Podcast by Kim Anderson & Jenny Chate
05 September 2026
Show Summary
In this episode of Contagious Joy, hosts Kim and Jenny catch up on the shift in seasons, comparing rainy weather in Oregon to the sudden start of summer in Sydney. Kim shares a chaotic story about getting evacuated from a camping trip near Mount Hood due to nearby wildfires and pinecone-dropping squirrels. Jenny talks about her work with young kids building "monster truck bridges" and a heartwarming breakthrough with a long-term cooking participant. Together, they explore deeper topics around accepting genuine compliments, breaking free from negative self-talk, and learning to let go of constant vigilance as life evolves.
Show Notes
00:00
55:13
29 August 2026
Show Summary
In this episode, Kim and Jenny return for an honest, insightful check-in on navigating life’s unexpected hurdles, setting boundaries, and choosing joy through difficult seasons. Jenny opens up about her recent experiences supporting her participant, Luna, in an environment that lacked accessibility and proper accommodations for hearing-impaired adults. The duo reflects on the difference between being overly critical and operating out of deep empathy, highlighting how true advocacy means stepping up when systems fall short.
Kim shares updates on her creative birthday prep, personal life, and returning to the workforce, while both hosts reflect on neurodivergence, breaking generational cycles, and finding clarity after turbulent times.
Show Notes
00:00
45:48
22 August 2026
Summary In this episode of the Contagious Joy Podcast, host Jenny shares a deeply personal story about falling victim to an intricate AI-driven text scam where fraudsters impersonated her daughter and stole $2,500. She candidly discusses the severe emotional toll and suicidal thoughts that followed, highlighting the mental health strategies she used to navigate the dark place and regain her footing—such as limiting contact with others, focusing on small positive tasks, and leaning on loved ones. Co-host Kim offers empathetic support, discussing the importance of recognizing faulty mental messages, reaching out for help, and normalizing conversations around mental health. The duo also touches on lighter topics, including organizing wedding flowers, local plant stories, eBay selling wins, and upcoming travel plans.
Show Notes
00:00
44:49
15 August 2026
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Contagious Joy Podcast, hosts Kim and Jen share lighthearted personal updates, humorous stories, and meaningful reflections on community and connection.
Kim opens by sharing highlights from a relaxing family trip to the coast, complete with driving on the beach, arcade competitions, mini-golf, and quality time spent together. Jen catches up with news of her recent health scare, reassuring listeners after receiving clean biopsy results. She then recounts her uplifting experience volunteering as a census deliverer for the Australian Bureau of Statistics, at the local Ronald McDonald House, where interacting with the children and playing lively games of "Snap" brought a wave of pure joy.
The conversation pivots to family milestones, including the excitement surrounding Jen’s son Rowan publishing his new book, Afterlife. Finally, Kim delves into her passion for genealogy, recounting how tracing her family tree led to surprising connections—from Mayflower ancestors to Hollywood actors—and how uncovering personal histories helps foster a deeper sense of belonging.
Show Notes
00:00
53:47
08 August 2026
Show Summary In this episode of The Contagious Joy Podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny catch up on a busy week filled with life updates, unexpected victories, and finding happiness in challenging times. Kim records from Ocean Park, Washington, reflecting on recent wildfires in Minnesota, Washington and Oregon, and sharing her love for crafting birthday banners and cake toppers for her son. Meanwhile, Jenny shares a surprising medical win—perfect blood pressure after leaving a toxic workplace—alongside stories of her rewarding work supporting a participant with a disability. Together, they reminisce about past trips to Hawaii, explore cultural differences in terms like "condo" versus "apartment" and "neutered" versus "desexed", and highlight how small acts of service and connection bring genuine joy.
Show Notes
00:00
46:36
01 August 2026
In this episode of the Contagious Joy Podcast, co-hosts Kim and Jenny connect across the globe—from a sunny, warm evening in northern Minnesota to a chilly morning in Sydney, Australia.
Together, they explore the bittersweet process of navigating major life transitions, purging personal belongings, and moving forward after loss. Jenny shares her personal journey of letting go of 35 years' worth of catering crockery, closing the chapter on her teaching and catering careers. Meanwhile, Kim reflects on clearing out her late sister’s room and her dad’s stored items at her parents' lake house.
Interspersed with lighthearted moments—like discussing high-stakes lottery dreams, birdwatching interruptions from local wildlife (crows, loons, and cockatoos), and the art of finding joy while grieving—this episode serves as a gentle reminder that life is constantly changing, and it is entirely okay to embrace both sadness and joy at the same time.
00:00
53:56