JOYrific

Be Bored Deep Dive Discussion with Dr. Matt Larsen

Boredom gets a bad rap. In a world where every free moment is filled with a screen, we’ve forgotten that boredom is the birthplace of fun, creativity, and even deep relationships. In this episode of JOYrific, Dr. Matt Larsen—child psychiatrist, father of five, and expert in raising awesome kids—joins me to explore what happens when we allow ourselves (and our children) to be bored. We discuss the powerful link between boredom and imagination, the hidden dangers of constant distraction, and how reclaiming unstructured time can transform the way we engage with the world. 🎭 What happens when kids don’t get bored enough to create their own fun? 📵 How can you actually cut back on phone time (without hating your life)? 🛑 Why are we so afraid of risk—and what’s that costing our children? And of course, we talk about Taco Tuesday, road trips, and the power of unplugging. So, put your phone away (yes, really) and take a listen. Be Curious. Be Creative. Be Fun. And most importantly—Be Bored.

Be Curious ✨HIGHLIGHTS✨ with Garth Braithwaite

Curiosity is the key to stronger relationships and better conversations. In this episode, Garth and I explore how staying curious instead of jumping to conclusions can transform parenting, partnerships, and everyday interactions. Inspired by Ted Lasso’s “Be Curious, Not Judgmental,” we discuss the power of pausing, listening, and asking better questions—especially when navigating challenges with kids, spouses, and coworkers. 💡 Curiosity isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being open to learning and growing together. 🎧 Tune in & stay curious! 🚀

Be Curious Deep Dive Discussion with Garth Braithwaite

Curiosity is the foundation of learning, growth, and strong relationships. In this episode of JOYrific, Garth and I dive deep into what it means to Be Curious—as parents, as partners, and as lifelong learners. We explore how curiosity can transform the way we approach challenges, improve our relationships, and help us ask better questions instead of making assumptions. Inspired by Ted Lasso’s famous “Be Curious, Not Judgmental” moment, we discuss how staying open-minded allows us to navigate parenting, friendships, and even difficult conversations with more understanding and empathy. 🌱 Topics We Cover: ✅ How curiosity strengthens parent-child relationships ✅ Why jumping into fix-it mode can backfire ✅ The power of pausing to listen before reacting ✅ How to raise kids who feel safe expressing themselves ✅ The zero-sum fallacy—why competition doesn’t build connection 🎙 Plus, Garth shares insights from raising teenage daughters, and I reflect on how curiosity has shaped our marriage and family dynamic. 💡 Final Thought: Curiosity isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being open to learning, growing, and understanding the people around us.

Be Happy Deep Dive Discussion with Will Perez

Deep Dive Podcast Notes: Introduction to Will Perez: His background in American Religious History, Institute Director role, and family life. Defining Happiness: Moving beyond the idea of happiness as a fleeting feeling and into the concept of eudaimonia (human flourishing). Cultural Baggage of Happiness: The pressure to perform happiness vs. truly pursuing it. Happiness & Church History: Thomas Jefferson’s "pursuit of happiness" and its philosophical roots. Parenting & Happiness: The challenge of allowing children to experience all emotions without forcing them into a happiness script. The Story of Oliver Granger: Why sacrifice is more sacred than success. Happiness & Holiness: Viewing happiness as a state of becoming rather than a state of feeling. Jesus Christ & Happiness: How Christ exemplified happiness in ways that were deeply connected to sacrifice and holiness. Final Takeaways: Encouraging listeners to pursue happiness through service, faith, and personal growth.

Be Happy ✨HIGHLIGHTS✨ with Will Perez

What if happiness isn’t what we think it is? In this highlight reel, Jamie Braithwaite and Will Perez tackle the complexities of happiness, moving beyond cultural expectations and into the deeper, richer pursuit of holiness and personal growth. Through historical insights, parenting wisdom, and faith-based reflections, they uncover why true happiness isn’t about fleeting emotions—it’s about becoming. 🔹 The real meaning behind “the pursuit of happiness” 🔹 Why happiness is more than just smiling 🔹 How sacrifice and struggle lead to lasting joy 🔹 Parenting through emotional ups and downs 🔹 The key to finding happiness in holiness A must-listen for anyone seeking a more profound and fulfilling perspective on joy, faith, and personal growth. Listen now and rethink what it means to "be happy."