What if the key to raising a happy child isn't about fixing them, but healing yourself first?

In this episode, I'm joined by Jess Arachchi, a child behavior and family dynamics specialist who challenges everything we think we know about parenting. With a background in social work, psychology, and yoga therapy, as well as a powerful personal story, Jess offers a radically compassionate and conscious approach to parenting that begins with one simple question: What if your happiness is the foundation for theirs?

In this heart-opening conversation, Jess shares how her chaotic childhood shaped her desire to rewrite the story of family. Now a mother herself, she unpacks the unconscious beliefs we carry into parenthood and explains how they quietly influence our homes. From nervous system regulation to redefining what “success” means as a parent, she helps us shift our perspective from control and comparison to curiosity and connection. You’ll learn why parenting can become one of the most powerful personal development journeys you'll ever take, once you choose to embrace it.

Tune in to episode 214 of Joy Found Here if you're ready to trade the daily chaos of motherhood for the uplifting experience of feeling seen, empowered, and more hopeful than ever.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Why Jess left social work: the critical questions the system isn’t asking (4:30)
• The moment Jess realized she was gathering proof that happy parents didn’t exist (9:10)
• How one documentary cracked her open and changed her life trajectory (19:10)
• The “dot-to-dot” method Jess uses to help parents break through freeze mode (24:10)
• Why meeting your own needs first isn’t selfish—it’s foundational (30:40)
• The secret to seeing beyond your child’s behavior and into their nervous system (46:40)

Connect with Jess Arachchi:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook

Let’s Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

When her dream job stopped bringing joy, Lauren Hale picked up a $5 ring light—and sparked a movement helping women embrace aging with confidence.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Lauren Hale, a beauty educator, digital creator, and the author of Girl, Put On Your Lipstick, the World Needs You. After spending years as a kindergarten teacher and full-time mom, Lauren made a bold midlife pivot into the beauty industry. In her 40s, she began building an online platform dedicated to empowering women to embrace aging with confidence and authenticity. Known for her real-talk makeup tutorials, filter-free content, and emotionally resonant storytelling, Lauren helps women rediscover themselves—one brushstroke at a time. Through her writing, videos, and thriving online community, she encourages others to rewrite their narratives, embrace imperfection, and find joy in every season of life.

Throughout this episode, Lauren shares the deeper journey behind her transformation. She opens up about the emotional toll of people-pleasing, the identity loss that came with motherhood, and the moment she realized that joy had quietly slipped away. What began as a creative outlet—doing makeup for friends—quickly turned into a mission to help women reconnect with their inner worth through simple self-care rituals. Her reflections on aging, authenticity in a filtered world, and redefining purpose beyond traditional roles speak to so many navigating similar transitions. Lauren also discusses the reality of building a meaningful presence online, including the challenges of imposter syndrome, performance pressure, and staying true to yourself in a monetized space. Her vulnerability and insight throughout this conversation are both deeply relatable and profoundly empowering.

Tune in to episode 213 of Joy Found Here as Lauren Hale shares how rediscovering her passion for beauty in midlife helped her transform burnout into purpose. Her story offers inspiration for any woman ready to pivot, reclaim her identity, and build something meaningful on her own terms.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Losing herself in motherhood and the 9–5 grind (3:00)
• Discovering a new joy through makeup (6:30)
• Showing up online at 40—with fear and filters (8:00)
• Beauty as a gateway to inner confidence (10:40)
• Writing her book: Giving Women Permission to Be Seen (11:30)
• Motherhood, guilt, and the power of prioritizing yourself (14:30)
• The healing power of female community—even online (21:00)
• Letting go of people-pleasing and embracing authenticity (29:30)
• The truth about becoming a paid creator (36:00)
• Imperfect starts and what it really takes to begin (41:30)

Connect with Lauren Hale:

• Website
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Facebook

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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

If you’ve ever felt torn between career ambition and being present for your family, this episode offers the empowering perspective shift you didn’t know you needed.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Kym Insana, a seasoned digital marketing expert and the founder of Always On Digital, a women-owned advertising agency that partners with both major brands and boutique businesses to execute impactful campaigns. With over 20 years of industry experience, Kym has worked with top-tier clients like Enfamil, Johnston & Murphy, and Good American. After a successful career in New York City media sales, Kym left the corporate world to create a business that values flexibility, family, and performance equally. A mother of four boys and a strong advocate for work-life integration, she’s passionate about empowering women to reclaim agency in their professional lives. Kym lives in Long Island, NY, where she balances running her company with cheering from the sidelines of her sons' baseball games. She’s also active on LinkedIn and always open to connecting with like-minded professionals.

Throughout this episode, Kym brings authenticity, clarity, and seasoned expertise to the conversation. She shares her evolution from a young, career-driven sales professional to a mother of four who built a thriving digital marketing agency on her own terms. Kym recounts how she was years ahead of the flexible work trend, advocating for job sharing and remote work well before COVID made it mainstream. She speaks candidly about the challenges of balancing motherhood and career, the need to let go of perfectionism, and the importance of giving oneself grace. Kym also discusses trends in digital advertising, from the rise of connected TV to social media strategy, and offers advice for women navigating career transitions or layoffs. Her honesty, humor, and practical wisdom make her a compelling guest whose story resonates across generations.

Tune in to episode 112 of Joy Found Here as Kym Insana shares how building a flexible, purpose-driven business helped her find success and balance. Discover insights for women seeking freedom, fulfillment, and a new way to work.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Motherhood in phases: Four kids, four eras (4:00)
• Letting go of perfectionism (5:40)
• The career breaking point (8:00)
• Trailblazing remote work before it was a thing (10:30)
• Building AlwaysOn Digital from the ground up (15:00)
• Digital marketing trends and TV’s streaming takeover (16:50)
• Redefining success and giving yourself grace (23:00)
• Bringing family into the business (28:00)
• Working with her husband and still liking him (30:00)
• How to pivot: Advice for women facing layoffs or burnout (37:30)
• Finding your lane in the digital world (39:30)

Connect with Kym Insana:

• Website
• Kym’s profile
• LinkedIn
• X

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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