Welcome back to another episode of Chasing Joy! Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne, dive into a truly thoughtful conversation with our guest, award-winning singer-songwriter, faculty member of Influential U, and podcast host, Josh D’Amigo.

In this episode, we unpack the art and practice of deliberately cultivating joy in our daily lives. Josh shares his journey of moving from simply reacting to life’s challenges to proactively choosing joy, and how naming and exploring our emotions can help us find clarity and satisfaction. We talk about the difference between contentment and satisfaction, why curiosity and self-awareness matter, and the power of sitting with our feelings—rather than skipping past them.

Bryan brings up the concept of “hedonic adaptation,” stirring a deep discussion on why chasing the next best thing can sometimes leave us unfulfilled, and Wayne offers a nuanced look at how our mindset and environment shape our experience of happiness.

Whether you’re someone who finds joy in big achievements or in quiet contentment, this episode is full of practical wisdom—and plenty of laughs—that will inspire you to slow down, reflect, and make space for joy right where you are. Plus, you’ll get to hear about Josh’s take on toxic positivity, philosophy in everyday life, and maybe even pick up a new way to handle those inevitable flat tires on the road to happiness.

So grab your headphones, get cozy, and join us on this week’s episode of Chasing Joy as we explore what it really means to chase—and catch—joy in today’s world.

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

On this episode of Chasing Joy, we’re joined by Russell Burke—a man whose outlook on life redefines what it truly means to find light in the darkest places. Spencer welcomes his old friend Russell to share the story of how his life changed literally in a split second: one moment he was a fun-loving, active dad and friend; the next, a shallow dive in Lake Havasu left him a quadriplegic, ventilator-dependent, and facing challenges most of us can hardly imagine.

But Russell’s journey is about far more than loss—it’s about acceptance and the relentless pursuit of joy. In an honest and uplifting conversation, he breaks down what it took to go from the depths of depression to becoming a beacon of hope for others facing spinal cord injuries and life’s curveballs. Joined by co-hosts Wayne and Bryan, this episode dives into how Russell uses social media to spark healing and awareness, the power of community and support, and the critical difference acceptance has made in his life. He shares not only the realities of radical dependence and adapting to a completely new way of living, but also how cultivating a positive mindset—and a strong circle of genuine connections—helps light the path forward.

Whether you’re facing adversity or just need a dose of perspective, Russell’s story is an inspiring reminder that we can find meaning and happiness, even in circumstances that seem impossible.

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

Welcome back to Chasing Joy! In this episode, Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan welcome back Ishaan, a college student from USC, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about what it means to pursue a meaningful life while grappling with the realities of our world. With Ishan offering his honest, youthful perspective, the group dives into some of the big questions facing his generation—from the challenges of "adulting" and the daunting landscape of education and employment, to the weight of global injustices and the legacy left by previous generations.

Together, they explore feelings of guilt and privilege, discuss the complexities of ethical consumerism, and wrestle with whether there are any easy fixes to the problems today's youth inherit. But it's not all heavy—there’s plenty of laughter, personal reflection, and practical wisdom, including what makes for a truly "good day." The episode touches on everything from staying present and intentional, to the value of nurturing relationships, to questioning whether it's responsible to bring new life into an uncertain world. If you're curious about how the next generation is experiencing—and hoping to improve—the world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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