What's Your Shine?

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an inspiring and deeply authentic conversation with Claudia Villasana-Muñoz, a Latina leader, storyteller, and advocate for belonging. In this powerful episode, Claudia shares her journey of embracing identity, honoring heritage, and navigating the spaces where culture and leadership meet. Through candid discussion, Claudia reflects on growing up as the daughter of immigrants, discovering her voice in professional and community spaces, and learning to lead with both resilience and grace. Her story highlights the challenges of overcoming cultural expectations and systemic barriers while celebrating the strength that comes from staying true to your roots. Dr. Shine and Claudia explore how irritants and struggles often spark growth, how heritage can become a source of leadership, and why embracing your authentic story is the key to unlocking influence and impact. Key Topics Covered: Embracing cultural identity as a strength in leadership Lessons from growing up as the daughter of immigrants Building resilience in the face of challenges and barriers Creating belonging and using your voice for change Why authenticity matters in personal and professional life This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own story, recognize the power of your lived experiences, and consider how you can use them to build bridges, foster belonging, and inspire others to shine.

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an inspiring kickoff to the season with Yvette Lopez—community leader, bridge builder, and founder of Latinos in Grapevine. Yvette shares her remarkable journey from growing up between Brooklyn, the Dominican Republic, and Florida, to serving as an advisor to the Dominican Republic's president, to now leading initiatives that elevate Latino voices in North Texas. Her story highlights resilience, responsibility, and the power of using your strengths to make an impact. The episode explores the founding of Latinos in Grapevine, which began when Yvette mobilized during a community crisis to share vital information in Spanish. What started as a simple act of service became a thriving movement, connecting families and creating space for belonging Together, Claudia and Yvette discuss how irritants often spark innovation, why cultural identity matters in leadership, and how tools like CliftonStrengths can unlock confidence, fight imposter syndrome, and create ripple effects that strengthen entire communities Key Topics: Leadership rooted in identity and resilience Building bridges between cultures and communities The story behind Latinos in Grapevine Turning irritants into opportunities for impact Using strengths as superpowers for growth This episode is a call to action: true community is built when we lead with courage, connect across differences, and create spaces where everyone belongs.

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an inspiring conversation with executive coach Stephanie King as they kick off Season 11 of Rise & Shine, a signature program of House of Shine. This opening episode explores the powerful theme of reinvention—why it matters, how to embrace it, and what it looks like in both big life transitions and small daily changes. Claudia and Stephanie reflect on the energy of Rise & Shine's season launch, highlighting new elements like Shine Captains, designed to foster meaningful connections and deeper table discussions. They share personal highs and lows, from balancing busy seasons of life to lighthearted moments that remind us to laugh through imperfection The conversation draws wisdom from Widow Clicquot, one of the world's first female CEOs, whose story of courage, innovation, and resilience reinvented the champagne industry in the early 1800s. Her legacy sparks dialogue on risk-taking, perseverance, and the impact one bold decision can have for generations. Listeners will leave with practical insights on how to pause, reflect, and realign their own lives—whether by rethinking wellness routines, reshaping relationships, or reimagining career goals. This episode reminds us that reinvention isn't about starting over completely, but about taking intentional steps toward growth, fulfillment, and purpose. Key Topics Covered: The importance of reinvention for personal growth and resilience How Widow Clicquot redefined leadership and business for women Finding mentors and building networks that support change Creating space to reflect, reset, and embrace new opportunities If you're seeking inspiration to embrace change with courage, this episode will give you fresh perspective and practical tools to begin your own journey of reinvention   Register for Rise and Shine Season 11

In this special couples edition of What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast, Dr. Shine is joined by her husband, Richard Beeny, for a heartfelt conversation about dreams, detours, and the defining moments that shape who we are. Together, they explore how embracing change and asking the right questions can help us uncover what we're truly meant to do. If you've ever wondered whether your current path is aligned with your deeper purpose—or found yourself reevaluating your goals after a life pivot—this episode offers both wisdom and encouragement. With honesty and vulnerability, Claudia and Richard reflect on seasons of transition in their own lives, including how they've supported each other through change, challenged each other to grow, and ultimately found clarity through the process.  "Start where you are" isn't just good advice—it's the secret to momentum, meaning, and impact. Key Topics Covered: What defines a dream—and how to know if it's yours How detours shape our story and deepen our Shine The power of support and shared vision in marriage The difference between goals and gifts (and why you need both) Why the most powerful transformations often begin in the messy middle Encouragement to take one small, meaningful action today Tune in for this thoughtful, behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it looks like to shine—together. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

At House of Shine, we believe everyone has a dream worth planting—and in this episode, we hear one of the most inspiring yet. Santi, a high school senior at Jesuit Dallas, returns to the podcast to share how a dream he planted at our museum—a dream to build a permanent soccer league for underserved kids in Grapevine—is steadily coming to life. What began with a Change Bowl grant and a simple idea for a one-day soccer camp has grown into a full-blown youth league known as Soccer with Santi. Through creativity, grit, and collaboration, Santi has brought together community volunteers, corporate partners like FC Dallas, and even a local graphic designer to help create something far greater than just a game. His dream? To now build a permanent soccer field right in front of the kids' apartment complex—giving them a safe, consistent space to play, belong, and shine. This episode is the perfect kickoff to our Dream Initiative series, which showcases everyday dreamers who are rolling up their sleeves and turning their passions into real-world impact. Santi's story reminds us that dreams aren't just wishful thinking—they're blueprints for building a better tomorrow. Key Topics: The origin story of Soccer with Santi Why access to team sports creates confidence, identity, and inclusion What it takes to turn a dream into a sustainable community program How House of Shine helped Santi discover his "do" and empowered his "share" The power of competition, accountability, and gratitude in leadership What it means to plant a dream—and invite others to help it grow Tune in and be inspired to dust off your own dream, plant it in our International Dream Garden, and begin the journey to share it with the world

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a wildly fun and surprisingly meaningful conversation with Billy & Tiffany Roussel — the couple who dated their way through the alphabet. Yes, the alphabet. Twenty-six letters. Twenty-six dates. From "A is for Antipasto" all the way to "Z is for Zebras in Denmark." In this episode, Billy and Tiffany share how a simple idea — choose a letter and plan a surprise date around it — turned into a two-year experiment in presence, creativity, and choosing each other on purpose. What starts as a playful challenge becomes something deeper: a journey into vulnerability, partnership, and rediscovering the joy of making memories. Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories of their most outrageous dates, their funniest mishaps, and the unexpected emotional growth that came from stretching beyond comfort zones. Tiffany reveals what it was like to perform a literal interpretive dance as her reveal for the letter "I", while Billy opens up about what it took to plan experiences with meaning instead of simply checking a box. They didn't just finish the alphabet — they finished different. Different as individuals, and different as a couple. This episode is proof that intentionality fuels connection, that curiosity makes room for delight, and that love grows when you create opportunities to see each other with fresh eyes. Key Takeaways: How Alphabet Dating reignited creativity in their relationship Why shared experiences build deeper emotional bonds than routine "dinner and a movie" dates Simple steps to start your own version of Alphabet Dating What happens when you consistently choose surprise, adventure, and joy By the end, you'll be asking yourself: If love is spelled with action, what letter will you start with? Hit play — and get ready to be inspired to date differently. 💛

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an energizing conversation with Cherie Morgan, the powerhouse behind transformative partnerships at House of Shine. In this inspiring episode, Cherie shares how a lifetime of servant leadership, corporate excellence, and relentless curiosity led her to discover the joy of connecting mission-driven organizations to the resources they need most. Cherie sheds light on how ordinary relationships can spark extraordinary impact—and why saying "yes" to one simple invitation can change the trajectory of your life. Through her work in the community and at House of Shine, Cherie has become a connector of people, ideas, and opportunities. Her insights reveal why the smallest step of engagement—be it volunteering, mentoring, or hosting a Shine event—can create ripple effects that bless entire neighborhoods. Key Topics: How to ask better questions What it means to live out your "shine" through service How community engagement can fuel both personal and professional growth Whether you're a seasoned leader, a new volunteer, or simply curious about the power of one person to make a difference—this conversation will leave you inspired to say yes, show up, and shine right where you are.

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Courtney Johnson, founder of Culinary Care—a nonprofit redefining how we support cancer patients through the power of food and community. In this heartfelt episode, Courtney shares how the loss of her father to cancer sparked her mission to deliver made-to-order meals to patients during treatment, ensuring no one faces chemotherapy on an empty stomach. Discover how Culinary Care is about far more than meal delivery. As Courtney puts it, "We are a community organization—and the way that we bring community to people is through food." Hear how this vision transforms the experience of cancer care, helping patients look forward to something as simple, and meaningful, as a warm meal during their hardest moments. Through candid discussion, Courtney reflects on the role of joy, empathy, and intentionality in leadership. From creative camp counselor roots to becoming an entrepreneurial force for good, she unpacks the emotional side of caregiving and how small acts of kindness ripple into profound impact. Key Topics: How Culinary Care delivers hope alongside meals for cancer patients The healing power of food, dignity, and connection Building community through service and hospitality Lessons from blending entrepreneurship with nonprofit leadership Finding purpose through grief and giving back Whether you're passionate about food, community service, or purpose-driven work, this episode will leave you inspired to find creative ways to make a difference.

Join us for an insightful episode of What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast as Dr. Shine sits down with Chief Graves of the Grapevine Police Department to explore what it means to lead with heart, humility, and hope in modern law enforcement. With decades of experience, Chief Graves brings wisdom, warmth, and clarity to a profession often misunderstood. "When someone calls 911, they're not calling to complain—they're calling because they need help," she shares. "Our job is to show up ready to serve, with empathy and excellence." This episode goes beyond policies and procedures to focus on people—how officers are trained, supported, and encouraged to connect with their community. Chief Graves offers a transparent look at building trust, prioritizing officer wellness, and leading with purpose. "Trust is earned in drops and lost in buckets." Whether you're a community member, a leadership enthusiast, or someone who believes in service-centered leadership, this conversation is a must-listen. Key Topics Include: • The evolution of community policing • Leadership through transparency and trust • Supporting officer mental health and resilience • Building relationships beyond emergencies • Why service is at the heart of Chief Graves' leadership philosophy

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a captivating conversation with Brad Holley—visionary outdoor designer, creative mind behind Undesign, and winner of the prestigious Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge. In this episode, Brad shares the heart behind his award-winning outdoor environments, which are far more than luxury backyards—they're places where people gather, celebrate, and grow. He also opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, learning the power of mentorship, and how design can shape behavior and build community. But that's not all—Brad dives into one of the most joyful, imaginative projects we've ever featured on the podcast: a community-wide treasure hunt he created during the pandemic that brought neighbors together through surprise, creativity, and kindness. This episode is a masterclass in self-awareness, vision, and the power of creating spaces—both physical and emotional—where people can truly connect.   Key Topics: Brad's journey from commercial construction to award-winning outdoor design How design can transform behavior and foster human connection The magic of mentorship and learning through apprenticeship Behind the scenes of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge The story of Dallas Side Quest: a pandemic-era community treasure hunt that sparked joy and connection

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a powerful and practical conversation with content creator and former educator Ashlynn McKay, as she explores the crisis facing our kids: a silent decline in creativity, connection, and mental health. In this episode, Ashlynn draws from her experience as both a teacher and digital storyteller to unpack what we're losing in an increasingly screen-centered world—and what we can reclaim. From the pressure cooker of modern childhood in North Texas to the classroom policies that unintentionally squash imagination, Ashlynn shares compelling insights about why boredom is essential, how reflection can build emotional resilience, and why journaling and reading matter more than ever. With a blend of storytelling, research, and raw honesty, Ashlynn challenges listeners to reconsider the role of technology, busyness, and perfectionism in the lives of children—and in their own. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone passionate about the next generation, this conversation will inspire you to protect creativity and prioritize human connection. Key Topics: Why the loss of boredom is stifling creativity in kids How digital culture is changing the way youth relate, reflect, and express themselves The emotional and educational power of journaling and imagination Family rituals that foster reflection and resilience How educators can build empathy and curiosity through classroom practices Technology, boundaries, and what it really means to live with intention in a digital world Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that encourages all of us to slow down, unplug, and rediscover the joy of creating, imagining, and simply being.

Join Dr. Shine for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Klint Guerry—seasoned executive, author, leadership coach, and the creative mind behind A Guide to Self-Disruption and The Guerry Notebook. As one of the featured contributors to House of Shine's journaling exhibit, Klint shares how a simple blank notebook—and a desire to rewrite his story—changed the trajectory of his life forever. In this episode, Klint opens up about his journey from a chaotic, unstable childhood to becoming a purpose-driven leader overseeing thousands. He credits journaling as the single most transformative tool in his life—a daily practice that gave him structure, self-awareness, and the ability to reflect, grow, and lead with intention. Discover how Klint's method of daily journaling, combined with a quarterly and annual review process, has helped him become a lifelong learner and a more empathetic leader. He shares how his journaling system helps capture meaningful moments, refine decision-making, and preserve wisdom in a way that builds both personal and professional legacy. Key Topics: Klint's origin story and the two women who changed his life How journaling became his anchor in a world of instability The origin of The Guerry Notebook and its life-altering impact Building a habit of intentional reflection and growth Why reviewing your past entries can unlock future potential How consistency and clarity can catalyze transformation Whether you're a seasoned journaler or just curious about how a daily practice can spark life change, this conversation will leave you inspired to pick up a pen and start where you are. See Klint's journals on display at the GROW exhibit at House of Shine!  

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation with Mimi Loftus, House of Shine's go-to youth expert and self-proclaimed "teen whisperer." In this deeply relatable episode, Mimi shares powerful insights from real teens about what they wish their parents knew—and how adults can better connect with the young people in their lives. Based on anonymous feedback Mimi gathered directly from adolescents, this episode breaks down three core themes that keep showing up: teens want to be understood, not "fixed"; they need their interests respected; and they long to feel safe opening up without judgment or comparison. With humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom, Mimi and Dr. Shine unpack the nuance of parenting through adolescence—including how good intentions can unintentionally feel invasive, and why listening might be the most powerful parenting tool of all. Key Topics: Why your teen's interests matter—even when they change How to show support without hijacking their passions The emotional toll of comparison (including to siblings or yourself) What it means to create "safe space" for teens to open up Why letting go of the need to always teach or solve can actually deepen your connection Whether you're parenting a teen, mentoring one, or simply trying to understand the next generation, this episode offers practical, compassionate advice for showing up with more empathy, curiosity, and trust.

Join Dr. Shine on this week's episode of What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a heartfelt, wanderlust-filled conversation with Tien Tran—global citizen, intentional traveler, and one of the featured journalers in our GROW: Journaling Through the Seasons exhibit at House of Shine. Inspired by The Diary of Anne Frank at age 11, Tien picked up his first journal—a Harry Potter notebook—just weeks before returning to Vietnam for the first time since childhood. That moment sparked a journaling journey that now spans 43 journals, 10 countries, and six continents. In this episode, Tien shares how journaling became his way of anchoring memories, making sense of new environments, and honoring the different versions of himself that have existed in different places. From scribbling reflections in quiet cafés to embracing the mindset of a lifelong learner, Tien's travel journals are less about tracking miles and more about capturing meaning.   Key Topics Include: How a childhood movie led to a lifelong journaling habit Why Tien chooses not to reread his journals—and what that says about presence and perspective What travel journaling actually looks like (hint: no rules, no pressure—just presence) Reflections on privilege, identity, and the myths of the digital nomad life "You'll never be the you in this place again"—the mantra that shaped Tien's travel philosophy Whether you're planning your next big trip or simply looking to live more intentionally right where you are, this conversation will encourage you to reflect, document, and grow.   See Tien's journals on display at the GROW exhibit at House of Shine!

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Peggy Sue Robinson—longtime friend of the House of Shine, resident creative, and passionate junk journaler. In this joyful episode, Peggy Sue shares her journey from "lurker" on the original House of Shine blog to creative contributor whose influence can be felt throughout our museum space. Together, they explore the evolution of journaling as a practice—not just as a place to write thoughts, but as a powerful form of self-expression. Peggy Sue introduces us to the art of junk journaling—a handmade, visual journaling method using repurposed materials. For her, it's more than a craft; it's a meditative process that helps her slow down, reflect, and connect deeply with her values and experiences. In a year she's calling her "Year of Fearless," Peggy Sue opens up about how this journaling practice has become a quiet rebellion against fear and perfectionism. From painting murals to tackling new challenges, her story is a testament to the courage that comes from creative exploration.   Key Topics: What is junk journaling and how to get started The emotional and reflective benefits of crafting by hand How one word—fearless—is guiding Peggy Sue's year Creativity as a form of clarity, connection, and courage Letting go of perfection to find meaning in the mess   Whether you're a seasoned journaler or just curious about starting, this episode will leave you inspired to fear less and create more.   🎧 Listen now and explore Peggy Sue's beautiful exhibit at the House of Shine or follow her journey on Instagram @PRDesigns.

Join us for a very special solo episode of What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast as Dr. Claudia Beeny—aka Dr. Shine—invites listeners into her personal journaling practice and the origin story behind House of Shine's newest exhibit, Grow: Journaling Through the Seasons. In this candid, insightful, and often hilarious episode, Dr. Shine opens her journals and her heart, revealing how 18 years of spontaneous journaling turned into a powerful manifestation practice that helped bring the House of Shine to life. From blog posts written during preschool pickup to early sketches of programs that now define House of Shine's identity, Dr. Shine shows how creativity, consistency, and curiosity can shape a life of purpose. What started as a daily blogging challenge evolved into a deeply meaningful journaling ritual—filled with color, sticky notes, confetti, quotes, goals, and dreams-in-progress. In her words, "What you focus on will expand." And this episode is living proof. Key Topics: The story behind Grow: Journaling Through the Seasons, House of Shine's latest exhibit Dr. Shine's journaling evolution: from idea-catcher to manifestation magic Why writing down your dreams gives them power Examples from her actual journals—including the birth of Ray the Lightbulb and "Fun in a Box Friday" The routines, rituals, and creative prompts that keep her journals alive How journaling fuels intentionality, productivity, and personal growth Whether you've never journaled a day in your life or you've got shelves of spiral-bound notebooks, this episode will inspire you to grab a pen and start capturing the brilliance that's already inside you.

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Kim Lozada, retired educator, cancer survivor, and author of The COVID Chronicles: A Journey of Faith and Hope. In this powerful episode, Dr. Lozada shares how a spontaneous journaling habit during the early days of the pandemic evolved into a published book—one that serves as both a personal memoir and a collective time capsule for a moment in history we'll never forget. As the world slowed down, Kim picked up her pen. What began as a tool for reflection quickly became a record of everyday life—from grocery store runs and Zoom calls to deeply personal battles, including her unexpected breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Through it all, Kim leaned into her creativity, faith, and community to find joy in the small things—painted rock trails, fairy house scavenger hunts, and "God winks" that reminded her she was never alone. Key Topics: Why journaling is a powerful tool for healing, clarity, and growth How The COVID Chronicles became an accidental but enduring book Surviving breast cancer in the midst of a global pandemic Finding beauty and meaning in unexpected places How creativity and community carried Kim through her hardest days Whether you lived through the pandemic feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or reflective, this episode is a powerful reminder of what it means to slow down, pay attention, and document our stories—because in doing so, we discover just how much light we carry. Connect with House of Shine  Order The COVID Chronicles: A Journey of Faith and Hope

Join us on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Stephanie King, House of Shine's beloved book club facilitator, as we dive into The Passion Test: The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Life Purpose by Janet Bray Attwood and Chris Attwood. Stephanie shares how this transformative book challenges us to clarify what truly matters, uncover our passions, and align our lives with purpose and intention. Through personal anecdotes, insights from the book, and engaging exercises, she and Dr. Shine explore the power of self-reflection, prioritization, and intentional living.   Key Topics: Why passion is often misunderstood—and how to redefine it The Passion Test framework for discovering your ideal life How small mindset shifts can lead to big life changes Why taking time for self-reflection makes you more productive, not less The power of community—how Book Club discussions fuel personal growth This episode will leave you inspired to pause, reflect, and realign your life in a way that feels deeply fulfilling. Whether you're navigating a career change, stepping into a new season, or simply feeling stuck in the daily grind, the Passion Test is a game-changer for uncovering what lights you up.   Join House of Shine's Virtual Book Club! March 25th & April 29th. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whats-next-book-club-the-passion-test-by-janet-attwood-tickets-1249639367989

Join us on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an extraordinary conversation with Yasmeen Tadia, founder of Make Your Life Sweeter, a luxury dessert experience brand that has taken the world by storm. Yasmeen is not just an entrepreneur—she's a visionary, innovator, and mentor, bringing joy to high-end events, corporate gatherings, and celebrity clients across the globe. In this inspiring episode, Yasmeen shares her journey from bootstrapping her business to working with clients like Meta, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Neiman Marcus. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. From curating exclusive dessert experiences to navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, Yasmeen offers powerful insights on building a brand, staying true to your purpose, and creating opportunities through authentic relationships. She also opens up about the challenges of self-funding her business, balancing creativity with financial sustainability, and why she's passionate about mentoring future entrepreneurs. 🎙 Key Topics: 🍭 How Yasmeen turned an idea into a global brand—without outside investors 💡 The power of strategic networking and building relationships that fuel success 🛠 Lessons from working with luxury brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley & Sephora 📖 Her thoughts on writing a book or launching a MasterClass series 🤲 The role of generosity and abundance in business and personal life Yasmeen's story is one of creativity, passion, and never taking no for an answer. If you've ever dreamed of launching your own business, scaling your passion into a profitable venture, or simply learning from someone who sees opportunities before they happen, this episode is a must-listen!

Join us on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation with Mimi Loftus, a passionate educator and advocate for unschooling and student-centered learning. With years of experience in education and a deep understanding of how young minds thrive, Mimi shares her insights into rethinking traditional education and embracing a more flexible, personalized approach to learning. Mimi's journey into unschooling was shaped by a desire to create equity in education, a belief that learning should be meaningful and self-driven, and an understanding that children flourish when given the space to explore their passions. "We don't have to fit kids into a box—we can help them create their own unique path," she shares. In this episode, Mimi and Dr. Shine dive deep into the four parenting styles, uncovering how they impact a child's development and confidence. "There is no perfect parent," Mimi reminds us. "But understanding how we guide and support our kids can make all the difference in their ability to thrive." Key Topics: What is unschooling, and how does it differ from traditional education? How to empower children to take charge of their learning The four parenting styles and how they shape a child's future The importance of patience, connection, and flexibility in parenting and education How to build a thriving village that supports children and families If you've ever wondered if traditional school is the only path or wanted to learn how to be more intentional in how you support your child's learning journey, this episode is a must-listen.