Stress Less, Joy More

About Stress Less, Joy More

Life is too short to be stuck in stress, exhaustion, self-doubt and overwhelm. Stress Less, Joy More is your invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what truly makes you feel good physically, emotionally, and mentally. Hosted by well-being coaches Doris Polak Kuder and Paula Nowak, this podcast blends storytelling, expert insights, and science-backed well-being practices to help you release stress, embrace joy, and step into a more vibrant, balanced life. From mindful practices and overcoming limiting beliefs to the power of self-awareness and connection, each episode is designed to educate, inspire, and empower. Expect engaging conversations, personal reflections, and guest interviews with thought leaders in wellness, all aimed at helping you cultivate more ease, confidence, energy, and playfulness in your everyday life. Whether you’re navigating work stress, family demands, or simply feeling stuck in a healing journey, this podcast is here to remind you that joy isn’t a luxury—it’s your birthright. 💛 Because all we really want is to feel good today.

Publisher

Paula Nowak & Doris Polak Kuder

Category

education · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Aug 2025

Latest episode

8 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Nov 2026

   #17 Where Did Your Spark Go? Reclaiming Your Authentic Self with Wildflower

   What if you never really lost your spark? In this heart-centered conversation, Paula, Doris, and Wildflower explore attachment, authenticity, secure connection, and the ways we can become disconnected from our true selves. Discover why we sometimes sacrifice authenticity for connection, how secure relationships can support healing, and how we can begin reconnecting with the joyful, authentic spark that has always been within us. Plus, Wildflower leads us through a simple physiological sigh pr...

2. 

   8 Oct 2026

   #16 You Don’t Need to Do It All! Creating a Life You Can Sustain with Rosita Hall

   What if work-life balance isn’t the goal? Rosita Hall joins Stress Less, Joy More to explore work-life sustainability, protecting your energy, building resilience, and asking the powerful question: What Really Matters? Discover simple practices for creating more space, gratitude, joy, and well-being in everyday life. Learn more about Rosita at RositaHall.com

3. 

   8 Sept 2026

   #15 From Brain Injury to Healing & Joy with Susan Nash

   Some moments in life change everything. At just 17 years old, Susan Nash survived a devastating head-on collision that left her with a brain injury, memory loss, and a long road to recovery. What could have become a story of defeat became an extraordinary journey of resilience, healing, and hope. In this heartfelt conversation, Susan shares how movement, gratitude, neuroscience, and trusting her intuition helped her rebuild not only her body, but her life. Together, we explore the powerful co...

4. 

   8 Aug 2026

   #14 The Mid-Year Reset: Choosing Awareness & Clarity Over Autopilot

   Midway through the year, Doris and Paula revisit their Words of the Year, Clarity and Awareness and reflect on the powerful lessons these intentions have revealed. From learning to let go of overcommitment and creating space for what matters most, to navigating fear, self-doubt, and the unexpected challenges of life, this heartfelt conversation explores how awareness and clarity can guide us back to ourselves. Paula shares surprising lessons from learning to sail, including how courage, breat...

5. 

   8 Jul 2026

   #13 The Lost Art of Play: Reclaiming Joy This Summer

   Summer often arrives with promises of rest, freedom, and joy. Yet many of us find ourselves carrying the same busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and pressure to be productive into the season meant for renewal. In this episode of Stress Less, Joy More, Paula and Doris explore what summer can teach us about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and reclaiming the playfulness we often leave behind in childhood. Together, they reflect on favourite summer memories, discuss the hidden guilt man...

6. 

   8 Jun 2026

   #12 Birth, Belonging & the Power of Midwifery with Pioneer Ava Vosu

   What if the way we welcome babies into the world shapes future generations? In this heartfelt conversation, midwifery pioneer Ava Vosu shares her extraordinary journey from personal loss to helping transform midwifery in Ontario. Ava shares the personal experiences that inspired her life's work, and why compassionate, family-centered care matters for mothers, babies, and communities. Together, we explore birth, informed choice, postpartum support, connection, and the powerful role midwifery p...

7. 

   8 May 2026

   #11 You’re Not Lazy—You’re Misaligned, with Jenn Walker

   What if the life you've been chasing is actually waiting for you in the present moment? In this deeply expansive and heart-opening episode, we sit down with Jenn Walker, adventurer, coach, and powerful perspective shifter who invites us to rethink everything we've been taught about success, burnout, and what it truly means to live. From summiting mountains and running ultramarathons to navigating deep burnout and healing, Jenn shares her journey from pushing and proving to surrendering and tr...

8. 

   8 Apr 2026

   #10 Creativity as Medicine: Healing Through Expression & Connection with Tanya Levy

   In this heart-centered conversation, Paula and Doris sit down with counselor and artist Tanya Levy to explore the powerful connection between creativity, emotional healing, and being truly seen. Tanya shares how art, in all its forms, writing, movement, nature, even everyday rituals can help us process life’s hardest moments. From working with students navigating anxiety and trauma to her own experiences with grief, she reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be big or overwhelming… sometimes...

9. 

   20 Mar 2026

   #09 From Fear to Connection: Finding Hope Through Cancer Support with Lisa Stacey

   In this special Podcasthon episode of Stress Less, Joy More, we spotlight the inspiring work of Wellspring Stratford Cancer Support Centre. Our guest, Lisa Stacey, is a yoga and meditation instructor, Reiki master, and the manager of Wellspring Stratford. For over 15 years, she has supported individuals and families navigating the cancer journey with compassion, connection, and practical tools for well-being. Together, we explore how healing goes beyond medical treatment. Through meditation, ...

10. 

    8 Mar 2026

    #08 What If One Word Could Transform Your Well-Being?

    What if one word could gently guide your entire year? In this heartfelt episode, Paula and Doris explore the power of choosing a Word of the Year. Doris shares why she chose clarity. Paula shares why she chose awareness. Together, they reflect on how intention shapes our well-being, beyond goals, beyond hustle. They dive into: • Letting go of the “hamster wheel” • How clarity creates emotional safety • How awareness brings peace to the nervous system • Childhood patterns that disconnected...

11. 

    8 Feb 2026

    # 07 Managing Energy, Not Time: Sustainable Well-Being with Lubna Forzley

    In this deeply grounding episode of Stress Less, Joy More, Paula and Doris are joined by Lubna Forzley, Certified Compassionate Inquiry® Practitioner and founder of Stories. Lubna shares her extraordinary journey growing up in a war-torn country and how resilience, faith, and self-awareness shaped her path. Together, they explore stress as a trauma response, the difference between survival and sustainable well-being, and why managing energy not time is the true foundation of living well. This...

12. 

    9 Jan 2026

    #06 Movement Is Medicine with Munira Jiwa

    Movement Is Medicine: Qigong Helps Us Heal, Breathe & Transform with Munira Jiwa In this deeply nourishing episode of Stress Less, Joy More, we are joined by Munira Jiwa, a passionate Qigong teacher, former physical therapist, and global spreader of Qi Joy. Munira shares her powerful healing journey from chronic pain, fatigue, and depression to a life rooted in vitality, presence, and joy through the practice of Spring Forest Qigong. With warmth and wisdom, she helps us understand h...

13. 

    8 Dec 2025

    #05 Finding Your Way Back to Yourself: Transformation & Emotional Healing with Fadhwa Yusuf

    In this deeply transformative conversation, Paula and Doris sit down with author, speaker, and global changemaker Fadhwa Yusuf to explore the early wounds that shape us and the parts of ourselves that try to keep us safe. And yes, we even get to meet the part of us Fadhwa calls the gatekeeper. Curious which part of you plays that role? With raw honesty and profound wisdom, Fadhwa shares how trauma, self-awareness, and compassion can open the door to emotional freedom. Together, they unpack th...

14. 

    8 Nov 2025

    #04 When the Body Speaks with Dr. Michelle Greenwell, PhD

    Paula and Doris welcome Dr. Michelle Greenwell, founder of the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health, dance educator, and Tai Chi teacher, to explore how movement supports emotional well-being. Michelle shares her powerful healing story and guides a simple awareness practice listeners can do anywhere. Together, they discuss how posture, energy, and emotions intertwine, and why mindful movement can ease stress and restore balance. A heart-centered conversation filled with gentle wisdom, practic...

15. 

    7 Nov 2025

    #03 After-podcast with Claudia Goetzelmann- Joy, Grief & Permission to Bloom

    Bonus Episode! What happens after the podcast ends? Join Paula, Doris, and Claudia Goetzelmann in this tender after show as they explore how grief, mortality, and gratitude open us to deeper joy. Listen to this 20-minute conversation: After-Podcast with Claudia — Joy, Grief & Permission to Bloom.

16. 

    8 Oct 2025

    #03 Finding Joy in the Mud with Claudia Goetzelmann

    Finding Joy in the Mud with Claudia Goetzelmann: Grief, Healing & Transformation In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Claudia Goetzelmann, a holistic and somatic practitioner and Compassionate Inquiry practitioner who guides people through transformation with compassion, courage, and curiosity. Claudia shares her own journey of loss, sitting with grief, transformation, and self-forgiveness, and how practices of presence and compassion can bring us back to our bodies, our breat...

17. 

    8 Sept 2025

    #02 Holistic Stress Management with Eva Gold

    Holistic Stress Management: Prescription for Joy with Eva Gold In this inspiring conversation, Paula and Doris welcome Eva Gold, Eden Energy Medicine faculty member, Holistic Health and Qigong practitioner, and radiant teacher of joy. Eva shares her journey from illness to vitality, offering profound wisdom on stress, healing, and the transformative power of playfulness. Together, they explore how stress shows up in the body, why joy is essential for well-being, and simple practices anyone ca...

18. 

    7 Aug 2025

    #01 - From Stress to Balance: Our Journey into Joy

    In this heart-opening first episode of Stress Less, Joy More, hosts Doris and Paula take you behind the scenes of their own personal well-being journeys. From childhood trauma and parenting burnout to high-pressure careers and chronic stress, they share how the pursuit of wellness is not a straight line – but a series of intentional, compassionate steps back to ourselves. What you’ll learn: - How Paula turned childhood anxiety into tools for adult vitality - How Doris’ daughter sp...

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.