Author Bree Groff on Finding Joy at Work

Losing her mom to cancer reminded Bree that life is fleeting.  Working as a consultant, she also saw how many people are miserable in their jobs.  Connecting these dots, she decided to help people find more joy and meaning in their work and rather than count the days to the weekend, turn things around and actually look forward to getting to work, perhaps even embrace a “TGIM” mentality.  In her book, Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously) she gives numerous examples of way we can find more joy from our work and our colleagues and encourages employers that creating a fun-filled workplace can improve an organization’s performance and bottom line.    Chapters: 00:00 Work Should Be Fun  Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously) shares how her mother, a kindergarten teacher, inspired her to believe that work can be enjoyable. After experiencing consulting and witnessing widespread job dissatisfaction, Bree realized that many people are not having fun at work.  03:59 A New Perspective on Work  Bree’s perspective on work drastically changed after her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis, leading her to question why people wish away their workdays. She advocates for a “middle way” where work is a pleasant way to spend time, not just a means to a paycheck or an all-consuming passion.  10:56 Fun Boosts Productivity  Bree argues that fun at work increases productivity and employee engagement, citing research from Gallup. She challenges the traditional notion that work cannot be fun and explores how elements like comfortable dress codes can enhance well-being and authenticity.  17:29 Embracing Authenticity in Work  Bree uses the example of a heart surgeon listening to ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ during operations to illustrate that even serious work can benefit from a relaxed and authentic environment. She emphasizes the importance of treating our brains like athletes by prioritizing sleep, comfort, and mental health.  21:43 Micro Mischief and Generosity  Bree suggests ‘micro mischiefs’ for employees to subtly challenge restrictive workplace norms and encourages leaders to assume the best in their teams. She advocates for a cycle of generosity, where leaders support their employees’ well-being, leading to increased commitment and better work.  29:01 Humanizing the Virtual Workplace  Bree discusses the benefits of remote work in humanizing colleagues, as shared glimpses into personal lives foster empathy and stronger relationships. She highlights how moments like the BBC interview interruption showcased the human side of professionals, breaking down traditional barriers.  33:11 Future of Joy at Work  Bree emphasizes that physical distance doesn’t mean emotional distance in virtual work and suggests structured check-ins to maintain human connection. She notes a positive shift, especially among younger generations, towards valuing mental health and work-life boundaries, which aligns with her vision for joyful workplaces.  41:48 Reflections and Closing  Bill Burke reflects on the work-from-home versus in-office debate, acknowledging both the benefits of in-person interaction and the strong arguments for virtual work. He expresses appreciation for Bree Groff’s insights and her book, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast and the Optimism Institute.  

Erin Cain didn’t grow up around horses but eventually was exposed to them and the remarkable abilities they have to facilitate healing for a wide range of individuals.  A series of life events caused her to move from her native northeast to the Colorado Rockies and today, she’s the co-founder, owner, and operator of Grace Reins Equine Therapy. In this episode she describes the personal hardships she’s overcome and the work she now does rescuing and “gentling” wild mustangs, then working with these animals to provide therapy to the diverse group of individuals who come to Grace Reins for healing.    Chapters:  00:00 Erins’s East Coast Roots  Host Bill Burke introduces Erin Cain, founder of Grace Reins, a therapeutic horse organization. Erin shares her early life growing up on Long Island in a blue-collar family, far from horses, and how she eventually moved to California.  03:12 Discovering Equine Therapy  Erin recounts her first exposure to equine therapy in Connecticut at High Hopes, a major program.   07:22 Grace Reins: Founding & Mission  Erin discusses her journey from volunteering at High Hopes to getting certified in therapeutic horsemanship. She details her move to Colorado in 2013 and the eventual establishment of Grace Reins, emphasizing the inspiration she drew from Special Olympics events.  11:12 Rescuing Wild Mustangs  Erin introduces her partner Joe and explains how their shared passion for wild mustangs led to their collaboration. She highlights Grace Reins’ unique approach of rescuing and gentling wild mustangs, integrating them into their therapy programs.  15:04 The Art of Gentling Wild Horses  Erin explains the process of gentling wild mustangs, referencing Monty Roberts’ methods of compassionate training. She illustrates how this process teaches respect and patience, which are crucial lessons also applicable to human interaction.  19:05 Mustangs and Human Healing  Erin explores the profound connection between rescued mustangs and clients, especially veterans, who find a mirror in these traumatized yet resilient animals. This shared experience of overcoming adversity fosters hope and a sense of worth for both the horses and the individuals.  22:08 Therapy with Veterans & Children  Erin details the therapeutic process at Grace Reins, focusing on groundwork, grooming, and non-verbal communication to help clients, including female wounded warriors and children, downregulate and connect with horses. She describes how the horses’ slower heartbeats and meditative presence aid in relaxation and emotional regulation.  27:13 Nature’s Impact: Beyond the Screen  Erin discusses the benefits of children spending time outdoors with horses, moving away from screens and engaging their senses. She highlights how this environment helps children develop emotional regulation and a sense of calm, echoing the concept of nature deficit disorder.  31:05 Personal Resilience & Drive  Erin shares a deeply personal story about the loss of her brother, a New York City firefighter, on 9/11, and how this tragedy fuels her dedication to helping others. She connects her experiences with her father’s firefighting career and her brother’s memory to her empathetic approach in therapeutic work, especially with veterans.  38:01 Finding Equine Therapy Near You  Erin discusses the widespread availability of equine therapy and directs listeners to PATH, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, for finding local programs. She also offers to personally assist those seeking therapeutic horsemanship options, emphasizing the global reach of this impactful work. 

Meghan Riordan Jarvis was a practicing psychotherapist when she found herself devastated by the loss of her two parents.  She suddenly saw she was no different from those she helped, but she still needed outside support to recover.  In this Blue Sky episode, she describes how this realization led her to become an expert about grief and an advocate for all of us to learn about this important and challenging part of life.       Chapters:  02:20 Journey to Psychotherapy  Meghan shares her personal journey into psychotherapy, beginning with a ‘normal breakup’ that led her to seek therapy. This experience uncovered an unacknowledged childhood trauma, sparking her interest in understanding human behavior and emotions.  06:30 From Teacher to Campaign Manager  Meghan recounts her early career, which included earning a master’s degree in early childhood education and a brief stint as a campaign manager in D.C. This period of professional uncertainty, coupled with a dissolved relationship, propelled her further into therapy and solidified her path towards psychotherapy.  09:17 Experiencing Grief Firsthand  Meghan discusses her personal experience with grief after losing both parents, particularly the sudden death of her mother. Despite her professional expertise, she found herself profoundly destabilized, experiencing traumatic grief that mirrored the struggles of her own patients.  13:04 Clinician’s Fury at Personal Grief  Meghan recounts her frustration and ‘fury’ as a psychotherapist experiencing severe personal grief, realizing her education didn’t shield her from its intensity. Her inpatient trauma treatment revealed the profound difference between theoretical knowledge and the embodied experience of loss.  15:55 Bridging Mental and Physical Health  Meghan advocates for dissolving the cultural divide between physical and mental health, highlighting how societal biases hinder seeking help for grief. She draws parallels between adolescent growth and the transformative, often messy, process of grieving, emphasizing its physical and mental impacts.  21:38 Grief as a Transformative Process  Meghan explains how grief, though painful, can be a transformative process leading to ‘traumatic growth’ and new purpose. She details her Grief Mentor Method, a personalized approach to developing daily practices and tools like the ‘grief EpiPen’ to manage intense emotional and physical responses to loss.  26:50 Normalizing and Processing Grief  Meghan emphasizes the importance of normalizing grief and understanding it extends far beyond crying. She introduces the ‘grief mentor method,’ which focuses on physical system connection, distinguishing between nervous systems, nourishing practices, storytelling, and connecting with external support, including ‘finding your five’ to test sharing your story.  31:56 Grief in Education and the Workplace  Meghan highlights the physical impact of grief on the body’s 12 systems, citing statistics on increased heart attack risk for widowers. She passionately advocates for integrating grief education into schools and professional training, noting the lack of comprehensive grief studies in psychotherapy programs and the need for better workplace support.  39:24 Supporting Grievers: Practical Tips  Meghan offers practical advice for supporting someone in grief, emphasizing collective effort and long-term planning, ideally for a year or more.   46:30 Megan’s Resources and Farewell  Bill Burke reviews Meghan’s diverse offerings, including her memoirs, ‘Can Anyone Tell Me Essential Questions about Grief and Loss?’, her podcast ‘Grief is My Side Hustle,’ and her corporate and online courses. Meghan details how individuals, helpers, and leaders can access her work via her website and Instagram. 

Tricia Rose Burt had done everything right, according to the way she was raised.  She went to a “good school,” had a “good job” and all seemed to be going great on the surface.  But inside, she was miserable and decided to make a change.  She left her career in public relations, took classes at art school, and began to explore her own creativity in a way that, as she describes it, “filled her cup.”  She’s never been happier, and in this Blue Sky conversation, she’ll explain how listeners might want choose to tap into their “inner artist” as well.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Tricia Rose Burt  This chapter introduces Tricia Rose Burt, highlighting her journey from a conventional upbringing to a fulfilling creative career. It sets the stage for her story of transformation and how she helps others find their own path.  02:22 Overcoming Prescribed Paths  Tricia discusses her upbringing in Tampa, Florida, where there was a ‘right way’ to do things, leading her to feel miserable despite doing everything ‘correctly.’   05:04 The Art School Transformation  Tricia shares how she transitioned from a career in public relations, which she disliked, to art school. A career counselor’s advice and an initial art class led to a complete career and life change, reigniting a childhood spark for creativity.  08:05 Focusing on Process, Not Outcomes Tricia explains her current philosophy of focusing on the creative process rather than the outcome, a challenge for someone raised in an ‘overachieving household.’   12:36 No Time to Be Timid: Podcast  Tricia discusses her podcast, ‘No Time to Be Timid,’ and its message about embracing courage at any age. She emphasizes the pain of an uncreative life and encourages listeners to overcome obstacles to pursue their passions.  16:47 Integrating Creativity and Life  Tricia advises listeners to integrate creativity into their daily lives rather than making drastic changes, sharing her own ‘dramatic’ pivot to Ireland. She highlights the importance of a low overhead and finding joy in the creative process, contrasting it with exhausting unfulfilling work.  23:01 The Riskiest Thing: Playing It Safe  Tricia introduces her ‘No Time to Be Timid’ manifesto, starting with ‘The riskiest thing you can do is play it safe.’   25:54 Non-Linear Paths and Creativity’s Value  Tricia discusses the non-linear nature of life paths and how it allows for following curiosity, a contrast to her father’s single career. She stresses that creativity is not frivolous, but essential for problem-solving and leading a fulfilling life, challenging the societal undervaluation of creative pursuits.  28:45 Constraints as Opportunities  Tricia elaborates on ‘constraints are opportunities,’ sharing how financial limitations in Ireland led her to create art from unconventional materials like tea bags. She provides examples of how constraints, whether financial or time-based, can spark creativity and innovation.  35:03 Embracing Failure for Growth  Tricia discusses ‘failure is your friend,’ explaining that setbacks offer valuable learning experiences and redirect paths. She shares a friend’s perspective that ‘no’ can be as good as ‘yes’ and emphasizes asking ‘what happens if I do this?’ in the creative process.  38:45 Courage in Community  Tricia highlights the importance of ‘courage in community,’ noting that fellow pilgrims provide support and understanding for creative individuals.   41:50 Make Art Now: The Power of Story  Tricia passionately advocates for ‘make art now,’ asserting that art and stories are vital for human connection, empathy, and overcoming demonization. She emphasizes that creativity isn’t limited to ‘big A’ art but encompasses everyday acts of making and connecting. 

As a personal trainer and wellness coach, Stacey Garcia was doing everything right.  She ate well, exercised, and took great care of herself.  That’s why her cancer diagnosis came as an extra shock, and in this episode, she explains how she dealt with this news and found strength and resilience as she battled her disease.  Now in recovery, Stacey helps guide others through similar challenges both in her daily work as well as her podcast Never Miss a Monday.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Stacey Garcia  Bill Burke introduces Stacey Garcia, host of ‘Never Miss a Monday’ podcast.  02:15 Stacey’s Background and Career  Stacey discusses her career path, from being a third-generation dancer to becoming a personal trainer and integrative health coach.   05:12 Cancer Diagnosis and Reiki  Stacey recounts the shocking diagnosis of cancer despite her healthy lifestyle, triggered by a nightmare. She describes how she discovered a lump, navigated the diagnostic process, and eventually found healing and purpose through Reiki during her recovery.  09:26 Never Miss a Monday Podcast  Stacey shares the origins of her podcast’s title, ‘Never Miss a Monday,’ stemming from her athletic training philosophy. She explains how her cancer diagnosis pivoted the podcast’s focus to survivorship and mindset, featuring inspiring stories from various survivors.  13:59 Embracing Mondays for Success  Stacey elaborates on her ‘Never Miss a Monday’ philosophy, advocating for intentional Sunday self-care to ensure a strong start to the week.   16:49 Communicating the Diagnosis to Children  Stacey shares the challenging experience of telling her young children about her cancer diagnosis, highlighting the importance of honesty and age-appropriate information.   19:50 Silver Linings and Community Support  Stacey reflects on the silver linings of her cancer journey, including developing deep gratitude, a shift in perspective, and discovering the power of community. She highlights how her experience inspired her to use her recovery as a gift to support and educate others through her podcast.  23:46 Survivor’s Guilt and Podcast Impact  Stacey addresses the complexities of ‘survivor’s guilt’ and how her early diagnosis motivated her to give back to the cancer community. She details her podcast’s mission to educate and empower, featuring diverse guests who embody a survivorship and empowerment mindset.  28:39 Optimism, Meaning, and Future Focus  Stacey discusses optimism as a choice and a daily practice, aligning with Viktor Frankl’s ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ by focusing on what’s ahead. She emphasizes that challenges are temporary, and maintaining a forward-looking mindset is crucial for overcoming adversity.  33:00 Dealing with Relapse and Self-Advocacy  Stacey shares her decision to pursue an alternative route for cancer reoccurrence prevention, prioritizing quality of life over conventional treatment. She underscores the critical importance of stress management, self-advocacy in healthcare, and early detection, especially for women with dense breast tissue.  39:30 Gratitude and Medical Advancements  Stacey emphasizes that gratitude feeds optimism, encouraging appreciation for past blessings and current advancements in medicine and technology. She highlights the importance of leveraging resources like remote Reiki and continuous learning for well-being.  41:19 Nature’s Healing Power and Sunday Prep  Stacey advocates for ‘forest bathing’ and connecting with nature for cell regeneration and joy, recalling the concept of ‘nature deficit disorder.’   46:20 The ‘Get To’ Mindset and Conclusion  Stacey champions the ‘get to’ versus ‘have to’ mindset, transforming daily tasks into acts of gratitude and self-love.

Nicole Stott had a remarkable career with NASA, logging more than 100 days in outer space.  Her time on the International Space Station drives her appreciation for the importance of cooperation across cultures and national boundaries.  On this Blue Sky episode, she describes lessons learned from her time as an astronaut, and the inspiring work she does today through the Space For Art Foundation, and her optimistic and solutions-oriented approach to life.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nicole Stott  This chapter introduces Nicole Stott, a retired NASA astronaut, aquanaut, engineer, artist, and author. It highlights her unique experiences as one of fewer than 600 people to have flown in space, her inspiration from her father, and her journey into aeronautical engineering after a personal tragedy.  03:42 From Tragedy to Astronaut  Nicole shares the profound impact of her father’s tragic death in a plane crash on her career path, explaining how it fueled her desire to understand how things fly, leading to aeronautical engineering and eventually NASA. She also touches on her ‘aquanaut’ experience, spending 18 days underwater as training for spaceflight.  12:07 The Power of Optimism in Space  Nicole discusses the ‘here’s how we can’ approach essential for space travel, contrasting it with pessimism, and emphasizing the importance of teamwork in an international setting. She details her missions on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station, highlighting the global collaboration required for such complex endeavors.  19:18 Earth as Spaceship, Us as Crewmates  Nicole reflects on the profound perspective gained from space, seeing Earth’s thin atmosphere as a fragile ‘thin blue line’ and the International Space Station’s hull as a parallel. This realization fuels her belief that all humans are ‘crewmates’ on ‘Spaceship Earth,’ inspiring a collective mission to protect our planet.  27:01 Art, Space, and Healing  Nicole shares her passion for art, which developed from a young age and continued during her space missions, where she created the first watercolor painting in space. This passion led her to establish the Space for Art Foundation, which uses space-themed art therapy to inspire and unite children in pediatric hospitals and refugee centers worldwide.  34:38 The Future of Space and Humanity  Nicole discusses the current landscape of space exploration, including public-private partnerships with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, and the broader motivations behind these endeavors. She also highlights the ‘never underestimate the importance of bugs’ principle, emphasizing that small individual actions can lead to significant planetary solutions.  45:12 Mars, The Moon, and Space Solar Power  Nicole addresses the potential for space-based solar power, highlighting its significant cost but comparing it to other large global expenditures. She concludes by expressing her optimism about humans landing on Mars within the next 30-50 years, with the Moon serving as a crucial steppingstone for this ambitious journey. 

Host Bill Burke thinks back to his own back to school days and offers thoughts on what he might study were he an incoming student this fall.  He also discusses what he might teach if he were a faculty member and encourages us all to keep learning in our lives, whether we are enrolled students or not. 

Marcy Syms has led a remarkable life, full of triumphs and tragedies.  Through a discussion of her new book, Leading with Respect: Adventures of an Off-Price Fashion Pioneer, host Bill Burke and Marcy cover subjects ranging from Marcy’s upbringing, to overcoming bigotry and bullying in high school, to running her father’s company and keeping it on track through the loss of two of her siblings.      Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Leading with Respect  Bill Burke introduces Marcy Syms, CEO of The Syms Corporation, and her upcoming book “Leading with Respect.” Marcy discusses her father’s motto “Don’t let the bad guys win” and how it relates to being prepared and ensuring both sides of an encounter feel respected.  04:18 Customer Respect & Grandmother’s Influence  Marcy explains how her father’s tagline “an educated consumer is our best customer” was foundational to their company’s success and built on respect for the customer. She also shares the significant influence of her Romanian immigrant grandmother, who instilled in her the importance of financial independence for young women.  09:12 Overcoming Antisemitism  Marcy recounts the overt antisemitism her family faced after moving to Westchester County, detailing the anxiety and fear it caused. She explains how she decided to ‘tough it out’ like a job, overcompensating for the prejudice and becoming a rebel to challenge stereotypes.  13:47 Trailblazing & Joining the Family Business  Marcy discusses how she, as a 12-year-old, trailblazed by pushing for a Bat Mitzvah in her Conservative synagogue, which didn’t traditionally hold them. She also explains her path to joining her father’s business after being fired from her broadcasting job, finding excitement and fulfillment in the entrepreneurial world.  19:05 Business Innovation & Personal Resilience  Marcy describes the unique “automatic markdown price tag” marketing strategy that differentiated Syms stores, despite not being a profit center. She then discusses the immense personal resilience required to lead the company as CEO while simultaneously dealing with the tragic loss of her brother and sister within a year.  27:43 Courage, Values, and Philanthropy  Marcy emphasizes the importance of courage, even in small acts, and how it’s linked to personal values. She reveals her strong aversion to bullies, a trait honed by her past experiences, and how her father’s philanthropic vision led to the establishment of the Sy Syms Foundation.  33:25 Impactful Philanthropic Initiatives  Marcy details the foundation’s unique philanthropic approach, supporting organizations like PEN America, the American Heart Association’s “Go Red” campaign for women’s heart health, and the Tannenbaum Foundation’s anti-bullying initiatives. She also highlights their commitment to investigative journalism through NPR and scientific research at institutions like the Weissman Institute.  41:34 Lifelong Learning & Hot Water Strength  Marcy reflects on the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, “A woman is like a tea bag; you don’t know her strength until she gets into hot water,” acknowledging her own life’s challenges. She passionately advocates for lifelong learning as a key to longevity and a fulfilling life, drawing parallels to Jewish cultural inquisitiveness and the entrepreneurial spirit. 

Mike Goodwin grew up with a difficult and volatile father.  As a child, he decided that one way he could help his mom would be to help make her laugh.  He soon realized he had a talent for humor, but it wasn’t until after time in the US Army and a career in higher education that Mike made comedy his career.  Host Bill Burke and Mike Goodwin share a lot of laughs and life lessons in this fun episode of Blue Sky.   Chapters:  02:27 Meet Mike Goodwin  Bill introduces Mike Goodwin, a comedian, humor coach, and keynote speaker known for his clean comedy style. Mike shares his background, including his upbringing in South Carolina and his journey through comedy.  03:06 Comedy as a Coping Mechanism  Mike discusses his challenging childhood and how he used humor to cope with family dysfunction. He reflects on the role laughter played in his early life and its therapeutic benefits.  06:07 Military Life and Humor  Mike shares his experience in the Army and how his sense of humor both helped and got him into trouble. He recounts funny moments during basic training and the importance of camaraderie.  10:00 From Educator to Comedian  Transitioning from a career in education, Mike talks about his time as a college counselor and how he began pursuing comedy. He reflects on the blend of humor and education in his past roles.  12:45 The Start of Stand-Up Comedy  Mike reveals how he began his stand-up career in an unexpected venue: his church. He shares the pivotal moment that led him to perform on stage and embrace his comedic talent.  14:34 The Art of Clean Comedy  Mike explains his choice to avoid blue humor and the challenges it presents. He likens performing clean comedy to running a marathon with added difficulty, emphasizing authenticity in his style.  18:30 Navigating Sensitive Topics  Mike discusses how he tackles sensitive subjects in his comedy, aiming for honesty and surprise. He shares insights on how to engage diverse audiences while maintaining a positive message.  25:50 Laughter in Leadership  Shifting gears, Mike talks about his work in corporate speaking and how he combines humor with leadership themes. He shares the evolution of his keynote presentations and the importance of engaging his audience.  30:01 The Balance of Content and Comedy  Mike discusses the importance of blending strong content with humor in professional settings, emphasizing how a refreshing approach can enhance the overall experience for audiences.   31:43 Laughter as a Leadership Tool  The conversation delves into the relationship between humor and leadership, highlighting how authenticity and appropriate humor can foster better connections in the workplace. Mike explains the pitfalls of trying to be funny without establishing rapport first.  34:09 Humor in Everyday Interactions  Mike shares anecdotes about using humor in everyday situations, such as hotel check-ins, to break the ice and alleviate tension. He emphasizes that humor doesn’t have to be stand-up level; simple, relatable interactions can make a significant impact.  36:01 The Hard Work Behind Humor  The discussion shifts to the dedication required to master humor, with Mike referencing comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart who put in years of effort to hone their craft. He stresses that achieving comedic success is not as effortless as it may seem.  39:42 The Comedian’s Mindset  Mike introduces the ABC method of the comedian’s mindset, which involves being aware, breathing, and being curious in challenging situations.   46:36 Pursuing Happiness and Positivity  In the concluding segment, Mike reflects on the importance of actively pursuing happiness and spreading positivity in society. He shares his mission to leave people better than he found them and encourages listeners to embrace optimism. 

In this Blue Sky conversation, Kristine Michie describes her path to a career marked by sparking joy in people and organizations to facilitate positive and impactful change.  Earlier this year, she hosted Bill Burke on her PlayFull podcast and with this episode, the tables are turned and the result is a fun, inspiring conversation on the power of fun, joy, and optimism.   Chapters: 02:05 Meet Kristine Michie  Kristine Michie, founder of Impactfull, Inc. and host of the PlayFull podcast, joins Bill to discuss her journey and the importance of joy in making a difference. They delve into Kristine’s background and her unique approach to change-making.  04:00 Stirring It Up: Kristine’s Early Activism Kristine shares her early experiences in activism, starting from her first political campaign at the age of four. She reflects on how her family influenced her commitment to social justice and making a difference.  08:29 From Journalism to Philanthropy  Kristine recounts her transition from journalism to the nonprofit sector, highlighting her disillusionment with traditional politics and her desire to make a meaningful impact. She discusses her journey into grant writing and philanthropy.  10:34 The Power of Joy in Change-Making  Kristine explains how her focus has shifted towards incorporating joy and play into serious work. She discusses her podcast and retreats that emphasize the importance of joy in fostering effective change.  16:00 Integrating Joy into Nonprofit Work  Bill and Kristine explore the skepticism some organizations may have towards integrating joy into their work. They discuss how shared laughter and play can enhance productivity and create a positive work environment.  20:38 Redefining Productivity and Community  Kristine shares insights on redefining productivity and the importance of community-building over traditional metrics. She emphasizes the value of joy and connection in achieving meaningful outcomes.  24:03 Innovative Retreats and Team Building  Kristine describes her unique approach to retreats and team-building exercises, incorporating creative activities like typewriting and cooking classes. She illustrates how these experiences foster collaboration and innovation.  30:03 Imagining the Unimaginable Kristine and Bill delve into the importance of imagination in activism, discussing generational differences in receptivity to change. They explore how joy and play can break down barriers and foster collaboration across age groups.  32:15 The PlayFull Podcast Journey  Kristine shares her journey into podcasting, highlighting her background in journalism and her desire to create meaningful conversations. She reflects on the ease of starting a podcast compared to publishing a book and the excitement of connecting with new voices.  36:01 Finding Inspiring Voices  The conversation shifts to how Kristine sources guests for her podcast, emphasizing the abundance of good people working to make a difference. They discuss the joy of discovering new stories and the interconnectedness of those in the social sector.  40:12 Looking Ahead: New Ventures  Kristine outlines her upcoming projects, including a new camp for nonprofit leaders and her aspirations for future books. The discussion reflects her commitment to uplifting others and the joy she finds in her work.  43:39 A Sweet Conclusion  As the episode wraps up, the host expresses gratitude for Kristine’s insights and the playful nature of her podcast. They share a light-hearted moment talking about ice cream, reinforcing the theme of joy in their conversation.