The Joy Unleashed Project – Podcast Episode 1
The Joy Unleashed Project - Podcast Episode 1
Finding Calm in the Middle of the Chaos with Mattie Cummins, MSW – Counselor, Coach & Founder of Cerebrations
In this very first episode of the Joy Unleashed Project, we’re diving into the experience so many of us share but rarely talk about: internal chaos.
If your mind feels like a tornado of thoughts, and you’re constantly bouncing between family needs, work demands, and your own unspoken worries… this episode is for you.
You’ll discover why stress hijacks your brain—literally—and what’s really going on when you say things like “I can’t focus,” or “Why can’t I just make a decision?” Spoiler: it’s not about your willpower. It’s your brain's protective wiring doing its thing.
But here's the good news: you don’t have to live in a constant state of reactivity.
Mattie shares how simple planning habits - ones that work even if time-blocking makes your skin crawl - can calm the noise and help you move through your week with clarity and calm. Learn how writing by hand can actually help your brain function better, and how colour-coding your to-do list can put YOU back on your priority list.
You’ll also learn real-world strategies for resetting your nervous system in the moment—techniques. These aren't just fluffy self-care suggestions; they’re science-backed tools that can gently pull you out of overwhelm and help you re-enter your day with intention.
And if you're tired of always saying “yes” when you really mean “I can’t take on one more thing,” Mattie shares how to set softer boundaries - starting with one simple sentence.
This episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving your brain the space it needs to function the way it was designed. When you shift from reaction to intention, everything begins to change—your energy, your clarity, and your ability to show up for what matters most.
✨ You'll walk away with:
A deeper understanding of what stress does to your brain
Practical techniques you can use immediately to calm internal chaos
A fresh perspective on planning and why it matters more than ever
Gentle scripts to create breathing room in your relationships and responsibilities
Want more?
Download Mattie’s free guided journaling prompts to start reclaiming your headspace.
https://cerebrations.org/journal
Learn more about the Flourish Collective - a powerful community for women 45+ ready to stop surviving and start flourishing.
https://cerebrations.org/flourish
Join us as we begin this journey of Unleashing Joy through thinking well, feeling well, and living well.
