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.

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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.

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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.

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Welcome to another episode of Chasing Joy! In today’s conversation, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne are joined in the studio by Ishaan—a bright, thoughtful double major at the elite high-pressure University of Southern California. If you’ve ever wondered what the pursuit of joy, connection, and purpose looks like from the perspective of Gen Z, you’re in the right place.

Ishaan opens up about tackling the complex landscape of coming of age during the pandemic, navigating academic pressures as a first-generation American, and the central role of community in finding real, lasting happiness. Together, the group dives into the ways technology shapes our relationships, the value—and double-edged sword—of social media, and how burnout shows up even in the college years.

With humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of generational perspective, today’s episode is about more than just chasing joy—it’s about defining it for yourself, staying connected to your support system, and finding wisdom in the journey, no matter where you are in life. Join us as we unpack lessons, share a few laughs, and seek advice from someone truly “in the thick of it.”

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Welcome to another episode of Chasing Joy! In today’s conversation, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne are joined by the vibrant and brutally honest Christian James Hand—radio personality, music producer (yep, his work is on the Guardians of the Galaxy 3 soundtrack!), and noted “music dissector.” Christian doesn’t just share his professional highlights; he brings us deep into his personal journey, opening up about his late-in-life Asperger’s diagnosis and decades-long quest for mental clarity, regulation, and, ultimately, joy.

From candid confessions about anxiety in something as mundane as grocery shopping, to his unfiltered take on trauma, therapy, and breaking the cycle with everything from psilocybin to ketamine treatments, Christian’s story is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Expect real talk about what joy means when the pursuit feels more like a battle, the relief of finding the right tools, and the ongoing work of integrating your truest self.

This episode dives into the raw realities of neurodivergence, finding purpose, and the science (and messiness) of healing—blending humor, heart, and a little bit of psychedelic insight. Strap in for the most “chasing” we’ve ever done on Chasing Joy!

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On this episode of Chasing Joy, our hosts Spencer, Wayne, and Bryan welcome back special guest Samantha for a candid, thought-provoking conversation about self-perception, mindfulness, and the practice of finding joy in everyday moments. The group opens up about their own personal histories and challenges, sharing stories that range from goth adolescence and comfort food confessions, to the real-life insights that have shaped how they show up in the world.

Samantha brings a therapist’s perspective, challenging us to examine core beliefs—like “I’m not good enough”—and introducing the powerful concept that “every judgment is a projection.” The discussion dives deep into the transformative potential of meditation, the inner observer, and practical ways to re-story our lives. With plenty of warmth (and a little humor), the group explores how practices like gratitude and sacred attention can truly reshape our daily experience. Whether you’re a mindfulness veteran or just meditation-curious, this episode serves up relatable stories, helpful frameworks, and plenty of inspiration for anyone chasing a bit more joy.

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Welcome to another episode of Chasing Joy! In this lively and insightful conversation, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne, are joined by their first guest, Samantha, a therapist and life coach with a deep passion for helping others find real contentment. The group dives into what it truly means to “chase joy” (and why it’s so different from chasing happiness), tackling the nuances between fleeting pleasure and lasting fulfillment.

Samantha offers a fresh perspective on how joy is cultivated from within, rather than pursued externally—sharing stories from her own practice and challenging the group to rethink unhealthy narratives and habits that block our paths to joy. The episode becomes interactive as Bryan volunteers for a breakthrough coaching session on his struggle with motivation, shining a light on the real-life barriers so many of us face when trying to make positive changes.

Rooted in humor, honesty, and practical wisdom, this episode explores the obstacles that keep us from our happiest, most authentic selves—and the tools we can use to get there. So whether you’re feeling stuck, searching for inspiration, or just looking for a few good laughs, get ready to join the pursuit of something deeper on Chasing Joy!

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Welcome back to Chasing Joy! In this episode, Spencer, Bryan, and Wayne dive headfirst into the modern maze of social media, media, and consumerism—and explore how our endless scrolling, news consumption, and buying habits impact our happiness. You’ll hear candid personal stories (including Spencer’s adventures in hair dye and bunny parenting), honest admissions about marketing tactics, and insights from both education and media insiders about why negativity “sticks” while positivity seems to slip away.

The trio unpacks how algorithms reinforce our instant-gratification culture and keep us stuck in cycles of comparison, self-doubt, and echo chambers—and why breaking free from autopilot thinking is harder than ever. But it’s not all doom and gloom: the hosts share real, practical ways to reclaim presence and mindfulness, challenging you to reflect on your own motives when reaching for your phone and encouraging you to find your fit in an online world that often thrives on division.

If you’ve ever wondered how all that screen time is shaping your personal quest for joy, or if it’s even possible to want less in a world that’s always advertising more, this episode is for you. Join Chasing Joy as we unpack the noisy digital world and refocus on what it means to live—and connect—intentionally.

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