Joy doesn't just happen—it has to be protected.

What if the key to better mental health isn't waiting until you're burned out... but building daily habits that protect your peace before life drains it?

This week, I'm joined by fellow psychiatrist Dr. Jen Olabisi (@TheDocMomOf2) for a practical conversation about the everyday habits that help us stay mentally well—even in the middle of busy lives.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally depleted, or like you're constantly pouring from an empty cup, this episode is your reminder that protecting your joy is one of the healthiest things you can do.

Because the best time to protect your mental health is before you need to rescue it.

Could your feet be stealing your joy?

We don't think much about our feet—until they start keeping us from doing the things we love.

This week, I'm joined by podiatric physician Dr. Ashley Varner to talk about the surprising connection between foot pain, mobility, mental well-being, and quality of life.

We’ll unpack how ignoring foot pain can eventually affect your ability to exercise, travel, work, play with your kids, and simply enjoy your life—and why we need to stop normalizing pushing through pain.

Because as Dr. Varner says:

“When your feet feel good, everything else gets a little easier.”

Fine Dr. Varner at www.truestepcollective.com and www.podiatryassociatesoftexas.com

IG: @truestepcollective and @podiatryassociatesoftexas

After a week in Colombia with my family, something unexpected happened. Every time plans changed, we were exhausted, or things didn't go our way, someone would laugh and say...

"Choose Joy!"

What started as a family joke became a powerful reminder that choosing joy isn't about pretending life is perfect—it's about deciding how you'll respond when it isn't.

In this solo episode, I share what this trip taught me about the difference between toxic positivity and true resilience, and why joy can exist alongside disappointment, exhaustion, and uncertainty.

If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to acknowledge hard moments without letting them define you, this episode is for you.

Have you ever stopped to wonder: Is this my intuition talking, or is this my anxiety?

In this episode, I explore one of the most common mental health questions I hear. Anxiety and intuition can sound surprisingly similar, but they don't lead us in the same direction. I'll discuss how anxiety tends to create fear, urgency, and avoidance, while intuition brings clarity, wisdom, and alignment.

If you've ever struggled to trust yourself, questioned your decisions, or wondered whether your inner voice is protecting you or holding you back, this episode is for you.

Your weekly prescription for more joy.

You know it stresses you out.

You know it's draining your energy.

You know it's not serving you.

So why do you keep doing it?

This week on Journey to Joy Live, I'm joined by Rosa Henao, LSW, RCSWI, for a powerful conversation about the hidden behaviors, thought patterns, and emotional habits that keep us stuck in cycles of stress, overwhelm, and burnout.

If you've ever found yourself saying, "I know I shouldn't do this, but..." this episode is for you.

What If Everything You've Been Told About Joy Is Wrong?

Three years. 157 episodes. Countless conversations about mental health, healing, and resilience.

As we celebrate the 3-year anniversary of Journey to Joy Live during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm sharing some of the biggest lessons I've learned about joy—and why so many of us keep chasing it in all the wrong places.

- Why success doesn't guarantee joy

- The biggest myth about happiness and well-being

- How to protect your joy before burnout steals it

- What 157 episodes have taught me about living well

Because joy isn't something you find.

It's something you practice.

Visit www.DrNJoyLife.com for interest in medication management, or to purchase your NJoyNAL to help you balance your mental, physical, financial, social, and aspirational health. Get the Joy Bundle to include the "Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss" book.

Let's be honest...

Some of us came home from vacation needing another vacation.

The flights were booked. The resort was beautiful. The memories were made. But if you traveled with kids, you already know: parenting doesn't clock out just because you're on PTO.

This week on Journey to Joy Live, I'm getting real about the mental load of family vacations, why travel can leave parents more exhausted than refreshed, and how to protect your mental health when your normal routines, workouts, and self-care practices get disrupted.

I'll talk about:

- Why vacation burnout is real

- The mental health impact of parenting overload

- Grounding and gratitude when things don't go as planned

- Finding joy even when the kids are cranky

- How to return home restored instead of depleted

Because sometimes the vacation isn't relaxing—but the memories are still worth making.

The Anxiety of Being “The Strong One”

What happens when everyone leans on you?

You're the one everyone calls.

The one who keeps it together.

The one who solves the problems, carries the load, and shows up no matter what.

But who supports you?

Today, I'm talking about the hidden anxiety, pressure, and emotional exhaustion that often comes with being "the strong one." I'll help you recognize the signs that strength has turned into self-sacrifice and share practical ways to protect your peace without feeling guilty.

Because being strong shouldn't mean carrying everything alone.

Purchase your copy of "Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss: Balancing it All Without Losing Yourself" on www.DrNJoyLife.com