Jordi - Happiness Hero: Recent Episodes
Jordon K Hofman
What makes someone a hero? Hint: It's not superhuman abilities.
After overcoming crippling, trauma-induced depression, anxiety, and morbid obesity that landed her in a behavioral health unit, Jordon has finally started to find the happy in her life. She wants to share every tool and concept she has learned, and continues to learn, with others. EVERYONE deserves to be happy. Join your host, Jordon (Jordi) Hofman, as she battles heroically for happiness in her own life, and shares some nuggets of wisdom with her listeners. Are you searching for happiness? Come join the battle!
If you're looking for an OG authority on Dungeons and Dragons, you couldn't find a better fit than Farshad Dailami. His adventures in D&D began as a way to make friends in a new country, and evolved into the impetus for learning and mastering the English language. It became a life-long passion and method of temporary escape from stress, grief, and the harsh realities of life. Whether or not you enjoy escaping to a world of dragons, trolls, elves, hobbits, and goblins, his story will inspire you to find your own method of reprieve.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
If you're looking for an OG authority on Dungeons and Dragons, you couldn't find a better fit than Farshad Dailami. His adventures in D&D began as a way to make friends in a new country, and evolved into the impetus for learning and mastering the English language. It became a life-long passion and method of temporary escape from stress, grief, and the harsh realities of life. Whether or not you enjoy escaping to a world of dragons, trolls, elves, hobbits, and goblins, his story will inspire you to find your own method of reprieve.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
What is the profession that has the highest percentage of burnout of any profession in the United States?
Teaching.
American teachers are BURNT OUT. Join Jordi and her colleague in education, unofficial mentor, former IEA Vice President, and good friend, Mary Anne McGrory, as they discuss their own individual battles with burnout and the impact of the burnout epidemic within American education.
How does burnout manifest? What are symptoms to watch for? What are the dangers of living in a prolonged state of excessive stress? What is causing nearly half of all teachers new to the profession to leave within the first five years? If we are feeling burnout but want to stay in our profession because we still love it, what are coping mechanisms we can employ to help us weather burnout?
If you are a current or former teacher, this episode is for you. If you care about the future of education, this episode is for you. If you are struggling with burnout regardless of your profession, this episode is for you.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
If you loved the Barbie movie, this episode is for you. If you hated the Barbie movie, this episode is for you. If you're waiting to stream it... major spoiler alert, but it will be worth it.
Join Jordi and special guest, actress Rani Choudhury, as they discuss just why the Barbie movie had everyone feeling all the feels. Did it serve its purpose? Who were each of the characters? Which scenes had packed theaters laughing, and crying, together? What did the movie really say about girlhood, womanhood, and aging? Was Ken, and the male gender in general, made out to be bad?
Just like the movie, you won't want to miss this episode.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Music is magical. It has the amazing power to act as an equalizer, speaking to every human being, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexuality, age, etc. and transcending differences, making all of us simply human.
Join Jordi as she has a conversation about the magic of music with an incredible human, Teaira Burge, who has found meaning, joy, escape, release, and solace in music.
Teaira discovered her love of singing, and that she had a natural talent for it, very young. Her love of singing country songs in the car with her parents developed and grew, eventually leading her to undergraduate and graduate degrees in musical performance, found her shining onstage as a professional opera singer, teaching music to the youngest of musicians, and into the spotlight of musical theatre.
Even when her life has been difficult or uncertain, music has always been a constant. It is a steady source of happiness for Teaira.
Do you find music magical? This episode is for you.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Music is magical. It has the amazing power to act as an equalizer, speaking to every human being, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexuality, age, etc. and transcending differences, making all of us simply human.
Join Jordi as she has a conversation about the magic of music with an incredible human, Teaira Burge, who has found meaning, joy, escape, release, and solace in music.
Teaira discovered her love of singing, and that she had a natural talent for it, very young. Her love of singing country songs in the car with her parents developed and grew, eventually leading her to undergraduate and graduate degrees in musical performance, found her shining onstage as a professional opera singer, teaching music to the youngest of musicians, and into the spotlight of musical theatre.
Even when her life has been difficult or uncertain, music has always been a constant. It is a steady source of happiness for Teaira.
Do you find music magical? This episode is for you.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
When Jordi met Toffer in college, she was instantly smitten. This guy was tall, charming, handsome, oh so sweet, AND he could sing!?! However, things never panned out romantically for them, mostly because Toffer, like many of Jordi's early love interests, was in the closet. Fast forward twenty years and Jordi finds herself, literally in her own closet, podcasting, and Toffer has found his true self while traveling all around the world. The more he learns about other cultures, places, and people, the more he discovers who he really is. Join them for an in-depth conversation about the power of getting outside of your own, little box and exploring new places and ideas.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
When Jordi met Toffer in college, she was instantly smitten. This guy was tall, charming, handsome, oh so sweet, AND he could sing!?! However, things never panned out romantically for them, mostly because Toffer, like many of Jordi's early love interests, was in the closet. Fast forward twenty years and Jordi finds herself, literally in her own closet, podcasting, and Toffer has found his true self while traveling all around the world. The more he learns about other cultures, places, and people, the more he discovers who he really is. Join them for an in-depth conversation about the power of getting outside of your own, little box and exploring new places and ideas.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Kassidee Lee didn't experience what some would consider a traditional education or upbringing. Her father's job with the United States military required frequent relocation to areas all over the world. From this, she was able to visit incredible sites, and learned lessons that many of us do not get the chance to learn firsthand. What was it like to grow up gaining a global education? What did it teach her about herself, other people, and life? Join Jordi as she finds out.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Kassidee Lee didn't experience what some would consider a traditional education or upbringing. Her father's job with the United States military required frequent relocation to areas all over the world. From this, she was able to visit incredible sites, and learned lessons that many of us do not get the chance to learn firsthand. What was it like to grow up gaining a global education? What did it teach her about herself, other people, and life? Join Jordi as she finds out.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Join Jordi as she interviews adventuring couple Cees and Madison of Our Vie Adventures about their incredible road trip to visit all of the national parks, as well as the effect that being in nature has on their happiness. Not to mention, how they get outdoors and continue to enjoy nature with three young kids in tow. Plus, you won't want to miss a guest appearance by the star of the children's book Kitten Quest, and pioneer adventure kitty, Vladimir Kitten.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Join Jordi as she interviews adventuring couple Cees and Madison of Our Vie Adventures about their incredible road trip to visit all of the national parks, as well as the effect that being in nature has on their happiness. Not to mention, how they get outdoors and continue to enjoy nature with three young kids in tow. Plus, you won't want to miss a guest appearance by the star of the children's book Kitten Quest, and pioneer adventure kitty, Vladimir Kitten.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Do you long to see new and interesting places, but feel bound to your location by budget or time? This episode will get you thinking like a tourist in order to enjoy anywhere you are, including the place where you live!
Summer is a great time for exploring, and there is no better place to start than your own town/state/etc. When Jordi decided to uproot her whole life to move across the country, she suddenly felt the urgency to start exploring everything around her that she'd never appreciated or made time for. In doing so, she not only had so much fun and learned amazing new things, she developed a sense of curiosity only a tourist has for her own home state, and she carried that with her to her new home and keeps it in her back pocket, wherever she goes.
Christina Riley and her husband, Carl Hedinger, were inspired to start their website, social media presence, guidebooks, etc., under the name NC Tripping, by that very same tourist's sense of curiosity. Their whole careers revolve around exploring the state they call home and seeing, appreciating, and sharing the amazing things that they find, and that are so easily overlooked. They have explored every corner of North Carolina, and are still discovering new things and places every day.
Join Jordi and Christina as they dive into the amazing discoveries that can be found in the place where you live when you make the conscious choice to look for them. Having an eye for amazement, gratitude, and beauty can bring so much happiness and fulfillment into your life. And, you don't have to travel anywhere distant to find it. Look where you live. Think like a tourist, even when you're at home.
Jordi was so inspired by their conversation that she took the newest edition of Carl & Christina's book, The North Carolina Bucket List, along with her on a camping trip over the fourth of July holiday. She even made it a point to visit Christina's favorite spot in North Carolina, Crabtree Falls. It was so worth the hike. Every spot she visited from the book was memorable, and she can't wait to check more places off of their very handy checklists.
So, what are you waiting for? Listen to the episode, like and rate it, and start making your own lists of amazing spots to visit within a day's drive from you. Go exploring!
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Do you long to see new and interesting places, but feel bound to your location by budget or time? This episode will get you thinking like a tourist in order to enjoy anywhere you are, including the place where you live!
Summer is a great time for exploring, and there is no better place to start than your own town/state/etc. When Jordi decided to uproot her whole life to move across the country, she suddenly felt the urgency to start exploring everything around her that she'd never appreciated or made time for. In doing so, she not only had so much fun and learned amazing new things, she developed a sense of curiosity only a tourist has for her own home state, and she carried that with her to her new home and keeps it in her back pocket, wherever she goes.
Christina Riley and her husband, Carl Hedinger, were inspired to start their website, social media presence, guidebooks, etc., under the name NC Tripping, by that very same tourist's sense of curiosity. Their whole careers revolve around exploring the state they call home and seeing, appreciating, and sharing the amazing things that they find, and that are so easily overlooked. They have explored every corner of North Carolina, and are still discovering new things and places every day.
Join Jordi and Christina as they dive into the amazing discoveries that can be found in the place where you live when you make the conscious choice to look for them. Having an eye for amazement, gratitude, and beauty can bring so much happiness and fulfillment into your life. And, you don't have to travel anywhere distant to find it. Look where you live. Think like a tourist, even when you're at home.
Jordi was so inspired by their conversation that she took the newest edition of Carl & Christina's book, The North Carolina Bucket List, along with her on a camping trip over the fourth of July holiday. She even made it a point to visit Christina's favorite spot in North Carolina, Crabtree Falls. It was so worth the hike. Every spot she visited from the book was memorable, and she can't wait to check more places off of their very handy checklists.
So, what are you waiting for? Listen to the episode, like and rate it, and start making your own lists of amazing spots to visit within a day's drive from you. Go exploring!
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Have you ever gone for a walk, or worked on a craft, or engaged in any activity that helped pull you out of a funk and into the present moment?
This episode explores the power of just DOING something.
Join Jordi and recreational therapist Sophie Wolfe as they discuss how healing it can be to challenge your body and mind with movement and play. Whether it is in the great outdoors, or something simple you can do from home, recreation really does have healing power. Are you fighting for your happiness? Fight yourself into action and find some happiness in recreation.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Have you ever gone for a walk, or worked on a craft, or engaged in any activity that helped pull you out of a funk and into the present moment?
This episode explores the power of just DOING something.
Join Jordi and recreational therapist Sophie Wolfe as they discuss how healing it can be to challenge your body and mind with movement and play. Whether it is in the great outdoors, or something simple you can do from home, recreation really does have healing power. Are you fighting for your happiness? Fight yourself into action and find some happiness in recreation.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Have you ever felt trapped by expectations? Maybe they're your own expectations, or perhaps your family's, or even from the community or religion you grew up in?
Steve Stoddard knew, from the time he was very young, that he was different. However, he wanted to meet all of the expectations of everyone around him, including himself, and worked so, so hard to do so. He did everything "right," but was always burdened by the weight of something being "wrong" with him. He followed the where the path he was expected to take lead, he went on an LDS mission, entered into a temple marriage, and even parenthood, but he could never shake off the person he really was, who was crying from inside.
Join Jordi as she finds out when, and how, Steve finally escaped expectations and started to live as his brave, bold, and beautiful self. What is it like to live authentically? Is he happy now, and was the fear that kept him trapped justified? What does successful co-parenting look like, and what is it like to be co-hosting a very successful podcast, the Husband-in-Law podcast, with his ex-wife and her husband?
You won't want to miss this powerful reminder that genuine happiness is found when we're brave and bold enough to live authentically.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Have you ever felt trapped by expectations? Maybe they're your own expectations, or perhaps your family's, or even from the community or religion you grew up in?
Steve Stoddard knew, from the time he was very young, that he was different. However, he wanted to meet all of the expectations of everyone around him, including himself, and worked so, so hard to do so. He did everything "right," but was always burdened by the weight of something being "wrong" with him. He followed the where the path he was expected to take lead, he went on an LDS mission, entered into a temple marriage, and even parenthood, but he could never shake off the person he really was, who was crying from inside.
Join Jordi as she finds out when, and how, Steve finally escaped expectations and started to live as his brave, bold, and beautiful self. What is it like to live authentically? Is he happy now, and was the fear that kept him trapped justified? What does successful co-parenting look like, and what is it like to be co-hosting a very successful podcast, the Husband-in-Law podcast, with his ex-wife and her husband?
You won't want to miss this powerful reminder that genuine happiness is found when we're brave and bold enough to live authentically.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
We all had dreams for our future when we were little kids. What if your dream was just to be able to feel at home in your own body?
This week, Jordi sits down to discuss what living as a trans human is like with her college roommate and chosen family member, Nikson Mathews. This episode exemplifies the life saving power of wholly loving someone for who they are, and not in spite of anything. It discusses the need for allies and the queer community alike to raise their voices in support of trans humans.
Fear of the unfamiliar is fueling so much hate in the world around us. Trans lives are in danger in our country. This statistically tiny demographic of humans is being targeted and threatened. Suicide rates among young, trans humans are staggering. What are we doing to protect them? Where else could that angry energy be focused to make this world better for ALL demographics instead of just unlivable for one? Tune in to hear our ideas.
And, make your votes count.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
We all had dreams for our future when we were little kids. What if your dream was just to be able to feel at home in your own body?
This week, Jordi sits down to discuss what living as a trans human is like with her college roommate and chosen family member, Nikson Mathews. This episode exemplifies the life saving power of wholly loving someone for who they are, and not in spite of anything. It discusses the need for allies and the queer community alike to raise their voices in support of trans humans.
Fear of the unfamiliar is fueling so much hate in the world around us. Trans lives are in danger in our country. This statistically tiny demographic of humans is being targeted and threatened. Suicide rates among young, trans humans are staggering. What are we doing to protect them? Where else could that angry energy be focused to make this world better for ALL demographics instead of just unlivable for one? Tune in to hear our ideas.
And, make your votes count.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
In this episode, join Jordi as she interviews her friend Kelsey Rain and they delve into what it is like for her living as an indigenous, poly-amorous woman.
Kelsey Rain is a mother, a skilled writer, a talented thespian & musician, a passionate educator, Native American, and a member of the queer community. Being a minority on several fronts, her story offers a unique perspective into cultures that many are not familiar with. Along the way, we learn that love can exist and manifest in a vast spectrum of ways. Just as no two humans are exactly alike, no two people feel and express love exactly the same way. What may be normal for other people doesn't have to be normal for you, and that's ok. Learning to live and let live, and to approach life with curiosity as opposed to judgement, helps us to live a life rooted in love and not fear. And, love ALWAYS wins.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
In this episode, join Jordi as she interviews her friend Kelsey and they delve into what it is like for her living as an indigenous, poly-amorous woman.
Kelsey Rain is a mother, a skilled writer, a talented thespian & musician, a passionate educator, Native American, and a member of the queer community. Being a minority on several fronts, her story offers a unique perspective into cultures that many are not familiar with. Along the way, we learn that love can exist and manifest in a vast spectrum of ways. Just as no two humans are exactly alike, no two people feel and express love exactly the same way. What may be normal for other people doesn't have to be normal for you, and that's ok. Learning to live and let live, and to approach life with curiosity as opposed to judgement, helps us to live a life rooted in love and not fear. And, love ALWAYS wins.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Happy Pride Month!
Our series this month is dedicated to celebrating all queer humans, regardless of our own sexuality, and approaching the unknown with curiosity, not judgement. It is all about love, and LOVE ALWAYS WINS.
For the first episode of the series, Jordi sat down with the incredible Andrew Pruitt, who just graduated from UNCW, to discuss his experience of growing up as a queer youth in the south. Although Andrew is young, he is wise beyond his years, and can teach all of us a thing or two about being more tolerant, thoughtful humans. Give this episode a listen, and I promise you'll learn something from this phenomenal young human.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Happy Pride Month!
Our series this month is dedicated to celebrating all queer humans, regardless of our own sexuality, and approaching the unknown with curiosity, not judgement. It is all about love, and LOVE ALWAYS WINS.
For the first episode of the series, Jordi sat down with the incredible Andrew Pruitt, who just graduated from UNCW, to discuss his experience of growing up as a queer youth in the south. Although Andrew is young, he is wise beyond his years, and can teach all of us a thing or two about being more tolerant, thoughtful humans. Give this episode a listen, and I promise you'll learn something from this phenomenal young human.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
In the final installment of her 2023 Mental Health Awareness month series, Jordi decided to call on a few friends to help her Squash the Stigma surrounding therapy/seeking help. Together, they share some of their favorite wisdom nuggets that have stuck with them after going to therapy. Do you have a piece of wisdom that has stuck with you? Please share it with us on social media and tag @jordi_happinesshero so we can see it! Keep the discourse alive so that we can keep squashing the stigma surrounding mental health.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Everyone experiences dark times in life. In these moments, where can we find the light?
This episode, part four of my Squashing the Stigma series in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, is all about finding sunshine in the inevitable storms of life. I was fortunate enough to get to interview my dear friend Stacy Rosales, who remains a steady ray of light to everyone around her despite the fact that she's fighting a losing battle for her life. Stacy may be losing her battle with kidney disease, but she isn't letting herself fall into the shadows of despair.
This episode is a powerful reminder that there's always sunshine to be found if we fight to find it. Despite our circumstances, we don't have to lose ourselves in the darkness.
To learn more about kidney disease and live organ donation, visit the National Kidney Foundation's website at https://www.kidney.org/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Everyone experiences dark times in life. In these moments, where can we find the light?
This episode, part four of my Squashing the Stigma series in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, is all about finding sunshine in the inevitable storms of life. I was fortunate enough to get to interview my dear friend Stacy Rosales, who remains a steady ray of light to everyone around her despite the fact that she's fighting a losing battle for her life. Stacy may be losing her battle with kidney disease, but she isn't letting herself fall into the shadows of despair.
This episode is a powerful reminder that there's always sunshine to be found if we fight to find it. Despite our circumstances, we don't have to lose ourselves in the darkness.
To learn more about kidney disease and live organ donation, visit the National Kidney Foundation's website at https://www.kidney.org/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Mother's Day can bring up so many emotions in different people, and it's not always sunshine, rainbows, and gratitude. By allowing mothers to be human, we actually allow ourselves to grow as humans and to be more understanding. For this week's episode, I invited my three daughters to interview me about my mental health journey. Even mothers struggle, and it is normal. Maybe, instead of praising them for being superhuman, which they aren't, we could notice the ways in which they're struggling or hurting, no matter how well they hide it, and find ways to help them out? Hopefully, for those of us who are mothers and struggle with mental illness, we're able to use our difficult experiences as teaching moments for our kids. Now and always, I try to keep an open line of dialogue with my daughters about mental health, and stress the importance of getting help when they need it. In this episode, they asked me some tough questions, and I feel like I'm better, and they're better, for the discussion we had.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month, every episode in May will focus on Squashing the Stigma surrounding Mental Health.
For today's episode, I chatted with Jacksonville, North Carolina local, and former marine kid, Haley Frazier about her mental health journey. How did her perception of mental health evolve from childhood to adulthood? What is her motivation to keep going? What tools helped her overcome her mental health struggles? This episode reminded me that I could interview any person, even someone I've never met, and find an inspiring story. We ALL, as human beings, have experiences that have taught us and helped us grow. As part of the human experience, we ALL have ridden the mental health struggle bus at some point, and there is power in talking about it. No one is alone in their mental health struggles, and the more we talk about it, the closer we come to squashing the stigma.
Trigger Warning: This episode mentions suicidal ideation and attempts.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month, every episode in May will focus on Squashing the Stigma surrounding Mental Health.
For today's episode, I chatted with Jacksonville, North Carolina local, and former marine kid, Haley Frazier about her mental health journey. How did her perception of mental health evolve from childhood to adulthood? What is her motivation to keep going? What tools helped her overcome her mental health struggles? This episode reminded me that I could interview any person, even someone I've never met, and find an inspiring story. We ALL, as human beings, have experiences that have taught us and helped us grow. As part of the human experience, we ALL have ridden the mental health struggle bus at some point, and there is power in talking about it. No one is alone in their mental health struggles, and the more we talk about it, the closer we come to squashing the stigma.
Trigger Warning: This episode mentions suicidal ideation and attempts.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month, every episode in May will focus on Squashing the Stigma surrounding Mental Health. For today's episode, I decided to re-release one of my very first recordings, an Instagram Live where I discussed Self-care. What exactly is self-care, and where is the line between self-care and just being self indulgent or selfish? Listen as I brainstorm the whole thing. This episode reminds you that you cannot show up for others if you don't show up for yourself first.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Deanna Johnson's relationship with thrifting started at a very young age, out of necessity, and blossomed into a keen eye for vintage finds and an evolving side business. Besides being fun and economical, shopping second hand is also environmentally and ethically important. Join us as we dive into the many benefits of being thrifty and discuss how to optimize the thrifting experience. What is the best modality for finding sweet scores? Which thrift outlets should be avoided? Where is the best place to start? Listen and find out!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Deanna Johnson's relationship with thrifting started at a very young age, out of necessity, and blossomed into a keen eye for vintage finds and an evolving side business. Besides being fun and economical, shopping second hand is also environmentally and ethically important. Join us as we dive into the many benefits of being thrifty and discuss how to optimize the thrifting experience. What is the best modality for finding sweet scores? Which thrift outlets should be avoided? Where is the best place to start? Listen and find out!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Angela Kraker went from being an eighteen year old single mother who had dropped out of high school, to a college professor and non-profit ambassador who is changing lives. She defies odds and expectations in so many ways. Join Jordi as she interviews Angela about her journey, and about the challenges of being an atheist in the bible belt. Was it daunting to come from a deeply religious upbringing and to forge a new, non-religious path? Does being an atheist automatically make you a scary or immoral human? Can you be full of good and light as an "unbeliever?" What does a moral life actually look like? Can you find happiness and fulfillment outside of the status quo? Listen to the discussion and decide for yourselves.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Angela Kraker went from being an eighteen year old single mother who had dropped out of high school, to a college professor and non-profit ambassador who is changing lives. She defies odds and expectations in so many ways. Join Jordi as she interviews Angela about her journey, and about the challenges of being an atheist in the bible belt. Was it daunting to come from a deeply religious upbringing and to forge a new, non-religious path? Does being an atheist automatically make you a scary or immoral human? Can you be full of good and light as an "unbeliever?" What does a moral life actually look like? Can you find happiness and fulfillment outside of the status quo? Listen to the discussion and decide for yourselves.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
In light of some recent events in my personal life, for today's episode, I have decided to re-release a past conversation I had on Instagram Live with my close friend and chosen brother, Spencer Dahl. I titled that conversation, "Navigating Grief." Grief is an inescapable part of the human experience. All of us will be faced with it at some point in our journey. If you are in the throws of grief today, I want you to know that you are not alone, and that you are seen.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or mental health specialist. Please, if you're hurting, reach out for help.
There is so much good & helpful advice to be found in podcasts, from loved ones, etc., but there's no substitute for, and no shame in, seeking professional help.
I would like to dedicate today's episode to everyone who is navigating grief at this time:
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To my sweet brother and sister in law who are grieving the loss of their precious fur baby, Blue.
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To my many friends and theatre family members who are hurting after our cancer warrior, Terry, took his final bow last week.
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To trans humans, especially children, who are feeling targeted, attacked, dehumanized, and afraid at this time.
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To everyone struggling with the senseless deaths of children and teachers in recent school shootings, and mass shootings throughout the decades.
To ANYONE who is grieving:
You are loved.
You are seen.
I hope that some nugget of wisdom in his episode speaks peace to your heart.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode does talk about suicide.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
In light of some recent events in my personal life, for today's episode, I have decided to re-release a past conversation I had on Instagram Live with my close friend and chosen brother, Spencer Dahl. I titled that conversation, "Navigating Grief."
Grief is an inescapable part of the human experience. All of us will be faced with it at some point in our journey. If you are in the throws of grief today, I want you to know that you are not alone, and that you are seen.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or mental health specialist. Please, if you're hurting, reach out for help.
There is so much good & helpful advice to be found in podcasts, from loved ones, etc., but there's no substitute for, and no shame in, seeking professional help.
I would like to dedicate today's episode to everyone who is navigating grief at this time:
- To my sweet brother and sister in law who are grieving the loss of their precious fur baby, Blue.
- To my many friends and theatre family members who are hurting after our cancer warrior, Terry, took his final bow last week.
- To trans humans, especially children, who are feeling targeted, attacked, dehumanized, and afraid at this time.
- To everyone struggling with the senseless deaths of children and teachers in recent school shootings, and mass shootings throughout the decades.
To ANYONE who is grieving:
You are loved.
You are seen.
I hope that some nugget of wisdom in this episode speaks peace to your heart.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
*Title credit - my ten year old, Venah.
In this episode, Jordi's friend Sara takes her on a ride through her journey to become a yoga instructor. They discuss how yoga has impacted both her happiness and her self awareness, and how powerful it can be as a grounding force. Yoga isn't just for the hip, ultra fit, unbelievably bendy kids. Yoga is a tool that anyone can use to find more peace in their life, and to help them exist in the present moment. If you've ever thought about giving yoga a try, this is your sign to DO IT. Trust yourself. Have grace with yourself as you learn, and grow, and make beautiful mistakes. And, have a great time on this ride with Sara and Jordi as they delve into all things yoga.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
*Title credit - my ten year old, Venah.
In this episode, Jordi's friend Sara takes her on a ride through her journey to become a yoga instructor. They discuss how yoga has impacted both her happiness and her self awareness, and how powerful it can be as a grounding force. Yoga isn't just for the hip, ultra fit, unbelievably bendy kids. Yoga is a tool that anyone can use to find more peace in their life, and to help them exist in the present moment. If you've ever thought about giving yoga a try, this is your sign to DO IT. Trust yourself. Have grace with yourself as you learn, and grow, and make beautiful mistakes. And, have a great time on this ride with Sara and Jordi as they delve into all things yoga.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Follow along as Jordi explores the life journey of Thulani Ngazimbi, a lifelong friend and founder of the clothing brand The Rad Black Kids. From his roots in Zimbabwe, where he went to private schools and his family employed hired help, to the struggles endured to immigrate to the USA, and then the abject poverty they faced upon moving to Idaho, to chasing his dream to the sunny beaches of LA, and then New York City, and eventually Europe. He not only describes the feeling of seeing his clothing line in Bloomingdale's for the first time, Thulani also reflects on the importance of connection, compassion, trusting your intuition, and the wonders of existence. Yes, we get deep in the episode. It's even a bit of a trip at times. Thulani's amazing journey is an example of what relentlessly pursuing a dream can amount to.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
Follow along as Jordi explores the life journey of Thulani Ngazimbi, a lifelong friend and founder of the clothing brand The Rad Black Kids. From his roots in Zimbabwe, where he went to private schools and his family employed hired help, to the struggles endured to immigrate to the USA, and then the abject poverty they faced upon moving to Idaho, to chasing his dream to the sunny beaches of LA, and then New York City, and eventually Europe. He not only describes the feeling of seeing his clothing line in Bloomingdale's for the first time, Thulani also reflects on the importance of connection, compassion, trusting your intuition, and the wonders of existence. Yes, we get deep in the episode. It's even a bit of a trip at times. Thulani's amazing journey is an example of what relentlessly pursuing a dream can amount to.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jordi-happinesshero/support
This podcast, Jordi - Happiness Hero, is all about finding love, light, and happiness wherever you can, and then spreading what you've learned along your journey with others. One group of fantastic humans that are doing just that is Reading Time with the Queens. Join Jordi as she sits down with two members of this organization, drag kings Mr. Lance (aka Sierra Tanner) and Mr. Buster (aka Jodi Dunn) to delve into how they're bringing joy, light, and one of Jordi's very biggest passions, literacy, to kids of all ages in their city and surrounding area. They're not just helping instill a love of learning, they're helping teach empathy, kindness, and authenticity. When you help people feel seen and valued as the human they are, you're not just spreading happiness. You are changing lives, and in some cases, you may be saving them. That is of vital importance.
This podcast, Jordi - Happiness Hero, is all about finding love, light, and happiness wherever you can, and then spreading what you've learned along your journey with others. One group of fantastic humans that are doing just that is Reading Time with the Queens. Join Jordi as she sits down with two members of this organization, drag kings Mr. Lance (aka Sierra Tanner) and Mr. Buster (aka Jodi Dunn) to delve into how they're bringing joy, light, and one of Jordi's very biggest passions, literacy, to kids of all ages in their city and surrounding area. They're not just helping instill a love of learning, they're helping teach empathy, kindness, and authenticity. When you help people feel seen and valued as the human they are, you're not just spreading happiness. You are changing lives, and in some cases, you may be saving them. That is of vital importance.
In honor of recently hitting 16 years of marriage, Jordi sits down to discuss wedded bliss (and blunders) with her spouse, Cor. Join them as they interview each other using the Love Maps Deck of the Gottman Card Deck app. What wisdom nuggets have they learned about marriage in the past 16 years, and what areas are they still working on? What is the secret to a happily-ever-after marriage, or is that simply a construct of fairy tales?
It seems like a positive light is always shone around having hope, but what about when that hope is for a pregnancy that can never happen? Join Jordi as she interviews her friend, and author of the memoir The Ugly Side of Hope, Luanne Rose, about her struggles to find happiness on the other side of her battle with infertility. What are things we say to women going through this heartache that actually cause more pain? How can we better understand and have compassion for those struggling with journeys we can't necessarily relate to? Besides not being able to get pregnant, what are the less visible side effects of infertility? Most of all, what can we learn from our suffering, and how can we find happiness on the other side of our mountains? Luanne's story isn't over, and neither is yours. Today is just today. Every tomorrow is full of the possibility of happiness.
What is the profession that has the highest percentage of burnout of any profession in the United States?
Teaching.
American teachers are BURNT OUT. Join Jordi and her colleague in education, unofficial mentor, former IEA Vice President, and good friend, Mary Anne McGrory, as they discuss their own individual battles with burnout and the impact of the burnout epidemic within American education.
How does burnout manifest? What are symptoms to watch for? What are the dangers of living in a prolonged state of excessive stress? What is causing nearly half of all teachers new to the profession to leave within the first five years? If we are feeling burnout but want to stay in our profession because we still love it, what are coping mechanisms we can employ to help us weather burnout?
If you are a current or former teacher, this episode is for you. If you care about the future of education, this episode is for you. If you are struggling with burnout regardless of your profession, this episode is for you.
Take care of yourselves first. Make your mental and physical well being your number 1 priority. You cannot show up for anyone else if burnout is drowning your own happiness.
In this episode, Jordi is joined by rapper David Peterson of Can't Stop Won't Stop. Much like his music industry moniker, David Peterson can't stop, and won't stop in life or in music. While it may not be typical to associate a Mormon with rap music, Dave broke that mold to pieces. Join Jordi and Dave as they discuss his music and life journey, from the origin of Can't Stop Won't Stop, to the ups and downs of his music career thus far, to marriage and parenting, up to his recent successes including having his music chosen for a major motion picture AND popular HBO series, and of course the viral TikTok videos of him and his daughter. Through it all, Dave has exemplified what it means to battle heroically for one's own happiness. What does Dave have in store for his fans and followers? You'll have to listen to hear what's coming next, and trust me, you won't be disappointed.
For episode 3, Jordi is joined by two fabulous fitness experts, Jennifer Simmons, owner and trainer at Jriven Fitness, and Emily Dodds McKinney, a fitness instructor extraordinaire who is currently building a fitness program of her own around Broadway music and dance. Their discussion centers around the infamous quote from Legally Blonde the movie and musical, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." This podcast is all about cultivating happiness in your life, no matter where you are physically or emotionally, and exercise is just one more tool that can help you grow your happiness. They cover choosing exercise that is right and engaging for you, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, understanding your reason for exercise, and more! If you don't listen in for the awesome information about exercise, drop in for some laughs and some wisdom nuggets that apply to all facets of life.
Join Jordi and special guests Natalie Tierney of @barination and @breakingbari_ers on Instagram, and Derek, who goes by @bariatricbrolife on Instagram, as they discuss how to bolster your body image in order to love yourself more. Learn more about the ups and downs of having weight loss surgery from these three Improved Gastric Sleeve patients. How did losing over 100 pounds affect their body image and overall happiness? Is weight loss surgery a magic answer for depression and low self-esteem? How can we better love ourselves and bolster our body image regardless of our weight? Listen and join the discussion.
What better way could I possibly start this podcast than by exploring the importance of loving ourselves? Join me, Jordi, and my special guest, Jessica Frew, (one third of the incredibly insightful team over at the Husband-in-Law podcast,) as we discuss how the ONLY way to find lasting happiness is by first learning to love ourselves. Be your own Valentine this year. Write yourself a love letter. Even if it's challenging, do it! Happiness is rooted in love, and we cannot fully give of our love without giving it to ourselves.
Join Jordi as she interviews her dear friend/chosen family member, as well as avid cos-player, Ren. They discuss how cosplay has contributed to happiness in Ren's life, and how "shape shifting" has helped them connect with, and discover more and more about, their true self.
Now that the COVID pandemic has officially been declared as "over," by the president, join Jordi, and special guest Cornelius Adrianus Hofman III, as they discuss the happiness of the workforce in a post-COVID world. What changed for employees during the pandemic? Did people lose their will to work during the pandemic, or did they discover their own value? Does working from home improve a person's overall happiness, and are remote employees as productive as their in-office counterparts? We delve into all of it, and even go on a small tangent about Jordi's ophidiophobia. How does talking about happiness in our careers devolve into that? You'll have to listen to find out!
Join me and my three favorite guests, my daughters, as we discuss the mental and physical health benefits of pet ownership. We address the age old debate of pet ownership: dogs vs. cats. We also talk about pets and personality traits. And, at one point, one of my children may or may not lick their sibling. Yep. It's REAL, it's raw, and it's uncut.
Have pets brought happiness to your life? Or, are you considering pet ownership? Or, are you a parent who wants to hear another parent living through the everyday struggle? If so, this bonus content is definitely worth a listen.
All of us will experience grief at some point in our lives. The question is, what does that process look like, and how do we overcome it? This episode explores the experience of grief and the idea that it is ok to not be ok. Your host, Jordi, and special guest Spencer Dahl, share their personal journeys through grief and tools they've learned to find light, and happiness, on the other side of grief.
In this RAW and uncut Instagram LIVE, Jordi delves into the depths of parenting happy, mentally healthy kids, while maintaining our own sanity. She discusses coping mechanisms and strategies that we can utilize in our own lives, and that we can teach our kids to benefit their mental health now and in their futures.
In this RAW and uncut Instagram LIVE, Jordi explores self-talk and how we can negate negative self-talk and promote the positive self-talk in our minds.
What is self-care, and is it self-ish?
In this RAW and uncut Instagram LIVE session, Jordi explores the concept of self-care, delves into the differences between self-care and self indulgence, and explains the importance of taking care of one's self in order to be truly happy.
In this Instagram LIVE, Jordi explores the awkward world of trying to make friends as an adult, while using guidance from experts: her herd of young nieces and nephews.