by Greg De Koker
JOY² – Live With Joy is a leadership and personal growth podcast exploring the hidden power of joy in work, leadership and life. Hosted by brand and culture strategist Greg De Koker, the show features inspiring conversations with founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs and change makers who believe joy belongs at the center of how we live, work and lead. If you want more meaning, energy and joy in your life and leadership, this podcast is for you. Join the conversation. Let’s Live With Joy.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/19/2026
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June 18, 2026
<p>In this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, Greg De Koker sits down with Gord Carter, Leadership Development Coach and President & Co-Founder of L3 Solutions, for a thoughtful and insightful conversation about joy, leadership, personal growth, and what it means to live with intention.</p><p><br></p><p>Many people spend years chasing happiness, believing it exists somewhere in the future – after the next promotion, achievement or milestone. Gord offers a different perspective. He explains why joy isn't something we discover by adding more to our lives, but often by removing the beliefs, expectations and distractions that prevent us from experiencing it.</p><p><br></p><p>Together, Greg and Gord explore the difference between happiness and joy, the myth of work-life balance, and the critical role self-awareness plays in both effective leadership and personal fulfillment. They discuss the importance of curiosity, accountability and presence, and why meaningful relationships are often at the heart of a joyful life.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we explore:</p><p>• The difference between happiness and lasting joy</p><p>• Why work-life balance may be the wrong goal</p><p>• How expectations often create disappointment and frustration</p><p>• The role of self-awareness in leadership and personal growth</p><p>• Why curiosity is essential for learning and development</p><p>• How being fully present transforms relationships</p><p>• The connection between purpose, peace and fulfillment</p><p>• Practical ways to remove barriers that block joy</p><p><br></p><p>More than a conversation about leadership, this episode invites us to rethink how we define success and where we seek fulfillment. Gord shares insights gained from decades of coaching leaders and helping people create lives that are more intentional, meaningful and aligned with their values.</p><p><br></p><p>If you've ever felt like joy is always just beyond your reach, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: the life you're searching for may already be available when you stop chasing more and start paying attention to what matters most.</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared</p><p>00:02:01 Meet Gord Carter</p><p>00:05:10 The Difference Between Happiness and Joy</p><p>00:09:27 Why We Chase the Wrong Things</p><p>00:13:42 Expectations, Agreements and Relationships</p><p>00:18:11 The Myth of Work-Life Balance</p><p>00:22:34 Leadership Through Self-Awareness</p><p>00:27:19 Curiosity as a Growth Tool</p><p>00:31:45 Being Present in a Distracted World</p><p>00:36:18 Creating Meaningful Connections</p><p>00:40:52 Living Your Dream Now</p><p>00:45:37 Removing Barriers to Joy</p><p>00:50:14 Purpose, Peace and Fulfillment</p><p>00:55:06 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Greg De Koker</p><p>Website: www.joy2.ca </p><p>LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ </p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/ </p><p>Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/ </p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Gord Carter</p><p>Website: www.l3solutions.ca </p><p>Personal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gordcarter</p><p>Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l3solutions-partners-in-life-long-learning/?viewAsMember=true</p><p><br></p><p>Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: </p><p>Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 </p><p>Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast </p><p>YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast </p><p><br></p><p>Stay Connected to JOY²:</p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ </p><p>Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/ </p><p><br></p><p>Take Action</p><p>Ask yourself:</p><p> • What expectations may be limiting my joy?</p><p> • Am I fully present with the people who matter most?</p><p> • Am I chasing happiness instead of creating meaning?</p><p> • What habits or beliefs are holding me back?</p><p><br></p><p>Action Tip</p><p>This week, create one intentional moment of presence:</p><p> • Have a distraction-free conversation</p><p> • Replace an expectation with a clear agreement</p><p> • Ask a curious question</p><p> • Reflect on what truly fulfills you</p><p> • Let go of one unnecessary commitment</p><p><br></p><p>Joy isn't something we find someday. It's something we create through intention, awareness and meaningful connection.</p>
June 11, 2026
<p>In this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, Greg De Koker sits down with Greg Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Steam Whistle Brewing, for a conversation about leadership, culture, and the power of putting people first.</p><p><br></p><p>For many Canadians, Steam Whistle is more than a brewery—it's part of countless memories shared with family and friends. Behind the iconic brand is a company built on humility, trust, recognition, and genuine human connection.</p><p><br></p><p>Together, Greg and Greg explore how great leaders create environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. They discuss why employees should be treated as a company's first customers, how psychological safety fuels growth, and why appreciation remains one of the most powerful leadership tools.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we explore:</p><p>• Why joy is a competitive advantage in business</p><p>• The role of humility, trust, and recognition in leadership</p><p>• Why employees should be treated as a company's first customers</p><p>• How psychological safety encourages growth and honesty</p><p>• The balance between accountability and compassion</p><p>• Why hiring exceptional people helps organizations thrive</p><p><br></p><p>More than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that culture is built through everyday interactions and relationships. While Steam Whistle is known for brewing great beer, Greg Taylor shows that lasting success comes from investing in something even more important: great people.</p><p><br></p><p>Because joy isn't something we experience after success arrives—it's something we create together along the way.</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared</p><p>00:02:19 Meet Greg Taylor & The Culture Behind Steam Whistle</p><p>00:04:28 What Joy in Leadership Really Means</p><p>00:06:19 Creating a Workplace People Want to Join</p><p>00:08:03 Psychological Safety & Honest Conversations</p><p>00:10:11 Recognition, Feedback & Building People Up</p><p>00:15:03 High-Performing Teams & Accountability</p><p>00:20:25 Protecting Culture as Organizations Grow</p><p>00:23:15 Scaling Joy & Creating Memorable Experiences</p><p>00:25:26 Humility, Leadership & Customer Experience</p><p>00:29:12 Treating Employees as Your First Customers</p><p>00:34:20 Breaking Down Hierarchy Through Connection</p><p>00:38:09 Why Love, Joy & Performance Belong Together</p><p>00:43:48 A Defining Moment of Joy at Steam Whistle</p><p>00:45:23 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Greg De Koker</p><p>Website: www.joy2.ca</p><p>LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/</p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/</p><p>Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Greg Taylor</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelsongnt/</p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-taylor-38036945/</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Steam Whistle Brewing</p><p>Website: https://steamwhistle.ca/</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steamwhistlebrewing/ </p><p><br></p><p>Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: </p><p>Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 </p><p>Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast </p><p>YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast </p><p><br></p><p>Stay Connected to JOY²:</p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ </p><p>Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/ </p><p><br></p><p>Take Action</p><p>Ask yourself:</p><p>• Do people feel valued, appreciated, and heard?</p><p>• Have I created a space where others can speak honestly?</p><p>• When was the last time I recognized someone beyond their achievements?</p><p>• What small action could make work more meaningful this week?</p><p><br></p><p>The culture we create is shaped by the conversations we have, the appreciation we show, and the example we set.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Tip</p><p>This week, create one intentional moment of connection:</p><p>• Tell someone why they matter to your team</p><p>• Check in and genuinely listen</p><p>• Recognize an overlooked contribution</p><p>• Express appreciation for someone's effort or character</p><p>• Create a moment of fun or celebration</p><p><br></p><p>Because leadership isn't about controlling people—it's about creating an environment where people feel connected, valued, and inspired to do their best work.</p>
June 4, 2026
<p>On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Courtney Stevens for a heartfelt, insightful and genuinely fun conversation about leadership, workplace culture, resilience and the power of joy in creating exceptional teams.</p><p><br></p><p>As Co-owner and Chief Creative Officer of Wilmot Orchards, Courtney shares how a people-first mindset, intentional leadership and meaningful relationships helped transform a family-run farm into one of Ontario's most loved destinations. She explains why leadership isn't about titles or authority. It's about creating environments where people feel valued, supported and inspired to contribute their best.</p><p><br></p><p>Along the way, Greg and Courtney share stories, laughs and lessons as they explore the connection between joy and performance, the importance of being fully present, and how culture shapes both the employee and customer experience. Courtney also offers practical insights on hiring, mentoring young employees and creating positive first-job experiences that leave a lasting impact.</p><p><br></p><p>The conversation takes a deeper turn as Courtney shares her personal journey through anxiety, burnout and recovery. With honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on the importance of self-awareness, healthy boundaries and strong support systems while continuing to lead with purpose and compassion.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we explore:</p><p>• Why joy and performance are deeply connected</p><p>• Leading with trust, care and presence</p><p>• Hiring for attitude, character and potential</p><p>• Helping young employees build confidence and life skills</p><p><br></p><p>More than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that culture is built one interaction at a time.</p><p><br></p><p>People may forget what you said.</p><p>People may forget what you did.</p><p>But they'll never forget how you made them feel.</p><p><br></p><p>And when leaders create environments rooted in trust, joy and connection, the impact extends far beyond the workplace.</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared</p><p>00:01:57 Introducing Courtney Stevens & Wilmot Orchards</p><p>00:08:31 Personal Practices for Cultivating Joy</p><p>00:16:16 Bringing Class and Elegance to Farming</p><p>00:27:22 Growth Through Feedback and Adaptation</p><p>00:31:03 Why Fun Matters at Work</p><p>00:32:55 Creating a Culture People Love</p><p>00:36:40 Leadership, Trust & Responsibility</p><p>00:44:09 Mental Health, Boundaries & Resilience</p><p>00:53:20 Hiring for Culture and Long-Term Success</p><p>00:56:00 Final Reflections on Joy & Leadership</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Greg De Koker</p><p>Website: www.joy2.ca</p><p>LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ </p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/ </p><p>Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/ </p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Courtney Stevens</p><p>Website: https://www.wilmotblueberries.com/</p><p>Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilmot-orchards-inc/about/</p><p>Facebook: </p><p>https://www.facebook.com/courtney.stevens.737</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/WilmotOrchards</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneybreannestevens/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/wilmotorchards/</p><p><br></p><p>Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: </p><p>Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 </p><p>Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast </p><p>YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast </p><p><br></p><p>Stay Connected to JOY²:</p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ </p><p>Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/ </p><p><br></p><p>Take Action</p><p>Ask yourself:</p><p>- How am I making people feel each day?</p><p>- Am I creating a culture people want to be part of?</p><p>- Do the people around me feel valued, appreciated and supported?</p><p><br></p><p>Because leadership isn't about getting more out of people.</p><p>It's about bringing out the best in people.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Tip</p><p>This week, intentionally create one meaningful moment of connection.</p><p>- Thank someone.</p><p>- Listen without distraction.</p><p>- Have a deeper conversation.</p><p>Remind someone that they matter.</p><p><br></p><p>Because when people feel valued, trusted and connected, joy becomes more than a feeling.</p><p>It becomes a catalyst for growth, performance and transformation.</p>
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JOY² – Live With Joy is a leadership and personal growth podcast exploring the hidden power of joy in work, leadership and life.
Hosted by brand and culture strategist Greg De Koker, the show features inspiring conversations with founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs and change makers who believe joy belongs at the center of how we live, work and lead.
If you want more meaning, energy and joy in your life and leadership, this podcast is for you.
Join the conversation.
Let’s Live With Joy.
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