Afleveringen
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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.
đ Exclusive Offer for JOY² Podcast Listeners:
Joey Klein has created a special page exclusively for listeners of the JOY² â 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 â 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: â www.joy2.caâ
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ â
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â
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:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 â
Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ
YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastâ
Stay Connected to JOY²:
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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 â 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: â www.joy2.caâ
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ â
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â
Connect with Victoria Hirst:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriahirstcoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vhirst/
Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:
Apple Podcast:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 â
Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ
YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastâ
Stay Connected to JOY²:
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â
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.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of the JOY² â 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: â www.joy2.caâ
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ â
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â
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:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 â
Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ
YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastâ
Stay Connected to JOY²:
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â
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 â 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 â it's available today when we choose intention, awareness and connection.
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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 â 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: â www.joy2.caâ LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ â Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â Connect with Jacques PerronWebsite: https://torexgold.com/about-us/board-of-directors/jacques-perron/LinkedIn: â 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:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 â Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastâ Stay Connected to JOY²:Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/â Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â 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.
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In this episode of the JOY² â 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 â 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: â www.joy2.caâ
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/
â Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â
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:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 â
Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ
YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast â
Stay Connected to JOY²:
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â
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.
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In this episode of the JOY² â 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 breweryâit'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 arrivesâit'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: â www.joy2.caâ
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/
â Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â
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:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 â
Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ
YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast â
Stay Connected to JOY²:
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â
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 peopleâit's about creating an environment where people feel connected, valued, and inspired to do their best work.
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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: â www.joy2.caâ
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ â
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â
Connect with Courtney Stevens
Website: https://www.wilmotblueberries.com/
Business LinkedIn: â 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:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 â
Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ
YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastâ
Stay Connected to JOY²:
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â
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.
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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 â 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 â 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 donât just want a paycheck.
They want to feel proud of what theyâre building â and who theyâre 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: â www.joy2.caâ
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ â
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â
Connect with Aiden Carey
Website: https://www.ascenciagroup.com/
LinkedIn: â 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:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 â
Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ
YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastâ
Stay Connected to JOY²:
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â
Take Action
Ask yourself:
⢠Do the people around me feel valued?
⢠Am I creating clarity and purpose?
⢠Do I lead with connection â or just performance?
⢠What kind of culture am I creating?
Sometimes leadership isnât about pushing harder.
Itâs 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 someoneâs 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.
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On this episode of the JOY² â Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Theresa (âTâ) 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 âfuture selfâ 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 â 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 âfuture selfâ
⢠Why joy should be the starting point â 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 youâre searching for may already exist within you.
Because as T reminds us:
You donât 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 (âTâ) Sansome & Future Self Now
00:04:33 Gregâs 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 â Nurture â 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: â www.joy2.caâ
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/â
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â
Connect with Theresa Sansome
Website: www.futureselfnow.com
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-sansome-30537012/
Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:
Apple Podcast:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363â
Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ
YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastâ
Stay Connected to JOY²:
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â
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 isnât about adding more.
Itâs 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 selfâs advice
⢠Choose something that genuinely lights you up
Because joy doesnât have to wait for someday.
It can shape how you live every day.
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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 â and itâs not fear, pressure or control.
Itâs trust.
Itâs purpose.
Itâs 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 â 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 â 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 âSacred Cowsâ & 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: â www.joy2.caâ
LinkedIn: â www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/â
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/â
Connect with Chris Barkey
LinkedIn: â https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbarkey/â
Facebook: â https://www.facebook.com/chris.barkey.35â
Instagram: â https://www.instagram.com/chris_j_barkey/â
Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:
Apple Podcast:â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363â
Spotify: â creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcastâ
YouTube: â www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcastâ
Stay Connected to JOY²:
Instagram: â www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/â
Facebook: â www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/â
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 â 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 whatâs 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 isnât just about results.
Itâs about how people experience the journey getting there.
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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 â not as something you chase, but as something you recognize and allow.
Kyle shares a simple yet powerful perspective: joy isnât created by circumstances, success or material things â itâs 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 â 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 isnât 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 âthe relationshipâ transforms connection
But beyond the insights, this episode is about something deeper.
Itâs about perspective.
Itâs about simplicity.
Itâs about remembering what you already have.
If youâve 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 isnât something you find later â itâs 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 Isnât)
00:06:15 Gratitude, Global Perspective & Feeling âLuckyâ
00:11:26 The Role of Family in Daily Joy
00:14:16 Why Material Things Donât 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 â and How to Shift It
00:41:19 Zooming Out: The Bigger Global Perspective
00:47:00 The âThree Circlesâ 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 whatâs already good in your life.
Not whatâs missing. Not what needs fixing.
Whatâs already there.
Ask yourself â 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 youâre grateful for
⢠Choose a response that supports the relationship
Joy isnât about eliminating challenges â itâs about seeing clearly through them.
And the more you practice, the easier it becomes.
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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 â 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 doesnât just change how you feel â it changes everything.
At the heart of this conversation is a powerful realization: the stories youâve been telling yourself may not be true â 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 â 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.
Itâs about awareness. Itâs about ownership. Itâs about getting out of your own way.
If youâve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected or unsure of whatâs holding you back, this conversation will challenge your thinking, ground you in practical action, and remind you that change is always possible â no matter where youâre starting from.
Because as Karen reminds us:
Joy isnât found by fixing everything around you â itâs created by changing your relationship with whatâs 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 Donât Know What They Want
00:13:25 Rewriting Narratives & Removing Mental Blocks
00:17:06 From âNot Enoughâ 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 Doesnât Disappear â But Your Relationship to It Can
00:56:48 Final Reflections / Hope, Healing & Whatâs Possible
00:58:48 Where to Connect with Karen
01:00:25 Joy Is Contagious â 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 youâve been telling yourself â 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 âpauseâ the next time you feel triggered.
Before reacting, try this simple sequence:
⢠Notice whatâs 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 â not just how you feel in the moment
Joy isnât about eliminating triggers â itâs about learning how to move through them with intention.
And the more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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 isnât the reward at the end of the journey. Itâs the fuel that makes everything else possible.
Together, we explore what happens when leaders move beyond chasing outcomes â and instead create environments where purpose, meaning and human connection can thrive.
Because when that shift happens, performance doesnât suffer. It expands.
In this episode, we explore:
⢠Why joy is a foundational driver of performance â not just a ânice to haveâ
⢠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 âmicro-momentsâ of joy matter more than big wins
But this conversation goes beyond leadership.
Itâs about awareness. Itâs about connection. Itâs about how you choose to show up â every single day.
If youâve ever felt caught in complexity, disconnected from purpose, or stuck chasing results that donât 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 youâve been treating joy as something secondary â 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 â at work, at home, or in a conversation â 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 isnât something you wait for. Itâs something you create â moment by moment, interaction by interaction.
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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 â and lead â 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 isnât something you earn after success. Itâs 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 â and how to move through it
⢠Why discipline and structure can actually create more freedom and joy
⢠The importance of presence â especially with the people who matter most
But beyond money, this episode is about something deeper.
Itâs about ownership.
Itâs about values.
Itâs about choosing how you live â on purpose.
If youâve 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 â 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 & Lifeâs 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 â Create It & Share It
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to stay connected and subscribe to the "JOY² â Live With Joy" Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you live, work and lead with more joy â 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 youâve been treating joy as something to âget to later.â 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 âJoy Filterâ for your decisions this week. Before saying yes to something, ask:⢠Does this align with what matters most to me?⢠Will this move me toward the life I want or away from it?⢠Can I show up to this with energy, presence, and intention?
If the answer is no, pause.
Joy isnât found in doing more - itâs found in choosing better. -
On this episode of the JOY² â 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 isnât something we earn â itâs something we return to.
Through her work, Emmy helps depleted changemakers reconnect with themselves so they can create meaningful, sustainable impact â without burning out.
But what makes her approach so powerful isnât just what she teaches â itâs how she invites people back into themselves.
In this episode, we explore:
⢠Why joy isnât dependent on circumstances â 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
⢠Emmyâs âself-love toolboxâ for shifting your state in real time
⢠How movement, breath and awareness can unlock authentic joy
If youâve ever felt stuck in your thoughtsâŚDisconnected from your energyâŚOr unsure how to access joy in the middle of real lifeâŚ
This conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder:
Joy isnât somewhere out there waiting for you. Itâs already within you â 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 â Live With Joy" Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you live, work and lead with more joy â 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 â not with your to-do list, but with your state.
Ask yourself: âWhat do I need right now to feel even 5% more like me?âThen give yourself permission to follow that â whether itâs a breath, a walk, music or movement.
Because joy doesnât 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 â intentionally, even for 30 seconds.
You donât need to solve everything. You just need to shift your energy.
Joy isnât something you figure out. Itâs something you feel your way back into.
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On this episode of the JOY² â 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 â including CEO roles leading thousands â Wray brings a rare perspective: high performance at scale, built through people, not pressure.
But what sets his leadership apart isnât just what heâs achieved â itâs how heâs achieved it.
In this episode, we explore:
⢠Why joy isnât a reward for results â but a strategic starting point⢠How leaders set the emotional tone for their teams (whether they realize it or not)
⢠The shift from âwork-life balanceâ 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 â and how self-awareness changes everything
⢠How to lead in environments that resist change â and still stay true to your values
Wray also shares honest reflections from his journey â what heâs learned, what heâs unlearned, and what it really takes to create cultures where people feel valued, empowered and inspired to do their best work.
If youâve ever felt the tension between performance and humanityâŚ
If youâve questioned whether joy truly belongs in leadershipâŚ
This conversation will challenge your assumptions â 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 â Spread It
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to stay connected and subscribe to the "JOY² â Live With Joy" Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you live, work and lead with more joy â 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 â 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 doesnât 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:
âHow do I want this person to feel after interacting with me?â
Then lead from that intention. Joy, care and connection arenât accidental â theyâre chosen. And theyâre contagious.
Be the reason someone experiences more joy today.
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In the first episode of the JOY² â 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 heâs now bringing to life through this podcast.
Before becoming an internationally recognized speaker and leadership coach, Jamieâs 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 careerâfrom early days in teaching and storytelling to building a global speaking practice and interviewing some of the worldâs 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 someoneâs life, why perfectionism often delays the things that matter most, and how joy isnât something we experience after successâitâs 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 youâve ever hesitated to begin something importantâor wondered how to bring more joy into your work and lifeâthis 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 Youâre 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 Lifeâs 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 â Live With Joy" Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you live, work and lead with more joy â intentionally.
Connect with Greg De Koker
Website: www.joy2.ca
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/
Connect with Jamie Mason Cohen
Website: https://jamiemasoncohen.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemasoncohen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiemasoncohen
Follow JOY² Official Social Media
Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363
Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast
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JOY² â 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 â or simply someone who wants more meaning, energy and joy in your life â this podcast is for you.
Welcome to the conversation.
Letâs Live With Joy.
