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Did you forget how to play? Today we (Julie + transformational coach/author Susan Hensley) crack open joyful creativity for busy grown-ups—no “talent” or fancy supplies required. Learn the 3-minute, two-crayon reset to unstick your day, process big feelings, and reconnect with your inner child—then ride that creative spark into real-life courage, clarity, and flow. 🌞

What you’ll learn

• A zero-pressure art ritual (3 minutes, 2 crayons) to get out of your head and into your heart
• Why “Dare to be bad” flips perfectionism into freedom
• Using art journaling to move emotions through (rage-crayons welcome!)
• Tiny swaps to replace doom-scrolling with presence + play
• Gentle ways to save meaningful scraps (cards, fabric) inside your journal for soul-anchored memory keeping
• How short daily play boosts resilience, decision-making, and joy

About our guest

Susan Hensley—transformational coach, creative guide, TEDx speaker (“Dare to Be Bad”), and author of Art for Your Sanity—helps people navigate life transitions with heart, curiosity, and simple creative practices. Visit: susan-hensley.com (free starter PDF). Book available wherever you buy books.

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Julie's Website for more information, comments or requests: https://lifeofloveandjoy.com
I receive a small commission when you purchase from these links.

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Relationship expert warrior for love, Jonathon Aslay, shares insights, secrets and tips for zoning in on the perfect partner, and the ability to be radically authentic as a sexy, soul mate attracter. We have a blast discussing not only dating but exploring how to fortify relationships of all kind through compassionate communication. This one's a game-changer.

• Curiosity + Intentionality are the doorways to secure connection.
• Attachment spotting: ask about past relationships; listen for ownership.
• NVC in 3 steps: what happened → how I feel/need → are you willing…?
• Appreciation daily: aim for ~80% positive acknowledgments—tiny, specific, frequent.
• Micro-rituals: 20–120 second hugs, “I see you when…,” bedtime check-ins, weekly “state of us.”
• Friendship first: prioritize liking each other—rabbit-hole chats, shared curiosity, play.
• Requests from love: trade criticism for clear, kind asks.
• Grief alchemized: asking “What would love do?” creates meaning and gentleness.

Try this tonight

• “When you did ___, I felt ___ because I need ___. Are you willing to ___?”
• Give three appreciations (specific!) before bed.
• 30-second hug, slow breathing, no words.
• Schedule a weekly connection date (phones away): one curiosity question each.

Guest

• Jonathon Aslay — Relationship coach; host of What Would Love Do?; author of What the Heck Is Self-Love, Anyway?

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Link to Support this Channel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153284/supporters/new
Julie's Book: https://amzn.to/3K2ZS05
Julie's Website for more information, comments or requests: https://lifeofloveandjoy.com
I receive a small commission when you purchase from these links.

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In this heart-forward episode, Julie sits down with author and “rebel hugger” Melinda Lee Schmitt to explore the healing power of hugs, courageous boundaries, and how to follow your inner rebel—that calm, authentic voice inside that guides you toward truth. We talk about practicing 20-second hugs, reading energy and consent, loving ourselves first, and the surprising path that led Melinda to serve as a church “vibe keeper.” If you’ve been craving deeper connection without abandoning your own needs, this one’s for you. 💗

👉 If this served you, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a little courage and a big hug today.

Melina's book on Amazon through a link in which I get a small commission https://a.co/d/4LhT9Sb as an Amazon Associate.

Support the show

Link to Support this Channel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153284/supporters/new
Julie's Book: https://amzn.to/3K2ZS05
Julie's Website for more information, comments or requests: https://lifeofloveandjoy.com
I receive a small commission when you purchase from these links.

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Why do so many men seem “fine” on the surface but struggle to share what’s underneath? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst explains a mind-blowing truth: boys are born with a wider emotional range than girls—and our culture trains it out of them. We explore how this shapes fathers, marriages, intimacy, and “grumpy old men” — and what actually creates emotional safety, connection, and healing at home. We also share a simple Feelings Reference Chart you can use at your kitchen table to help boys (and men!) put words to what they feel.

If this message blesses you, please like, comment, and share to reach the hearts that wish to soften. New episodes weekly 💛

Guest: Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst — psychologist, author of Read, Reflect, Respond: The Three R’s of Growth and Change
Website: drvanderhorst.com (resources, essays, therapy info)

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Link to Support this Channel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153284/supporters/new
Julie's Book: https://amzn.to/3K2ZS05
Julie's Website for more information, comments or requests: https://lifeofloveandjoy.com
I receive a small commission when you purchase from these links.

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In this joyful, deeply inspiring conversation, Julie is joined by the amazing Cathy Nesbitt — laughter ambassador, worm composter, and eco-entrepreneur — to explore how laughter can transform your health, relationships, and the planet.

Together, they unpack how to:

• Trigger your body’s “daily dose” of happy hormones (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins)
• Use laughter as a vagus nerve reset and emotional detox
• Reframe arguments, driving stress, and online drama with laughter
• Connect across cultures, languages, and neurodiversity through joy
• Embrace nature’s cycles and composting as sacred, healing practices

Cathy shares about her free weekly Zoom laughter club, the science behind “simulated laughter,” and how laughter helped her evolve her eco mission from worm composting to global joy-spreading.

✨ If you're ready to laugh, breathe deeper, and reset your energy — this one’s for you.

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Link to Support this Channel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153284/supporters/new
Julie's Book: https://amzn.to/3K2ZS05
Julie's Website for more information, comments or requests: https://lifeofloveandjoy.com
I receive a small commission when you purchase from these links.

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n this heart-forward convo, Julie and Emmy get real about our phones: powerful tools that can also hijack attention, drain our energy, and quietly erode creativity. We unpack the dopamine loop, subtle signs of dependence, and the feeling of digital slavery—and then share simple, compassionate ways to reclaim your focus, joy, and time.

What you’ll learn

• How to reframe your phone as a tool (not your boss)
• The dopamine loop and why endless scrolling leaves you anxious, dull, and depleted
• Red flags you might be stuck in phone overuse—even if you think you’re fine
• Practical micro-boundaries that restore energy and creativity
• Why boredom equals creative spark and how to let your brain breathe
• Language and rituals that make conscious tech feel loving, not punitive

Key takeaways

• 📵 If it steals your presence, it’s too expensive.
• ⏱️ Time is a non-renewable resource—budget your attention intentionally.
• 🌱 Small edges (Do Not Disturb, app limits, leaving your phone in another room) create big calm.
• 🎨 Creativity returns when consumption decreases—make more than you scroll.

Try these micro-habits

• Set your Home Screen = tools only (calendar, maps, camera; move social to page two or beyond).
• Turn on Downtime or Focus during creative or family hours.
• Charge outside the bedroom and use an analog alarm.
• Replace 10 minutes of scrolling with a walk, breath practice, or journal—daily.
• Keep a Friction Box at the door: drop your phone in it when you enter.
• Ask before tapping: What am I here to do? If you don’t know, don’t open.

Mentioned concepts

• Dopamine loop and intermittent rewards
• Digital slavery as compromised agency (choose sovereignty over autopilot)
• Tool-first home screen design, Do Not Disturb or Focus modes, Screen Time and App Limits

If this served you
👉 Like, comment, and share with someone who’s ready to get their life back.
👉 Subscribe to Life of Love for soulful, practical tools that uplift your everyday.
💌 Learn more and connect: lifeofloveandjoy.com

0:00 Welcome and intention setting
2:12 Meet Emmy — writer, mom, truth-teller
5:14 Phone: helpful tool or subtle hijacker?
9:12 Dopamine loops and why scrolling feels sticky
13:48 Time slurp: how phones drink hours you meant to create with
16:57 Red flags of phone overuse (even if you feel fine)
20:12 Who profits from your attention and how to reclaim agency
24:25 Digital slavery: language and sovereignty choices
27:54 Micro-boundaries that actually work
30:57 Creativity rebounds when you unplug (boredom becomes spark)
36:07 Relearning real connection and presence
39:49 Closing reflections and invitation

Support the show

Link to Support this Channel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153284/supporters/new
Julie's Book: https://amzn.to/3K2ZS05
Julie's Website for more information, comments or requests: https://lifeofloveandjoy.com
I receive a small commission when you purchase from these links.

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Burnout isn’t proof you’re failing—it’s a sign your soul wants a gentler way. In today’s episode we reframe burnout, practice surrender, and rebuild hope with tiny, joyful steps. Ready for your best-life? 🎙️💛

Support the show

Link to Support this Channel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153284/supporters/new
Julie's Book: https://amzn.to/3K2ZS05
Julie's Website for more information, comments or requests: https://lifeofloveandjoy.com
I receive a small commission when you purchase from these links.

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Welcome to this soul-nourishing episode of Life of Love with Julie Hilsen, where we dive deep into healing early emotional wounds, breaking free from false self-narratives, and uncovering the divine light within that has always been yours.

🎙️ In this intimate conversation with Tara Wiskow, intuitive healer and founder of She Rises, we explore:

The dangerous mental and physical effects of diet culture and weight loss medications

How early childhood trauma and limiting beliefs shape identity

The journey from shame to self-love through mirror work and divine reconnection

The soul contract of motherhood and the transformational moment that saved Tara’s life

Why everyone is intuitive, and how to trust your inner guidance again

💛 This episode is a call to anyone who has ever felt not enough or disconnected from their truth. You are divine. You are worthy. You are more than a body—you are light.

📣 Please LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE to support this sacred space. Share with a friend who needs a reminder of their inner divinity. 🌞

🔗 Learn more about Tara & her “She Rises” program: https://tara-wiskow.com/
📖 Julie's book Life of Love: https://lifeofloveandjoy.com


Chapter Markers
00:00 - Introduction & Opening Prayer 🙏
01:50 - Welcoming Tara Wiskow, Intuitive Healer 🌟
03:00 - Redefining Motherhood After Empty Nesting 🕊️
07:00 - Childhood Trauma and Identity Disruption 👧🏽
09:30 - Food as Comfort and Addiction 🍩
11:30 - The Dangers of Weight Loss Medications 💊
13:00 - A Son’s Question That Saved Her Life 💔
14:15 - Mirror Work: A Path to True Healing 🪞
17:45 - Family Healing Through Authentic Self-Love 💗
18:50 - Generational Trauma and Epigenetics 👵🏽
21:00 - How One Comment Can Shape a Lifetime 🧠
23:00 - Why Self-Worth is the Missing Link in Weight Loss 🌿
26:40 - Healing After the Death of a Loved One 🕯️
28:00 - Living a Life That Aligns with Your Soul 💫
29:45 - Tara's She Rises Program Overview 👑
34:00 - Crowning Ceremony & Living Authentically 👸🏽
35:10 - The Global Grid of Light & Soul Purpose 🌍✨
36:45 - Julie’s Journey with Angels and Asking for Help 👼
37:35 - A Sisterhood of Healing and Divine Remembrance 💛

Support the show

Link to Support this Channel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153284/supporters/new
Julie's Book: https://amzn.to/3K2ZS05
Julie's Website for more information, comments or requests: https://lifeofloveandjoy.com
I receive a small commission when you purchase from these links.