If you’ve ever felt like joy is just out of reach, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew—revealing how meaningful effort, not ease, might be the key to lasting fulfillment.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Janet Ettele, a novelist, meditation practitioner, and devoted student of Buddhist philosophy whose mission is to bring timeless spiritual teachings to life through accessible, story-driven fiction. She is the author of a four-book series inspired by the six perfections of Buddhism, with her latest release, How Joyous Effort Works: The Energy to Benefit Others, featuring a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Janet’s writing blends insight and emotional depth, drawing from her background as a trained musician and Berklee College of Music graduate to create prose that is both lyrical and grounded. Her journey into Buddhism began at a Tibetan monastery just five miles from her home in Connecticut, where she continues to live, write, and teach with quiet dedication.

Throughout this episode, Janet brings these influences to life, offering a grounded yet inspiring perspective on joy, effort, and spiritual growth. She shares how the teachings of Shantideva and her connection with Tibetan monks shaped both her personal evolution and the character arc of Troy, the protagonist of her series. Their parallel journeys reveal how challenges can become turning points when met with mindfulness and compassion. Janet’s reflections on meditation, silence, and intentional action illustrate how spiritual practice translates into everyday life. With warmth and clarity, she reminds us that lasting joy doesn’t come from striving for perfection, but from showing up—consistently, consciously, and with an open heart.

Tune in to episode 210 of Joy Found Here as Janet Ettele shares how Buddhist wisdom, storytelling, and intentional effort can lead to inner peace and purposeful living. Learn how meditation and spiritual practice bring more clarity, joy, and connection.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The roots of Joyous Effort (3:35)
• From silence to spiritual seeking (6:23)
• Music, poetry, and the first steps toward Dharma (9:30)
• Finding her teacher—Just five miles away (11:20)
• What Joyous Effort really means (16:41)
• Compassion over judgment (19:15)
• From the Dalai Lama to DIY publishing (22:48)
• Building a daily practice with coffee (31:11)
• The unexpected joy of grandparenthood (34:34)
• Life is a patchwork, not a tapestry (38:49)
• A tribute to Aunt Gertrude (39:39)

Connect with Janet Ettele:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• X
• Spotify

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever felt “too emotional” or out of place in a noisy world, this conversation will show you why your sensitivity isn’t a flaw—it’s the key to your power.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Karen Blaine, a published author, certified hypnotherapist, and emotional wellness advocate devoted to helping others embrace their true selves. Drawing on her expertise in conversational hypnotherapy and her deep knowledge of frameworks like Myers-Briggs and astrology, Karen supports individuals in reframing limiting beliefs and tapping into their emotional strengths. She is the founder of EternalEmpath.com, a resource hub that blends intuition, mindfulness, and spiritual insight tailored to highly sensitive people. As the author of seven books on topics ranging from self-discovery to dream analysis and emotional healing, Karen’s work offers both practical tools and heartfelt encouragement. Her mission is to show that sensitivity is not a flaw—but a gateway to deeper connection, strength, and authenticity.

Throughout this episode, Karen brings this mission to life with warmth and insight, sharing her own journey as a highly sensitive person and empath. She reflects on how redefining her emotional depth as a superpower transformed her relationship with herself and others. Karen introduces the practice of conversational hypnotherapy as a gentle but effective path to healing, while also offering practical tools like visualization, self-affirmations, and mindfulness. Her candid stories about navigating boundaries, reframing negative self-talk, and healing from childhood conditioning are deeply relatable and affirming. Throughout the episode, Karen invites listeners to trust their intuition, embrace their authenticity, and remember that they are never alone in their personal growth journey.

Tune in to episode 209 as Karen Blaine shares how embracing sensitivity, setting boundaries, and tuning into your intuition can lead to healing and empowerment. Learn how mindfulness and self-acceptance help you reconnect with your true self and know you’re not alone.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Embracing sensitivity: From struggle to superpower (2:32)
• Understanding the empath experience (4:31)
• Emotional shielding and boundaries in overwhelming spaces (5:50)
• Reframing overwhelm and shifting to gratitude (7:10)
• Releasing the need for external validation (11:04)
• Her books and the power of self-discovery (13:40)
• Healing generational wounds with compassion (20:59)
• Owning your superpower through mindfulness and authenticity (32:47)
• Demystifying conversational hypnotherapy (39:41)
• Intuition, earth grounding, and staying centered (46:09)

Connect with Karen Blaine:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• X
• YouTube
• TikTok

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the fear holding you back isn’t real—but a story your mind keeps replaying from the past? This episode will make you question everything you’ve believed about safety, self-worth, and the patterns you never chose.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Karen Bartholomew, a transformational coach and the founder of The Pause Method—a philosophy designed to help women and leaders slow down, reflect intentionally, and take aligned action. With over 14 years of experience, Karen guides clients through deeply rooted beliefs that limit growth, helping them reframe their stories and step into their full potential. Her coaching emphasizes emotional healing, mindset shifts, and self-worth, empowering individuals to live with clarity, purpose, and peace. A mother of three and an advocate for women’s leadership, Karen draws from her own powerful journey through adversity and reinvention. She facilitates retreats, offers one-on-one coaching, and creates safe, supportive spaces for meaningful transformation. Her work is rooted in the belief that true success begins with inner freedom and self-acceptance.

Throughout this episode, Karen brings this philosophy to life with remarkable depth, vulnerability, and clarity. She openly shares her personal struggles with self-worth and the internal beliefs that once held her back—like the notion that she didn’t matter—and how consciously challenging those stories transformed her life. Through her own lived experiences, Karen illustrates the power of The Pause Method, showing how intentional reflection can interrupt old patterns and make space for new, empowered choices. She offers practical, real-life examples of how she applies this work in parenting, self-care, and relationships. Her grounded wisdom and compassionate presence make this episode both inspiring and actionable, encouraging listeners to reclaim their freedom through awareness, curiosity, and aligned action.

Tune in to episode 208 of Joy Found Here as Karen Bartholomew shares how The Pause Method helps break free from limiting beliefs through reflection, mindset shifts, and aligned action. Learn how a simple pause can create space for healing, clarity, and lasting change.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Childhood conditioning and the “I don’t matter” belief (3:00)
• Surviving divorce, bankruptcy, and single motherhood (5:30)
• The first steps toward healing and why it didn’t stick (7:00)
• Dissecting triggers: Where the real work begins (8:20)
• Parenting, control, and letting kids fall (11:00)
• Rewiring subconscious beliefs around safety (14:00)
• The power of the pause: From thought to transformation (16:15)
• Timeline journaling: Spotting life patterns (22:33)
• Reclaiming control by separating fact from fiction (24:30)
• Practicing the pause in daily life (31:00)
• Real freedom requires repetition (39:30)

Connect with Karen Bartholomew:

• Website
• Instagram
• Apply for Karen’s coaching!

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.