Ep. 110, Stress Won’t Break You—Unfinished Stress Cycles Will

Stress won’t take you out in one big blow—it’s the daily drip, drip, drip that erodes your joy. The problem isn’t stress itself. It’s getting stuck in unfinished stress cycles that bury leaders.   In this episode of the Joyosity Podcast, Jenn shares a near-disastrous bus story, the science behind stress cycles, and one surprising practice most leaders ignore—creative expression. You’ll learn why you can’t think your way out of stress and the small actions that actually restore your capacity to lead with joy.  

Here’s What’s in the Episode

• 0:50 An unlikely story that shows why unresolved stress keeps you stuck.
• 4:40 The science of stress cycles and why most leaders never close them.
• 8:05 The serious health and leadership costs of chronic stress.
• 12:10 Stressor vs. stress vs. stress cycle (and why the difference matters).
• 17:08 Practical ways to build stress-closing habits into daily life.

Key Takeaway

You can’t think your way out of stress—you must practice your way through.  

About the Host: Jenn Whitmer

Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosity™, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her upcoming book Joyosity hits shelves fall 2025, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.  

Resources & Links:

Preorder Joyosity:

• Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isn’t extra — it’s fierce strategy. This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.

Ready to Make a Plan:

• Joyosity™ Jumpstart → Get crystal clear on what you want, what’s in the way, and how to move forward with traction.

Starting the Journey:

• Enneagram Navigator → Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.

Ready to Dive In:

• Joyosity™ Intensive → A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.

A Party for More:

• Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak → Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.

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