46. Alignment in Entrepreneurship: Building With Authenticity with Ashley Dawn

47. Joy Leadership + The Courage to Shift

Season One Finale of The Joy Journey Podcast Today marks one full year of The Joy Journey. One year of courageous conversations. A year of truth, sobriety stories, business pivots, parenting realities, hormone fluctuations, grief, healing, reinvention, and leadership evolution. And in the spirit of Joy Leadership, we intentionally close Season One. Because if this year has reinforced one thing, it’s this: Joy isn’t a feeling. It’s a leadership strategy. When joy is misunderstood as emotion, it becomes optional. When joy is understood as alignment, it becomes operational. This episode is not a goodbye. It’s a Sacred Pause.  Inside this powerful Season One finale, Jillian shares the philosophy behind Joy Leadership, what it truly means, how it scales from self to family to business to culture, and why alignment is the highest form of leadership in this next era. You’ll hear: * Why burnout is rarely about workload and almost always about misalignment * The three strategic moves every leader must master: Release, Refine, Renegotiate * How ignoring inner whispers eventually creates outer friction * Why regulated energy is the foundation of sustainable performance * Real-life examples of Joy Leadership in parenting, entrepreneurship, and personal reinvention * What it actually means to calibrate to Joy and serve from overflow Jillian shares openly about the lessons learned through sobriety, loss, and a melanoma scare and why life is not found in the shiny peaks, but in what she calls the “magical middle.” The quiet mornings. The steady practices. The ordinary moments that become extraordinary when we slow down enough to notice. You cannot lead well from depletion. You cannot build legacy from burnout. You cannot serve sustainably without overflow. Joy Leadership is disciplined awareness plus aligned action. It’s regulated energy. Clean agreements. Honest refinement. The courage to evolve. Season One of The Joy Journey is complete. Now we build legacy. If this episode resonates, you can continue the journey: * The Daily Joy Journal [https://thedailyjoyjournal.com/] * The Joy Nest [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/the-joy-nest] 50% off for your first month * The Joy Facilitator Program [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/joy-sessions-facilitator-program] * Corporate sessions [https://jillianschecher.com/corporate-consulting] - Inspire Joy in your leaders, team and culture One philosophy. Different ways to live it.  If you’re ready to deepen your practice, subscribe to The Joy Letters [https://jillianschecher.com/joyletters], weekly reflections and audio notes delivered straight to your inbox like a handwritten reminder to realign. Because Joy isn’t something we chase. It’s something we cultivate. And when leaders understand that, everything changes. Thanks so much for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who’s ready to make Joy a priority in any and all aspects of their lives. I can’t wait to keep exploring how Joy can transform the way we live, work, and lead. Cheering you on!  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

46. Alignment in Entrepreneurship: Building With Authenticity with Ashley Dawn

What if you ditched the "shoulds" and let your true sparkle lead the way?  In this episode, Ashley Dawn, founder of Sparkle Entrepreneur Network, shares her journey from small-town expectations to radical authenticity, quitting grad school, ending a long engagement, and launching intimate events that help women reclaim confidence.  We share candid stories, sparkle boots, and practical encouragement to choose messy, brave alignment over safe conformity.  Tune in for a booster shot of vulnerability, community, and permission to shine. In this episode, we cover:  * Raw and relatable story of breaking free from small-town expectations * Steps Ashley used to choose authenticity over "shoulds" * Examples of career and relationship pivots * How intimate events can build confidence and community * Visibility tips (hello, sparkle boots!) to stand out * Receiving permission to prioritize alignment and Joy over pleasing others Connect with Ashley Dawn: Website: https://www.sparkleentrepreneurnetwork.com/ [https://www.sparkleentrepreneurnetwork.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealashleydawn/ [https://www.instagram.com/therealashleydawn/] Interested in building your business with Joy?  Work 1:1 with Jillian: https://jillianschecher.com/mentorship [https://jillianschecher.com/mentorship] Join The Joy Nest  Your soft place to land, align, and manifest your dream life. https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/the-joy-nest [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/the-joy-nest] 50% off for your first month using code NEST50 Ready to Practice Joy Daily? Grab a Copy of The Daily Joy Journal: https://thedailyjoyjournal.com/ [https://thedailyjoyjournal.com/] Receive Weekly Joy Letters: https://jillianschecher.com/joyletters [https://jillianschecher.com/joyletters] Connect with Jillian: Website: https://jillianschecher.com/ [https://jillianschecher.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianschecher/ [https://www.instagram.com/jillianschecher/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyfullivingwithjillianschecher [https://www.facebook.com/joyfullivingwithjillianschecher] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianschecher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianschecher/] Learn more about Joy: The Academy of Joyful Living: https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/ [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/] Become a Certified Joy Facilitator https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/joy-sessions-facilitator-program [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/joy-sessions-facilitator-program] Thanks so much for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who’s ready to make Joy a priority in any and all aspects of their lives. Don’t forget to subscribe and come back next week for another episode—I can’t wait to keep exploring how Joy can transform the way we live, work, and lead. See you then! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

45. Wisdom of the Body: Perimenopause, Energy & Self-Trust with Dr. Jennifer Bunzenmeyer

What if perimenopause could be a pathway to more energy, clarity, and joy?  This week on The Joy Journey Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Bunzenmeyer, a Naturopathic Doctor, who turned her own perimenopause wake-up call into a powerful method. We unpack confusing symptoms, the science behind belly fat and insulin resistance, and the four pillars that help women regain energy, clarity, and Joy.  We share practical, evidence-based tips, real talk about sugar, movement, and strength training, and a reminder that you’re not alone. There are tools and a healthcare team to support you through this wild, transformative decade.  Tune in for warmth, wisdom, and actionable steps to move from surviving to thriving. In this episode, we cover:  * A simple, evidence-based four‑pillar method to feel better during perimenopause * Real, practical tips for improving sleep, stress, and energy * Understanding the science behind belly fat, insulin resistance, and hormonal shifts * Getting gut-health strategies that actually support hormone balance * Actionable guidance on sugar reduction, movement, and strength training * Feeling seen and less alone, validate your symptoms and know help is available * Personalized healthcare team and toolkit Connect with Dr. Jennifer Bunzenmeyer: Website: https://drjennbnd.com/ [https://drjennbnd.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perimenopausenaturopath/ [https://www.instagram.com/perimenopausenaturopath/] FREE Guide to Discover the 4 Natural Secrets to Feeling Energized, Happy & in Control Again: https://drjennbnd.com/ [https://drjennbnd.com/] (bottom of the home page) Join The Joy Nest  Your soft place to land, align, and manifest your dream life. https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/the-joy-nest [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/the-joy-nest] 50% off your first month using code NEST50 Ready to Practice Joy Daily? Grab a Copy of The Daily Joy Journal: https://thedailyjoyjournal.com/ [https://thedailyjoyjournal.com/] Receive Weekly Joy Letters: https://jillianschecher.com/joyletters [https://jillianschecher.com/joyletters] Interested in building your business with Joy?  Work 1:1 with Jillian: https://jillianschecher.com/mentorship [https://jillianschecher.com/mentorship] Connect with Jillian: Website: https://jillianschecher.com/ [https://jillianschecher.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianschecher/ [https://www.instagram.com/jillianschecher/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyfullivingwithjillianschecher [https://www.facebook.com/joyfullivingwithjillianschecher] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianschecher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianschecher/] Learn more about Joy: The Academy of Joyful Living: https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/ [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/] Become a Certified Joy Facilitator https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/joy-sessions-facilitator-program [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/joy-sessions-facilitator-program] Thanks so much for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who’s ready to make Joy a priority in any and all aspects of their lives. Don’t forget to subscribe and come back next week for another episode—I can’t wait to keep exploring how Joy can transform the way we live, work, and lead. See you then! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

44. The True Pathway to Sustainable, Soul-Led Business Success with Paula Onysko

This week on The Joy Journey Podcast, we’re bringing you fabulous money & business coach, Paula Onysko. Together, we peel back the stories that have kept us small. Exploring how slow rebuilding, fierce boundaries, and a tuned-in relationship to vibrancy can unexpectedly open the doors to abundance.  Join us as we talk about the archetypes that shape our earning, the subtle alchemy between flow and structure, and the legacy that arises when joy becomes our currency.  Listen in if you feel the pull of a new pathway, one that asks less hustle, more attunement, and the courage to receive. In this episode, we cover:  * Why "the body is the boss" * Practical steps to build without burnout * Decoding your money archetypes * Shifting from scarcity to abundance * How boundaries can become your superpower for clarity and profit * The importance of blending flow with structure to scale with ease * Joy as currency Connect with Paula Onysko: * Website: http://www.paulaonysko.com/ [http://www.paulaonysko.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulaonysko/ [https://www.instagram.com/paulaonysko/] * FREE 3 Tapping Scripts: https://www.paulaonysko.com/tapping [https://www.paulaonysko.com/tapping] Join The Joy Nest  Your soft place to land, align, and manifest your dream life. https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/the-joy-nest [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/the-joy-nest] 50% off for your first month using code NEST50 Ready to Practice Joy Daily? Grab a Copy of The Daily Joy Journal: https://thedailyjoyjournal.com/ [https://thedailyjoyjournal.com/] Receive Weekly Joy Letters: https://jillianschecher.com/joyletters [https://jillianschecher.com/joyletters] Interested in building your business with Joy?  Work 1:1 with Jillian: https://jillianschecher.com/mentorship [https://jillianschecher.com/mentorship] Connect with Jillian: Website: https://jillianschecher.com/ [https://jillianschecher.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianschecher/ [https://www.instagram.com/jillianschecher/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyfullivingwithjillianschecher [https://www.facebook.com/joyfullivingwithjillianschecher] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianschecher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianschecher/] Learn more about Joy: The Academy of Joyful Living: https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/ [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/] Become a Certified Joy Facilitator https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/joy-sessions-facilitator-program [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/joy-sessions-facilitator-program] Thanks so much for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who’s ready to make Joy a priority in any and all aspects of their lives. Don’t forget to subscribe and come back next week for another episode—I can’t wait to keep exploring how Joy can transform the way we live, work, and lead. See you then! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

43. Before You Set Goals for 2026, Pause Here: A Gentle Year-End Joy Reflection

As this year comes to a close, I wanted to offer you something different. This is not a quick recap or a “top 10 lessons” episode. Not a push into goal or intention setting.  This is a pause and a gentle landing back home in your heart. In this special year-end episode of The Joy Journey, I guide you through a soft, spacious reflection that honours the year you’ve lived without judgment or pressure to figure anything out. Together, we explore why this season is not about forcing momentum, but about reviewing, resting, celebrating, and gathering the gold before we vision forward. Inside this episode, we explore: * Why winter (and this moment in time) asks us to slow down (not speed up) * How rest is not a break from productivity, but a powerful form of it * A compassionate way to review the year * How contrast and challenges often hold the greatest wisdom * Why celebration is essential if you want your future goals to actually feel fulfilling * What joy-based goals really are and why they create sustainable success * How to vision from alignment instead of pressure  I also guide you through gentle reflection questions you can return to anytime. These are prompts designed to help you: * Name what strengthened you this year * Celebrate growth and shifts (even the quiet ones) * Release what’s no longer serving you * Identify what you want more of in 2026 from a place of ease If you’re feeling called to reflect before you leap… If your nervous system is craving softness, If you want your next chapter to feel aligned and energized, this episode is for you. WANT MORE JOY? Join Me for a LIVE Online Visioning workshop If you loved this reflection, you’ll love Visioning with Joy a live workshop where we’ll gently gather the gold of the year together and create an aligned blueprint for 2026. 📅 Wednesday, January 7th  ✨ Reflect • Celebrate • Vision (without pressure Join Visioning with Joy [https://jss.thrivecart.com/visioningwithjoy/] 🪹 Your Soft Place to Land * The Joy Nest is currently 50% off for the year — a beautiful opportunity to practice joy, reflection, and alignment together. * Joy Club (my free weekly love note) is shifting into an audio-first experience — more ease, more presence, more joy. Links are waiting for you below 💛 Wherever you’re listening from, may you take a breath. May you honour all that you lived, learned, and became this year. And may you remember — joy isn’t behind you. It’s already ahead of you. Until we meet again, With so much love and JOY, Jillian Join The Joy Nest  Your soft place to land, align, and manifest your dream life. https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/the-joy-nest [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/the-joy-nest] 50% off the entire year for the month of December using code JOYNEST50 Ready to Practice Joy Daily? Grab a Copy of The Daily Joy Journal: https://thedailyjoyjournal.com/ [https://thedailyjoyjournal.com/] Join The Joy Club [FREE]: https://jillianschecher.com/thejoyclub/ [https://jillianschecher.com/thejoyclub/] Interested in building your business with Joy?  Work 1:1 with Jillian: https://jillianschecher.com/mentorship [https://jillianschecher.com/mentorship] Connect with Jillian: Website: https://jillianschecher.com/ [https://jillianschecher.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianschecher/ [https://www.instagram.com/jillianschecher/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyfullivingwithjillianschecher [https://www.facebook.com/joyfullivingwithjillianschecher] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianschecher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianschecher/] Learn more about Joy: The Academy of Joyful Living: https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/ [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/] Become a Certified Joy Facilitator  https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/joy-sessions-facilitator-program [https://www.theacademyofjoyfulliving.com/joy-sessions-facilitator-program] Thanks so much for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who’s ready to make Joy a priority in any and all aspects of their lives. Don’t forget to subscribe and come back next week for another episode—I can’t wait to keep exploring how Joy can transform the way we live, work, and lead. See you then! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.