Front Line 00:14:11 Building Trust Through Action, Not Words 00:17:25 Transforming Fear into Confidence and Momentum 00:25:05 What Blocks Joy and How Leaders Can Overcome It 00:29:03 Developing People Instead of Judging Them Too Quickly 00:32:05 Small Acts That Create Extraordinary Impact 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 Patrick Godin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-godin-b7914633/ 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 know that I genuinely care about them? • Am I recognizing strengths as often as I correct mistakes? • How can I create a more supportive environment for others? • What small act of appreciation can I offer today? Action Tip This week, intentionally demonstrate your Courage to Care. • Thank someone for an overlooked contribution. • Recognize a positive behavior. • Or simply take time to truly listen to someone who needs encouragement. When people know they matter, they engage differently, perform differently and lead differently. And that's where real leadership and real joy begin. | |||
| 17 - Why Your Emotions Are Secretly Running Your Life with Joey Klein | 16 Jul 2026 | 01:06:39 | |
On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Joey Klein, Founder & CEO of Inner Matrix Systems and author of The Inner Matrix, for a fascinating conversation about emotional mastery, personal transformation and unlocking your true potential. What if the greatest obstacle to living with more joy isn't what's happening around you... but the unconscious emotional patterns shaping your life from within? After helping more than 90,000 entrepreneurs, executives and elite performers, Joey reveals why lasting transformation doesn't come from changing your circumstances. It comes from changing the way you think, feel and respond. Drawing on decades of experience in neuroscience, psychology, meditation and human performance, Joey shares practical tools for breaking free from fear-based patterns, regulating your emotions and creating a more intentional, peaceful and joyful life. In this episode, we explore: • Why emotions are information, not instructions • How fear-based patterns quietly shape our thoughts, decisions and behaviours • The difference between reacting automatically and responding intentionally • The three emotional competencies that build resilience and inner freedom • How to regulate your nervous system instead of letting stress run your life • Why mastering your mind is more powerful than simply "thinking positive" • The essential role of awareness, daily practice and mentorship in lasting transformation More than a conversation about emotional intelligence, this episode is an invitation to stop being driven by unconscious patterns and start living with greater clarity, peace and purpose. If you've ever felt stuck in recurring habits, overwhelmed by stress or held back by fear, this conversation offers a practical roadmap toward greater resilience, fulfillment and joy. 🎁 Exclusive Offer for JOY² Podcast Listeners: Joey Klein has created a special page exclusively for listeners of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast. Visit joeyklein.com/joysquared to claim: • Free copies of The Inner Matrix and Relationship Alchemy (shipping included) • Complimentary Pattern Fix Training Session with an Inner Matrix trainer to help you uncover and transform the unconscious patterns that may be holding you back, along with a personalized action plan to create the results you truly want. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy² – Live With Joy 00:01:34 Meet Joey Klein & His Journey to Transformation 00:04:01 Why Emotions Are Information, Not Instructions 00:08:00 The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Discomfort 00:12:22 Fear-Based Thinking & How the Brain Creates Survival Patterns 00:17:46 Why Traditional Personal Growth Often Falls Short 00:20:15 Understanding Emotions Through Awareness & Consciousness 00:25:33 The Three Emotional Competencies Everyone Needs 00:34:25 The Truth About the 90-Second Emotion Rule 00:40:08 Finding Your Natural State of Peace & Joy 00:46:14 Mastering the Mind Instead of Being Controlled by It 00:50:04 How Real Transformation Happens 00:55:11 The Four Requirements for Lasting Change 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 Joey Klein: Personal Website: https://joeyklein.com/ Business Website: https://innermatrixsystems.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeyKleinIMS/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjoeyklein/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyklein/ 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/ | |||