Engineering Emotions and Energy with Justin Wenck, Ph.D.

In this delayed episode of Engineering Emotions & Energy with Justin Wenck, Ph. D., he opens up about a personal bout of severe illness and the deeper lessons that came from it. More than a story about getting sick, this episode dives into what happens when life throws curveballs—and how we can find resilience, growth, and even joy in the moments that don’t go as planned. Takeaways include: Ho...

Have you ever aspired to be "okay"? Perhaps that's what you've been missing all along. In this episode, Justin explores the often-overlooked wisdom of embracing okayness. Rather than rushing from hardship to euphoric highs, Justin makes a compelling case for stabilizing in a state of "okay" as the essential bridge to a sustainably joyful life. Episode Highlights: Why...

Addiction isn't always what you think. In this eye-opening solo episode, Dr. Justin Wenck dives into the nuanced landscape of addiction—how it shows up in hidden ways and how, when recognized and redirected, it can become a superpower. Drawing from personal stories and practical insights, Justin challenges cultural narratives around addiction and offers a new way to reclaim your life by choos...

Are your go-to relaxation activities truly recharging you—or stealthily wearing you out? In this solo deep dive, Justin explores the hidden stressors lurking in our diets, media habits, and even our exercise routines. With humor, honesty, and practical insight, Justin challenges us to reevaluate what relaxation really means and offers tools to help truly restore your energy. Key Takeaways: 🍕 How...

In this powerful episode of Engineering Emotions & Energy, Justin Wenck, PhD, appears on the analog airwaves in a raw and real conversation with Tonya J. Long on her RESET Podcast(https://www.reset-podcast.com/)  that originally aired on 92.9 KPCR. Justin is interviewed about navigating identity, status, and loss. From the early days at Intel to founding a practice rooted in love and curiosity...

In this milestone 200th episode, Justin delves into a transformative perspective: viewing the world as inherently perfect, even amidst chaos. Drawing from personal anecdotes and metaphors, Justin illustrates how challenges can be catalysts for growth and how shifting our focus inward can lead to profound external changes. Key Highlights: Celebrating Milestones: Reflecting on 200 episodes and the 2...

Another possible title for this episode was "Bananas & Boundaries", but the mountain metaphor won out for this show that delves into the art of maintaining emotional equilibrium when the world around you feels overwhelming. Using the vivid metaphor of glacier hiking, Justin illustrates how to support others without losing your footing and emphasizes the importance of discerning when...

In this episode, Justin Wenck, PhD, delves into the transformative "Rose, Bud, Thorn" questions— designed to deepen connections and enhance self-awareness. Justin shares personal experiences, including recent challenges and celebrations, illustrating how this method can be applied to foster more meaningful relationships whether you've been connected for years or mere moments. Key Hi...

Your birthday isn’t just another day—it’s a powerful event that can set the tone for the year ahead. In this insightful episode, Justin Wenck sits down with Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming, author of How to Have a Happy Birthday, to explore how celebrating your birthday with intention can lead to greater joy, connection, and fulfillment. Tamar shares her unique insights on why birthdays are more than just c...

Ever stop to question your thoughts? 🤔  In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into how our thoughts shape our reality —often in ways that don’t serve us. But the good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in negative, looping, or unhelpful thoughts . I explore why the only thing you can be certain of is that you exist (I am) and how bringing awareness to your present moment is the key to clarity, pe...

In this episode, I’m recording live (well, not quite live, but you get it) from Guatemala after an incredible one-week retreat at Lake Atitlán. But here’s the thing—retreats aren’t just about escaping reality, they’re about amplifying it. Too often, we think of retreats as a way to run from life’s chaos. But what if a retreat could expand your life instead of just giving you a break from it? I bre...

Are you truly connected—to yourself, to others, and to something greater?  This week, I’m joined by Dr. Adam Dorsay , a psychologist, executive coach, and author of Super Psyched: The Four Types of Connection , to explore what it really means to form deep, meaningful connections in our fast-paced world. Dr. Dorsay breaks down the four key areas of connection—self, others, the world, and something...

Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re diving deep into the many dimensions of love—self-love, romantic relationships, connection, loss, and the evolving ways we experience love in the modern world.  In this special episode, I’m joined by author, AI expert, and now podcaster Tonya J. Long as she flips the script and asks me the big questions about love. From navigating r...

What if everything you’ve done in life—every mundane task, every struggle, every challenge—was actually preparing you for something bigger?  In this episode of the Engineering Emotions & Energy Podcast , Justin Wenck takes a deep dive into The Karate Kid (1984) and the powerful life lessons hidden within the classic film. From unexpected training methods to the power of trust, discipline, and...

Are you focused on winning, or just trying not to lose?  In this episode, Justin dives deep into “poverty mindset” and how it affects our ability to live abundantly, joyfully, and fully present in the moment. Drawing on personal stories, surprising insights, and even ice-skating adventures, Justin challenges listeners to evaluate their current thinking patterns and embrace the art of living life l...

Are you frustrated by setbacks or feeling like you’ve lost progress on your goals? In this episode, Justin explores the concept of backsliding and reveals why it’s not only normal but also essential for growth. Drawing inspiration from Michelangelo’s artistic process and personal anecdotes, Justin unpacks how to view challenges as opportunities for refinement, rather than failures. You’ll learn ho...

Is your life feeling cluttered—physically, emotionally, or socially? In this episode, Justin reveals the three things you must let go of to create space for the experiences, relationships, and successes you truly desire. From clearing out physical possessions to reevaluating the places you frequent and the people in your life, this episode is packed with practical advice for creating a life filled...

Welcome to 2025! Are you ready to make this your most successful, fulfilling, and joyful year yet? In this episode, Justin shares two powerful yet simple practices that will set you up for your best year ever. Whether you’re riding high on last year’s wins or feeling like you fell short, these steps will help you reflect with gratitude and step into the new year with clarity and purpose. Justin wa...

In this special holiday episode, Justin Wenck shares the powerful Hawaiian clearing practice of Ho’oponopono to help you navigate the season’s stressors with ease and joy. Whether you’re dealing with family drama, financial pressures, or just the chaos of holiday schedules, this simple technique can transform your mindset and bring balance to your life. Learn how four simple phrases can clear nega...

Are you treating the source or symptoms? In this episode of Engineering Emotions and Engineering, Justin sits down with functional medicine expert Martin Pytela to uncover the secrets to thriving in a world stacked against your health. Martin Pytela is a respected functional medicine expert and Metabolic Typing coach, whose mission is to "Restore Vitality to You and The Planet." With ove...

In this episode, Justin dives into the importance of balance in all areas of life.  Drawing inspiration from Goldilocks, David Lynch’s Twin Peaks , and electrical engineering, Justin explores how embracing the contrasts in life—light and dark, joy and sorrow—leads to fulfillment and growth.  Learn why balance isn’t about perfection, but about finding your “just right” through cycles of self-discov...

Will AI deliver on the hype? In a word: No. But in this episode with AI governance expert Tonya J. Long we dive into the evolving concept that will: Collaborative Intelligence (CI) —the blend of human insight and artificial intelligence (AI) . Together we explore how AI can enhance human creativity, enable businesses, and address global challenges, all while emphasizing the critical role of human...

In this insightful episode Justin introduces a unique tool for shaping your future by reframing your past memories—a method he calls the “Mandala Effect Hack.” Inspired by George Orwell’s famous quote, “He who controls the past controls the future,” Justin discusses how memories may not be as fixed as we think. Drawing on examples from pop culture (and some humorous personal stories), Justin expla...

How will you vote? Rather than telling you who or what to vote for, Justin introduces a framework for how to vote—one rooted in vision and values. He explains the difference between selecting and electing and why knowing your values is crucial when choosing candidates and propositions. Justin also discusses the importance of tuning out post-election noise and focusing on actions that align with yo...

In this episode, Justin explores the connection between physical pain, intuition, and emotional well-being. Opening with Albert Einstein's powerful quote, " The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift ," Justin dives into how our modern reliance on logic can sometimes ov...