Seeking Joy Podcast

In this heartfelt podcast episode, hosted by Ashley Veenema, McKeanna Teevens shares her deeply personal journey from Idaho to New Hampshire. Through candid reflections, she discusses young motherhood, balancing career and family, and her personal growth. McKeanna, alongside Ashley, emphasizes adaptability, relationships, and self-worth. Their conversation highlights individuality, embracing authe...

In this episode of Coffee Talk, hosts Ashley and Ben discuss the concept of 'saying yes means saying no,' focusing on the significance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and achieve balance, especially during their '75 Hard' journey and travels. They explore the value of prioritizing rest and understanding trade-offs, emphasizing that saying no to certain commitments can enhance well-being a...

In this engaging episode, the host, Ashley Veenema, sits down with Jordan Russell, a multifaceted teacher, artist, and librarian from Cleveland, Ohio. Jordan reflects on his diverse identity, artistic passions, and profound insights into human connection and creativity. Through personal anecdotes, including favorite films like 'The Muppet Movie' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road,' and near-death experiences...

In the eighth episode of Coffee Talk, Ashley and Ben discuss the themes of authenticity and connection, sharing personal updates from their travels and challenges in maintaining their schedule. They explore the importance of living in alignment with one's values, the role of stillness in self-awareness, and how genuine connections are formed through authenticity and trust. The conversation highlig...

In this podcast episode, host Ashley has an insightful conversation with Emily, a high school teacher known for her authenticity and creativity. Emily shares her unexpected path to teaching, her passion for learning, and her adventurous spirit. The discussion explores her unique personality traits, the significance of living authentically, and her experiences with personal boundaries and fear. Key...

In this episode, Ashley and Ben continue their exploration of the core values of happiness and wellbeing, discussing their recent move to Stony Lake, Michigan, and upcoming travel plans. They delve into the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and reflect on actions that support overall wellbeing. The conversation explores the distinctions between happiness, positivity, and optimism and c...

In this heartfelt episode, host Ashley Veenema converses with Sara Bennett, an English teacher and mother of three, on the pursuit of a good life, self-acceptance, and overcoming adversity. Sara discusses her Midwest upbringing, teaching career, and parenting journey, shedding light on struggles with perfectionism, body image, and societal pressures. The dialogue highlights the importance of vulne...

In this enriching episode, hosts Ashley and Ben dive deep into the themes of purpose and passion, sharing heartfelt personal stories about their journey to find life's purpose and the passions that drive them. The couple updates listeners on their travel adventures, concert experiences, and the origin of their bus adventure, Seeking Joy. Emphasizing intentional living and human connection, the...

In this engaging podcast episode, the host chats with Todd Matte, a multifaceted artist and educator from New Hampshire. Todd discusses his journey as a father, husband, and creative individual, reflecting on influences from his childhood, his career in art and education, and how he balances these roles. Key topics include the impact of comic books on his art, his creative process, and significant...

In this episode of Coffee Talk, Ben and Ashley explore their favorite quotes from influential figures like Stephen Covey, James Clear, Carl Sagan, and Dave Ramsey. They discuss how these powerful words shape their mindsets, daily actions, and long-term goals. The hosts share personal stories and insights on living passionately, embracing change, personal responsibility, and appreciating the beauty...

In this heartfelt episode of the Seeking Joy podcast, host Ashley Veenema engages in an inspiring conversation with Tara, a dedicated librarian, wife, and mother. Tara candidly shares her journey of finding joy and purpose amid life's challenges, particularly after the sudden death of her father. She discusses how her upbringing, career, and personal relationships have shaped her and continues...

In this episode of Coffee Talk, hosts Ashley and Ben explore various 'Happiness Hacks' and share practical tips to boost happiness through simple, actionable steps. They discuss the importance of morning wins, connecting with people, random acts of kindness, physical activity, cultivating gratitude, and finding purpose. The episode also covers personal insights on balance, ancestral practi...

Join long-time friends and colleagues Lucas and Lindsay as they share their touching journey as a couple and a family in this heartfelt podcast episode. Lucas, a school psychologist, and Lindsay, a kindergarten teacher from small towns in Maine, discuss their backgrounds, the challenges they faced including infertility struggles, and how these experiences have strengthened their bond. They reflect...

Unlocking Your Potential with The Working Genius In the latest episode of Coffee Talk, Ashley and Ben share life updates and discuss their journey with the '75 Hard' challenge, emphasizing its impact on their happiness and daily routines. They dive deep into 'The Working Genius,' a model by Patrick Lencioni, explaining its six components—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizatio...

In this episode of the Seeking Joy podcast, hosted by educator Ashley Veenema, we delve into an inspiring conversation with Mike Stone, a dedicated educator, coach, and family man, who is on the brink of retirement. The discussion spans Mike’s life journey, his impactful career in physical education and coaching, his approach to mentorship, and the pivotal moments and people who shaped his path. M...

In this episode of Coffee Talk, Ashley and Ben discuss 'The Power of Routines' and share insights into their personal experiences with routines, such as their participation in the 75 Hard challenge. They touch upon the difficulties they've faced, including a chaotic period of life involving bus renovations and travel, and how re-establishing a routine has impacted their productivity an...

In this episode, Dr. SY shares his profound journey of self-discovery, detailing his experiences in the army and the transformative hike along the Appalachian Trail. He discusses lessons in resilience, the joy of true freedom, and his deeper understanding of self through vulnerability and connections with others. The conversation addresses overcoming job-related disappointments, societal expectati...

In this episode, Karen Liot Hill shares her dedicated two-decade journey in public service, detailing her rise from a conservative upbringing to influential roles in Lebanon, New Hampshire. She reflects on her mother's death, becoming a single mother in college, and her belief in government’s power for good. Tune in for personal anecdotes, a European adventure involving a family wedding, and e...

Navigating Joy, Vulnerability, and Passion in Education: A Conversation with Nick In this episode of the Seeking Joy podcast, host Ashley Venema has a heartfelt discussion with educator Nick, covering his life journey and teaching experiences. Nick shares his move from Buffalo to New Hampshire, his vibrant personality, and the crucial role of authenticity and happiness. The conversation dives into...

In this inaugural episode of Coffee Talks, hosts Ashley and Ben Veenema discuss their new podcast segment, derived from their personal Coffee Talks tradition, aimed at sharing life updates, insights, and deep conversations. They introduce themselves, their backgrounds, and the significance of these talks. The discussion covers everything from Ben’s dislike of the typical engineer stereotype, the c...

In this heartfelt episode of the Seeking Joy Podcast, host Ashley delves into an intimate and profound conversation with her brother, Bryan. They explore themes of personal growth, resilience, and self-worth through Bryan’s candid reflections on his life experiences. Discussing the impact of strong male figures, mentors, and significant life challenges, Bryan underscores the importance of stepping...