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Joy Lab Podcast

Joy Lab Podcast

Henry Emmons, MD and Aimee Prasek, PhD · Pathways North 501(c)(3)

285 episodesEN

Show overview

Joy Lab Podcast has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 285 episodes. That works out to roughly 95 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.

Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 16 min and 25 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Health & Fitness show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 6 days ago, with 43 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2024, with 85 episodes published. Published by Pathways North 501(c)(3).

Episodes
285
Running
2021–2026 · 5y
Median length
20 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

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 [email protected]. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Latest Episodes

View all 285 episodes

Rest Isn't the Opposite of Productivity (stress management tips & burnout recovery for us busy-busy humans) (encore) [281]

Aug 19, 202631 min

Healing Doesn't Have to Feel as Heavy As Hurting: Supporting Mental Health With More Play (encore) [280]

Aug 12, 202638 min

The Power of Play for Depression, Anxiety, & Stress (encore) [279]

Aug 5, 202624 min

Stop Optimizing & Exhausting Yourself and Start Re-Creating [278]

Aug 1, 202637 min

Self-Focused vs. Task-Focused Attention & How Great Things Are Done by a Series of Small Things [277]

Jul 29, 202621 min

Confidence, Motivation, & Values: Focusing on Direction, Not Perfection [276]

Jul 22, 202624 min

You Are Not Your Thoughts: Cognitive Defusion for Confidence & to Change Your Relationship With Self-Critical Thoughts [275]

Jul 15, 202625 min

Building Confidence with Mindful Acceptance (even when anxiety, self-doubt, & the harsh inner-critic show up) [274]

Jul 8, 202628 min

How to Build Confidence (When You Don't Feel Confident Yet) [273]

Jul 1, 202626 min

From Rumination and Defending to Right-Sizing: Recapping the Science & Tips to Build Humility for Mental Health & Wellbeing [272]

Jun 24, 20269 min

Going Beyond Yourself: How Humility Fights Loneliness, Builds Connection, & Protects Mental Health [271]

Jun 17, 202617 min

Check Yourself: Ego Threat, Stress Relief, & Needing to Prove Yourself [270]

Jun 10, 202621 min

Know Yourself: The Humility Practice That Quiets Rumination and Builds Emotional Resilience [269]

Jun 3, 202626 min

Humility Can Be Stressful... And Worth it for Mental Health [268]

Jun 1, 202611 min

You Can't Do Life Alone: Deep Connection is a Key to True Resilience [267]

May 27, 202619 min

The Resilience Shortcut That Beats Any Morning TikTok Routine [266]

May 20, 202626 min

Not a Fan Of Three Hour Morning Routines? Why Joy Lab Is Different (And Free This May) [265.1]

May 16, 20262 min

The Art & Science (+ Shoveling) of Letting Emotions Move Through You [265]

May 13, 202629 min

You Are Wired for Resilience: Join the Joy Lab Program Free This Mental Health Awareness Month [264.1]

May 9, 20261 min

How to Calm the Mind & Not Feed the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) [264]

May 6, 202621 min
2021-2025