What happens when you pause long enough to see how much your life has changed? In Episode 237 of the Joy Found Here podcast, I’m reflecting on a year that transformed me in ways I never expected. This Thanksgiving episode is all about gratitude, healing, and the surprising power of letting yourself receive—especially if you’re a lifelong giver.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

(01:10) How one year shifted everything in my life

(02:05) The small sliver of hope that carried me through

(04:56) Why receiving with grace became my new practice

(06:39) Facing grief and holiday triggers with honesty

(08:30) How to ground yourself when emotions run high

(09:06) A holiday workshop for navigating loss and numbness

(11:40) A peek at what’s next for Joy Found Here

(15:19) My favorite mindset, wellness & shopping tools

(19:34) A closing reminder about joy and staying open

Last year was filled with loss, uncertainty, and heaviness. This year, I’m living a life I once only dreamed about: more freedom, more presence, more intention. I share how a small sliver of hope carried me through darker times, and why receiving with grace has become my new non-negotiable practice. And since the holidays can stir up grief and tenderness, I talk honestly about navigating those feelings and offer a helpful resource for anyone needing support.

I also give a quick look at what’s ahead—our upcoming merch launch, my favorite affiliate finds that truly help, and the gentle reminder that nothing is permanent and change is always possible.

Let's Connect:

Website

Instagram

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What happens when self-doubt meets self-discovery—and a wellness coach turns every wrinkle and “what-the-fuck” moment into joy? In episode 232 of the Joy Found Here, Lauri Stern shares how yoga, energy work, and humor helped her stop judging her reflection and start honoring it. From mirror gazing to her “Joy on the Fives” ritual, she shows how awareness and laughter can quiet the inner critic. For anyone ready to trade perfectionism for presence, this episode proves that joy isn’t found—it’s practiced.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• From yoga mat to microphone (03:58)
• Embodied wisdom and the chakra connection (05:27)
• The mirror and the message (08:19)
• The “what-the-fuck wrinkle” and rewriting self-talk (10:21)
• Creating The Real and the Woo (15:27)
• Owning your worth and celebrating small wins (19:59)
• Girlfriends, growth, and the bra talk (23:16)
• When life happens for you (27:01)
• The sponge metaphor and emotional resilience (29:26)
• Finding joy on the fives (39:21)

As the founder of Custom Designed Wellness, Lauri Stern helps people reconnect with body, energy, and intuition through movement, mindfulness, and the chakra system. A certified yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner, and intuitive coach, she blends sacred geometry, energy work, and practical self-awareness to guide others toward alignment and healing. As host of The Real and the Woo podcast, she explores where science meets spirituality with humor and depth—reminding us that joy and self-worth aren’t luxuries but daily practices.

In this episode, Lauri brings her grounded spirituality and quick wit, reminding listeners that life happens for us, not to us. She and Stephanie discuss mirror gazing, feminine energy, and how to stop dimming our light. From her “what-the-fuck wrinkle” story to her “Joy on the Fives” exercise, Lauri turns self-criticism into compassion and shows how joy can become a habit. With wisdom and humor, she invites us to see ourselves—wrinkles, shadows, and all—as divine works in progress.

Connect with Lauri Stern:

• Website
• Substack
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Podcast: The Real and The Woo with Lauri Stern

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your finances fall apart—and instead of breaking down, you rebuild the system that failed you? In episode 236 of Joy Found Here, Lacy Garcia, founder and CEO of Willow, shares how a personal financial crisis and single motherhood inspired her to redefine financial advising. With honesty and insight, she shows that true empowerment with money begins with empathy and education—not spreadsheets—and that taking control of your finances is really about reclaiming confidence, independence, and joy.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• When life “blew up” and money shame surfaced (04:13)
• Breaking the silence around women and money (04:38)
• Divorce, single motherhood, and a new mission (05:37)
• The three E’s: empathy, education, empowerment (07:20)
• Baby steps to build financial confidence (10:08)
• Busting money myths and budget guilt (15:57)
• Turning crisis into a company with purpose (16:52)
• Independence, relationships, and self-worth (29:24)
• Teaching kids the truth about money (35:54)
• Finding joy through financial clarity (43:05)

As the Founder and CEO of Willow, Lacy Garcia is redefining financial advising for women and next-generation investors. With over 15 years in wealth management, she saw how few advisors truly understand the emotional and cultural realities of money—especially for women and underrepresented groups. Through Willow, she built an award-winning platform focused on empathy, education, and empowerment, connecting clients with advisors who listen, guide, and build confidence without judgment. A proud Cuban-American and single mom, Lacy’s mission is to make financial confidence accessible to everyone—because wealth-building isn’t about privilege, it’s about awareness and action.

In this episode, Lacy shares how a mid-thirties financial crisis following divorce inspired her to create Willow and break the silence around women and money. She offers simple, sustainable steps—like automating savings, tracking expenses, and maximizing employer matches—and reminds listeners that it’s never too late to start. Together with Stephanie, she explores financial independence, teaching kids about money, and how neglecting self-care can cost more than dollars. Through her story, Lacy shows that taking control of your finances is one of the most powerful paths to freedom, confidence, and lasting joy.

Connect with Lacy Garcia:

• Trust Willow Website
• Willow Talk on YouTube
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.