Joy Lab Podcast Podcast By Henry Emmons MD and Aimee Prasek PhD cover art

Joy Lab Podcast

Joy Lab Podcast

By: Henry Emmons MD and Aimee Prasek PhD
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About this listen

 Welcome to the Joy Lab Podcast! We're your hosts, Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek, and we blend soulful insights with practical strategies to help you navigate mental health challenges like chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. In each episode, we dive deep into the art and science of joy, exploring how to build resilience and flourish, even in the face of life's overwhelming moments. You'll probably resonate and benefit most from joining us if any of the below resonate: * You feel caught in cycles of worry or anxiety. * You feel STRESSED and sick of the symptoms that go along with it (feeling tired, achy/tight in your body, tension headaches, and lots of irritation or nervousness). * You feel overwhelmed by the news of the world around you and it's impacting your mood and focus. * The grind of day-to-day life doesn't feel meaningful to you and you want something more. * Your mind feels ridiculously busy, full, and foggy. You may even be waking up in the middle of the night (3am, anyone?), with your mind racing over stuff you can't shake. * You feel depressed too often or even just stuck in a "meh" or "bleh" kind of state. You also really want to get out of that low mood rut, feel happy again, and live your life more fully. Did you sense a heaviness in your chest or belly that was like... "yeah, I'm feeling that." If so, then join us every Wednesday for a new episode. As hosts of this pod and fellow humans, we've had those thoughts and felt those feelings too. We know the struggle. We also know the relief and what it's like to go beyond just a baseline of feeling "not so bad" and into a more joyful and flourishing state. Maybe best of all, we know how to help others do that too. We've been in the mental health field and doing this work for a combined 50+ years. You can also trust that what we talk about and explore are solid mental health tools and practices grounded by modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and the science of mindfulness. We'll also adventure beyond what can be measured to explore wisdom from our deepest selves or "soul." But, there's a warning there... even when we're working with that deeper stuff, this is not some woo-woo, new age kind of psychobabble. It's the practical, whole-person approach to mental health that is necessary for our complex human lives. It will challenge you to address all the bits of your being, even those uncertain/uncomfortable sides, to help you cultivate joy right now—no procrastinating for the "perfect" moment. So, if you’re ready to redefine your relationship with mental health and unlock the joy that’s already within you, simply choose an episode that speaks to you and press play. Each episode is your personal guide to building true resilience, embracing self-care that truly nourishes you, and reigniting a deep sense of connection. You’ll walk away with practical insights to help you navigate life’s challenges with more confidence—because joy isn’t something you have to chase, it’s something within you that's waiting for you to rediscover. The Joy Lab Podcast and Program are powered by Pathways North. ________ This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.2021-2025 Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • "I Can't Handle Change" (and how to squash self-limiting beliefs like that one) [ep. 210]

    "I Can't Handle Change" (and how to squash self-limiting beliefs like that one) [ep. 210]
    May 21 2025

    "I can't handle change." Have you every had that thought? It's a sticky kind of thought. The good news is that it's not true. In this episode, we'll discuss the concept of self-limiting beliefs, particularly that notion 'I can't handle change.' We'll explore how such beliefs can be pervasive and detrimental, often rooted in early life experiences. Best of all, we'll offer some practical strategies for overcoming these beliefs.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

    Sources and Notes:

    • Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.

    Full transcript and links mentioned here.

    Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

    Please see our terms for more information.

    If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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    19 mins
  • You Are Capable of Radical Change [ep. 209]

    You Are Capable of Radical Change [ep. 209]
    May 14 2025

    You are capable of radical change. If you aren't convinced that you can create change in your life, take Aimee's story about how her hen became a rooster (seriously, just listen in and it'll make sense). Beyond that chicken talk, this episode is focused on our human potential for change and healing. We'll touch on neuroplasticity, epigenetics, and the motivational role of hope. We think you'll come away with a better understanding of how you're wired for change and can intentionally steer it towards greater wellbeing.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

    Sources and Notes:

    • Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
    • Emotional Inertia: Feeling Dull & Disconnected [Joy Lab ep. 207]
    • Zhang, X., et al. (2023). Overview of Avian Sex Reversal. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(9), 8284. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24098284
    • Bian, Z., et al. (2024). Genetic predisposition, modifiable lifestyles, and their joint effects on human lifespan: evidence from multiple cohort studies. BMJ evidence-based medicine, 29(4), 255–263. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2023-112583
    • Weger, U. W., & Loughnan, S. (2013). Mobilizing unused resources: using the placebo concept to enhance cognitive performance. Quarterly journal of experimental psychology (2006), 66(1), 23–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/17470218.2012.751117
    • Head to YouTube to see Haley's new spurs (16:28)
    • Closing poem excerpt: Emily Dickinson, "Hope is the Thing With Feathers."

    Full transcript here.

    Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

    Please see our terms for more information.

    If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • When Your Life Passions Become Obsessions (encore) [ep. 208]

    When Your Life Passions Become Obsessions (encore) [ep. 208]
    May 7 2025

    Do you have a passion that drives you? Or maybe you're looking for one? Whatever the case, it's essential to understand the difference between obsessive and harmonious passions. Drawing on the research of Dr. Robert Vallerand, we'll talk about the impact these different types of passions have on our wellbeing. Harmonious passions enhance motivation, wellbeing, and a sense of purpose, while obsessive passions can lead to rigidity, negative emotions, and burnout. We'll even try a practical check-in method from Dr. Barbara Fredrickson to help us identify and cultivate harmonious passions.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

    Sources and Notes:

    • Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.

    Full transcript here.

    Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

    Please see our terms for more information.

    If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
    Show more Show less
    17 mins
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